mundanite

[scholarking]

HONKAI: STAR RAIL ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀一 veritas ratio !

a scholar and a medical doctor both in one, though leaning more toward the more medical side of things at times

is renown for his inventions and discoveries that help humanity and other planets!

has up to eight doctorates under his belt he's gotten since studying from a young age

though a genius himself, he claims himself as a mundanite, saying he's more of the mundane than one

believes that people shouldn't solely rely on geniuses and should learn for themselves even if it might be difficult to do

works alongside the ipc with the intelligentsia guild

once wished to be part of the genius society, he has since come to accept that he will never gain the recognition of nous

while a good man at heart, he's stated that he could easily destroy the self-worth of others with words alone if he wanted to

cannot stand idiocy at all, wishing to spread knowledge across the universe to those who have no access to it

yes, he does wear a plaster head piece at times when he wants to think to himself and avoid seeing "idiots," as he puts it

「 APPLICATION 」「 STATISTICS 」「 PLOTTER 」

[kimeoshi]

My Dr. Ratio Pin-up contribution to the @penaconyfashion zine !! 💙 There is leftover sales currently, do check it out if you want to grab a copy! 👀

[castilium]

Her head shook without need for deliberation. Were the intention to gather a civilisation to live as they pleased, Spirale was already populated with NPCs who need not face the trials their foreign neighbours were presented. This wasn't a mere simulation of life to observe from above — they'd need nothing of outsider forces, nor to suppress their power for later reinstatement. The wasteland of those first weeks took the stage of her thoughts, and its replacement of a city constructed in full, civilians incompatible with that timeline.

Listening to his assessment, she could recognise that her own failed to garner approval. Goetia operated on pity, but these Stars had a different motivator — some similarities was as far as any overlap extended and attributing experience to attempt filling in the blanks would warp the reality, riddled with errors from incorrect information inserted.

Perhaps she wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, as came so naturally. But no matter how far she might go, they wouldn't meet her halfway.

"Even after NULL tried to sabotage the island and offered freedom, the Stars haven't spoken to clarify that they're the ones we should be trusting over their enemies. They insist on binding powers and leaving those shackled in more vulnerable states. I don't understand. Even if we're here for years, there's no forgetting that this is a different, contained world". Indigo closed themselves, the smiles of staff she regarded as family comforted her in the only way possible: in memory.

"I don't know what to think. About any of it". Were they like Marisbury, stringing along countless people with an intricately crafted system so refined as to escape understanding? The security of their truth certainly matched his. Fingers curled inward to a fist, the Doctor's visage a finale to the registry, a ghost of this world as much as her own. Her steps slowed to a halt, paying no need to the guide's continued ascent. "I'm sorry... I'm just a little tired. You should carry on ahead".

[scholarking]

NULL 一 IT WAS AN UNFAMILIAR NAME TO HIM, weighted due to meaning behind the very word itself. people are bound to be drawn toward something to explain themselves, some inkling of connection, desired or otherwise, even when there is often no reasoning for definitions to define them. whatever it is null was attempting to convey was crystalline clear, translucent in every given way that, for a stranger who had not witnessed the events, he could piece together some manner of their goals without the surmise of the other. what matters most, howsoever, is that they seem to have been utter failures to live up to that self-named prophecy.

and though he was about to open his mouth once more, theorizing ever still on the matters of this peculiar isle, he takes heed of her next, few words. or, rather more, the way it is her steps have slowed down until there was no sound to be heard at all.

feet pause in their strides, too, mirroring her own as he turns to glance back toward where she has come to a stop. ❝ I see. Very well, ❞ he responds, likely the best he can offer her in the moment. she looks relatively well physically, meaning that this current predicament must be something more mental, a process she may have to cycle through to sort it all into place. eyes cast aside, glancing toward the group, then to return to her for a moment. ❝ Then I will leave you to it. Though you seem distressed, I'm certain you will figure it out yourself, ❞ he encourages her, though to any listening in, it may seem far too straightforward of a way to do so.

