Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Hat Guy",

Per Lord Kusanali's request, I have become responsible for your academic progress and must 'prevent you from neglecting your studies'.

I have received the news that you were not present for Professor Farah's exam last week. For reasons unbeknowst to me, this caused quite the negative impact on him, and he spent most of the afternoon complaining about you to other members of the faculty staff. I was forced to leave work early to avoid him and his state of disarray.

Nonetheless, according to the Akademiya's principles, you are allowed to reschedule your exam so long as you do so within the same month. I am sending you a request form that you must fill out with your name and student identification to give to Professor Farah.

Your personal advisor,

Al-Haitham

Hello.

I refuse to take any exam assigned by Professor Farah, given that he is an absolute idiot, and I am resolute in this decision. The only class I am having with him is Post-Cataclysm Inazuman Agricultural Practices, which is an elective, so it will not affect my academic progress in any way. Additionally, feel free to disregard Lord Kusanali's request. I'll talk to her once I get back to Sumeru.

It seems Farah — hardly a 'professor' of anything — felt offended by certain things I said about him during a lesson. He suggested that Inazuman farmers kept crops of Sakura Blooms due to their high monetary worth. This is obviously false. Blooms occur naturally in the wild and require concentrated elemental energy to manifest physically, which is what makes them rare and valuable in the first place. When I mentioned this, he called himself the authority on the matter, so I said his authority was worth less than the dirt under my shoe. I haven't gone to his lectures since.

I am sending back the blank request form and a second letter informing my formal withdrawal from the course.

HG

'HG',

Noted.

Al-haitham

—

Scholars Association's International Journal for Spiritual and Mystic Studies Vol. 203, pages 24-49

Religious Practices In Lower Nod-Krai: Hyperborea and the Frostmoon Scions P.26

(…) Of noteworthy Hyperborean descendants, the Frostmoon Scions are the only group still active today. They are indigenous to Nod-Krai and have dwindled in numbers over the years, and little is reported on them. As I have stated in past works, the Scions are 'a religious and cultural group that worship the Frost Moon and the figure of the Moon Goddess throughout history'.(Guy, Vol. 202, p. 72.) (…)

—

Dear Hat Guy,

A few weeks ago, I sent you an invite to Puspa Café so you could play some rounds of Magical Invokation TCG with Sethos and I. Tragically, the invite must have gotten lost in the mail before reaching you, since I seldom believe you would have willingly missed out on the chance to compete against some of the best in the business right now. Worry not, because I am inviting you once again.

I know it can be intimidating, especially considering you had to borrow one of my decks last time we convinced you to play, but I promise there is nothing to be worried about. The main goal of MI:TCG is to have fun, and we won't tell anyone about your potential defeats. We are all friends here.

We shall meet at the café tomorrow afternoon. We have 'bean' wanting to play against you, and it would be 'magical' to 'invoke' your presence.

Cyno

Dear Hat Guy,

The horrors! You couldn't make it once again!

As the General Mahamatra, I am aware that it is finals season. This is my busiest time of year, since it is the moment where students try their utmost hardest to cheat, and have to be punished by yours truly. I can only assume you are equally occupied studying for exams and completing assignments.

However, when I find myself stressed, I know I can always find release with a hearty meal and a good, friendly round of Magical Invokation TCG. Sethos and I will meet at Lambad's Tavern tonight. Don't overwork yourself. Studying can always be done tomorrow. Bring your shiniest cards.

Cyno

Dear Hat Guy,

I understand everyone copes with finals in their own way. Don't worry about hurting my feelings and choosing the books, I get it. Just make sure to eat well and get full nights of sleep.

During our student years, Kaveh would lock himself in his room and we wouldn't see him for multiple days. He would then wander the Akademiya corridors in a trance, pale as a sheet and running on little to no sleep. Once, he left his room late at night to get dinner, and another equally exhausted student saw him in the dim lighting and thought he was a ghost. We heard tales of a 'malnourished, tormented entity that only comes out at night' for months, frightening even Kaveh, the ghost, himself. It took a while for us to connect the dots.

Anyway, finals are now over! This calls for celebration! This time around, we will meet at Tighnari's house in Gandharva Ville, since he and Collei have agreed to play Magical Invokation alongside us. He is a fierce opponent, and Collei is progressing quickly. Stakes will be high. Sethos will even be taking his signature meat rolls to disperse the tension. You won't want to miss this.

