In a world where everyday life revolved around magic, the human race founded a system called the Magic Hierarchy System. In truth, the founders of the system did not give it its name, rather the name Magic Hierarchy System came about years after the human race that was once living in the same roof, had gone on their separate paths and beliefs.
The system was founded thousands of years ago before the first calendar was even created. And since its foundation, the system has been used to identify an individual's status in their society. Unlike on Earth, more particularly in the Philippines, where one's social status is based on income, education, and occupation, humans in Alteria look into four things to determine one's status.
Firstly, they go and see if an individual manifested an ability or not. It is said that it's no longer possible to manifest a magic ability once a person had surpassed five years of age. However, a debate sprung, claiming this belief is not the case for everyone after news about a young boy who manifested a magic ability after turning ten years old suddenly came out of nowhere with proof and shook everyone. In the end, despite the case of the ten-year-old boy, the founders of the system remained true to their beliefs until the end.
After that, the next thing they look into is if the magic ability one had manifested is completely similar to others. In Alteria, it is not uncommon to see two individuals having the same magic ability even if they are not related by blood. However, even if more than one person can have the same powers, some magic abilities, like healing magic, can be considered rare because not a lot of people possessed it, but just a select few. This common occurrence allowed the concept of "arranged marriage" to thrive even until the present day.
Third, they look into the individual if the magic they possessed is similar to others but has a trait that is considered unorthodox. People with magic abilities that have abnormal traits are considered rare and are often a topic of discussion and jealousy among many people. It is one of the only two things that allow an individual to be considered for the highest social status.
After that, the fourth and last thing they look into is if the person has manifested an ability that is only his/hers. Sometimes, they are simple, other times they are too complicated to explain, nevertheless, they are considered unique because only one person in Alteria has it. Until it's proven otherwise. If abilities like healing magic are rare, and unorthodox magic is rarer, unique abilities are the rarest. In truth, unique magic abilities are so rare that in every generation, there are only about five people who possessed a unique ability, sometimes even less.
However, in recent decades, individuals who are manifesting unique magic abilities have seen growth in numbers. Even the same could be said with unorthodox magic users. The cause is unknown, or rather the people have already thought of one, it's only that they still don't know if that really is the case. Nevertheless, unique abilities are the other qualification for the highest social status just like unorthodox abilities. And that remained true for as long as the system lived.
Using these four factors, the founders can divide people into three social statuses.
An individual who either possessed an unorthodox or unique magic ability is immediately considered a Himala, the highest social status in Alteria. Daniw is a status given to those whose magic ability is considered extremely common in Alteria. And then, Wahika, the lowest status in Alteria's human society, is reserved only to those who failed to obtain a magic ability.
Again, the system was made to determine one's social status. And that's because they wanted to make it clear amongst themselves who should stand above others and who should look up to and follow who's above just like an organized pack of wolves. And thanks to that, some people felt like they are on cloud nine, while others felt like their life is worse than the pile of dirt they set their foot on.
The Himalas take delight in things that were given to them. Women, money, everything, all for free. Everywhere they go, the people look up to them with high regard as if they were a god. Daniws aren't treated the same as the Himalas, but they still receive a fair amount of respect even from the ones who are higher than them. However, as for the Wahikas, Daniws and Himalas alike, look down on and treat Wahikas just like what they think about themselves. "Worse than a pile of dirt."
Wahikas don't get things for free like Himalas. If they want something, they have to work hard to get it. And if they do, one should expect that it's not going to be easy. That's right, Wahikas do not get respect as human beings, only scorn, and humiliation. After all, they are nothing but things that are worse than dirt.
Of course, there are a lot of Wahikas who are against the treatment they are receiving. Their presence allowed some Daniws and Himalas who are secretly against the cruel system to rise and join them in the resistance. Before long, two sides are born. The Followers who supports the system, and the Rebels who refused to accept such unfairness.
Arguments, debates, countless wars, and bloodshed occurred. Eventually, the endless conflict led to a great incident that would later be etched in history as "the start of a new era."
An outbreak of Aninos, born out of jealousy, sadness, and hatred because of all the suffering they have to endure as a Wahika, brought chaos, destruction, and death to both sides. Though ironically, the disaster that was caused by Rebels and Followers opposing one another, helped them forget what they think is right and unite one last time to clean the mess they created. That event allowed them to open their eyes and come to a compromise.
Follow whatever it is you want to follow. That's what both the Rebels and the Followers have decided.
One wanted to follow the same tradition that grew on them, so they did. The other wanted to follow something anew, something that is fair and equal for everyone, and so they did. The era where everyone is isolated in a suffocating cage of scorn and humiliation has ended, and a new era where people are free to follow whatever path they want to take, no matter who they are, has begun.
They began spreading all across the land of Alteria, building a home where their beliefs resided freely. But before all that, the Magic Hierarchy System left a parting gift. A saying.
People begin to believe that a Himala, an individual who's one of a kind is a Harbinger of Great Change. A Daniw, a person who stands in between is a Carrier of Good Luck. And then, a Wahika, a person considered the worst of the worst is a Bringer of Bad Luck.