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Penacony and Remaining Factions List!
Name: Gallagher Titles: Character Details:
A security officer from the Bloodhound Family in Penacony. He is also a slovenly and indolent drinksmith.
Though unorganized in apparel and casual in how he makes his drinks, he is always courteous toward visiting guests but keeps his vigilance about him.
He seems to carry a weight of a complicated past, yet he never voluntarily divulges any details. Character Stories I and II:
Story I:
"The scent of tobacco, candy, and cheap shampoo... he gives off the typical smell of a middle-aged bachelor. While his clothes are tidy, they are always wrinkled and display a lack of style. He also displays no desire to look after his appearance. He doesn't have many friends, and his favorite pastime after work is enjoying a few glasses of Sweet Dream Special. Always sitting at the same spot, with the same drink, and with the same waiters... It's never changed in more than a decade.
Yet such a man won the admiration and respect of the Bloodhound Family members — this is probably related to the scar etched across his face. In a sweet dream practically devoid of any accidents, an ugly scar serves as a rare honor for a security officer, symbolizing seniority and prestige.
Whenever confronted with a case, he would first unwrap a piece of candy and put it in his mouth. When the candy is almost gone with his chewing, he dives into the investigation with furrowed brows and ponders the clues until late in the bar. However, unlike the young officers, he seems to no longer find pleasure in apprehending suspects. When he gazes into the eyes of the so-called criminals who fell so far in the sweet dream, I see no sense of accomplishment in his eyes, only a profound emptiness and melancholy.
I actually understand him. When you reach this stage of life, you'll start to doubt the meaning behind the life you've previously led. It was just like what I have experienced."
— Note: The Security Officer of the Bloodhound Family
Story II:
"People need an opportunity to connect with each other, and the diverse special mixes within the Dreamscape serve as catalysts for such reactions.
As I check out my surroundings, I soon notice an individual who's used to suavely navigating through life.
Using the Sweet Dream Special's fame as a starting point, he starts the conversation with the history of syrups and SoulGlad, explaining to the guests the connection between the time spent shaking the drink and the flavor of the final product. Then, he talks about the degrees of fit between the special mix's aroma with a person's personality, and how to master the secret of matching the right ingredients... The surrounding faces drown in the darkness of the surroundings. He listens to the whispers of sorrow or joy, all the while coldly observing the hearts of the masses as the drunken party continues.
He waits for all the guests to depart, then polishes the silver cups on his own until they gleam while gazing out the door. Day after day, he waits for someone who will never return, waiting for that person to give him an eternal lie that will end such a never-ending destiny.
He walks alone down the street as lights go out one after another, and he casts a long shadow behind him —
Perhaps I, too, will step on to the same predetermined path as he is on."
— Note: Sweet Dream Drinksmith
"Making a drink is a sensory skill. In dreams, creating fizzy concoctions requires adding a bit of your mood. Heavier if you're troubled, a touch sweeter if you're in high spirits... It's not just about mixing beverages. It's about mixing the experiences of life." Gallagher's Theme
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Name: Sparkle Titles: Character Details:
A member of the Masked Fools. Inscrutable and unscrupulous.
A dangerous maestro of theatrics, utterly engrossed in the art of performance. Adorned with innumerable masks, she is the hero with a thousand faces.
Wealth, status, power... None of those matters to Sparkle. The only thing that can get her attention is "amusement." Character Stories I and II:
Story I:
The girl, an abandoned orphan, lived without knowledge of her origins or destination until she encountered a passing troupe. From a distance, she watched a black-haired lady with a double ponytail, gracefully moving across the stage like a fish. Despite donning various masks, they did not hinder her laughs and cries during her performance, captivating the audience even from afar. The fish leaped in front of her, then dove back down, creating ripples in the surface of the water.
Gradually, she realized she was watching the performance from beneath the stage.
Intrigued, she continued to watch the performances for countless days, but she remained an audience member, never stepping into the spotlight. After one of the shows ended, she went backstage, where the black-haired lady handed her a mask.
"Can I perform, too?"
"Why not? If others believe you are 'Sparkle,' then you are. Go, it's time for your show."
As the curtain, serving as the fourth wall, was drawn, the stage remained dimly lit, revealing an unsettling black void. Though wearing a mask, she knew the audience could see and hear her. She kept recalling Sparkle's performance, imitating her movements, voice, and demeanor.
"You've done very well for your first time."
"But my imitation... Was not perfect."
"That is a minor hiccup, but not a problem as long as nobody notices the difference... By the way, we are leaving tomorrow, so for as long as you want, you are the true Sparkle here, and you can make her whoever you want her to be."
