⚠ Content Warning ⚠
This chapter contains themes and depictions that may be disturbing to some readers, including:
Psychological manipulation & groomingForced social conditioningHuman subjugation & systemic oppressionNon-consensual control over personal freedomsDiscrimination based on sexuality
The world of The Isekai Journey of the Strays explores complex and morally challenging themes, particularly regarding power dynamics, societal control, and exploitation. These elements are presented for narrative depth and world-building, not as endorsements of any real-world ideology or practice.
Reader discretion is strongly advised. If you find such content uncomfortable, please proceed with caution or skip this chapter.
Male Grooming System in El'mr
Male grooming has developed into a structured system in El'mr, heavily influenced by the fact that elves are an all-female species with a slow reproductive cycle. Traditionally, elves relied on magical parthenogenesis or reincarnation, but after human migration, they discovered that human males provided genetic diversity, faster reproduction, and increased survival rates in offspring.
However, instead of integrating humans as equals, elves established a grooming system to control human males from childhood—ensuring that they would grow into obedient, loyal, and dependent mates or servants.
Why Did Elves Prioritize Grooming Over Traditional Methods?
Traditional Reproduction Was Too Slow
Magical parthenogenesis produces only one child per elf every decade, making population growth extremely slow.Human-assisted reproduction increased the number of offspring per elf, boosting their numbers in a short period.
Raising Males Ensured Total Control
Rather than negotiating with free adult human men, elves adopted human boys from infancy or childhood to shape them into submissive partners/servants.This eliminated the risk of rebellion or cultural conflict.
Cultural Superiority Complex
Elves see themselves as higher beings and believe humans must serve them in gratitude for being "saved" from Mikhland's brutal conditions.Grooming ensures that human males grow up believing their purpose is to serve and please their elven "mothers".
Groomed Males Had No Escape
Since these boys were taken in as orphans or abandoned children, they felt indebted to their elven caretakers.By the time they reached adulthood, they were fully dependent on elves—economically, socially, and emotionally.
Definition, Characteristics, and Steps of the Grooming System
Definition
Male Grooming in El'mr is a systematic process where young human boys are raised in elven society from childhood, indoctrinated into elven customs, and molded to serve as ideal companions, mates, or attendants for elven women.
Characteristics of the SystemTargeted Adoption – Human boys are chosen at a young age (usually 5-10 years old) to be raised in elven households.
Luxury & Privilege – These boys receive better education, food, and living conditions than they would have had in Mikhland.
Identity Suppression – Boys are forbidden from practicing human customs or worshiping human gods.
Emotional Bonding – Elves treat the boys like sons until adulthood, ensuring deep psychological dependence.
Forced Transition – At age 18, these boys are transitioned from "sons" to servants, companions, or mates, with no legal rights to refuse.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Grooming Process
Step 1: Acquisition (Ages 5-10) – Elves Adopt Boys from Orphanages
Elven noblewomen travel to orphanages along the Mikhland border to adopt human boys.They choose boys who are young, healthy, and intelligent—especially those who have no surviving family.Many boys willingly go with elves because life in Mikhland orphanages is brutal, full of starvation, abuse, and neglect.
Example: A 7-year-old boy in a Mikhland orphanage, starving and beaten daily, is offered a warm home, education, and a future in El'mr. He accepts without hesitation.
Step 2: Indoctrination (Ages 10-14) – Teaching Submission & Dependence
Boys are treated as honored "sons" and given elite education, including literature, magic, and elven philosophy.However, they are banned from human history, languages, and religious texts—they must forget their roots.They are taught that elves are superior and that their life's purpose is to serve elven society.Some elven households emotionally manipulate boys into believing they were "saved" and must be grateful forever.
Example: A 12-year-old boy is praised by his elven "mother" for excelling in magic. She tells him, "You are special, but only because we saved you. Without us, you'd be nothing."
Step 3: Psychological Conditioning (Ages 14-18) – Strengthening Emotional Bonds
As boys grow older, they become extremely loyal to their elven caretakers, seeing them as family.They are given incentives—higher education, privileges, and even limited freedoms—on the condition that they never question their place in society.Some begin developing romantic or dependent feelings toward elves, making them easier to control.By age 18, they are fully conditioned to accept their future roles.
Example: A 16-year-old boy, upon showing signs of rebellion, is rewarded with more luxuries and praise if he complies. This creates a cycle of dependency.
Step 4: Transition to Servitude (Age 18) – The "Betrayal"
At age 18, the illusion of being a "son" is stripped away—boys are now legally classified as servants, companions, or mates.Those who refuse are banished from elven society with nothing, ensuring they have no survival options.The transition is subtle yet cruel—some elves still show affection, but it is now a tool of control.By this point, most human males do not resist, as they have been broken psychologically.
Example: An 18-year-old boy, who for years saw his elven caretaker as his mother, is suddenly told: "You are no longer my son, but my companion. Serve me well, and you will always have a home."
Why Is This System Inhumane?
It Is Manipulative & Deceptive
Boys are raised in comfort and love, only to have their autonomy stripped away at adulthood.
It Erases Human Identity
These boys are forced to abandon human culture, language, and religion—they lose their heritage.
It Creates Emotional Dependency
The boys grow up believing they owe their lives to elves, making them psychologically unable to rebel.
It Eliminates Free Will
By the time they realize their fate, they have no power to resist or escape.
It Preys on the Vulnerable
Orphans and abandoned children are targeted because they have no protection.
Final Thoughts – The Dark Truth of Elven Society
While El'mr appears to be a utopia for human males, the reality is far more sinister. Elves do not raise human boys out of kindness—they raise them to serve.
By adopting, educating, and conditioning boys from childhood, elves create a generation of obedient human servants and mates, ensuring complete control over human integration into their society.