Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

All gatherings must eventually come to an end, much like the contracts made with beings of the Shroud—destined to conclude someday.

The Astral Express was ready to depart, and along with it, Chen Lin and Stelle boarded the magical train imbued with the power of Exploration.

Three days had passed since the Antimatter Legion's assault was thwarted. During this time, Herta's first question to Chen Lin every morning had been the same:

"Did you remember anything?"

What was she asking about? Naturally, the Psionic Theory that could unlock the shackles of human thought, break the constraints of biological cognition, and amplify mental power to shape reality itself.

Chen Lin's response was always the same: he had recollected fragments, bits and pieces of text that he still needed to organize before presenting a more complete theory.

This answer left Herta gnashing her teeth in frustration. But considering the potential of the knowledge Chen Lin claimed to hold—knowledge that might also shed light on the Aeons—Herta could only resign herself to waiting. She made him promise to send her updates the moment he pieced together more of the theory.

As a gesture of trust, Herta exchanged private beacon addresses with him, claiming that fewer than 20 people in the entire universe had access to hers. It was clear she held Chen Lin in high regard. During his time at the space station, Herta had patiently answered all his questions, leaving him with a wealth of new insights.

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The time for departure had arrived.

The platform—or rather, the hangar bay where the Astral Express was docked—was packed with people. Many of the station's staff, whose names Chen Lin hadn't even had time to learn, had gathered to send him off with blessings and gifts.

"Mr. Chen, please take these snacks. Thank you for saving us that day. You can eat them if you get hungry on your journey."

"Mr. Chen Lin, come visit us again sometime! Oh, and the AI evolution theory you discussed with me yesterday was fascinating. Here's a little something for you."

"Mr. Chen Lin, can I have your autograph?!"

"Me too! Me too!"

"Mr. Chen Lin, these flowers were sent to me by my boyfriend, but… I couldn't think of anything else to give you, so please don't mind!"

"…"

Chen Lin awkwardly waved his hands. "No, no, no, you'd better keep those flowers. Imagine how sad your boyfriend would be if he found out!"

There were toys, hand-sewn handkerchiefs, and delicious snacks sourced from across the galaxy. Box after box of gifts was loaded onto the train. Chen Lin hadn't anticipated such overwhelming enthusiasm from the space station's staff, leaving him utterly at a loss.

The exchange of gifts and farewells continued for half an hour. As the train began its startup sequence, the staff reluctantly waved goodbye, some beaming with joy as if they had just met their idol, while others looked dejected, as though they'd missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Could this excessive enthusiasm be related to the unity points they generate for me? Chen Lin wondered. In the game, unity only came from buildings or ideologies controlled by the player's nation. Does that mean the station's staff have become my "subjects" in this strange system?

"Chen Lin, it's time to go~!"

March's cheerful voice broke his thoughts. She emerged from the train's entrance, a radiant smile on her face, and hooked an arm around his shoulder, waving to the crowd. "See you later, everyone! I'm borrowing Chen Lin for now!"

"Thank you, everyone. Don't worry—I'll make time to come back and visit," Chen Lin added, waving as well.

"Safe travels, sir!!"

That parting shout almost made Chen Lin stumble over his own feet.

Why are they getting more and more over-the-top?

March hummed a tune as she walked alongside him, her light steps and bright mood unmistakable. She was clearly thrilled, and for good reason: with so many snacks packed into the train, there was no way Chen Lin could finish them all by himself. He'd inevitably share them with the rest of the crew.

Plus, Chen Lin had already promised her she could take whatever she liked. March had never met someone so generous before. Some of the snacks were even limited-edition luxury items from across the galaxy—practically priceless!

This guy's a keeper! March thought, munching happily on a bag of chips as they boarded.

The train gradually pulled away from the station, and Chen Lin let out a sigh of relief as he returned to the main hall.

Now he understood why celebrities in his original world feared being mobbed by fans in public. Without bodyguards or help, it was impossible to leave once you got swarmed…

"Chen Lin, aren't you great at handling the staff on the station?" March teased, popping a chip into her mouth.

"I wouldn't mind if they were normal," Chen Lin replied, shaking his head. He greeted a passing Pom-Pom, adding, "Pom-Pom, want some snacks?"

Pom-Pom, the conductor of the Astral Express, resembled a floppy-eared rabbit dressed in a specially tailored uniform. The adorable little figure paused, only now noticing the mountain of boxes piled in the hall.

March helpfully held up a chip. "They're delicious! These are all gifts from the station's staff for Chen Lin."

"Take some for yourself. They'll make good snacks when you're free," Chen Lin said, grabbing a large bundle of treats and stuffing them into Pom-Pom's arms before the conductor could even respond. "See? Even March is enjoying herself."

"Thank you, Passenger Chen Lin. I greatly appreciate it! However, Passenger March 7th, please be mindful of cleanliness. Do not leave crumbs or litter behind," Pom-Pom said, nearly toppling under the weight of the snacks but still managing to scold March between bites.

"Got it! I always clean up after myself!" March shot back with a cheeky grin.

"Good. Also… um, this isn't considered bribery, is it?" Pom-Pom asked nervously.

Chen Lin couldn't resist ruffling the adorable conductor's floppy ears. "It's a gift among friends. Everyone's getting some."

Despite Pom-Pom's outward cuteness, Himeko and the others had mentioned the conductor's mysterious origins. Even Dan Heng had warned Chen Lin, saying that the one thing you must never do on the train was anger Pom-Pom.

"My sixth sense tells me it's a bad idea," Dan Heng had said with unnerving certainty.

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Hello! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. WiseTL has worked hard to bring these wonderful stories to you, and I'm so happy we could share this moment together! Don't you think stories are a little like dreams? Each one has its own colors and shapes, and they grow even brighter when shared with others.

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