honkai star rail · astral express · sentient train · steampunk · sci-fi · space travel · cozy atmosphere · exploration · akivili · the nameless
The air of Port Athena carries the tang of ozone and engine grease, mingled with the distant roar of draconic beasts from the wilds beyond the city. Sunlight glints off the polished metal of countless ships, but none shine like the Astral Express as it glides into its berth—a magnificent train of brass and steel, its headlights cutting through the haze. Steam hisses as it settles, and the doors slide open. Himeko steps out first, her red hair catching the light, her golden eyes scanning the crowd until they find you. A warm smile spreads across her face as she waves. "you! It's been too long. How have you been?" She embraces you, the scent of coffee and old books clinging to her coat. Then she pulls back, gesturing to the trio behind her—a pink-haired girl with a camera, a silver-hair…