CHAPTER 235: CHAPTER 173: CAPITAL OF DEMI-HUMANS_2

This explains why the captain could bring down Uerta with a single shot.

The battle style of the Deep Sea Race is similar to that of a Summoner. The deeper they are in the sea, the stronger their abilities become, as there exist large marine creatures there that could induce a suffocating fear in any thalassophobia patient. The Deep Sea Race believes these creatures are the Guardians left by Aelium.

Amidst cheers, the "Emperor’s Sword" slowly sails into the grand port of Ophira.

This city is surrounded by the sea and is one of the prosperous trading cities in this world. Besides goods from different civilizations, you can meet merchants and tourists from all over the world here.

As soon as Ethan disembarks, he feels the advancement of Ophira’s port.

The registration office even has separate windows for "Humans" and "Sub-humans." Compared to the long queue at the human window, there are few sub-humans, and from a distance, one could see various kinds of tails.

Ethan has always been interested in the Sub-human Race. Currently, no authoritative educational book can explain the origins of the Sub-human Race, and there are many speculations among the public. Some believe they are disciples of certain Middle-Level Gods, just like werewolves are to the Hunting Goddess Cynthia, changing their appearance along a lengthy path of faith.

This is what Ethan currently considers the most "scientifically justified" theory.

Of course, there are also straightforward and crude beliefs that if humans live together with cats, they will give birth to humans with cat features.

Such rumors are especially popular in the border cities of the Empire. Initially, Ethan scoffed at this lack of scientific theory, but after two years in this world, he couldn’t help but reconsider.

Putting aside genetics theory, many people in this world indeed live together with goats and horses.

"You need to register at that window."

Ethan pointed Uerta to the adjacent window, and Lindong followed behind him.

"Teacher, that’s the Sub-human window."

"The Witch is also a Sub-human," Lindong said, "your theory and books all say so."

Sub-humans that look exactly like humans are still Sub-humans.

"I think you could also go there."

Ave said from behind, "Technically, even Middle-Level Gods are considered Sub-humans."

"Even the one with an autonomous ahoge on their head is considered a Sub-human."

"That’s caused by the Holy Word Art!"

Ave retorted, but clearly, the golden fur atop her head disagreed, stretching slightly toward the adjacent window but ultimately unable to overcome the control her body had over it.

Seeing the two suspiciously, Ethan suddenly fell into deep thought.

Ave is human, the golden fur is Sub-human, so when they come together in one body, they count as human or Sub-human? Following this thought further, it’s not hard to see that this golden fur is essentially no different from cat ears or tails, perhaps even more advanced due to its autonomous thinking.

"Usually, in such ambiguous situations, I have a better criterion for judgment."

Ethan said.

"What criterion?"

"Whichever line is shorter, choose that one."

...

"I can’t believe you led me astray!"

As soon as Ethan comes out from the human window, he is greeted by a furious Ave. Her golden fur seems quite pleased with this, nodding repeatedly at Ethan—as if saying, "Good job, you’re making sense."

Recalling her experience at the sub-human window, Ave is so angry her teeth itch, "During the registration, you must specify which Sub-human Race you belong to!"

The trio of scammers has had a falling out, and she felt she was duped by Ethan once more.

The lady at the counter, seeing Ave stammering and unable to give a clear answer, carefully inspected the golden fur atop her head. Finally, upon confirming its unusual nature, she wrote down "Golden Fur Race" on the registration form.

This is the legendary story of Ave creating a new race.

"There’s no such Sub-human, I’m the diplomat for this visit!"

As soon as Ave thinks about presenting the registration form formally during the Deep Sea Council visit, her heart sinks into darkness.

What’s more infuriating is that after misleading her, Ethan went to line up at the human window, avoiding the awkward situation of creating a new race on the spot.

"Calm down, this city seems quite progressive; perhaps minority groups have a diplomatic advantage."

"...Really or not?"

Although deceived many times, Ave couldn’t help but believe Ethan again.

She couldn’t understand Ethan’s peculiar ideas, and what’s more baffling is that these unconventional concepts often turn out to be correct.

It’s truly eerie.

Could it be that the Great and Middle-Level Gods who set this world’s rules think as strangely as Ethan?

"It should be true."

"I doubt it."

The trio of scammers is breaking up, with Lindong voicing opposition, "Setting a Sub-human window likely isn’t for political intentions, but to pose a potential threat to various Sub-humans."

She showed them the black bracelet on her left hand, which had undergone some design, marked with a Deep Sea Council symbol, appearing like a local-themed souvenir, "It’s said to be a device designed to prevent the Witch’s magic power from going unchecked."

Though the Empire isn’t as marked as the Western Continent, if a Sub-human wants to assume a position at a formal institution, they must undergo the strictest reviews and will still face covert discrimination during work, being treated as an outsider.

To her knowledge, the Empire is considered among the least friendly nations towards Sub-humans, and it’s nearly impossible to see Sub-human Race presence in large cities.