taking a few steps to continue on, he leaves her with one last remark一

❝ If your 'symptoms' continue, then please give the doctor a call. ❞

[descensionstar]

his expertise seemed expansive with more than sufficient experience to formulate his thesis, based on his assured delivery — a man who seemed like he could answer any question posed, undeterred by any counterargument made or proposition offered. he'd be the bane of anyone at the Akademiya — perhaps their envy of him would give that towards Alhaitham a run for their Mora.

eyes upon the palm in which her sword would oft materialise, her thoughts reflected on the trials humanity had faced — just how much they'd overcome, with or without divine assistance. but tales such as Fontaine and Natlan were ultimately salvaged because of gods pushing their people over the finish line. not even a Descender could completely overturn their fate. that unrest would linger, knowing Snezhnaya might be more of a challenge than its friendlier counterparts. for all she knew, the Traveler could step into the Nation perceived as an enemy not unlike against Inazuma's frozen order.

but she were not always the deciding factor — countless catastrophes and conflicts preceded the Fourth Descender's awakening, and worlds beyond Teyvat never felt the influence of the twins interjecting yet turned all the same. Teyvat was a world constantly on the brink, turning without yet dislodging from its axis. "yeah... I want it to work out for them. spirit is a tremendous power, but it can't translate entirely. and pulling through one threat might be seen as an invitation by another, stronger. then there's dangers without a tangible form". the dreaded which destroyed her home-world, and chased them through the sea of stars, the Abyss that threatened life by its twisted existence, the destruction rained down by the Heavenly Principles to expel that very corruption. who knew if they could be entirely repelled?

[scholarking]

TRUTH IN HER WORDS LINGER AFTER SPOKEN. were one to quell an existing threat without utmost caution, those of like mind may all but grasp it as an opportune moment, eager to enact their own, crazed beliefs unto the world. cycles as these were a constant in the myriad of worlds floating about the cosmos, ushering those with a tendency to help into a means of exhausting their fumes for the plight of good, fizzling out thereafter like a dying star in the darkness of space. and, in some ways, one could claim that to merely be the essence of humanity in its rawest form, how tumulus it could all become with a mere, fleeting action.

faith in her heart and words is enough to show that she is not one to allow her light to dim, even with reason. in the eyes of a scholar, he can see that vibrant, flickering flame within her, threatening those who contend with her the brilliance of a supernova that would consume them, too, in those final moments she might have. and, were he to be so bold, that very illumination could very well belong to that of a nameless trailblazer gazed upon by akivili themself were she a guest to their universe.

❝ I'm certain it will work out just fine. With a resolute spirit, there is nothing man is wont to achieve, even if it takes trial and error, ❞ he agrees, placing his own belief into these people she speaks so highly of. no matter how one looks at it, humanity is one that reflects the same in every aspect, a collective, yet individual, group that came to exist in their own, unique ways. ❝ But I believe we have exhausted this line of thinking for the time being. As it is, we both will leave this conversation with a mutual understanding of what one was attempting to get across. We wouldn't want to spin the topic too extensively. And, as stimulating as this exchange has been... perhaps we should carry on our days until our next meeting. ❞

[punishercross]

"Listen, shit's been hittin' the wall fer a while over here now." Okay, maybe he was just nervous, doing something like this for the first time. It felt like he was about to make a confession, and, well...

"I know, look, yeah I was lookin' fer somethin' to do, but shit's changed, and," he pauses, hesitating. He doesn't want to admit to his past, but he feels like he couldn't in good conscience go into a school ground without admitting it.

"I'm-"

"Not a good person. I don't know if we want a buncha people tryin' t' study with a killer in their midst, huh?"

