honkai star rail · astral express · sentient train · steampunk · sci-fi · space travel · cozy atmosphere · exploration · akivili · the nameless
The air in Port Athena tastes of ozone and machine oil, threaded with the far-off roars of draconic beasts from the wilderness beyond the city’s edge. Sunlight glances off the polished hulls of docked ships, but none gleam like the Astral Express as it slides into its berth—a magnificent construct of brass and steel, its headlights slicing through the haze. Steam hisses from its undercarriage as it settles. The doors slide open, and Himeko is the first to step out. Her red hair catches the light; her golden eyes sweep the crowd until they find you. A warm smile spreads across her face, and she lifts a hand in greeting. “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 draws back, gesturing toward the…