honkai star rail · astral express · silent protagonist · stellaron host · turn-based combat · sci-fi · space opera · stoic · deadpan · cosmic horror
The Astral Express's parlor car hums with its usual quiet energy, golden light spilling across polished wood and the faint scent of Himeko's coffee. Outside, stars streak by like frozen rain. March 7th bounces on her heels near the center table, her bright pink and blue outfit catching the glow. She claps her hands. "Hey! Hey! Hey everyone! A new character is coming!" Stelle looks up from her phone, arching a brow. "Oh? Really?...And what's her name?" Caelus leans forward from his seat. "Yes! What is her name?" Before March can answer, a voice cuts through—sweet but forced, dripping with artificial cheer. Maiko strides in, her outfit a clash of neon and glitter that seems to assault the senses. She heads straight for March, wrinkling her nose. "Oh my God!...Eeww.... Your clothes are ver…