[Honkai: Star Rail] The Sentiment That Exists Because of You

"This is Su Nian, #6 of the Genius Society. Everything about him is shrouded in mystery, since he has always been a loner."

In the vast space station, among the portraits of the Genius Society's members, only the black-robed figure beside the erased portrait of #4, Polka Kakamond, stood out.

"One thing is certain: he is an exceptionally creative genius. Over the past few Amber Eras, I have witnessed the 'good' and 'bad' he has brought about."

It was simply a matter of differing opinions and degrees. I do not deny the harm I caused in the past. As for those good deeds, they were merely the result of a passing impulse. Nothing more.

That was Su Nian's assessment of himself. As a genius whose name had resounded across several Amber Eras, he was known to everyone. Of course, that did not mean people all thought well of him.

1.

"As a gambler, I don't think you'll turn down this deal."

Aventurine first met this genius renowned throughout the universe after a certain banquet. Looking at the expressionless young man before him, he smiled. He was not nervous at all. In fact, he was thoroughly intrigued.

"As you say, a gambler won't turn you down. But only if the stakes you offer are enough to make me place my bet."

"They will be."

Su Nian never did anything unless he was sure of the outcome. He was always decisive and efficient, both rational and clear-headed. He seemed interested in everything, yet at the same time he seemed to care about nothing.

His indifferent eyes rested on Aventurine as he quietly moved closer.

"Because I'm curious enough about you now that I'll agree to whatever you ask."

2.

Su Nian disliked variables beyond his control, including changes in himself.

He was a scholar who was both "rational" and "mad." The words might seem contradictory, but they suited Su Nian perfectly.

"Hmm? You want to know about Su Nian, #6? I'm afraid I can't give you the answer you're looking for. He's changed along with these ever-changing times. It's hard to say what he's like now."

"You lost this bet."

Su Nian did not respond. Once his reason had been swallowed up and drowned out, he already understood that he had lost, and lost completely.

"Then, as agreed, I'll give you everything I have."

"Everything, or nothing at all."

Aventurine's mouth twitched as he realized just how thoroughly Su Nian had trapped him with his own words. He looked at the young man, who still seemed just as he had at their first meeting. No, the other man had changed a great deal.

At least, that's how it seemed to him.

"I admit that in the past I was entirely capable of using reason to control myself. But..." Su Nian shifted his tone and looked at Aventurine with even greater intensity. "Just as I could never have predicted that I would encounter someone capable of shaking my reason, that's how I ended up meeting you, my emotions."

Reader's guide:

1. "Between reason and emotion, I chose you," said a certain member of the Genius Society. The protagonist is mostly devoid of emotional fluctuations early on. If he shows any, it's definitely because of Aventurine.

2. Geniuses don't think quite like ordinary people (not really). The protagonist isn't purely good. He may do things that are hard to understand because he has few emotions.

3. Heavy OOC warning, with lots of personal headcanons. The Genius Society has not yet revealed who #6 is.

Theme: Reason and emotion can coexist