kaisou | University mingle

[summer school]

[Because Ratio is an insufferable nerd who actually enjoys his work, he teaches for half the summer. After taking June and half of July for time fully off and away from campus, he's been teaching a class in philosophy and ethics from mid-July onward.

This is considerably less formal than the math and physics classes he teaches during the main school year, and seems to function mostly as an excuse for him to talk about things he's interested in. He'll also use (mostly millennial-era) pop culture references as teaching materials to demonstrate debate techniques or pick apart logical fallacies.]

I'll see you next week, class, and remember that the quiz to earn extra credit by proving that you've watched at least one season of A Better Place will remain open until grading closes.

[the library]

[Late in the month of August, Ratio is starting to seem more stressed. Someone spending time in the library might witness him stop where he is with a vacant look in his eyes, beeline toward a specific bookshelf, pull a book from it, open the book to a random page in the middle, and quickly scribble down a couple of sentences on a notebook page.

When he's done writing, clarity returns to his eyes. He sighs and shakes his head, closing the book and putting it back, and then reads what he wrote down on the paper. ...Whatever it is seems to upset him, to the point that he crumples the paper slightly in his fist before taking a deep breath and smoothing it out again.]

Why does it keep happening...?

[in the sun]

[But the weather's nice, so you might also just find him reading under a tree - or, rather, in the shade of one of the university tree's more vertical branches. He seems fully engrossed in his book, until an apple falls from the branch and hurtles toward his head; he catches it in one hand without looking (18).

If you're passing by, he'll raise an eyebrow and hold it out.]

Want one? They're perfectly edible, if you don't mind that they're magically conjured.

[There are three more sitting next to him in a neat row.]

[Wildcard]

[Or make something else up! He spends a lot of time on campus, you can run into him just about anywhere.]

[Bailey's been spending quite a bit of time in the library lately--mostly to read in relative peace.

(Sometimes it's not reading books, but rather cards, but that's what the more isolated corners are for.)

Bailey is not off by herself when she spots Ratio, though. It occurs to Bailey what's happening rather quickly, so the mention that it keeps happening is what catches their attention in particular. They make their way over--making sure to make a bit of noise so their approach hopefully isn't a surprise.]

... Is everything alright?

[He glances over at Bailey as they approach, the sharp look he was about to give her melting when he sees who it is.]

Bailey. It's...well... [A grimace.] I don't know that anything is wrong per se.

[He smooths out the scrap of paper in his hand again in a restless gesture, and then looks around to see if anyone is in eavesdropping range. When he doesn't see anyone close enough to care, he hands the slip of paper to them. It reads, "A one-eyed man is much more incomplete than a blind man, for he knows what he is lacking. Hugo, Hunchback of Notre Dame".]

...You know how this works for me. But... [He shakes his head.] It's the third one I've written down. And even from the first one I've had a persistent, nagging sense that it isn't over.

[They accept the slip of paper to read what's on it, frowning once they have.]

Third? [They can't say they like that very much.] I know my cards get persistent for the card of the month, so to speak, but that's... strange.

[They admittedly haven't talked much about their tarot reading to Ratio. And this isn't about them, anyway.]

Usually it's just the one... Have they all been along these lines, then?

[Ratio nods, grimacing.]

“The true genius shudders at incompleteness — imperfection — and usually prefers silence to saying the something which is not everything that should be said.” Edgar Allan Poe, Marginalia. And then a longer quote from Haruki Murakami about remaining forever incomplete as a person. It's-

[He turns his head, takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly.]

...All along similar lines as a theme, but I've only ever felt compelled to write one quote in past months. This feels...targeted.

[... Yeah, Bailey can't help their own grimace.]

That... really does feel targeted. [What the hell. Why this of all things? Why now?]

... If you need to talk, I'll listen.

[He sighs, deflating slightly. Where to even begin?]

...Is there even anything to tell? Just the haunting insecurities of an arrogant academic. The knowledge that I could be doing better. Doing more. I thought I'd improved at tuning it out over the years, but this...

[Feeling like something outside himself is calling him out is not helping.]

What does 'potential' really mean? How do we measure and define it? What does it demand of us, what...responsibility do we have to rise to meet it?

This seems almost cruel. [Bailey isn't normally one to anthropomorphize, but the situation feels a little like it calls for it.

After a moment more, they rest their hand on Ratio's back.]

