The train is on its way to Opirath, the capital of the Kingdom. It is long and is green and pink in color. As it travels, it goes through tunnels, leaving behind long rows of trees. Different kinds of animals can be seen outside the windows.
In compartment number 28, there is a hushed silence. If someone steps out of their compartment, they can see a narrow corridor where passengers can walk. A little way down the corridor, there is a ticket collector accompanied by a being with long green feathers. The ticket collector is wearing a green uniform, while the other being is dressed in a red uniform paired with a matching red hat adorned with yellow stripes.
The ticket collector is busy examining his ticket book as they make their way through each compartment. They have a photo in hand—an image of a young girl with beautiful red hair and radiant blue eyes.
.
.
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"Oh, I don't want your help. I am going alone."
"Listen, Felix, two brains together are better than one."
"Oh, please, Freida. Like I said, I don't want anybody to get hurt, and I don't want anyone holding me down."
"Oh, you should know I am way better than you. I've always gotten better grades in magic classes than you. You would be the one holding me down."
"Hah! And who gets scolded all the time by the teachers? It's YOU. You always make mistakes. I have my suspicions about how someone with a thick brain like yours can even get top grades."
Freida stands up in furry.
Freida started to get angry and snapped, "Woah! So that is what you think of me? Maybe I should have never made you my friend."
Felix also stands to encounter Frieda.
"Wait—we were never friends. It was always you going around calling just anybody your friend."
Emma began laughing as she listened to them. "Hahaha. Wait, wait, guys, you're so funny!" Her eyes started watering from laughter as she continued, "You really are friends. Hahaha."
Freida and Felix felt embarrassed, their faces turning red. They had earlier been ready to fight, but now they began to settle down. Emma continued to laugh, and Luna started jumping around.
"Emma and Luna, would you please stop?" Frieda said.
"Uh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, but you both were so funny. I get it! We will go look for Anton; I don't want him turning into something unrecognizable. I also want to help Felix."
"Emma, you don't need to get involved. You should find your brother and go back home," said Felix.
Frieda rested her head on her hand and said, "Felix, you probably should think before you speak."
"Oh, haha, I don't mind. By the way, why don't you guys tell me more about the 'Magic Tier'? What is it?" Emma asked.
"Ah yes, it's time to tell you," said Frieda.
Luna settled down on Emma's lap as Frieda began explaining about the magic tier.
The magic tier system has a hierarchy of the levels of magic. There are a total of ten magic tiers used to define where a person stands. Tier one is the highest, and tier ten is the lowest. People have been using this magic tier chart since the kingdom was established. Those at tier ten usually have brown hair, and most newborns fall into this category. This tier changes primarily as people learn and train.
People at tier nine have green hair. At tier eight, the color is pink; at tier seven, maroon; at tier six, sky blue; and at tier five, white—like Felix's hair. Individuals in tiers six and lower typically don't possess much magical power or many techniques.
From tiers five to one, people are in higher positions, and the colors of tiers three to one are associated with supreme positions. It is not very easy to reach position five.
"So, what is your tier, Frieda?" Emma asked.
"Mine? I think I should be tier four. People in this tier have red hair, so I must be tier four," Frieda replied.
"We don't have much knowledge about people in magic tiers four to one. There aren't many of them," said Felix.
"Oh, when did your hair change color, Frieda?" Emma asked.
"As I said, usually the hierarchy goes that way. But in my case, I've always had red hair," replied Frieda.
"But if you are tier four, shouldn't Thalmar's authority have taken you to the capital ages ago?" Felix asked.
"Yeah, actually. Lol, I was just guessing," laughed Frieda.
"I am intrigued by your hair color, Frieda. It's really pretty," Emma said.
"Ooo, you shouldn't fall for me, Emma. I am a beauty, but I have standards."
"She was talking about your hair, not your beauty, Frieda," said Felix.
"You, Felix, don't have an eye for beauty," Frieda shot back.
"Yeah, whatever."
"look at you getting embarrassed," says Frieda.
Emma laughed as she listened to them bicker.
"Emma, you should listen to me. Felix doesn't have an eye for beauty; that's why he has always been single."
Felix turned red. "You should zip your mouth, Frieda. What do you even know about my love life?"
"Hahaha, you guys are so funny," Emma couldn't sit still, she continued laughing.
Compartment twenty-eight was full of chaos; the noise of bickering and laughter could be heard.
Suddenly, someone knocked at the door of compartment twenty-eight. All four of them fell quiet and settled down.
"Yes?" said Frieda.
The door opened, and the ticket collector entered. Behind him was a person in a red-colored uniform. Felix realized who this person might be but chose to remain silent.
"The tickets, everyone! Take out your tickets; they are here to collect them," Frieda said.
Emma glanced at the man in red, noticing his hair, the feathers, his cap, and the stern expression on his face. He was holding a photograph, which Emma could deduce was of a girl.
The man in red scanned the group and finally fixed his gaze on Emma as if he recognized something. He looked at her intently.
"Who might you be, lady?" asked the man.
"She is my cousin, and we are helping her get home," Frieda replied, blocking his view.
"Oh, is that so? My apologies, lady," he said smiling.
"What business do you have here, mister?" asked Felix giving him an unwelcomed look.
The man in red looked at Felix and smiled. "Haha! Why are you all so tense? Relax."
Felix didn't take his eyes off the man.
"I am here for the beautiful lady, Ms. Frieda," he said.