Cyno

Cyno,

I'll go if you swear you'll stop clogging my mailbox with your letters. It exists solely for correspondence of the academic and professional kind.

HG

Hat Guy,

I accept your offer so long as it doesn't prohibit me or my delightful cousin Sethos from meeting you in-person at the Akademiya for further discussions of the Magical Invokation kind.

Your beloved friend,

Cyno

For the love of God, fine. I'll be there.

HG

—

Names to remember

Al-Haitham (Book guy)

Kaveh (the blond one next to Book guy)

Cyno (Hat with big ears)

Sethos (the green-eyed one next to Hat with big ears)

Tighnari (big ears, no hat)

Collei (Green)

Layla (fake profession)

Faruzan (mint hair, avoid at all costs)

Dori (horrific personality)

Nilou (dances)

Dehya (fun on occasion)

—

Young boy,

I am sure you must have already heard of me. My name is Faruzan, and I am one of the most well-respected professors in Haravatat history. I am also a three-time winner of the Sumerian Contest of Mechanics, though this contest ceased to exist fifty years ago.

I have been graced with a hefty amount of free time lately, for reasons that do not concern you. As a result, I was cornered by Professor Farah. Furious as he was, I had to listen to him whine incessantly about a particular hat-wearing student before he let me finish my lunch. I can only assume he was talking about you.

Naturally, I wanted to congratulate you. I detest Professor Farah. I spent one hundred years trapped within a temple, and once I was introduced to him as my new work colleague, I longed for my centennial prison. He is impossibly tedious and shows no respect to his elders. I was overjoyed to know a student had revolted against him. I looked everywhere for you, but couldn't seem to find you anywhere. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were hiding from me. I have decided to send this letter instead of waiting to converse face-to-face.

It is already rare for the Akademiya to find brilliant professors such as I, but even rarer for it to find brilliant students such as yourself. I am much sought after, but I can organize my schedule to fit a new pupil. Have you any interest in ancient mechanisms?

Professor Faruzan

Hello, Professor Faruzan. I commend your insistence.

I am a Vahumana student. With all due respect, why would I possibly take a course in ancient mechanisms? (As an ancient mechanism myself)

Besides our mutual hatred for Professor Farah, it seems we share little in common.

May you find students soon.

HG

Young boy,

I do not like your tone. This is not over. I have many ideas on how to merge my studies with yours, and I will make sure to find you soon to discuss them in detail.

Professor Faruzan

Professor Faruzan's office, Akademiya - Sumeru City

This letter is for documentation purposes. Do not respond.

Congratulations!

You have officially enrolled in Professor [Faruzan]'s new course: Sociological Studies of Ancient Mechanisms.

Condition: [Elective].

Duration: [1 year].

Number of assignments: [92].

Class size: [1].

—

S. my love,

It's been so long since I've last sent you a letter! Hope you haven't found a stronger, nicer boyfriend in the meantime. We've been overworked recently, considering our troops keep dwindling. But I'm still standing! Guess that's a testament to my skills as a fighter.

I've been dueling some of the lower-ranks that are brave enough to take the bait, but it's really boring. Either I give it my all and the fight's done in seconds, or I hold back, and there's no fun in that. I had so much unused energy the other day that I ran into the woods and started hacking at trees. I'm losing my mind out here.

Some of it is because I miss fighting with you, but I also just miss you in general. I remember how much I'd pester you in missions, and then pester you in the palace, just so you'd pay attention to me. It always felt like a huge victory when you did, and it still feels that way. You've always been one to keep me on my toes. No one's a match for you.

I got my copy of your new paper in the mail. It was the greatest honor to be 'anonymous convict number two' in your critique of the Fortress of Meropide. I know asking me to be in it is one of your weird ways of flirting, and i'm happy to know you're wiping the floor with all your Vahumana classmates. When they start praying on your downfall, that's how you know you're better than any of them will ever be. It's how I became a Harbinger.

I'm sending you a few things I got here and there. First is Liyuean tea of the finest quality. The vendor described it as 'bitter and refined', which made me think of you. Second and third are very old travel journals from Natlanese explorers. They mention a lot of ancient customs, and political struggles from the time. The one with the red cover even mentions Ochkanatlan. I stole them from Capitano's former room. Four is a plushie of a ginger fox I bought in a local fair. Don't you think it looks like me? It can go with the cat plushie I sent you last time, and you can put them side-by-side, and coo at them. All things typical of your warm and affectionate nature.

