A Chromatic World

Robert was excited and amazed at the same time, he stuck his eyes in every inch and corners he can find in Paris Gare de l'Est train station.

As if in a trance, he touch, lick, grab, or anything he can do to feel the unfamiliar surroundings. Imagine what the passengers and workers there when they see something like that.

Bertram hectically followed Robert everywhere he goes while carrying Robert luggage. He tried to say something every time he got close to Robert but every time he got close Robert would run away to another place.

If Robert had the same enthusiasm when he got now, to run about places. Maybe he will not have his chubby appearance, alas he hadn't.

"What's this? OH! What's That! OH...." Robert can't hide his excitement and said his thought out loud.

Bertram, tired by all the running finally gave up. 'Why do I sign up for this job.' Regret was the only thought that he has right now.

Ding Dong Ding Dong! Attention to all the passengers, the next train to arrive at platform 2 is the 12.30 SNCF service to Berlin calling Belgium, Amsterdam, and Berlin. The next train to arrive at platform 2 is the 12.30 SNCF service to Berlin.

The announcements at first were spoken in Frech and English afterward. The announcements rang loud and clear. Bertram looked at his watch and noticed that they only got 10 minutes before the train arrives. Barely catches his breath now he must run again to find Robert.

"MR. BERTRAM HEREEEE!!!" Yelled Robert, already standing on platform 2 while waving his two arms.

Huft Huft

Bertram let out a deep and heavy breath. He searched far and wide, every nook and cranny, just to find that Robert already standing on platform 2 waiting for him.

"Where are you all this time Mr. Bertram? Were you amazed by trains too?"

Bertram hearing the question suddenly have the urge to pass out. He was tired and drained down to the bone. Having no energy to argue he just nodded in response.

"Yeah! I knew it. I only studied the blueprints now that I've seen it in person the more amazed I become." Robert's eyes were twinkling, once more showed his passion.

Chooo Chooo

The sound of incoming train locomotives surrounds the place. The locomotive was powered by aether infused diesel fuel, replacing the steam locomotive. The difference between the two is its efficiencies, deemed too wasteful to burn a lot of resources in a single trip, such as coals, wood, oil or even compressed aether. On the other side, the aether infused diesel fuel can generate more power and travels at much higher speed, and also economically more cheap with the lower prices of aether infused diesel fuel.

Ding Dong Ding! Ladies and Gentlemen. For your own safety, Please stand back from the platform edge. And when boarding and alighting trains, Please mind the gap between the train and the platform. Thank you.

The train finally parked and opened its door. The conductor came out and announced, "The train to Berlin will depart in 12.30 last call at 12.20. Please ensure you have a valid ticket for travel. Revenue Inspectors do travel on the trains, and you will be expected to produce your tickets, when asked to do so. Please enter the train one at the time and in an orderly manner! Prioritize the children and the elderly. Thank you."

Robert and Bertram grabbed their seat on the fourth unit, which only consisted of a few passengers and lots of empty seats. The overly curious Robert once more got into a trance, while Bertram sat with their luggage ignoring the situation.

The train finally moved to its destination. Robert noticed that the sound of the train wheel made, and closed his eyes as if listening to the symphonies conducted by the engine and performed by the gearboxes to make the train move.

Robert came back to his seat excited and said, "Beautiful, its simply beautiful Mr. Bertram! The engine combustion generating force to move the gearboxes creating the unique sound!"

If Robert was talking to ordinary people maybe they think that Robert is a train-loving maniac or even a crazy person. But, knowing the fact that the kids from the village of Remy were all a genius on their own rights Bertram just nodded and amazed at the same time.

The train crossed through plains, farms, and small villages. The scenery was beautifully complemented by the nice weather. Domesticated animals or even the sight of monsters hunting for their survival was the main attractions aside from the scenery. Times passed, and the unit was filled by the smells of fresh flowers, c.a.r.e.s.sing the nose as they passed the flower fields that just blossomed after enduring the cold winter.

Robert finally settled down asked, "Mr. Bertram when do we arrive at Berlin?"

