In the universe, there was a difference between a race and a civilization. Regardless of the distinction, both were commonly divided into four broad levels.
Low. Mid. High. Top.
The two rankings did not necessarily match. A race could belong to a Top-level civilization while remaining naturally weak.
Likewise, an exceptionally gifted race could exist within a civilization that had failed to develop properly. Aurora was a good example.
Humans there were considered somewhere around a low-Mid-level race by universal standards. Aurora itself, however, had already developed into a high-Mid-level civilization.
Humans were the most widespread race Michael knew of in the universe. Their greatest advantage was numbers.
Humans lacked many of the overwhelming natural advantages possessed by stronger races. Elves generally had high magical affinity and long lifespans. Dragons possessed exceptional bodies, high magical affinity, powerful bloodlines, and inherited racial memories.