To answer your question, it's not that I'm avoiding meeting Durin. Really. He sounds friendly! You know I'm all for you making connections apart from me (though I loved the undivided attention), and it's sweet that one of your first friends is a little toy dragon. I could even tell Teucer I made him myself (kidding!).

I guess I'm just a bit lost. How are we even going to explain… everything about us? You're a run-of-the-mill scholar and you happen to be well-acquainted with a Harbinger? Or am I meant to be a toy vendor here too? I'm not sure how much Durin would buy that one. You know I'm an awful liar, I'll immediately undo any careful deceiving you'll come up with. Does he know about me? I know you like to keep our relationship private, and so do I, but are you going to introduce us as friends? Should I wear an outfit less fit for bloodshed?

Hope you're doing well (but not too well!) without me,

Ajax

Hi.

Firstly, relax. You sound like you're going to explode at the mere thought of meeting Durin. This can't be how the brave and mighty Tartaglia dies now, can it? I expected more from you.

I have no intention of hiding who you are to him. Durin knows I have a partner, and that you're a Harbinger, though with his limited knowledge that didn't mean much to him. He was just happy for me.

I assume you're this freaked out because you're worried he won't like you, which is stupid. Durin's a good kid. His favorite food is apples, his favorite hobby is floating near flowers, and he tugs at my sleeve everytime he sees a butterfly. I think you and your terrible ego can manage.

The lower-ranking Fatui are weak and bird-brained. You were already above them mentally and physically when you proved you could hold up your own weight and put a thought together. I'm sure the trees must be putting up more of a fight. I'll indulge you one time in your next visit, and one time only. When you lose, no rematches. You know I find combat a waste of time.

Thank you for the presents. I'll taste the tea and use the journals for whatever absurd projects Professor Faruzan keeps muttering about. As for the plushie, I've fed it to wildlife.

You already know how I feel about you, and I won't write it down. Either visit Sumeru or get nothing at all.

S.

—

Zubayr Theater formally invites you to its new production:

The Aranara Princess featuring Nilou and ensemble

When: Saturday night

P.S. : Hat Guy! Nilou here! I don't know if you're one for plays, but the director took inspiration from my tales of Simulanka to write the script, so I'm hoping you can make it. Not to spoil much, but you and Mini Durin show up as Aranara! Najia was tasked with making a replica of your hat and she did an amazing job. See you soon!

—

To-do list:

• Lend notes to Murr (classmate #14)

• Return book at library

• Taste Liyuean tea

• Visit Lord Kusanali

• Finish Professor Faruzan's assignment

• Defend my dignity at Zubayr Theater

• Accompany Durin to Mondstadt

—

Hat Guy,

Mini Durin has taken quite a liking to his new room at the Headquarters. Klee keeps him company there, since he isn't free to roam the city yet, and they've grown close. He is still quite timid around me, but he's not as shy when talking about you, so I've taken to asking him questions about your time together to soothe him. I asked him if your room is anything similar to his here in Mondstadt, and he mentioned he's never seen you sleep, which I can only assume is the result of a child's penchant for exaggeration.

Things are progressing as expected in Mondstadt. It won't be long until Durin makes his first attempt to ruin my reputation, which will allow the Knights of Favonius and I to begin our 'trial'. As a criminal, I won't be able to send any updates regarding Mini Durin's status until after the alchemical process is complete. I hope you understand.

P.S.: Mini Durin asked me to tell you not to worry, and that he hopes you aren't too lonely with him gone.

Albedo

Hat Guy,

All is well. Durin is still under close observation just in case his body rejects the procedure, but for now he appears to be stable and adapting nicely.

Although I suggested a longer period of rest, neither he nor Klee could wait any longer, and their days have grown very busy. When Klee isn't taking him for a tour of the city and introducing him to everyone, I have been teaching him how to read and write, along with the basic principles of alchemy. I am pleased to let you know that he is a quick learner. He still struggles with human behavior, but there is no easy way to understand something so complex. We must give him time.

If you'd like to send a letter to Durin, I will make sure to include it in his next lesson.

P.S.: The second envelope contains photos he took with my borrowed Kamera. There are plenty. He is a bit overexcited.

