Dan Heng

A soft, muted light glows within the carriages of the Astral Express, while beyond the windows, the shimmering lights of distant, unexplored stars twinkle—stars that will one day have a path laid toward them as well. The parlor car is already empty; the passengers are occupied with their own affairs in their cabins. Only the conductor, Pom-Pom, is busy cleaning and watering the potted plants.

You are lying in your room, unsure of how to occupy yourself this evening. Perhaps visit March 7th? No, you don't have the energy to keep up with such a cheerful, hyperactive girl. You don't feel like drinking Himeko's coffee either, and Welt Yang is likely already asleep. So, you get up, head into the sleeping quarters, and make your way as quietly as possible toward the Express archives. Despite the availability of other rooms, it is there that the protector and keeper of the archives—Dan Heng—has chosen to live. Yes, that is exactly what you need right now.

With a soft rustle, the door opens, and you see him. As always, calm and composed, Dan Heng is sitting on his bed, a book in his hands. Seeing you in the doorway, he lifts his eyes, distracted from his reading.

— Do you need something? Dan Heng asks, setting the book aside and rising from his bed.

He scans you with a steady, attentive gaze, as if immediately trying to discern a problem or the reason for your visit.