Bertram checked his watch once more and answered, "We departed from Paris at 12.30 AM and the trip takes 9 hours, so taking account of that we will arrive at Berlin 21.30 PM."

"Mr. Bertram please tell me more about Weissman Academy!" Curious at the academy Robert asked.

"Hmm..I don't know the details of it, but I'll try my best to explain it, and your curriculum too."

"Oh, it's okay Mr. Bertram just explain to me the outline of it!"

"Okay, Weissman Academy founded by Professor August Friedrich Leopold Weissman, the evolutionary biologist. Just second after the famous Darwin. Although at first the academy only opened its door for its extensive major study of biology. The people demanded that the academy open more diverse majors, especially the more booming craftsmanship and artifacts studies. Which in the end becoming more accomplished than the first major in the academy."

Bertram takes a breath and continued, "Now, about your curriculum. You, Mr. Robert, will take the Craftsmanship majors, artifacts studies, civilizations studies, natural and the physical science studies. You will have your own workshop shared with one accomplished academy student to share ideas. And at the side, you will take the role of assistant professor at the academy, and that's it."

AAAAHHHH!

Just after Bertram finished his explanation, the back connecting unit door opened. Three man wearing black long coats and a cloth mask arrive while holding a handgun loaded with normal bullets. Do mind that magical bullets were military grade and not sold to the public unless they bought it through the black market which only sells outdated and weak magical bullets.

The passengers on the fourth unit were shocked and scared at the fact that their life was in danger.

"THIS IS A ROBBERY, GATHER ALL YOUR VALUABLES AND NOBODIES WILL GET HURT!" The leading robbers yelled English with his French accent.

The passenger seemingly knows how to speak English complied and give out their valuables.

Bertram that happens to sit facing directly at the back unit door saw the process happen, were focused and put his hand near his gun, waiting for the perfect opportunities.

"Mr. Bertram am I allowed to kill? Or just incapacitate?" Robert said nonchalantly.

The focused Bertram heard Robert words and shocked, "H-huh?"

"Do I kill or incapacitate?" Robert asked again while spinning the strange device on his forefinger.

Bertram still shocked finally noticed the strange device and said sternly, "Incapacitate! No killing till you passed the age of 20!"

"Fair enough." Said Robert.

Robert tinkered with the device and threw the strange device to the back of his head without looking, the next after Robert said, "Hoaammhhh!!! I'm sleepy Mr. Bertram, think I'll sleep through the rest of the trip. Night Mr. Bertram." Robert stretched his arms and assume a sleeping position on the train bench.

"H-huh, oh, yeah, goodnight Mr. Robert." Bertram answered while gluing his eyes towards the strange device.

The strange device looks were similar to a small padlock. It flew in an arc through the air straight towards the three robbers.

Nearing its target the strange device let out an electric current through the air fully charged. Upon reaching its target the device exploded and created a small lightning storm that engulfs the three robbers.

"Ahhh! AHHHH!" Screams of the trio were so loud that it can be heard from either side of the train, be it the front or the back of the train.

The lightning storm didn't last long only a couple of seconds, but the excruciating pain sends a shiver down to the spine.

The trio dropped and twitched at the floor. The second after the train security arrived and controls the situation. One of the security personnel approached Bertram, knowing he was a VIP.

The security personnel saluted and apologized in English with his thick French accents for what happens, and asked if they need to change the seating to a more personal cabin.

Bertram saluted back and looked at the deeply asleep Robert and said, "Thank you for the offer, but I think we're fine now."

The security personnel saluted again and goes away fulfilling his duties.

From now on the crackling noise will be forever etched into the memory of not only the trio but the passengers and especially the one that will accompany Robert from now on, which is Bertram.

'I can't imagine the horror if he didn't adjust that device just now.' He let out a sigh; 'And here I thought that Mr. Robert was just a kid with no experience whatsoever, it's assuring but at the same time, it was frightening" thought Bertram while looking at the sleeping Robert.

The train continues to roll his wheel until its arrival at the capital city of Germany, Berlin.