Sparkle wanted to say something, but the lady affectionately rubbed her head.
"Not many people come to see us, except for you. We're just a small troupe, and we don't have grand aspirations of becoming famous in the cosmos... It brings me joy to meet someone like you who will remember an insignificant character named Sparkle... Don't cry, you can keep this mask. Now it's yours."
Sparkle nodded.
"When you don this mask, you have the power to become anyone and no one... If you truly aspire to be an actor, don't limit yourself to this small stage. Set your sights on the larger world and explore new horizons."
Story II:
As the last descendant of the Puppet Clan, the girl lacked the freedom to choose. She was bound to live her life according to the dictates of the mask, as puppets were mere vessels for the masks.
According to their legend, the longer a puppet dons a mask, the higher the chances of the puppet acquiring a soul, resembling a true human. However, in human folklore, masks were depicted as tools used for resurrecting the deceased, thus leading to the dwindling numbers of her people.
However, as she had no interest in becoming human, being a doll was not an unfavorable choice for her. She dutifully obeyed the commands of the mask, despite the risk of attracting pursuers, as defying the mask proved to be challenging.
Movement was a crucial aspect.
By the will of the mask, she needed to smile sweetly when happy, hold her forehead while crying, grit her teeth when angry, narrow her eyes when jealous, and make a scene when in despair. There were also signature gestures, such as raising her eyebrows slightly to face others with the left side of her face, and raising her hand to express love, although she had to lower it later, as slightly biting her lower lip was the way to convey her true desires.
Voice was another aspect.
Depending on the situation, her voice needed to be cheerful when happy, mellifluous when expressing lyrical emotions, calm and assertive when making statements, strained when harboring hatred, and sorrowful when filled with grief.
Remarkably, she managed to sustain this way of life for years, seamlessly blending into her surroundings and even becoming a playwright. Nobody ever suspected that she wore a mask. However, she couldn't help but wonder if there existed another type of "mask" in the world — perhaps someone wearing such a mask would laugh when seeking revenge, shed tears when smiling, remain silent when raging... And speak the most sarcastic remarks with the utmost calmness.
Naturally, she couldn't do this due to the will of the mask, but as a playwright, making her characters on stage act like this was easy for her.
One morning, the doorbell rang, but it wasn't her usual delivery person at the door.
"Dear Miss Sparkle, I wonder if we could have a chat?"
"We have read your latest work, and we're curious if you know anything about the 'Mask'..."
"I'm not exactly a person loaded with cool skills, and dreaming big isn't really my thing. But, ya know, my latest thing is... getting myself into the Genius Society! Ha, I'm so ready to give it a go. Reckon anyone will buy it?" Sparkle's Theme
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Name: Aventurine (Kakavasha) Titles: Aventurine of Stratagems Character Details:
Senior manager of the Strategic Investment Department at the IPC and one of the Ten Stonehearts. His Cornerstone is the "aventurine of stratagems."
An ostentatious risk-taker, he often wears a smile that masks his true motives.
He won his current position by wagering against fate itself. He views life as a high-stakes, high-return investment, and he plays this particular gamble with masterful ease. Character Stories I and II:
Story I:
"I have something to report to you about the new employee."
"What makes you so worried, Erwin?"
"It's complaints about him, both formal and informal. My mailbox has been flooded with them like countless pieces of paper. I wonder... if it's worth reconsidering his inclusion in the Strategic Investment Department."
"What do these complaints say?"
"Mostly about his origins. Those eyes of his..."
"He once deceived the Marketing Development Department by falsely claiming that there were energy sources hidden in the barren land of Sigonia, not yet effectively developed and utilized. A huge amount of funds was invested into excavating it before we realized it was all a scam."
"And then there's the notorious Egyhazo Aventurine Case. He misled the Intelligentsia Guild into believing that the remains of Tayzzyronth the Imperator Insectorum were buried there. Despite the scholars being extremely cautious, they ultimately still fell into the trap."
"And let's not forget the letters from the councilors of the Sigonian Sovereignty. They denounce his tribe for once breaking agreements and sowing discord, leading to significant changes in the balance of peace between the tribes, resulting in repeated delays in the signing of agreements between Sigonia and IPC. Allowing such an employee to join at the IPC would be a severe detriment to public relations..."
"If these are the extent of the complaints, there's no need to tell me."
"...You already know it all?"
"Each gemstone holds unique value, and our task is to make investments."
"We don't need to appease those stubborn old-timers who sent in complaints, as these rumors will eventually reach... No, they would already have reached his ears. Well, let's take this chance and see how big of a surprise he can bring us."
