"On the Nature of Heroes"

On the Nature of Heroes is a 492 page scholarly rant written and edited by Halneas Thistlewood, a Half-Elf researcher and explorer. In a relatively short summary of the book, it depicts Halneas' opinion of other races and how flawed they are. There is a particular bitterness displayed towards every race mentioned, from Elves to Dwarves, and even Monsters. Humans, however, receive significantly less scorn. It talks about the nature of how a Hero is made; not the Order's Heroes blessed with the power to slay monsters, but "true" Heroes, those that stand for peace, truth, and the defense of others before themselves. Below is a transcript from page 304, regarding the eligibility of true heroes.

"Humans are by far the strangest race of beings on the Terra. Their lives are short-lived, they are weaker in every aspect in comparison to other races, and they constantly fight amongst themselves over petty reasons. Yet despite their strangeness and shortcomings, Humans are the only race of people eligible to become true heroes. Elves lack the strength to defeat their foes, Dwarves lack the brain to outsmart a cunning opponent, and Mamono cannot keep their lusts unchecked, easily accepting a bribe in exchange for a physical release. Humans, however, possess one peculiar trait that makes them an unstoppable force of nature.

''It is the acknowledgement of their mortality, that makes humans so strong. Despite their shorter lives, most humans accomplish many greater things than every other species of creature put together. Human territories are vast, their military strength lies in their adaptability. The sudden change of tactics from their opposition; wherein they switched from violence to sexual assault threw most for a loop, but it is only a matter of time before the Humans find a way to overcome the temptations. It has always fallen on the Humans to defeat a greater foe,while we Elves and Dwarves either cower before them or, Heavens forbid, join the ranks of the enemy. It is due to this devotion to their race, devotion to eradicating evil, that only humans can be considered True Heroes. Their adaptability, determination to leave a legacy, and superior genetic structure to maintain a balance makes them far more suited for survival than anyone else. Humans possess the strength to physically overpower the Elves, the brain to outsmart the Dwarves, and the numbers necessary to outlast the Monster Girls. They could very well conquer and enslave us all, but instead of that, they, as a majority, decided to live in coexistance alongside us. No wonder the Elves despise humans so badly; it derives purely from the envy of their selflessness."''