From,

Albedo And Durin :)

Durin,

Don't get too excited to hear from me. I chose to make this letter long and boring, as to better suit your needs for grammar and vocabulary acquisition.

My days in the Akademiya haven't changed much since your departure. Most of my classes continue being excessively easy, except for Professor Faruzan's, if you recall. She has even more free time than I do, and seemingly spends all her days creating assignments to torture me with, as if I am somehow to blame for her little to no purpose within Haravatat. This week I am expected to locate and translate three Primal Obelisks, which are exceptionally rare sacred mechanisms, only found inside sealed temples in the desert. My guess is she's running out of ideas.

Lord Kusanali (other terms you might know her as: Dendro Archon, Nahida, Buer, God of Wisdom, 'nice girl who plays swings with me') is happy to hear you are doing well. She hopes you'll visit eventually. She's still unofficially the Grand Sage, and has lost all hope for finding a replacement anytime soon. Most of the options she has are terrible, so I can't say I blame her. Since many of my papers are interdisciplinary, I occasionally talk to professors from other Darshans, and very few, if any, can be trusted with the position of Grand Sage. She considered organizing an election of sorts, but the last one put Azar in charge, so she's hesitant, to say the least.

Don't make a big deal out of it, but I've taken up your suggestion to offer tutoring hours. I haven't made any friends, if that's what you're wondering. In fact, I am probably quickly building up a list of enemies. I've had a few students walk away in tears. I find the notion a bit ridiculous. If you're doing so poorly in your courses that you need the help of another student, why would you expect them to make it easy for you? It'll make your work lighter for now, but in the long run you'll be just as incompetent when harder courses come around. This applies to you, as well. Don't neglect your studies.

I'm sending you Magical Invokation TCG cards that I acquired against my will recently. Cyno and Sethos would always lend me extra decks they had lying around, but I guess they found me worthy of my very own set. I find the game irritating and owning a deck feels like a sign that I am losing control over my life, so you can have it. You watched me play a couple of times, but just in case you didn't catch all the rules, I added a guidebook. Consider this a gift, if you want.

That's all.

HG

Hat guy!!!!!

i did not find yuor your letter boring. I had a lot of fun reading it! :)

When i get better at righting writing, i will send you way more stuff. Promise!

Miss you!

Durin

—

Professor Faruzan's office, Akademiya - Sumeru City

This letter is for documentation purposes. Do not respond.

Congratulations!

You have officially completed Professor [Faruzan]'s course: Sociological Studies of Ancient Mechanisms.

Attendance: [84% of classes attended]

Final grade: [92% of 100%]

Additional notes made by the professor (optional):

You are the Akademiya's only hope amidst a sea of forgettable and mediocre students.

If the student has any critiques or compliments they'd like to make about the professor and/or course, use this free space and mail the document back to the Akademiya's main office (optional):

Professor Faruzan is one of the best this institution has to offer.

—

'Hat Guy',

Your formal request for leave has been granted by the Akademiya. Here is the list of requirements for your research to be accepted once you return:

• You must keep a research journal and update it regularly, with the knowledge that it will be analysed by your professors to confirm your studies;

• Although it doesn't have to be complete upon return, you must present at least a rough draft of your final thesis;

• You must not, under any circumstances, use the funding provided to you to pursue alternative research topics. You requested Driyosh status to improve your initial study into 'Religious Practices in Lower Nod-Krai', so your progress must obligatorily comply with this field;

• If you require additional funding, you must submit a formal request and wait at least five months for a response from your Darshan;

• As previously stated, you must pick one professor to send consistent updates to. In your case, you chose Professor Faruzan, who is allowed to report your trip and demand your return if she deems your updates inconsistent or insufficient;

• Once your thesis is finalized, it will be subjected to a review done by at least half of Vahumana's department, who will then declare whether it is fit for publication or not.

On regular cases, the Driyosh will routinely have all missed assignments mailed to them, which they must then complete within a determined time period. However, Lord Kusanali (as there is currently no Vahumana Sage) and your professors have agreed to waive your academic responsibilities given your excellence as a student thus far. Please keep in mind that this is an exception to the rule, and you must not inform any of your colleagues. If this information becomes known to anyone, we will remove all benefits granted.

