Chapter 331 Arion Species
"You refer to your group of living beings as Arion?" Gundrid asked, looking at Ez, who was busy enjoying his meal.
"Hmm... Initially, we used the term Arion to distinguish between sentient and non-sentient beings. However, after discovering the existence of monster species, we started using the term to describe our own kind as well. But now, after meeting with all of you, it seems that the term Arion might no longer apply." Ez glanced towards Gundrid as he sipped his tea.
Currently, they were inside a tent prepared by Gundrid's soldiers. The tent was made from twisted and sewn tree bark, forming a wide piece of cloth. It was then stretched out and held in place by stakes on all four sides. The tent was equipped with a temperature-regulating spell, creating a cool ambiance inside despite the scorching sun outside.
Ez noticed that there were no mana stones used, so the storage for the spell was internal, embedded within the fabric of the tent. If that was the case, the tent material had the ability to contain mana, allowing the infused spells to last longer.
This piqued Ez's interest, making him curious about the name of the tree whose bark was used to make this tent fabric. Such mana-utilizing technology was not yet present in the Wilwatikta Kingdom. They were currently in the early stages of Mana Weapon civilization and had not yet expanded into other fields.
Even Moku himself mentioned that they were still in the hunting and gathering phase of civilization. Although they had started domesticating animals and mutated creatures, they were not yet engaged in agriculture. This was because most monster diets favored meat over other food sources.
Perhaps for the goblin race specifically, they were accustomed to consuming mushrooms as their primary diet. However, once they experienced the pleasure of eating meat, it would be challenging to revert to their old dietary habits.
Especially for the goblins who participated in the Mana Cream Cultivation training. They wouldn't have enough energy to undergo intense exercises if they relied solely on the nutrients from mushrooms.
"Ah, you have misunderstood, Your Majesty. The term Arion that you used can still be used to describe your species. However, if you wish to group all species capable of using and having a connection with Mana, the most appropriate term would be 'Mana Species,'" explained Gundrid.
Ez nodded thoughtfully as if he had just heard the term "Mana Species" for the first time. "Mana Species... I like that... hahaha... It really makes us feel like rulers of a world controlled by mana, doesn't it?"
"Hahaha... You are absolutely right, Your Majesty. Currently, there are four known types of Mana Species. But if we include your species, there will be five types: Elf, Human, Warbeast, Demon, and Arion," said Gundrid with a smile.
"Include? Is there a specific procedure to become a Mana Species? And if so, who will judge it?" Ez furrowed his brow.
He glanced at Gundrid and noticed his concealed smile. Deep down, Ez was smiling too. After the small talk, Gundrid was finally revealing his true intentions. Although Ez doubted whether Gundrid knew the reason why the Elf Alliance wanted to establish good relations with them, at least he had been given guidance by his superiors before this meeting. That guidance might not be directly related to what Ez was seeking, but it must be relevant.
If he observed carefully and got lucky, Ez might discover the answer without having to meet the leader of the Elf Alliance. Deceiving Gundrid would be easier than deceiving the leaders of the Elf Alliance.
"Of course, Your Majesty, no one can provide such judgment and decision. The Elf Alliance believes that every Mana Species is equal. However, just like creating a sovereign state, recognition from neighboring countries is required," Gundrid explained casually.
Based on Moku's teachings (from his previous life's elementary school), there were four elements required for the establishment of a state. A permanent population, a defined territory, a government with sovereignty, and the ability to engage in relations with other states (recognition).
Out of these four elements, the first three were absolute (constitutive) elements, while the last one was declarative. This was because the ability to engage in relations with other states was a consequence of the birth of a state, rather than a prerequisite for its establishment.
However, the ability to engage in relations with other states remains a crucial aspect. A nation or group cannot thrive without establishing connections with other nations or groups beyond their own. Whether these relationships are negative, such as war, or positive, such as trade, they still contribute to a nation's growth.
This is because no single nation can possess all the necessary resources. Take, for instance, the current situation of the Wilwatikta Kingdom. Even though they managed to dominate the entire Bog Forest, they still need resources from outside. These resources may not only be material goods but also technology and others.