... To tell you the truth, I'm probably a bad person to ask. I don't like the word 'potential'. I can only speak to my own experiences, but using the word 'potential' was always a way to try to make me feel guilty. [...] Maybe not always trying, but it's certainly what it felt like. It was the go-to word when I wasn't measuring up to someone's standards. A word meant to pressure. Any answers I could give would be colored by that view.

[They could go on, but is that something Ratio really wants to hear? They don't really think so.]

...It was used to encourage me. By people older than myself, with excitement, visions for all the things I might one day do, the heights I might reach that they never could. And...I was excited, too. I felt sure I could do...limitless things.

I made those dreams my own and chased them with all my strength. ...Until a time came when I looked at my life and wondered what I was truly gaining, pursuing projects and papers and accolades.

[He takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly.]

...I backed down. I stopped trying to push the limits of my capacity and learned to enjoy living instead. I stopped accepting projects and lecture circuits that would take me afield, and dedicated the rest of my life to teaching, believing I could do more good this way.

Now...I wonder if I made the right choice. If there might not be something more I can offer the world, as myself and of my own volition.

[Bailey falls quiet. They listen and they think, as they do.]

I think... you made the right choice for you at the time. [No shame in stepping back and all.] That being said... the key phrase there is at the time. Your circumstances now are different than they were when you made that decision, what suited you then may not suit you now.

[They pause, considering something.]

If it's becoming something you're wondering about, maybe it's time to come back to it.

...You do have a point.

[He stares at the paper again, less openly distressed and more thoughtful.]

This past year, I've been made aware of many things I never could have imagined before. It's probably not a surprise that my mindset is changing as well.

Not a surprise at all. There are new paths to explore, so why not try?

[They smile a little.]

At least, that's what I think.

[A man in a white shirt, dark long pants, and suspenders walks by, a leather bag over his shoulder. It'd be simple to mistake Yi Sang for a student wandering campus. He's clearly taking in the sights, not expecting a campus quite like this.

Ratio's call out and offer pulls him back to his immediate surroundings]

I would not find that specific point of origin a concern. Thank you kindly for the offer. [Without compelling suggestion to believe otherwise, Yi Sang is not one to turn down simple acts of kindness. He starts thoughtfully at the apple upon his next sentence.]

Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread.

[Ratio is dressed professionally, in a button-down shirt and dark slacks, having foregone a necktie for the time being in concession to the summer's heat. Most notably, and only visible to those who are already attuned to the supernatural, he has large brown-speckled owl wings folded against his back, and fluffy feline ears the same color as his hair.

He raises an eyebrow at the rhyming line.] I might question whether you mean to keep me from making a living, but I am, as they say, not that kind of doctor.

[The apple is lightly tossed in Yi Sang's direction, within easy reach for catching.]

Dr. Veritas Ratio. I don't know your face, are you a new student?

[Perhaps due to the slight embarrassment after realizing what he implied, he fumbles the catch (3). He awkwardly picks the apple up and begins cleaning it off of his shirt, clearing his throat as he does so.]

Forgive me, that was...a rather poor choice given our locale. 'Tis not my intention to disparage, I was merely inspired to comment on the inherent nutritional value of apples.

[A pause. And then a slight bow of his head, arm across his stomach.}

A pleasure, Doctor. I am Yi Sang. Somewhat regretfully it has been some years since I finished my undergraduate degree. My presence is by way of invitation from a young engineer, I believe he is a student proper of this institution.

[A another pause. It's only at this point he begins to realize Dr. Ratio's paranormal features.}

Might I inquire as to your area of expertise?

Hmph, if that's the most ignorant sentence I hear all day then I'll count myself fortunate indeed.

[That's sourpuss for 'it's fine, don't worry about it'.

The mention of a young engineer gets a raised eyebrow and a slight lightening of Ratio's usual stern expression.]

Is it possible you're acquainted with Varian Vasiya? He is one of my more promising students, and well into an engineering degree himself.

Regardless, the campus is open to visiting scholars of all inclinations. At present I myself am wrapping up a course on philosophy and ethics which I teach for part of the summer, but during the main school year I teach physics and advanced mathematics.

Ah! I believe Varian was his name, if we speak of the same individual. We are but recent acquaintances. I must confess that I have only recently arrived in Kaisou, learning my way as my feet, and public transportation, provide.

Of the natural sciences then. That too, was my educational focus. I cannot what privileges I might be able to afford myself with my time here, but I thank you for the welcome. I had not originally planned to be here for long, however a recent event has...complicated matters.

