Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

The research ship passed by a mysterious white planet, uncharted and intriguing. Curious about its conditions, the crew dispatched a research team for an on-site investigation.

Chen Lin, being an experienced researcher, exuded confidence in his professional knowledge and wasn't concerned about his identity being exposed during verification.

The other three members were guards, and given their combat prowess, no one in their right mind would bother verifying their security licenses—unless they were unreasonably suspicious.

"Hmm, that's a solid plan. I approve."

After a brief consideration, Dan Heng nodded in agreement. He was indifferent to most matters, and since Chen Lin's arrangement was reasonable, he readily accepted it. With Dan Heng's approval, March and Stelle naturally had no objections.

As Herta had once remarked during a conversation with Himeko: Chen Lin might seem harmless, but 95% of his 100-pound frame was likely filled with schemes.

The remaining 5%? Probably just trouble-making instincts.

With their roles finalized, Chen Lin gestured toward the battlefield. "Alright, you guys handle that. I'll join you once it's done."

Saying so, he found a less snowy spot, sat down, and started playing with his phone.

Half an hour ago, Chen Lin had sent images of Jarilo VI to Herta, hoping she could dig up some useful information to aid in their disguise and locate the Stellaron.

It had been a while—he wondered if she had replied.

March, puzzled, asked, "Chen Lin, aren't you coming with us?"

Chen Lin rolled his eyes. "I just said I'm a researcher. Have you ever seen a researcher charging into battle? From this moment on, I, Chen Lin, am as weak as a baby bird!"

"Oh, right, that makes sense…"

"Now go. If you don't hurry, more people will die. The injured lying on the ground won't survive without prompt aid."

Actually, there was no need for further urging. Stelle had already charged ahead.

She leapt forward with her baseball bat, twisting her waist mid-air to deliver a powerful downward strike onto the head of a Rift creature soldier emanating ominous energy.

Thud!

The nearly six-foot-tall Rift creature crumpled under the impact, its icy mask shattering into fragments. Its head detached from its neck, flying off into the distance.

Ever since her battle with the Doomsday Beast, Stelle's strength had grown noticeably. Chen Lin, who used to slightly outmatch her in raw power, now stood no chance.

During arm-wrestling matches on the Astral Express, Stelle often defeated Chen Lin with ease. Though there was one instance when she deliberately went easy on him—it was so obvious that the others immediately called her out on it.

Stelle's explosive attacks drew the attention of the Silvermane Guards and Gepard.

"What's a civilian doing here?! Were the guards at the perimeter blind? Quickly, you there! Escort them back!" Gepard, blocking enemies in front of his soldiers, barked orders.

Several Silvermane Guards fought desperately to carve a path.

"This isn't where you're supposed to be! Return to the city—we'll cover you!" shouted the leading soldier, deflecting an incoming ice ball with his shield.

Unfortunately, if it had been March, she might've entertained a polite explanation, perhaps even assuring them of their ability to defend themselves. Stelle, however, was having none of it.

She stepped forward, her tone calm. "Step aside."

The soldiers instinctively moved. Stelle then pushed one of them gently out of her way, her bat trailing faint white mist as she swung it with force.

Several Rift creatures were shattered on impact, one of which—disguised as a soldier—was sent flying over ten meters, buried motionless beneath the snow.

The soldiers stood there, mouths agape in shock. Stelle, unfazed, simply stated:

"We're reinforcements."

"Reinforcements? I've never seen you before."

"And I've never seen you… Behind you!"

Without waiting for a response, Stelle launched herself back into the fray. Her sheer strength rendered any Rift creature she encountered lifeless almost instantly.

Whenever she executed particularly flashy moves, she'd glance toward Chen Lin's direction, as if expecting praise.

However, whether due to distance or disinterest, she never caught a reaction from the man under the tree.

Dan Heng remained silent as well, wordlessly demonstrating to the soldiers that he didn't need protection. In fact, he often had to save soldiers in trouble, earning their admiration—and a touch of shame.

March weaved skillfully through the battlefield, her Six-Phase Ice arrows striking unsuspecting Rift creatures with deadly precision.

The battle turned in their favor. With their assistance, casualties among the guards dropped sharply, and victory was within reach.

Yet Stelle assumed her fighting style lacked flair, which was why Chen Lin hadn't complimented her.

The reality? Chen Lin wasn't even paying attention. He was too busy messaging Herta, who, after half an hour, had only replied once. The delay had him fuming.

Chen Lin: "Got the info yet?"

Herta: "On my bed, playing on my phone. Hang on."

Chen Lin: "So, you've just been lying in bed this whole time?"

Herta: "Yeah, got a problem? I love staying in bed—it's amazing."

Chen Lin felt his blood pressure spike. Your psychokinetic theory teacher is risking his life on a dangerous, uncharted planet, and you're back there like 'ha ha, I'm great, right?'

He typed furiously.

Chen Lin: "Chapter three of psychokinetics is canceled. We'll start from chapter four. I'll charge you for every session—one artifact per lesson."

Skipping a foundational chapter would be like learning math without understanding basic arithmetic. Without a textbook, Herta wouldn't even be able to self-study.

No sooner had he sent the message than his phone buzzed furiously. Herta responded with lightning speed.

Herta: "Dad! I'll call you Dad!"Herta: "I was wrong, okay?! I'll look it up right now—fast as I can!!"

Chen Lin: "I don't have kids. Don't go calling me that and ruining my reputation. Do a thorough search—I can wait."

The message was marked as read, but Herta didn't reply again. She was presumably busy compiling data.

Lifting his gaze, Chen Lin noticed the battle was over. Dan Heng and the others were approaching, accompanied by a handsome blond man.

Brushing snow off himself, Chen Lin stood up.

Gepard's uniform bore slashes and scorch marks, and he looked rather disheveled. Seeing Chen Lin, he saluted and introduced himself.

"Hello, Mr. Chen. I'm Gepard, captain of the Silvermane Guards in Belobog. Your companions have explained your origins—you're scientists from beyond our world, correct?"

"Ah, Captain Gepard, no need for formalities. I'm Chen Lin, a member of the research team. I hope my guards haven't caused any trouble?" Chen Lin responded with a practiced, charming smile.

Gepard chuckled wryly. "Trouble? Not at all! Your group has been a tremendous help, and I can't thank you enough. Since you've come here for research, please follow me into the city and explain your presence to the Supreme Guardian. She'll surely welcome you—after all, it's been centuries since we've had visitors from the outside."

Chen Lin's warm smile made Gepard feel as though he were basking in spring sunshine.

"Then we'll trouble you to lead the way, Captain."

"It's no trouble at all. Once you've met the Supreme Guardian, I'll ensure you're well accommodated. Now, follow me."

As Gepard turned, Chen Lin noticed something new in his contacts list:

Belobog – Established Contact.

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T/N: im with the science team!

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