You have until the end of the week to collect your initial sum of Mora at the main office, and until the end of the month to send your first update to your chosen professor. For any further inquiries, please ask Lord Kusanali during her office hours (10h-11h).

Good luck on your research,

Al-Haitham

Scribe of the Akademiya

Sumeru City

—

PERSONAL Travel Log #NK001

Trip was long and uneventful. It's been a pleasure seeing Durin, and even Albedo, again. There won't be much time for the three of us to discuss personal matters from now on. While they help their Grand Master with the Wild Hunt crisis, I'll be investigating Il Dottore on my own. The Marionette has been stationed here for multiple years and has lived to tell the tale, shoddy construction and all, so I can definitely manage. I would insult her to her face if I could. She's always been quite predictable.

—

Professor Faruzan,

I have arrived in Nod-Krai safely, although the condition here is dire. You said you were willing to overlook all of my probable breaches in academic and personal safety so long as I make it worth your while, which I of course am very grateful for.

I bought this from a merchant when I arrived. It appears to be an authentic journal dating back to the ancient kingdom of Ochkanatlan. I didn't use my research funds for it,so I don't have to justify the expense to the Akademiya.

Enjoy,

HG

—

Names to remember II:

Lauma (Moonchanter. Important.)

Nefer (Very green)

Flins (clearly not human, not my problem)

Jahoda (loud)

Varka (Grandmaster)

Ineffa (inferior tech)

Aino (strange little girl)

Nicole (Angel)

—

PERSONAL Travel Log #NK015

Lord Sangemah Bay is here. She really is detestable.

Columbina, the Knave and the Marionette sure are chipper. They already hosted their little tea parties when I was a Harbinger, but I was never invited. Childe used to say he was willing to 'vouch' for me, as if I would find anything noteworthy in having tea and fraternizing. Truly unmissable. I never let him go through with it. Besides, I was known for working closely with Il Dottore, who everyone has always despised, and not even I was particularly fond of. I just prioritized the ends over the means.

I don't regret my antisocial behavior during my time as a Harbinger. I was working towards a goal, and believed most of my colleagues had little to offer in helping me achieve that goal. I used to assume the same was true for all of the Harbingers. Weren't we taught to be solitary, selfish, ruthless? But seeing how much they trust each other… It just makes me wonder, I suppose.

I had worried that Miss Columbina, due to being a human vessel for a moon beyond the false sky, would be capable of surpassing Irminsul's domain. This was not the case. None of the current or former Harbingers I've encountered here recognize me. That's good. It's like they've never known me at all.

—

RESEARCH Log I:

• The current Moonchanter (something akin to a leader) of the Scions is called Lauma. She is particularly sensitive to kuuvahki (Nod-Krai's unique form of elemental energy, fueled by the Moon) and was born with antlers, affirming her position as a descendent of Hyperborea.

• The Scions' communal decisions and division of duties are done through a decentralized meeting that takes place once every moon cycle. The members are asked to share any potential concerns or recommendations for the upcoming cycle, and these comments are then resolved by the end of the reunion, effective immediately. However, when it comes to religious planning and execution of worship, all matters are handled solely by the Moonchanter.

• The Frostmoon Scions still worship the Moon and kuuvahki, however they haven't had contact with their Moon Goddess for hundreds of years. It is said by the faithful that she left the Scions of her own will after they demanded too much of her. As a result, the faction is currently more focused on humanitarian work, cultural maintenance, and philosophy.

• They prioritize modest living, coexistence with nature, selflessness, and unity.

—

Childe,

I have to be brief this time around. No fixed address at the moment either, so you won't be able to reach me. Don't mope too much.

The current crisis in Nod-Krai, along with my personal investigation into Il Dottore, has pushed me into cooperating with the Harbingers. I can tell the Knave has her doubts about my identity and I believe she'll look into it once things settle down. She's fond of you, so you'll certainly be the one tasked to do your research on me. Try your hardest to lie convincingly once the time comes, for both our sakes.

I found the Marionette's tea to be lackluster.

S.

—

Hello Professor Faruzan. I am still alive.

There is a child inventor in Nod-Krai called Aino, who built an intelligent robot called Ineffa. I asked Ineffa where her core is from, and after some prodding, the answer I received is as follows:

'My energy core originates from Ix Raq'lapuj Chue'q Buluk, the Eleventh of the Thirteen Sovereign Lords.'

Hope you are doing well.

