Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

"Exactly!"

Chen Lin wore a knowing expression. "I remember reading in the train's library that the spread of Stellarons predates the arrival of this 'mysterious material' on Jarilo-VI by a significant margin, right?"

"You're suggesting that well-informed individuals, aware of other planets being destroyed by Stellarons, assumed this material was one as well, and so…"

"They all emigrated."

Chen Lin chuckled, gesturing toward Qlipoth Fort in the distance. "The position of Supreme Guardian has been passed down ever since the snow began to fall, along with the knowledge of that era. There's no way she wouldn't know about this. Also, many of the books I've been reading are missing volumes. They claim it's due to war and the passage of time—who would believe that? Belobog has officials tasked with recording history. They wouldn't just sit idly by while official records were lost."

"There's not enough evidence. Even if the logic is sound, we can't confirm anything."

"Oh, take a look at this—newspapers from about a decade ago. Back then, the Research Division was called the Science Division. They underwent a major restructuring, along with some… interesting news."

Chen Lin tossed the papers to Dan Heng. The relevant content was sparse, so it didn't take long for him to finish reading. His typically neutral expression shifted slightly.

After a pause, he managed a few words.

"Political strife…"

"Exactly. Back then, a large number of Science Division personnel were executed by the Silvermane Guards. The head of the division was exiled to the snowfields, and a few remaining Architects were stripped of their positions and reduced to commoners. Few, if any, survived."

Chen Lin sighed and continued, "These orders came directly from the current Supreme Guardian, Cocolia Rand. The justification? 'Forbidden research' and attempting to overthrow the Architects and the Belobog regime. Scientists staging an uprising? If you'd said factory workers revolted, I might believe it. Why would members of the upper class destroy their own privilege? It doesn't add up."

"They uncovered something they weren't supposed to?"

"Exactly. There isn't much in Belobog to research, especially not things that would terrify those in power."

"…The Stellaron."

"If I hadn't asked Herta to help dig up some records, piecing together all these clues from these books would've been nearly impossible. Then there's the Underworld being sealed off. In theory, when facing a crisis, uniting the populace to fight external threats makes sense. This action doesn't."

Chen Lin suddenly asked, "I remember Himeko mentioning before we landed that Stellarons have communicative abilities. Is that true?"

"Yes, they can communicate, but the cost of interacting with them is far too great for any planet to bear."

"Dan Heng."

"Hmm?"

"Have you ever seen a Stellaron strike a deal with those in power during your travels?"

"No… but it's possible now. The Stellaron represents the residual power of Aeons. If it can manipulate or tempt people, most wouldn't be able to resist. Hah… being cautious was definitely the right call."

While many things were still uncertain, based on Chen Lin's deductions, it was highly likely that the Supreme Guardian knew about the Stellaron.

Chen Lin's evidence and theories leaned into a conspiratorial tone, but they were the most fitting analysis of Belobog's situation. Even Dan Heng had to admit he was impressed by this young man, who appeared to be about his age, for uncovering so much about the local government and the Stellaron in just one week.

It was astonishing.

Had they gone straight to Cocolia and revealed their intentions, would they have suffered the same fate as those scientists ten years ago? Would they have been slaughtered by Belobog's forces?

The thought sent a chill down Dan Heng's spine.

Sure, he and March had been hunted by local governments before, but they weren't reckless. If problems could be solved more efficiently, why spend their days in constant fear and conflict?

Now, when Dan Heng looked at Chen Lin, he felt a strange sense of security. It wasn't hard to see why Stelle seemed to cling to him—this guy had a naturally magnetic charm.

In such a short time, Chen Lin had managed to win over the researchers at Qlipoth Fort, who now greeted him respectfully, build friendly relationships with many Silvermane Guards, and even become a confidant of Bronya, who often spent entire nights in deep conversation with him.

Seeing Chen Lin's confident demeanor, Dan Heng asked, "You've come up with a plan?"

"I have, but it might take some time."

"That's fine. In the past, March and I often took months—sometimes even a year or two—to solve similar problems," Dan Heng said, resting his chin on his hand. "Just do what you need to. We'll support you. Can you share the general idea?"

Chen Lin turned and flashed a bright, carefree smile as he delivered a chilling statement.

"We just need to replace the leadership of this country with someone who would absolutely let us take the Stellaron. With all the ore deposits and space on Jarilo-VI, it's perfect for a colony planet."

Dan Heng: "?"

For a moment, Dan Heng felt like Chen Lin was an even greater disaster than the Stellaron itself.

He hadn't even settled in, and he was already considering colonizing the local inhabitants?!

Thinking back to the battle with the Doomsday Beast at Herta Space Station and those mysterious starships, Dan Heng sighed.

Maybe this guy really did have what it took to colonize others.

The morning stretched on, and Pela knocked on the Trailblazer team's door to remind them it was time for lunch.

As Belobog's guests, there was no expectation for them to pay for their meals. Everything was covered by Qlipoth Fort.

"My apologies," Pela said with a slight bow toward Chen Lin, the 'expedition team' leader. "I made you wait. I had to return to the division earlier to hand over some materials."

"It's fine, Miss Pela," Chen Lin replied casually. Then, lowering his voice, he asked, "Did something happen? I noticed a large force assembling in the plaza earlier."

The others, who had also heard the commotion, turned their gazes toward her, curious about the situation.

As a trusted intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards and someone close to Bronya, Pela's words carried significant weight.

Pela hesitated briefly, but Chen Lin quickly reassured her, "If it's inconvenient to share, don't worry about it."

"Honestly, whether I say anything or not doesn't matter. It's a big deal, and it'll be all over the city soon enough." Pela offered a bitter smile. "The Fragmentum erosion has spread beyond the outer city. An important district has been affected, with numerous Fragmentum monsters appearing. The Silvermane Guards are working to rescue trapped civilians and eliminate any threats to the safe zones."

"That serious? Should we help?" March, who had been enjoying the city's hospitality, immediately offered, her first instinct being to lend a hand.

"I've heard from Captain Gepard that your team is very capable, but your priority should be protecting Mr. Chen Lin. He has done so much for Belobog, and his safety should come first. I'm confident the Silvermane Guards will restore order soon."

Boom!

Just as she finished speaking, distant explosions lit up the horizon, followed by deafening blasts that shook the city like the end of days.

Chen Lin hadn't planned to intervene, but after some thought, he decided it might be wise to send a small message to Cocolia, who seemed intent on undermining him.

He suddenly spoke up. "Miss Pela, don't worry. While I may be just a harmless researcher, I did bring some self-defense equipment. I believe I can efficiently clear a safe evacuation path for the trapped civilians."

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