Story II:
"You're quite something else, boy... I still can't figure out how you managed to empty out my entire business. But I will never surrender. If push comes to shove, I'll just blow up this whole place... What are you gonna do about it?"
The Mad Bull of Iymanika signals his followers to let go. The other man raises his head from the table, dusting off his collar.
"You arrogant dogs from the IPC never respected us wanderers, did you? But now that you're in our territory, you'll play by our rules."
Mad Bull empties the magazine, putting only one bullet in the revolver, and tosses it to the other man's feet.
"Six shots. Fate will decide whether we live or die after a maximum of six shots. Do you have the nerve?"
The other man bents down and picks up the revolver.
"There are too many people who've pointed a gun at me. Some of them even just went ahead and pressed the trigger straight up... Now, guess how come I'm still standing here."
The man stands up, stares into the Mad Bull's eyes, raises the gun, and puts it against his own heart.
"It's because the gun will always end up in my hand."
"And now, this game is making me bored... One in six? That possibly is nowhere near enough. If you want to tempt fate..."
Six consecutive gunshots thunder out in the starship that is wrapped in a deathly silence. After the smoke clears, the man raises the gun again and walks toward Mad Bull. The revolver is now loaded with a fresh bullet.
"You need to learn how to turn yourself into a die first."
"...You won't surrender, but why? Because you have this lousy game of chance? Or..."
He points the gun into the darkness.
"Because of her?"
A woman holding a pistol emerges slowly from the direction the revolver points. The Mad Bull acts as if he found a lifeline when he sees her.
"Madam Jade, this is not what we agreed upon..."
At that moment, both of them opened fire simultaneously, and two figures dressed in black fall from the shadows behind each of them.
"The IPC has enemies everywhere, right?" The woman calmly holsters her pistol, takes out her cosmetic mirror, and inspects her appearance.
"You used our lives as bait, making them believe there was internal strife between us, and then you eliminated them all... A clever trick, although a bit reckless." He greets the woman with a smile, although his hands tremble slightly.
"Trick? No, it was just a test."
The elegant lady opens her palm, revealing a shimmering aventurine of peculiar hues.
"There's nothing strange about it. Gemstones are destined to be... desired, sought, cut, and sold."
"However, there's so much more you can do. It all depends on how you see yourself."
"Go ahead, use me as you wish, even stab me in the back if you see fit. Exploitation and treachery are simply tools of the trade. But remember, I don't make deals that don't pay off... So, I hope you don't disappoint me." Aventurine's Theme
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Name: Topaz (& Numby) Titles: Senior Manager of the Strategic Investment Department Character Details:
Topaz, Senior Manager of the Strategic Investment Department in the Interastral Peace Corporation, and leader of the Special Debts Picket Team.
Already a member of the "Ten Stonehearts" at a young age, Topaz's core stone is the "topaz of debt retrieval."
Her partner, the Warp Trotter "Numby," is also capable of acutely perceiving where riches are located. It can even perform jobs involving security, debt collection, and actuarial sciences.
Presently they are traversing the cosmos together, chasing down various debts and liabilities that negatively influence the IPC's commercial ventures. Character Stories I and II:
Story I:
"Destor, have you seen this resume?"
"Which one do you... Oh, it's her — She just finished her internship at the marketing research team, and made quite a stir there — Ah, in a good way."
"She's already finished the internship? Ah..."
"Is there something wrong, Mr. Dvorski?"
"Nothing. Just curious. After all, the age at which she started her career is the youngest recorded in this department... Besides, her resume is so stunning. Let me see... Oh! She even signed a "lifelong contract"? I didn't expect us to pick up a talent like this from such a despondent planet..."
"I've already checked with our colleagues. Everything in her resume is true. She didn't even write her employment exam results in — Apparently she got a high mark in actuarial sciences, micro- and macroeconomics, intergalactic finances, and management sciences. Even her physical exam was nearly perfect. The only topic she failed was..."
"Hmm? What was it?"
"... It's business etiquette. She didn't even turn up for that test. 'I absolutely hate formalism' — apparently that's what she said."
Story II:
"Say... You —"
"Hmm? What's wrong, Uncle Dvorski?"
"...You know pets are forbidden at the office, right?"
"Of course! Row 144 from paragraph 86 of the employee pamphlet — It is strictly forbidden to bring any form of organic pets on-site to any of the Interastral Peace Corporation's offices."
"...So you remember it very well. Then, can you explain yourse—"
"— But I think this rule is useless and doesn't need to be obeyed at all. To be honest with you, sir — with these cute little things around, my work efficiency went up by twenty-seven percent!"
"...I won't question the numbers coming out of your mouth, but..."