HG

—

PERSONAL Travel Log #NK046

It makes me happy to see how far Durin has come. He is becoming better at controlling the Abyssal energy within him, and is starting to trust himself more. He's excited to learn about everything. He asks Albedo and I all about the animals, the leaves on the trees, our respective fields of study. The very notion of being alive thrills him.

He reminds me of myself, all those years ago. On one particular evening, Niwa decided he was going to teach me how to weave a basket. I was still very clumsy with my hands, but he was patient, and I enthusiastic. After a few hours, he was called to help cook dinner, and left me to my practice. I had never seen weaving before, but I knew the baskets would make carrying crops easier for the villagers, and the intricate patterns were enough to take my breath away, simple of mind as I was. When Niwa came back, I had more baskets than I knew what to do with. I had made a good pile of them. They were a little crooked and wobbly, but he congratulated me anyway. We went from door to door gifting them to neighbors, and even though there definitely were better baskets to choose from, I only ever saw them using mine from that moment onwards.

I would never have the patience to do that nowadays. Maybe I could teach Durin, though. I think he'd like it.

—

Nahida,

Things in Nod-Krai have steadily taken a turn for the worse, and we need to do everything possible to stop Il Dottore from succeeding. This means taking risks.

As an artificial being, I have a core that keeps me alive. The same one you had to draw energy from to nurse me back to health when I fell into a coma. Without it, I deactivate.

I have chosen to let Sandrone, the Seventh of the Harbingers, use it to our advantage. I trust her with it. She has personal stakes on the crisis, and is a competent researcher when she feels like it. Ideally, Sandrone will return it to me once its purpose has been served, and I will be back to normal. But if I am deactivated for too long, I might not wake up, or my system might reset, wiping my identity completely. Even knowing the dangers, it's our only choice.

If I don't make it back to Sumeru, I'd like to apologize for dying somewhere you can't reach. You've always been quite invested in my well-being, making it well and truly impossible for me to make it up to you. It's a testament to your constant care that I had to be in another nation entirely to put myself in harm's way again. You couldn't have prevented these circumstances.

Sumeru is better than it ever was thanks to you, yet you worry incessantly. I only say this since I might never have to face you again, and if I survive make sure not to mention it, but you're too hard on yourself. You're a good Archon, and a good friend.

Good bye,

HG

—

Travel Log #NK083

Il Dottore is dead, though I didn't get to witness it myself.

Sandrone is dead.

Victory has felt quite bittersweet.

I plan on staying a few more days, since the Moonchanter has luckily agreed to help me with my studies.

—

Professor Faruzan,

I will most likely be back by the end of the month.

My research has proven fruitful. It doesn't involve mechanisms.

HG

—

Complete list of books I must return to the Scions by the end of the semester in perfect condition:

• Fragments of Hyperborean poems I, II and III

• A complete history of Frostmoon Scions architecture

• Kuuvahki and its elemental properties

• Moon-Prayer Night: History, Significance, Preparation

• Guiding principles of the Frostmoon Scions

• Journals belonging to former Moonchanters: copies IV, X, and XX

• Annotations on the Moon Goddess as a symbol and as a figure

• Frostmoon Scions Encyclopedia

• Official guide to becoming a Priestess

• Complete list of prayers

• Principles of fasting

• FAQ: Hyperborea, the three Moon Goddesses, the War of Funerary Flame

• Catalogue of holy relics

—

'Hat Guy',

Congratulations. Your thesis has passed review and has been deemed fit for publication. Professor Vrishta was moved to tears and called it 'one of the best this institution has ever seen'. I will send you a complete transcript of their discussion, since it is your right as a student to have access to all critiques.

I must also inform you that with the publication of this paper, your position within the Akademiya will shift from 'scholar' to 'Dastur', making you an official researcher. This will allow you to acquire funding for future projects easier, but it does not mean you will have to cease the independent studies that you are well-known for.

Additionally, you are free to graduate officially whenever you please. All your Darshan objectives have been met. Unless there are any electives or extracurriculars you'd like to do before completing your studies, you may send a letter to the main office requesting to know the graduation protocols.

Al-Haitham

—

Professor Faruzan's office, Akademiya - Sumeru City

This letter is for documentation purposes. Do not respond.

Congratulations!

You have officially enrolled in Professor [Faruzan]'s new course: Sociological Studies of Ancient Mechanisms II.

