The Eclipsed Order

Chapter 232: Chapter 232: The Weakest Race of Ravellon

As they continued through the forest, Ares walked beside the two adventurers while Selene and Leon followed a short distance behind him.

The encounter with the beastfolk had left one question on Ares’s mind, and after a few moments of silence, he finally decided to ask.

"Earlier, you said that humans are considered weak here. Why exactly are humans viewed that way?"

The adventurer leading the way hesitated briefly before answering.

"Because, compared with the other major races of Ravellon, humans are considered to have the least natural potential."

He glanced back at Ares before continuing.

"There are ten races that are generally regarded as the strongest and most influential races on this continent. Humans are considered the eleventh race beneath them, which is why many people here look down on us."

Ares listened quietly.

"The first are the Dragons, who possess overwhelming physical strength, extraordinary longevity, and immense magical power. Their bloodline alone gives them an advantage that ordinary races cannot easily match."

"The second are the Vampires. They possess exceptional physical abilities, powerful blood-based magic, and extraordinary regenerative capabilities. Their ancient bloodlines are especially feared because some of their oldest members are capable of reaching terrifying levels of power."

"The third are the Demons. They possess naturally high magical affinity and powerful bodies, and many of their strongest individuals are born with abilities that humans would normally have to spend years developing."

"The fourth are the Oni, who are known for their tremendous physical strength, durability, and natural affinity for combat. Even ordinary Oni warriors are considered formidable compared with most human fighters."

"The fifth are the Giant Beastfolk. They are different from the ordinary beastfolk you encountered earlier. Their enormous bodies, physical strength, and powerful racial traits place them among the continent’s strongest races."

"The sixth are the Elves. Their greatest advantage is their extraordinary affinity for magic. Even young elves can possess magical sensitivity far beyond that of most humans, and their long lifespans give them centuries to develop their abilities."

"The seventh are the Merfolk, who dominate the oceans and possess powerful water-related abilities. Their underwater territories are almost impossible for ordinary races to invade, and their knowledge of the seas is far beyond anything humans possess."

"The eighth are the Lizardfolk Federations. They are not simply one tribe, but a collection of powerful lizardfolk nations and clans that have formed federations across large territories. Their warriors are physically powerful, and their civilizations possess considerable military strength."

He paused before continuing.

"The ninth and tenth races are generally placed alongside them because of their extraordinary bloodlines and ancient civilizations, although the exact ranking differs depending on the region and the records being used."

Ares raised an eyebrow slightly.

"So even the rankings are not completely consistent."

"That’s right. Different kingdoms have different opinions regarding which races deserve the highest positions, but the general conclusion remains the same."

The adventurer lowered his gaze.

"Humans are near the bottom."

Ares remained silent for a moment.

"And what makes humans so different?"

The adventurer took a breath before answering.

"Magic affinity is one of the main reasons. Most humans are born with considerably weaker magical potential than the other major races. Some humans can become powerful mages, but they are uncommon compared with races that possess naturally high magical affinity."

He continued explaining.

"There is also the matter of Awakened individuals. Only a small portion of humans awaken special powers, and even among those who do, many receive abilities that are not particularly powerful. The other races generally possess strong racial abilities from birth, while humans have to rely heavily on training, equipment, knowledge, and rare individuals with exceptional talent."

His expression became bitter.

"Because of that, many people came to believe that humans are simply an inferior race."

Ares finally understood.

"I see."

The adventurer nodded.

"That belief has existed for a very long time, and because humans have so little power compared with the dominant races, some people believe they can do whatever they want to us without consequence."

He lowered his head.

"That is why those beastfolk treated us like that."

Ares did not answer immediately.

The second adventurer, who had remained quiet until then, looked at the three people accompanying him.

"But... you three are clearly not ordinary humans."

Ares looked toward him.

"We were shocked when we saw what happened earlier. You defeated those beastfolk as though they were nothing, and you even healed our injuries without asking for anything in return."

He bowed his head slightly.

"Thank you again for saving us."

"Do not worry about it," Ares replied calmly.

The conversation gradually ended as they continued walking.

After some time, the dense forest began to thin.

Rustle...

The trees became less crowded, and sunlight finally broke through the branches.

Step... step...

The two adventurers continued leading the way until the forest opened into a wide road.

Far ahead stood a fortified town surrounded by thick stone walls.

Ares could see numerous people entering and leaving through the gates, and even from a distance, it was obvious that beastfolk greatly outnumbered humans.

After several more minutes of walking, the group finally reached the town.

The adventurers stopped near the entrance.

"We will be going this way."

The first adventurer bowed toward Ares.

"Thank you once again for helping us. We truly would not have been able to escape without you."

The second adventurer also bowed.

"If you are looking for work or information, there is an Adventurers’ Guild inside the town. You can find it along the main street after entering through the gate."

He pointed toward the direction of the town’s central district.

"The guild is a large stone building with a sign bearing the emblem of an adventurer’s sword and shield. You should be able to find it easily."

Ares nodded.

"Thank you for guiding us."

"It was the least we could do."

The two adventurers bowed once more before heading in another direction.

Ares watched them leave before turning his attention toward the town.

There were beastfolk everywhere.

Some had animal ears and tails, while others possessed considerably more noticeable beast-like features. Wolves, cats, foxes, bears, and several species Ares had never encountered before could be seen moving through the streets.

Humans were present as well, but they were clearly fewer in number.

Ares narrowed his eyes slightly.

"So there are quite a lot of beastfolk here, along with humans. This town seems to be..."

He paused before looking toward Selene and Leon.

"What do you two think?"

Selene’s expression became cold.

"To think that humans are treated as though they are beneath everyone else simply because they were born with less natural talent is unforgivable."

