Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

A city nestled amidst the ice and snow was truly a rare sight. Even though March and Dan Heng had explored numerous planets while searching for Stellaron, the urban landscape before them still left them in awe.

Of course, March was the only one expressing amazement out loud. Dan Heng, aside from a faint look of surprise when they entered the city, remained his usual calm self.

However, Chen Lin's reaction upon stepping into Belobog was peculiar.

The reason? The city's design bore an uncanny resemblance to a game he'd played before—Frostpunk!

The similarities were striking: a civilization forced to adapt to a relentless frost, constructing a city within a deep snow pit. While the scientific reasoning behind such a setup made sense, it still made Chen Lin yearn for his cozy home.

It's been so long… The landlord better not think I skipped town and thrown out my entire collection of Gundam models…

The thought made his chest ache. Those models were his treasures, painstakingly saved up for through years of part-time work.

Pat.

A light tap on his shoulder snapped him out of his thoughts. Chen Lin turned to find March's beaming face.

"Chen Lin, look! It's not as cold here in the city!"

"It's indeed warmer, but it shouldn't be this significant…"

After pondering for a few seconds, Chen Lin waved his hands as he explained, "The temperature in cities is generally higher than in surrounding areas due to something called the 'urban heat island effect.' This occurs because of factors like human activity, heat-retaining buildings, and paved roads, combined with a reduction in vegetation…"

For several minutes, he rambled on about this basic geography topic that even middle schoolers on his home planet would know. March, who hadn't even finished her equivalent of elementary school studies, listened with wide eyes.

"And that's why cities are usually warmer than the countryside. But… this temperature rise seems unusually steep. Captain Gepard, does the city have geothermal systems?"

Gepard, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but admire Chen Lin. As expected of a brilliant researcher—he speaks in such complex terms! This only reinforced his belief that the gentle-mannered young man was truly a scholar, incapable of wielding a weapon.

Hearing Chen Lin's question, Gepard didn't hesitate to answer, "I'm not sure what geothermal systems are, but Belobog uses heat generated from geomarrow. Every household has a heater powered by it."

"That small?"

Chen Lin had noticed the many cylindrical heaters scattered along the roads and found it hard to believe that these devices could make such a drastic difference in temperature.

"But Belobog's livable climate wouldn't be possible without the protection of the Preservation's power."

With a sigh, Gepard began recounting Belobog's history.

Seven hundred years ago, the planet had a mild and vibrant climate, teeming with life. Then, monstrous creatures descended from the stars, burning the land. Just as the inhabitants of Jarilo VI were on the brink of despair, the Eternal Freeze swept across the planet.

The snow and ice buried both the struggling survivors and the dangerous monsters. Belobog was built by a group of "Founders" who imbued the city with the power of the Aeon Qlipoth, shielding it from the relentless winds and frost.

After listening, March covered her mouth in awe. "That's so inspiring!"

"Yes. Without the efforts of those Founders, we wouldn't be here today. They are heroes worthy of respect," Gepard said earnestly.

At this point, Chen Lin suddenly spoke up.

"What is geomarrow?"

He had heard the term multiple times now and, thinking of the rich mineral deposits on Jarilo VI, couldn't help but ask.

"It's a mineral buried deep beneath Jarilo VI. After simple processing, it releases an incredible amount of heat."

"Ohhh!"

Chen Lin nodded in understanding. The abundance of energy credits and minerals on this planet likely stemmed from this unique resource.

And seeing that Jarilo VI had a functioning nation, he finally understood why he couldn't establish mining stations here.

You can't just waltz into someone else's territory and start mining, can you?

Despite this realization, Chen Lin felt a pang of disappointment. So many resources, yet they're all claimed by locals. If only I could build an automated mining station—wouldn't it be a win-win-win?

The people would gain endless geomarrow, freeing up labor for other industries. Meanwhile, I'd secure ample resources for interstellar development. They win once; I win twice. Triple win!

Gepard, seeing Chen Lin deep in thought, assumed the researcher was simply curious about geomarrow.

"If you need geomarrow for research purposes, you can apply to the Supreme Guardian. She's very generous."

"That's very kind of you. Thank you," Chen Lin replied with a smile.

Gepard waved it off. "We should be the ones thanking you. The Silvermane Guards survived thanks to your assistance."

Of course, Gepard didn't know that Chen Lin wanted more than just a small sample for research. He wanted all of it.

Walking along the sturdy roads, they passed through residential areas and arrived at a vast plaza. At its center stood a monument that Chen Lin couldn't help but glance at several times.

The plaza was bustling, a lively contrast to the desolation of the planet.

If this were the galaxy at large, this planet would likely be classified as a lifeless, uninhabitable world. The power of Preservation… truly fascinating.

Stopping before a towering palace, Gepard introduced it with pride.

"This is Qlipoth Fort, the heart of Belobog. Supreme Guardian Cocolia, appointed by the Founders, serves as the city's leader. Generations of Guardians have protected the city and its people."

Stripping away the flowery descriptions, Chen Lin summed it up: So, this Cocolia is the city's mayor… or perhaps the planet's queen, if you want to be fancy.

"I'll take you to meet Supreme Guardian Cocolia now."

Ascending the long staircase, their way was unimpeded. Earlier, Gepard had sent a messenger ahead, so the guards at the palace gates ignored the group.

The long climb reminded Chen Lin of hiking Mount Emei back on his home planet. Unlike those grueling tourist climbs, though, he could now ascend without breaking a sweat.

Still, as a self-proclaimed frail researcher, Chen Lin feigned exhaustion, drawing an approving glance from Dan Heng.

Ah, Dan Heng, you truly understand me.

Finally reaching the top, Chen Lin hadn't yet caught his breath when a stern-faced young woman emerged from the palace. Her modified Silvermane Guard uniform accentuated her commanding presence.

She strode past them, her sharp gaze lingering briefly on Chen Lin, who was pretending to pant. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, as if puzzled by his apparent lack of physical strength.

Bowing slightly, Gepard watched her disappear around a corner, then sighed and gestured toward the entrance.

"Everyone, please proceed."

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