Condition: [Elective].

Duration: [6 months].

Number of assignments: [41].

Class size: [1].

—

Dear S. My Beloved,

I have good news and bad news. The good news is I'm visiting you again sometime soon! I have more gifts than I can fit in my luggage and I have many romantic getaways planned to celebrate your soon-to-be graduation. Yayy! The bad news is I'm visiting because I've been given the official task of 'investigating the elusive hat-wearing individual at the Akademiya'. We'll work something out. Or maybe I'll hand you in to the Fatui to impress the Tsaritsa. Who knows.

Jokes aside, I haven't decided if I'm pissed off or elated that you helped Sandrone the way you did. You were crucial in defeating him, but come on. This marks the third or fourth time you've tried self-destructing without giving me a heads-up. Do you assume you mean that little to me? Do you get off on the idea of me finding out through other people and turning crazy and going on a killing spree? I'd do it. I'm already not that far off. If I knew dating a scholar meant this much stress, I'd have just dated a gloomy hat-wearing Harbinger, or something. It's a shame.

Speaking of scholars, have you decided what you're gonna do with your life once you graduate? If you're not gonna go ahead and become a professor like you were clearly divinely chosen to be, will you have a lot of free time? Mayhaps enough free time to accompany me (hard at work) to Mondstadt and say hi to Durin? I kind of miss the awkward little guy. And I have gifts for him, too.

See you in two weeks-ish?,

Ajax

Ajax,

Lucky me. They've sent their most uninspired Harbinger to catch me on my lies. I doubt he'll find anything.

To have you speak about 'romantic getaways' evokes chills in me, given your taste. If they're anything along the lines of 'hunting treasure hoarders in the wild and using them as aiming practice', I hope I can opt out.

About my energy core: I know you, and 'restraint' is not one of your qualities. You'd come running down to prevent me doing anything stupid. It forces me to be a bit selfish. I'll never tell you my plans if I know you'll try to talk me out of them, and I think we've had enough fights to last my entire lifetime. Consider it another one of my many flaws. Try and find comfort in the knowledge that, for as long as my self-destruction doesn't come to fruition, I am regrettably yours.

Why is everyone so insistent that I should start teaching? After the harm I caused Sumeru, the Akademiya doors should have closed at the mere sight of me. If the townsfolk were to suddenly remember everything the way you and I do, they'd chase me away with pitchforks. I'm not saying I wouldn't deserve it, of course, but my days here are on stolen time.

We can go to Mondstadt, if nothing urgent pops up. Durin will probably have things to gift you, too. He's been really into weaving, as of late.

At the risk of sounding sentimental, do you remember how stubborn you used to be? I had to agree to spend more time with you just so you'd stop breaking into my room uninvited. You were completely impossible. Everyone else caught on to my personality and left me to it, but not you.

Can't wait,

S.

—

Akademiya Notice Board - For all student matters!

Hat Guy's Tutoring Hours for the Inferior and the Lost:

Since I am graduating a few weeks from now, my next reunion at the House of Daena will also be my last. As is customary, write your name below if you intend on participating:

Addendum: ALL SLOTS TAKEN

—

'Hat Guy',

I know you mentioned a potential trip to Mondstadt, but Lord Kusanali has decided to go through with an election for Grand Sage, and I figured you might want to cast your vote since you were a student here until last week. Here is how the process is going to work:

• The vote is optional;

• Any current students, recent graduates and members of faculty are allowed to vote;

• The votes will be counted by the end of the month, and the newly-appointed Grand Sage will take over starting next semester;

• You must write down your vote in the official slip I have attached to this letter, and send it to the main office;

• To be eligible, your desired candidate must: have graduated, have no history of plagiarism, be of at least Datur status, have notable achievements in their field, be a resident of Sumeru, have a good understanding of the Akademiya's regulations, and have a good reputation within the Akademiya;

• If your desired candidate is not already a sage, should they win, they will also become the Sage for their Darshan;

• Please use legible handwriting.

Al-Haitham

Scribe,

I understand Lord Kusanali wants to appoint a new Grand Sage as soon as possible, but aren't these requirements a bit lackluster? I could strike up conversation with a child at the market right now and discover that they're eligible for the position of Grand Sage. Did Lord Kusanali explain her reasoning to you?