"See? This little one — up you get — it's called Numby! Don't treat it just as a normal Warp Trotter. It's really sensitive to the scent of money! Now I bring it with me wherever I go abroad for business. It's basically become my lucky star~"
"I never thought I'd see such creatures at the office. Seriously... *cough* Anyways, I'll pretend I didn't see it. Just remember, the next time the director comes for a visit — Ah! Ahhh! What's going on!? D-Don't bite me! Q-quickly! Get it away —"
"Money is a means, not an end. Work should make you happy... That's the most fundamental principle." 
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Name: Argenti Titles: Knight of Beauty Character Details:
A paragon knight of the Knights of Beauty.
He embodies righteousness and honor, possessing an admirable nobility. As a solitary wanderer in the cosmos, he wholeheartedly embraces the principles of "Beauty."
Upholding the honor of beauty in the universe has been Argenti's sacred duty. From the very beginning, he approached this duty with piety and unwavering conviction. Character Stories I and II:
Story I:
His hometown was ravaged by war for years, and the memories of his early childhood were tainted by the horrors of bloodshed and relentless shelling. Amidst the chaos, he sought refuge underground and, by chance, discovered an ocarina beneath a stone tile.
With trembling hands, he attempted to coax a melody from the instrument.
However, his "music" proved to be terrible.
Yet, the ethereal notes emanating from his ocarina became his sanctuary, a spiritual escape from the harsh reality.
Over time, the melodic strains faded into the recesses of his memory, becoming a mysterious and elusive moment. It was only years later, during a bard tour, when he saved a child from the flames of war and received a precious ocarina as a token of gratitude, that the melodies of his past resurfaced.
Holding the exquisite instrument in his hands, he examined its flawless and noble craftsmanship. Once again, the melodies of his childhood converged, evoking a flood of emotions and memories.
However, his "music" remained terrible.
"I'm too clumsy to master this instrument..."
He murmured in self-deprecation. Yet, after a profound moment of contemplation, a resolute courage ignited within him. He resolved to try once more, to weave a melody.
The music remained unchanged, but this time, he laughed wholeheartedly.
"Despite the terrible music, I love it. I believe it to be beautiful."
Carefully stowing away his ocarina, he once again embarked on his journey without hesitation.
Story II:
After leaving his hometown, he became the apprentice of an elderly master.
Alongside physical and mental training, he would often listen to his master's tales of bygone eras — stories of transcendent beauty and mystical phenomena witnessed by the Minstrels.
"It was a world bathed in amber, draped in undisturbed stillness, where every being shed tears for the magnificent wonders veiled beneath its surface."
"Rumor has it that Idrila, after embarking on a journey spanning numerous cycles of Thirteen Amber Eras, will make a triumphant return to the universe during the elusive thirteenth month."
Day after day, his master imparted the essence of beauty to him. He learned to go beyond mere poetic recitation and embrace devotion as the embodiment of beauty, truly upholding its philosophy.
He understood that beauty was not just a code to follow but a way of life, an existence known as a knight.
However, his master departed from this world, and he once again set out on his lonely journey. He contemplated his existence, pondering the nature of his being. Instead of lamenting his solitude, he focused on becoming a true knight.
During his stay in an old city, he labored to restore its dilapidated streets.
He vanquished nightmarish monsters, and with the arrival of spring, rabbits frolicked once again in the woods.
He also briefly found companionship in the presence of another knight, who professed his faith in the blessings of the goddess residing within his armor.
"To give one's soul requires understanding that each encounter might be one's last, yet retreating is never an option."
"Carry these words of courage with you, my dear friend."
He contemplated on his lance, which bore the stains of countless battles fought in the name of Beauty.
With solemn reverence, he wiped away each mark, a testament to his tireless odyssey toward the pursuit of Beauty.
"May this rose convey my heartfelt salutations." Argenti's Theme
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Name: Veritas Ratio Titles: Dr. Ratio Character Details:
A candid and self-assured Intelligentsia Guild member, who often conceals his appearance with a strange plaster sculpture.
He demonstrated unparalleled intelligence and talent since his youth, but now refers to himself as a "Mundanite."
Firmly believing that intellect and creativity are not confined to geniuses, he seeks to distribute knowledge to the entire universe to cure the persistent disease named ignorance. Character Stories I and II:
Story I:
Veritas Ratio, who calls himself "Dr. Ratio," is as contentious as his research. In Ratio's homeworld, there are no less than eight documentaries detailing his legendary exploits, and over a dozen memoirs about him. However, despite the plethora of commentaries, none of them seems to provide a compelling perspective. To fill this void, I personally visited Professor Rond, who had a significant influence on Ratio's upbringing. Though advanced in years and unable to speak coherently, Professor Rond couldn't contain his excitement at the mention of Ratio's name. With the help of his family and students, I obtained a yellowed yet remarkably well-preserved letter of recommendation.