[Yi Sang considers how to bring up the topic of their situation. From his experiences, it's not often he sees another paranormal with visible features in consistent employment]

Have you been among the faculty ere long, or is your tenure more recent?

[Dryly:] This city, you will find, is not short on complications.

I entered the university at sixteen, and quickly decided that academia would be my career path. I progressed over time from student, to teaching assistant and graduate student, to full professor. Aside from time spent overseas lecturing or working on projects, it is the only place I have ever been employed.

[He glances around at the giant tree whose branches support the university.] Although it's undergone some notable changes in the past several months.

[Yi Sang follows Dr. Rao's gaze] ...I see. I had wondered what sort of budget was conferred unto the board.

My apologies, 'twas not my intention to pry upon the full breadth of your past, Doctor. Forgive me for being forward, I could not help but notice your alternative features. I was not sure if it had not been an concern or the faculty was openly hiring paranormals, yet full glad I am that your career and tenure has remained.

The tree/ summer classes

[ Thanks to taking on a lot of research for Harumasa's condition, Varian has cut down his class time considerably. Maybe a year ago, he would have just piled more and more on his plate until he collapsed under the weight of it. Thanks to Jun, he's learned to take care of himself better in that regard. So he's putting himself down to part-time, to give himself some much-needed breathing space. He's still attending his summer classes - not that he needs them, just because he loves the process of learning.

But even that doesn't make having to deal with the tree any easier. He can be found staring up at it, like greeting an old nemesis. He misses when he wasn't afraid of heights. There was a time he was dangled over a two-hundred-foot drop and he was more irritated that it had slowed down his research rather than the definitely-could-kill-him drop underneath him. Kaisou and his earth abilities changed that, and now he's stuck with this. ]

Ugh. Okay, I can do this. It's just one level. I can handle one level. The rest have shadow spots. It's fine. Just one level!

Library

[ While Varian has access to the university's impressive library, he's going to use it for his advantage. He is often seen here with pile of books around him, taking notes with a notepad and pen rather than a computer. This is nothing new.

What is new is the subject of the books he has around him - magical ailments and treatments. Varian is certainly majoring in a lot of science, the the biological sciences are not where he tends to tread. He's so much better with machines and chemicals than he is with life. But here he is anyway, studying something not in his field at all, his brow furrowed as he works hard.

If you show up to disturb him, he looks up. ]

Oh uh... sorry if you need this. I'm nearly finished with it - it's uh... not as helpful as I hoped it would be.

The Last Stand

[ Varian has promised to try and be better about making sure he takes breaks and does things like eating and drinking. So after his phone alarm has reminded him it's time for that, he's headed to the cafe on campus. He can be found getting a hot chocolate with a lot of whipped cream, marshmallows and sprinkles on it, while he peers at various foods on offer. If you're with him, he'll turn to look your way. ]

Hrmmmm, have you ever tried any of the paninis? I'm kinda curious about trying one, and it'll be a little more filling than just a slice of cake.
Wildcard
[Want something else? Let's do it! ]

[Yi Sang examines the unexpectedly sizable menu, specifically their list of coffee and lattes.]

Though the familiar provides a warm comfort as though a blanket, it is the new that challenges us and sets our minds to fly their wings towards new possibilities.

That is to say, I would recommend a panini. I too shall order one. [Sorry, Varian. Yi Sang is...like this.]

[He does spot something on that menu though, and smiles.] This establishment serves mint coffee...truly ideal.

Edited 2025-08-25 23:04 (UTC)

[ It's honestly a pretty good showing for a campus cafe. One has to be thankful for the random businesses falling in through the spirit realm! Varian glances at the options, humming in thought, then turning to look at Yi Sang. ]

Y'know, that's a... really poetic way of putting it. I'm in an experimental mood today, so sure, why not let's go for a panini. We can see what they're worth the adventure.

[ That was so poetic, but you know, he can roll with this, it's fine. ]

You like the mint, huh?

[Voted most likely of his STEM colleagues to perform slam poetry!]

Ah, yes. The coolness of mint brings to mind a gentle stream among a winter's background. A calming effect to balance the stimulation of coffee.

[There's a pause.]

Might I offer to pay your order? I was once a student myself, and I recall the difficulty of balancing the pursuit of academia against unforgiving fiscal requirements.

[So weirdly endearing of him.]