HG

'Hat Guy',

Why would Lord Kusanali inform me of her management decisions? I am only a humble scribe, after all.

Al-Haitham

—

Akademiya's Main Office

Dear [Hat Guy],

With [84%] out of 100% total votes sent by students, graduates and staff alike, you are the newly appointed Grand Sage of the Akademiya. Since you won by an overwhelming margin, we will not be conducting a second round of voting. Congratulations.

Report to the Main Office when possible to understand your responsibilities moving forward.

Are you fucking crazy

What are you talking about

????

Excuse me????

—

Lord Kusanali, I am certain you planned this. What exactly is your goal here? You do remember the last Grand Sage chose a path of corruption because of me? You had to direct a quarter of Sumeru's funds into effectively eliminating all Akasha Terminals in existence because the two evil Harbingers learned to exploit them? I drove an innocent researcher to madness? Why are you doing this? Do you hate your job that badly?

Hello! Is it safe to assume the news has reached you? I believe congratulations are in order.

I had worried that you wouldn't make the Akademiya your home, and you'd continue choosing a path of self-inflicted solitude. That was not the life I wanted for you. You had already suffered enough.

To my surprise, quite the opposite happened. As a temporary Grand Sage, I witnessed things that made me very happy. Initially, your reputation was that you were cold and unlikable, but that didn't last long. Over time, the scholars became quite fond of you, the professors started holding you in high regard, and more and more members of the Akademiya approached me just to ask about you. The general opinion as it now stands is that Hat Guy, although grumpy, is intelligent, dedicated, and willing to help. It's no wonder you grew so popular.

You know better than anyone how torn I was over trying to find a new Sage. I kept asking myself, how could the people of Sumeru even begin trusting someone new after the crimes committed by Azar? Why would my sole word be worth more than the opinions of all who study and work here? How could I guarantee any choice would be the right one? But you were the one who told me Sumeru is doing well, so I decided to follow my intuition. I suspected that the election would yield positive results. I was right.

I didn't induce anyone to vote. The people of the Akademiya trust you, enough to want you looking after them. How am I to blame for that? They might not be aware of your past life, but I am, and I trust you even more as a result. While Azar is in Gandharva Ville refusing to help the rangers and trying to flee, you've never shied away from accountability. Your actions speak for themselves.

You can reject the position if you desire. I cannot stop you. But I'd like you to at least consider it earnestly first. Besides, wouldn't it be fun for us to work together? You already keep me company and aid me politically, this would just grant you a salary and a nice office.

Your friend,

Nahida

Nahida,

Very well.

HG

—

Hat Guy! Hello!

Childe said it's meant to be a surprise, but we'll be boarding soon, so I hope it doesn't matter anymore.

Since you had to cancel your trip to Mondstadt, Albedo and I are coming to visit! Klee's coming along too. We can't wait to see you!

Your travel buddy,

Durin :)

—

To-do list:

• Accompany Childe, Durin, Albedo and Klee to Port Ormos

• Reply to congratulatory letters from: Moonchanter Lauma, Curatorium of Secrets, Grandmaster Varka, Miss Columbina, Clink-Clank Krumkake Craftshop, Lady Navia of the Spina di Rosula, Simulanka civilians #124, #347, #042, and #795, the Hexenxzirkel, and Childe's family

• Analyse funding proposals from each Darshan

• Look through list of potential professors for Post-Cataclysm Inazuman Agricultural Practices

• Tea with Nahida

• Lunch with Lady Faruzan

• File pile of transcripts the Scribe sent me

• Read General Mahamatra's case report

• Meeting with Akademiya staff

• Unavoidable TCG dinner with Cyno, Sethos, Tighnari, Collei, Kaveh and Al-Haitham

• Watch Nilou's new play

• Read at the House of Daena

• Find a shelf at office to put cat, fox and dragon plushies + cloth doll

• Buy normal paper at the Grand Bazaar so I don't have to use this ridiculous engraved one

Sage of Vahumana — Grand Sage of the Akademiya — Sage of Buer

Akademiya Main Office, Sumeru City

—

My Grandest Sage,

I have arrived safely in Snezhnaya to sadly inform my superior that my object of investigation became politically important halfway through, so it is no longer wise for the Fatui to meddle in his affairs. We live to see another day.

How is your cushy job treating you?

Miss you already,

Ajax

Ajax,

All is well.

S.