"To the respected admission committee of the University of Veritas Prime:
I am Rond, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Mathematics at the Cosmos Liberty University. Given your institution's reputation for valuing talents and education, I would like to recommend a student named Ratio to advance his studies at your university. Although Ratio is a high school student at the moment, his mastery of math, physics, and even philosophy has far exceeded the requirements for an undergraduate degree in many universities.
While he was under my tutelage, Ratio managed to solve complicated mathematical equations at an unexpectedly staggering speed. The undergraduates in my class struggled to even comprehend the concepts. Out of curiosity, I shared a manuscript about an equation named Rond's Conjecture in private. Although I'm the one who proposed the equation, I've been unable to prove it. After days of discussion, Ratio came up with a brilliant and stunning idea that managed to finally prove the equation in one strike. The paper will be published shortly, and you will see that I am speaking the truth.
Ratio showed remarkable perception, curiosity, and creativity during the time we spent together. He wakes up early every morning to exercise before diving straight into the sea of knowledge afterward. Perhaps, he is exactly what everyone would picture a genius to be — passionate, profound, fervent, and inherently dominating.
Due to the lack of more advanced science programs at local schools, I sincerely hope that your esteemed institution will accept Ratio's enrollment. I can vouch for him on my reputation that he will definitely achieve accomplishments that transcend this era and bring glory to your widely-renowned institution.
Best wishes,
Rond
██ ██ ██, Philosopher Calendar"
Extracted from page 9, Wisdom as a Privilege: Decoding Dr. Ratio
Story II:
After acquiring his eighth doctoral degree, Ratio was awarded the First Class Honors Degree that had been left vacant for two Amber Eras in the University of Veritas Prime. Even many years later, this achievement remained unparalleled in the history of the university and was likely to remain unmatched for generations to come. At that time, Ratio was already a prominent figure in society, but there were varying opinions about him among his teachers and peers. This is the electronic copy of some valuable information I gathered:
"
Campus Highlights:
1. #First Class Honors Degree Awarded to Veritas Ratio#
Views (2500), Comments (145)
Details:
The First Class Honors Degree of our university that has been vacant for two Amber Eras will soon be awarded to Veritas Ratio in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the fields of biology, medicine, natural theology, philosophy, mathematics, physics, and engineering. Given his remarkable contribution to the subject of energy sources on this planet, Veritas Ratio will be granted direct eligibility for teaching.
Professor Velita, Department of Mathematics:
Congratulations to Ratio! He deserves all the glory for his diligence and intelligence! Do you still remember how he put on a headgear to keep away all external distractions and completely focus on thinking? Who else in the world could manage that? Although Ratio was my student for some time, I'm afraid I actually learned more from him than what I taught him. Ratio was a breath of fresh air at the University of Veritas Prime with his honesty and straightforwardness. We should all be grateful to him!
Agree (1000+), Disagree (2)
Philosophy_Delinquent:
Shouldn't he be a member of the Genius Society already?
Agree (850), Disagree (5)
Physics_Is_Beautiful:
Rumor has it that some congressman's son attended a class where Ratio was the TA. The guy tossed some cash on Ratio, trying to bribe him for a pass. Ratio came down hard on the guy and threw him out of the classroom. That's right — he literally THREW him... What a god among men.
Agree (550), Disagree (112)
BearMarket_Loser
I once went to a class where he was the TA and couldn't wrap my head around what he was saying. I held on to the end and scored 0. I count myself lucky that my score wasn't negative...
Agree (448), Disagree (37)
Cosmos_Walker
Give me a like if you've ever cried because of his scolding!
Agree (330), Disagree (110)
BoredomKillledTheCat
Is it true that he showers with his headgear on?
Agree (220), Disagree (10)
Follow-My-Lead
He's not that great, is he? I can do the same if I just work harder...
Agree (1), Disagree (1000)
...
You might like:
2. #The 8th Doctoral Degree Under Ratio's Belt#
3. #Ratio Featured in College Textbooks#
4. #Is Veritas Ratio Crazy?#
"
According to statistics, Ratio has taught 52 courses during his tenure. The courses, known to be harsh and challenging, have a completion rate of no more than 3%. Almost all the students who made it to the end have become experts in certain fields.
...
Extracted from page 82, Wisdom as a Privilege: Decoding Dr. Ratio
"The most annoying thing about idiocy is that you can't explain it to an idiot." Dr. Ratio's Theme
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