...You know, I never thought of it that way before. I don't usually drink coffee, I'm pretty wired as it is, and I think if I did anything to make that worse, my fiancee might actually smother me.

[ Jun suffers so much, all the time. He doesn't deserve a caffeinated Varian on top of it. At the offer, he lets out a little chuckle. ]

Oh... thank you, that's kind of you, I should be okay. I uh... I don't have any student debt, at least - there was a magical... thing that cleared that. Don't ask me how it works, I try not to think too hard about it.

[He's also really bad at accepting other people's help. So bad. ]

So. What brings you to the campus?

Mmm...'tis not for all, this extract of beans. A habit I picked up during my time in academia from many late nights, it has stayed with me through the years like an old friend.

[Yi Sang's not one to push on someone he doesn't know. Though a magical forgiveness package does get him to raise an eyebrow]

Very well, I shall not insist. Such fortune engenders but a prick of jealousy, yet I am glad to hear your studies are unburdened by your assets.

[A pause, as he sips from the newly produced cup]

In truth, I have only just arrived recently. I am gathering my bearings, your campus happened to catch my eye. It's, ah...well, I have not borne witness to anything quite like it, previously.

Edited 2025-08-29 23:17 (UTC)

Hah, oh yeah, I'm pretty bad at falling asleep anyway - even when I'm pulling an all-nighter.

[ It was only getting his shadow abilities that finally set him on a semi-normal sleep schedule. ]

Oh trust me, I'm really glad for it. I would never have been able to save up for anything. You're right it's so expensive to get an education! Luckily it is something that just happens here- I think the guy who runs the goodwill store hands them out sometimes.

[He takes his order nodding over to a table, inviting Yi Sang to join him. ]

Well, welcome to the city. I'm Varian. Come sit for bit, I'm not from this world, but I've been living here for over three years now, so I can try and answer any questions you have about the city. I know it's uh... not a regular kind of place.

Edited 2025-08-30 15:40 (UTC)

Sleepless nights are the tragic fate of many a student.

[At Varian's invitation, Yi Sang pulls up a seat opposite. Varian's words do get raised eyebrows, however.]

Ah, thank you for the welcome. Yet I find myself torn as to the next question to pursue. A...goodwill manager providing scholarships? And do you mean to say you've emigrated from another country?

Haha, don't I know it!

[ He chuckles at the questions, shaking his head. ]

It's less scholarships and more like... your debt is just gone. Paid for. Poof! Like it never happened at all. The guy who runs is has some weird magic about him, no one really understands what his deal with.

[Ah and the other question. ]

I mean... yes but also... more? I'm from a place that's technically Germany. But it's also another world. Also it's the 1890s there. [ So another world AND the past, fun combo! ] Sometimes people fall through the spirit realm into this world, that's what happened to me. I guess you could say I'm a genuine alien.

Passing strange. I would have to wonder what the university's administration thinks of this practice.

[Yi Sang expresses only curiosity as Varian speaks. He begins to take the first bite of his panini...but Varian finishes first. Yi Sang does not manage to close his mouth, starting silently at Varian for a moment, before setting it down.]

That is, ah...[clears throat] I find myself at a loss for words. Did you perhaps intend to say spirit vein?

They sure didn't question it - I just got a notification that it was all paid off and that was that.

[Varian shakes his head. ]

No. Spirit realm. When we otherworlder's come here, we end up in... well, they get called labyrinths. They're like a little pocket spirit realm based on our own history. We wake up there and have to figure a way out of it, and that's when we step out into Kaisou.

[There's a long pause as Yi Sang absorbs the information, deciding on a response.]

Forgive me. These are unfamiliar concepts. I can only imagine how difficult that was to experience.

[He pulls out a small notebook.] Would it be permissible to note that down?

[ Varian smiles, waving his hand. ]

It's okay, don't worry about it! You're still getting new to everything. And yeaaaaaah, it wasn't a fun time. I can still access it, if I wanna? The uh... labyrinth. But I'd really rather not.

[ Because oh boy, oh boy, does that have a fun ol' memory trigger for him in there. At the question of if he can note it down, Varian grins, clearly pleased by the question.]

Absolutely! I always say it's a good idea to learn what you can and make notes. It's the best way to learn!

University mingle - summer's end

Dr. Ratio | Honkai: Star Rail | OTA

Library

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In The Sun

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Varian | Tangled | OTA

The Last Stand

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