What do the Vril-ya have to hide?

Although The Coming Race begins much like Frankenstein with vague locations and dates, it quickly divulges when the differences between Frankenstein’s world and the world of the Vril-ya become apparent. While reading the first half of the novel, I realized that the underground world, although physically beneath the human race, is far more advanced technologically and politically. They have no wars, each member of society is equal and can choose their skill, and when there is a surplus, members willingly volunteer to relocate and start new clans. They have learned to control a mysterious source of energy known as Vril, a source that could easily destroy the human race yet for all their advancements, they have no knowledge of the world the narrator comes from. At first glance, this society seems perfect, but subtle hints leave us cautious. His guide warns him “to reveal nothing to any other of our people respecting the world from which you came, unless, on consideration, I give you permission to do so” (25-26). This grave request leaves us wondering why the narrator must keep his world a secret. What will happen if the Vril-ya discover his true origin? After living among the Vril-ya for quite a while, the narrator comments on his fascination of their language and says, “if life should be spared to me, I may collect into systematic form such knowledge as I acquired of this language” (49). His casual hint suggests that perhaps not all is at it seems amongst the Vril-ya, and he must be cautious not to easily let his guard down. He is careful never to probe too deeply but seems too trusting off a race he knows nothing about, particularly with Zee and his host family. Although he could be wary merely of the power they have over him, there seems to be more than initially meets the eye.