[scholarking]

LISTENING IS SOMETHING RATIO IS RELATIVELY GOOD AT. patience is a finite source when it comes to the intricacies of humans, ratio just as fallible as any other man alive, never once believing himself above those around him beyond intelligence when it comes to those who refuse to relent their ignorance. and while there may be times he can degrade a man's self-worth with naught but his words alone given the proper reasoning, a case as this was hardly anything of the sort. were it anything, he merely finds disappointment that wolfwood has not mentioned this little concern sooner, if not having been blinded by enthusiasm.

one hand rests upon his hip as he observes the other in brief silence, all before speaking in turn. ❝ Tell me this, Wolfwood, ❞ he starts, voice flat, albeit earnest, in its tone. ❝ Do you think about murdering innocent people around you? Actively, that is. As in you would take joy and pleasure in it? ❞ each word is direct, tongue like a spear pointed directly at the position of his beating heart. there was not a thing to be withheld, especially for one to claim he was no good as a person, the confession enough for the scholar to presume there was some sense of awareness to his conscious to not have wished to say it before.

❝ Or perhaps it was a necessity where you once lived prior to this place? Something your circumstances you spoke of could not allow you to avoid until you were on its path with no way out? ❞ many had their reasoning for the things they have done, altering the trajectory of their lives with a permanence, as if it were some fleeting, falling star caught in a rogue planet's gravitational pull. one face comes to mind 一 a gambler formed beneath a pressure so extraordinarily heavy, there was no way he would come out as anything but what it all forcefully molded him to be.

this man would hardly be the only person in such a case, nor would he be the last.

❝ If you still don't wish to learn, I will not force you. ❞ as much as he would like to pave a path for the man to find a proper education, especially when this island has opened many a door for those who had no ample opportunity before, it would do more harm than good to go that route. ❝ There are plenty of paths one may take. Public teaching is but one. If your comfort is more of privacy, my services may still be of use to you as a tutor. So, the choice on the matter is yours. ❞

[bakubakushiiin]

Bakushin watches as Ratio writes the next step. When he hands her the marker, the student grips it tight like it's a lifeline.

She steps up to the board, and carefully looks at the numbers. Her tail swishes as she thinks. X equals...

Bakushin O hesitantly writes 2 first, then putting a dash in front of it to make it say:

"-2?" She asks as she looks back at her kind tutor.

[scholarking]

EACH SECOND TICKS BY AS SHE WAITS, an observant gaze unwavering in a gentle patience to see what it is she will come to in conclusion. and, before long, she does just that, placing the two down first before amending it to be negative. for one who seems to have had struggles with this problem, she certainly was more capable than she might believe, one nod being offered to the board.

❝ You've solved the equation. Full points, ❞ he congratulates, a hand reaching over to take the marker back into his grasp. ❝ Did the visual steps help you? Compared to staring at the board when I first arrived, you progressed quickly soon after. ❞ rather, he was curious to know what helped move her along in deciphering it.

[bakubakushiiin]

Bakushin O doesn't stop her ears from Perking up at the praise. Even if it is a small thing to the Professor, already it's clear on her face that praise is effective.

Bakushin worries her lower lip with her teeth as Dr. Ratio writes the next step. She can't remember what she's supposed to do next... and she briefly wonders if this was her same problem spot.

"We need to... do something with the 2 in front of the x, right?" She asks, clearly looking to Dr. Ratio for support.

[scholarking]

ENCOURAGEMENT WAS ALWAYS A MOTIVATOR, he's found. whether it was one of positivity or, for some students, a fairly stern lecture, there were only few who it did not manage affect. and when it came to that point, such cases were usually those who did not wish to learn at all, wallowing in their own lack of thinking. despite this, he does not offer praise this time, though hardly in a sense of discouraging her from the path.

instead, he gives a small nod, as if in allowing her to know she was on the correct path. allowing a silence to linger for her to think, however, he would wait only a bit longer before taking note that the answer wasn't coming to her in the slightest.