A significant example is mana stones. The Wilwatikta Kingdom cannot produce mana stones because they can only be obtained from the graves of Mana Species. Perhaps if they expand their Elf Husbandry, they might be able to produce mana stones, but that would take a considerable amount of time.
"Recognition? Hmm... you might be right. When the Arion species used to be divided into tribes and hadn't united as the Wilwatikta Kingdom, recognition was indeed necessary. Not only for trade between tribes but also for making peace or war agreements. So, in your opinion, how can the Wilwatikta Kingdom obtain recognition from other Mana Species?"
Gundrid smiled and didn't answer immediately. He signaled to an elf servant beside him, pointing to his wine cup. Once it was refilled, Gundrid downed the wine in one gulp, finishing it.
Then, he finally responded, "Your Majesty, gaining recognition from the Mana Species is certainly not an easy task. Your kingdom must establish a relationship with other kingdoms.
"Currently, a massive war is taking place between the Elf, Human, and Warbeast alliance against the Demon species.
"Demon species from another continent are attacking the Meer Continent. They are savage and merciless, devouring every Mana Species on this continent without leaving a single bone behind.
"Therefore, I believe forming a beneficial relationship with the demon beasts is impossible.
"As for the Warbeast species, their location is very distant from yours. If you were to meet them, you would have to pass through our territory first. Alternatively, if you travel through waterways, you'd have to navigate treacherous seas filled with countless ferocious mutated animals.
"In my opinion, the Warbeast species is also not a suitable option for diplomatic relations. It would require significant costs, effort, and time to make that happen.
"As for the human species... Hmm... they are the worst of all Mana Species. If the demon species devours other Mana Species because it's their primary food source, we could kill them for survival. The Warbeast species' savagery is driven by their animal instincts. But humans...
"They wage wars, destroy, and wreak havoc in this world solely to satisfy their desires. They are slaves to their own desires, yet they deny them and hide behind absurd reasons like the interests of humanity, the people, or even the gods.
"They are the worst, the most hypocritical among the hypocrites. Countless elf species have suffered under the cruel hands of humans.
"And Your Majesty, I am also aware that the females of the Arion species possess a beauty and charm that aligns well with human aesthetics. I fear that being too close to them might lead to complications.
"You should be cautious around humans. They are difficult to predict and not trustworthy companions. Therefore, in my opinion, you should not engage in relations with them."
Gundrid paused and pointed his empty wine glass to the elf servant again. The servant refilled his glass to the brim, and Gundrid downed it once more.
Ez remained silent and listened attentively. Although he already knew most of what Gundrid was explaining, he refrained from making any comments. He continued to play the role of someone living in the wilderness, unfamiliar with cities.
Wiping his lips with his sleeve, Gundrid resumed speaking, "Your Majesty, I don't know what has been said by Raiden The Necromancer. But I wanted to make sure that if you seek recognition, the elf species is the most suitable choice."
"Finally... I was getting tired of waiting," Ez whispered to himself.
Although Gundrid's opening remarks were quite lengthy, Ez could still deduce how the elf species viewed other Mana Species. He never imagined that Gundrid would harbor even greater animosity towards humans than the demon species they were currently at war with.
"Oh, really? Why do you say that? Could you explain it to me?"
"Of course, Your Majesty. The elf species is different from other mana species. We prioritize self-protection and have no desire to conquer the territories of other species. We coexist with nature because we believe that a flourishing environment will lead to better lives for us.
"One could say we are the most peaceful species among all mana species in the world. I don't mean to boast about my own species, but I am confident that if you were to ask this question across the entire world, you would receive the same answer.
"We also possess the most abundant resources, and in the field of agriculture, our technology surpasses that of other mana species. Not only that, but some of the kingdoms within the Elven Alliance possess rare resources that you won't find elsewhere." Gundrid explained passionately, his smile beaming.
Meanwhile, Ez cursed himself inwardly, "Fuck, did I just meet a salesman?"