Her voice remained calm, but there was unmistakable displeasure behind it.

Leon looked across the town with an expression of quiet disdain.

"It is a rather unpleasant custom, Master. Power may determine one’s position in many societies, but to reduce an entire race to the status of worthless creatures merely because of their natural limitations is the behavior of those who possess neither dignity nor wisdom."

His crimson eyes briefly narrowed.

"Those who ridicule the weak simply because they believe there will be no consequences are not demonstrating strength. They are merely revealing the poverty of their own character."

Ares smiled faintly.

"Yeah, I did not expect things to be like this either."

He looked toward the town.

"Let’s find out what we can learn about this place. For now, we will start as adventurers."

Selene’s expression softened slightly.

"That sounds interesting."

Leon placed a hand over his chest.

"I agree. It will also give us an opportunity to understand the customs and circumstances of this continent more closely."

"Then let’s go."

The three entered the town.

Step... step...

They followed the main road toward the Adventurers’ Guild.

After several minutes, they arrived at a large stone building filled with the noise of conversation.

Ares opened the door.

Creaaak.

The moment the three entered, numerous voices could be heard throughout the guild hall.

Clatter.

Clink.

Bang!

Adventurers were gathered around tables, drinking, eating, discussing quests, and checking notices posted on the walls.

Most of them were beastfolk.

There were wolf beastfolk, feline beastfolk, fox beastfolk, bear beastfolk, and several other species Ares could not immediately identify.

Humans were present as well, but they were noticeably fewer.

Behind the reception counter stood two women, one human and one dwarf.

The moment Ares, Selene, and Leon stepped inside, both receptionists looked toward them.

Several adventurers also stopped their conversations.

Their attention gradually shifted toward the three newcomers.

A group of beastfolk sitting near one of the tables exchanged glances.

One of them looked at Selene.

A grin appeared across his face.

He stood up.

"Well, look at that."

The others followed him.

"Three humans have finally wandered in."

Another beastfolk laughed.

"The woman is quite beautiful, too."

They began approaching the three.

Ares noticed them but did not move.

Selene simply watched them approach with an increasingly irritated expression.

The group stopped in front of her.

"Why don’t you come with us, beautiful?"

The beastfolk leader looked her up and down.

"You do not belong with those two weak humans. Come with us instead, and we will show you a much better time."

Another laughed.

"Exactly. You are wasting your time standing beside humans who can barely protect themselves."

Selene stared at them with open disgust.

"Hm?"

Her expression became colder.

"Why would I accompany lowly and disgusting creatures such as yourselves?"

The entire group fell silent.

The leader’s smile disappeared.

"What did you just say?"

Selene did not even bother looking impressed by his anger.

"I said that I have absolutely no reason to associate myself with creatures who possess neither manners nor self-respect."

The beastfolk’s expression twisted with rage.

"You arrogant woman! You’re just a human! How dare you speak to us like that?"

He suddenly reached toward her.

"Come here!"

Whoosh!

Selene effortlessly stepped aside.

The beastfolk’s hand passed through empty air.

Before he could recover—

BOOM!

Selene’s foot struck him directly in the chest.

His enormous body was launched across the guild hall.

CRAAASH!

He slammed violently into the stone wall, leaving cracks across its surface before collapsing to the floor.

The entire guild became silent.

Several cups stopped halfway to people’s mouths.

Weapons were left untouched.

Every eye turned toward Selene.

"S-She kicked him?"

"Impossible..."

"One kick sent him flying that far?"

"She’s strong..."

The humans inside the guild stared at Selene with expressions of disbelief, while several beastfolk looked at their fallen companion and then back at her with caution.

Selene calmly lowered her leg.

Ares looked at her.

"Selene, that’s enough."

She glanced toward him and immediately stepped back.

"Understood, Master."

The remaining beastfolk were too shocked to say anything.

Ares paid them no further attention and continued toward the reception counter with Selene and Leon.

The two receptionists watched them approach, clearly still processing what had just happened.

The human receptionist eventually composed herself and offered them a professional smile.

"Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild. Are you here to register as adventurers?"

"Yes," Ares answered.

"Very well. The registration process is straightforward. You will need to provide some basic information and complete these forms."

She placed three registration forms on the counter.

Ares took them.

The three filled out the necessary information, and after the receptionist checked their forms, she entered their details into the guild’s registration system.

Once the process was completed, she handed three small cards across the counter.

"Your adventurer registrations have been completed. You will begin at F Rank."

Ares picked up his card and examined it briefly.

The receptionist continued explaining.

"F Rank is the starting rank for newly registered adventurers. As you complete quests and demonstrate your abilities, you can earn achievements and guild recognition that will allow you to advance through the ranks. Higher ranks grant access to more difficult quests, greater rewards, and areas that are restricted to lower-ranked adventurers."

Ares nodded.

"I understand."

The receptionist then looked at the three of them.

"Are the three of you registering as a party?"

"Yes."

"Then you will also need a party registration."

She prepared another document and placed it before Ares.

"Please provide your party name and the names of the members. Once the registration is completed, the guild will officially recognize the three of you as a party."

Ares filled in the required information.

After the receptionist reviewed everything and finalized the registration, she handed the party documentation back to him.

"Everything is in order. Your party has now been registered."

Ares nodded.

"Thank you."

"You are welcome. I hope you have a successful career as adventurers."

With everything settled, Ares turned away from the counter.

"Let’s go."

Selene and Leon followed him toward the entrance.

Step... step...

The three walked out of the Adventurers’ Guild and back onto the busy street of the town.

Behind them, the guild slowly returned to its usual noise, although many of the adventurers were still discussing the mysterious newcomers and the woman who had sent a beastfolk flying with a single kick.

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