❝ ... we will have to divide both sides by 2. ❞ writing out the next step, he puts the division signs in the appropriate places, the next line beneath it reading x = ?. turning back to her, he offers her the marker to be the last to solve the final bit. ❝ Now, what is the solution? ❞

[fallenfromdivinity]

For some reason, Sunday did not expect Dr. Ratio to react quite like this, and that earnest smile made him slightly... flustered. Sunday looked away for a moment to conceal it, stopping his wings from flapping to partially cover his face. When they met for the first time, Sunday and Ratio were on opposing sides, under very different circumstances. Sunday genuinely held no ill-intent towards the man, and as he was a friend of the Astral Express, so there was no reason to feel the need to cover himself. He was done pretending and hiding under a facade. "Indeed. I was lost in Penacony, blind by my own desires. I saw the wrong in my ways, but I still have a dream." Sunday looked back to Dr. Ratio. "And the Astral Express has allowed me to join them for the time being. For that, I am very grateful."

It was refreshing talking to Ratio in a position where they were not enemies and trying to over smart each other. He ended up smiling and nodding. "Yes, I would like to see as much as possible. I grew up and lived in Penacony all my life. I will take every opportunity to learn of other ways of living until I can find the best one for everyone." Sunday glanced back to him, leaving his cookies behind for now. He was not really good at baking anyway. "What about you, Dr. Ratio?"

[scholarking]

HEARING SUNDAY'S OWN SELF-REFLECTION, there's a subtle satisfaction in knowing that he has begun to find the right path for himself in his life. while many might be broken and downtrodden from being torn away from what they once thought was right, clawing their way back to all they have known, only so many would recognize their ignorance and transform into something better from it. no doubt with the astral express' support throughout it all, let alone their willingness to embrace him into their fold and proffer a second chance, reaching that dream would not be just beyond his fingertips.

giving a nod, he cannot help but agree with the other, feeling as if it weren't for their initial opposition, they may have gotten along just as well as they were now. ❝ A chance to expand one's horizons beyond their limited view doesn't come every day. In fact, it may not even come in one's lifetime. It appears you've found a more than suitable place, both here and upon the Express, to achieve it, ❞ he replies, having seen far too many who were confined to their homes, of their own volition or incapable of leaving due to the circumstances of life, much as sunday had been.

and on some days, he had to be reminded the advantages he has in contrast.

the cookies he had been working on are finished, grabbing them to tuck away for later. ❝ Likewise. I've had the privilege before in my academics and travel. But, as per usual, I'm not satisfied leaving it where it is. Not yet, at least. ❞ that being said, there was always more to learn, even for someone like him.

❝ Where is it next you've been wanting to see? On this island, that is. If you're done here, perhaps you'd be willing to accompany me to it. Or better said: perhaps you'd be willing to allow me to accompany you. ❞

[kepsik]

[oishirecipe]

Visit Original Link

[punishercross]

"I mean, I gotta schedule classes 'round takin' care of the animals. I doubt ya want me to bring a zoo to class." Not that he knew whether the doctor was gonna be the one teaching the class, but his cracked phone didn't really lend itself well to picking classes for the upcoming season.

"An' remember - I live over in Umber, so," a shrug.

"Look, I ain't even sure what kinda classes I wanna take. I've never been to school 'fore."

@scholarking

[scholarking]

❝ And it sounds to me as if you're making excuses, ❞ he shoots back with relative ease, one hand resting on his hip as he listens to the other prattle on about scheduling issues, not to mention his living situation. truthfully, it makes the doctor wonder if he should implement some kind of class that can be taken through online courses for such cases, the thought itself apparent in the way he falls silent for a moment, gaze drifting to the wayside in his thinking.

until he returns back to the present, gaze falling back on wolfwood as if his considerations were but a fleeting thought in the moment.

❝ How long has it been since I told you of the school's most basic concept? Not to mention your own insistence of not having heard anything from me regarding the school. Were you not 'looking for something to do'? ❞

[dragon-among-stars]

event starter for @scholarking

"Oh, Dr. Ratio. I should express my appreciation for running into you with this new conundrum I have found myself in."

The vidyadhara seems more expressive as he approaches the other. Vines of flowers curl around his golden horns. They were the very thing he was referencing with a clawed gauntlet.

"They just started appearing without any rhyme or reason that I can distinguish yet."

[scholarking]

THE FAMILIAR VOICE DRAWS HIS ATTENTION, taking note swiftly of not only the more expressive nature of the nameless but, in turn, the very flowers that blossom about his golden horns. ❝ You're certainly not alone in your observations, ❞ he notes, inspecting more closely, though being careful not to inhale too deeply just in case.

even the plaster head tucked beneath his arm seems to have flowers sprouting from it in abundance, an implication that the doctor had attempted to wear it to avoid whatever this was, only for it to utterly fail in a spectacular fashion.

❝ They've begun to invade the city in droves. ❞ while not fully wild, shifting every so often, the more concerning aspect was how they clung to people. ❝ Not only that, but if you were to pluck one... ❞ one hand reaches out, removing a flower from both dan heng and then his head piece respectively. before long, a cluster of the flowers spring forth in place where the singular flower once was. ❝ ... they repopulate the root quickly. ❞

[bakubakushiiin]

Bakushin steps aside, letting the Professor take a look at the equation on the board. It had been one of the many that she barely remembered, but she knew she got it wrong. Too bad, she found herself here before her trainer-san had helped her figure it out.

As Professor Ratio changes it around, Bakushin's eyes light up - not in real understanding, but it did make it easier to read. When Ratio asks her the question, Bakushin's ear twitch.

"Umm..." the Uma hesitates. "-4?" She's absolutely unsure she's right.

[scholarking]

HEARING THE CORRECT ANSWER FROM HER, even with the obvious hesitation within her voice, he gives an affirmative nod in response without delay. ❝ Well done. Ten points, ❞ he praises alongside his usual rating for those who do good in his eyes. now, if only she felt more confidence when saying it, that would have been more exceptional, though he knows everyone must start somewhere.

shifting beneath the initial equation, he takes up another blank space on the board, now writing out the newfound equation: 2x = -4.

❝ Now it reads as 2x = -4. We're still trying to solve for x, so there's a little more to go before we find its solution. ❞ pressing the bottom of the the market against his chin, he turns to her now. ❝ We must isolate the x while keeping the statement equalized. How would you suggest we do that? ❞

[shizuart]

[fairyknight]

● Creepy plaster head, yikes. "I've been here almost five years now, and if they knew what was good for them they would've sent me home a long time ago. If you're looking for some sort of pattern then I doubt you're going to find it. If there was one, someone would have figured it out well before now, right? I highly doubt you're the first one who's tried." The Archer leaned in front of him, waving a hand in front of his head to see if he could even see through that thing.

[scholarking]

AND THERE'S NO REACTION GIVEN, standing in place, still enough to replicate an actual statue, to make one wonder if he really can't see or if it's his choice to ignore it. well, if you didn't count the fact he's now moved his hand rest a knuckle against his plaster chin in thought. ❝ Certainly. I wouldn't claim to be the first logical thinker to pursue a sequence of patterns. Though that hardly limits my curiosity as to what has them elect candidates for their comings and goings in the moment. ❞ it could be a myriad of things, though one thing was for certain...

❝ Is it an emotional distress or connection? Or perhaps a string of mathematical reasoning that denotes it. Ah, it could even be as simple as entertainment value. Which is to say... for those who tote themselves as entities beyond our reach, it makes them far more fallible than divine, perfected beings. Were the hypothesis true, of course. ❞

[descensionstar]

bitterly, she knew that well. how many times had they seen someone lose themselves in pursuit of a goal, seek out vengeance against another without thought for what consequences might await, cast aside morals and ethics? her own family was dedicated to what he felt he needed to do before what he wanted. arguably, she were no different — no matter the shape her journey took form, the heart of it was finding him, and nothing could pull her away from that goal.

if the roles had been reversed, she'd no doubt it would all be the same story.

"they haven't, and they won't". she'd full faith in her friends — while they might mount their hopes on an outsider, they were never passive. fighting for their freedom, their future, and they remained true to themselves, never surrendering to temptation which might shut out all else. there had been plenty of times when their actions would demonstrate care for others, even those who might have been enemies outside the moment. like The Knave in Fontaine or The Captain in Natlan — preserving the way ahead for a country and a people not their own, for reasons separate from self-interest.

"humanity has its flaws, but so do all beings. there are beings that might doubt them, but they stand in defiance of those opinions. they pick themselves up and survive — maybe one day, they'll face a power too great for them, but until that day comes, they won't falter a step. and even then, not until it's the strength to keep going is all spent".

[scholarking]

FAITH AND REALITY WALKS A FINE LINE, something intermittent to how people carry themselves throughout life itself. in such cases, it was a fine mix that necessitates the will to take that next step, much as she seems to hold in her own grasp as they speak. strong-willed individuals as her were an ideal many strove for with only some achieving it, though that hardly diminishes the efforts so many have in their every day journeys and judging so on a strict basis would be futile. that was the fluctuation of humanity as a whole, something defined not by pure logic or fact, often defying the accepted known.

so, he gives a small nod, as if accepting such an answer as this, feeling her conviction within each word without a singular doubt.

❝ Indeed. To claim that any one thing has no flaws is, frankly put, illogical. That does not make it any less perfected in the eyes of who creates or observes it, however, ❞ he speaks, knowing well that the definition is blurred, where one person may believe their work that of a masterpiece while others look down upon it. nuance was key, even seen explicitly in nous' very own calculations on who it is that catches their distant, mechanical gaze. ❝ Were that day to come, it would be a wonder to see how one transcends that predicament. Though it would seem that things are in capable hands. ❞

[computerqueen]

* That's The Old-Fashioned Way To Do It (I.E. Inscribe It On Tablets And Run The Numbers In Your Head) * Nowadays Most Lightners Would Use Computers (Like Me) But There Was A Time Where "Computer" Meant "One Who Computes" * Not Necessarily On Marble, But Still

* Wouldn't Mind Being Part Of An Escort Mission * Just Throw On Some Pants First, Doc

She gives him some space to do just that, then picks up where she left off.

* So * Have You Been To The Garden Before? * How Would You Rate It, On A Scale Of One To Ten Petals * And Do You Know About Golden Flowers, Or Was That Your First Time Seeing (A Hologram Of A Drawing Of) One?

[scholarking]

IT WAS ALWAYS FASCINATING TO LEARN ABOUT HISTORY, whether or not it was in regards to his homeland or of another planet's. and, in this case, it was possibly from another universe, making it all the more intriguing that they were quite similar to some others in his own. ❝ That is similar to where I'm from. Technological advancements has accelerated the learning curve. Though, in that same light, it has become an overreliance to some... ❞ a pause at the thought. ❝ No offense to you, of course, ❞ he amends, hoping she didn't take anything personal on his statement. if anything, he believes it was a true balance of thinking and collaboration with technology to make the most beneficial outcomes.

that being said, he's considerate in how he exits the pools, getting dressed soon enough as to not delay her any longer.

❝ I have been to the gardens before, yes. I would say it is a solid 8.9 out of 10. There is little to do there beyond the festivities other than look and study the flora, but once that's been explored... ❞ needless to say, it was suitable just for enjoying the view thereafter. still, he carries on as they begin their way to their destination which is, thankfully, not too far off.

❝ As for this Golden Flower, that was the first time I've seen that specific one. However... ❞ he thinks a little, turning to glance her way. ❝ Are you familiar with the 'golden blossoms' in appearance with the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequences? Where, in nature itself, a few examples being that of sunflowers, daisies, and even pinecones, it exhibits a golden angle that maximizes its efficiency for space and exposure to sunlight. Should I presume this flower has no correlation to that? ❞