Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

"Welcome... visitors from beyond the stars!"

Creak…

The heavy doors opened, revealing the administrative hall lined with bookshelves, laid bare for all to see.

The floor was covered with a light blue carpet, its intricate patterns meticulously crafted. Upon closer inspection, one could see signs of manual embroidery at the edges—an understated touch of warmth rather than extravagance.

High shelves filled with books lined the hall's sides, accompanied by desks and chairs set up for work. Piles of papers were scattered in the corners, indicating that this place likely served as the workspace for the city's senior officials.

The voice came from a raised platform at the far end of the hall, clear and steady, with a hint of authority.

As the echo faded, Gepard stepped forward respectfully. "Supreme Guardian, I've brought the visitors as requested."

"The messenger has already informed me. Excellent work, Gepard. You may step down now."

"As you command."

After Gepard exited the hall, the woman on the platform smiled and introduced herself.

"I am Cocolia Rand, Supreme Guardian of Belobog. What brings you to our city?"

The group had already discussed their approach for meeting this nation's leader. Stelle, prone to stirring up chaos, and the ever-chatty March remained silent, leaving Chen Lin to lead the conversation.

"Esteemed Supreme Guardian, we are members of a research crew. While passing by, we were drawn to the snowy veil covering your planet and decided to conduct an investigation. We didn't realize we were trespassing on Belobog's territory, and for that, I apologize."

"There's no need to apologize."

Cocolia raised a hand with a smile, stepping away from her desk.

As she moved closer, her full figure came into view. Chen Lin noted that this gesture seemed like an attempt at goodwill, giving him an unobstructed opportunity to observe her.

Cocolia's outfit was complex, adorned with various embellishments, and medals of unknown significance were pinned to her right chest.

"On the contrary, I must thank you for your help. Without it, many families in Belobog might have lost their loved ones."

"This is my electronic ID card, for your verification."

Chen Lin tapped his phone, displaying an ID card Herta had helped him prepare earlier. He held it out for Cocolia to see.

Simultaneously, Chen Lin's mind was working. Since his Contacts system had already identified Belobog as a nation with only one city, he needed to quickly gauge their true stance toward his group's arrival.

[Belobog]

Ideology: Extreme Materialism, Authoritarianism

Government: Feudal Meritocracy

Leader: Cocolia Rand

Attitude: Neutral (50)

Establishing Contact: +120

Assisting the Silvermane Guards: +100

Unstable Foreigners: -170

Unstable foreigners?

Chen Lin frowned at the relationship penalty. Does she not welcome outsiders after all?

Without hesitation, Chen Lin activated Improve Relations and placed himself in the slot.

To ensure a peaceful stay and continue investigating the Stellaron, he adjusted his cultural traits, swapping out "Nation of Etiquette" (Trust cap: Unlimited; Diplomatic Support cap: +500%; Trust Growth: +200%) for "Courteous Diplomacy" (High chance of gaining 1 Diplomatic Support per day when improving relations; Malicious actions result in a 1000% penalty for adverse events).

After making the adjustments, he checked the relationship status again and saw that the nation's favor would now increase by 10 points daily. Only then did he relax.

While Chen Lin made these changes, Cocolia examined his ID card. Stroking her chin, she remarked, "Chen Lin, Special Researcher at Herta Space Station? Hmm… is 'Special' the highest rank?"

"Yes. These are my designated guards from the space station, who are also my friends."

Chen Lin explained humbly, "Every planet has its dangers, and as a non-combatant researcher, I cannot conduct investigations alone."

"I believe you. Centuries ago, this planet was similarly vibrant. The Aeons connected us to the stars. I've heard such stories."

Cocolia's impression of the young man was favorable. His status as a top-tier researcher at a major space station spoke volumes about his expertise.

What puzzled her was the inexplicable sense of goodwill she felt toward him. It was almost… unnatural.

Seeing her receptiveness, Chen Lin proceeded with his plan.

"Since you trust me, may I request permission to collect samples of the unique fauna, minerals, and flora on this planet for research purposes? My team can construct housing outside the city to avoid disturbing your citizens."

March's forehead immediately wrinkled with confusion.

Build houses? Who in our group knows how to do that?

Fortunately, Chen Lin had warned them in advance, preventing March from blurting out her question.

Cocolia hesitated briefly, then shook her head. "The wilderness is riddled with Spatial Rifts, spawning countless dangerous Rift creatures. As guests, it would be unacceptable for you to stay outside. If word spread that I treated the saviors of our soldiers so poorly, people would mock me for lacking the dignity of a Supreme Guardian!"

"We are outsiders. If the citizens misunderstand us, it might cause unnecessary conflict…"

"That won't happen. Belobog is a peaceful and hospitable city. Your presence might even inspire some of our more disheartened citizens, proving that the stories in their books aren't mere fantasies."

"Then, Supreme Guardian, your meaning is…" Chen Lin asked cautiously.

"If you don't mind, you may stay in the city. While our resources were once abundant, they are now scarce. I will have someone bring you anything you need."

Staying was precisely what Chen Lin wanted. Without a foothold in the city, how could he explore the full diplomatic system?

Cocolia's sincerity was evident. However, if she acknowledged the existence of extraterrestrial life, why did she view them as unstable elements?

It was odd.

Pushing further might come across as insincere, so Chen Lin put on a polite smile.

"Then we will gratefully accept your hospitality."

"I will arrange for you to stay at Belobog's finest inn and assign personnel to provide consultation and errands."

Cocolia smiled warmly. "If you need anything, just inform my envoy. Belobog's gates will always be open to visitors from beyond the stars!"

"We won't take advantage of your generosity. If you encounter any scientific challenges, I'm happy to assist, though my knowledge is limited."

"Our scientists would certainly be intrigued by extraterrestrial technology. I'll arrange this matter."

The conversation continued for another half hour before Cocolia instructed Gepard to escort Chen Lin and his team to the hotel.

Alone in the hall, she stood by the window for a long time.

"Summon Bronya," she finally commanded.

"Yes, ma'am."

"I have an assignment for her."

Cocolia sighed, speaking softly to herself. "I understand, but they are guests from another world, here on a mission. I want to avoid any unnecessary complications…"

"So what? A weak researcher and a few guards pose no threat."

"Establishing a settlement beyond the stars indicates significant backing. Do you think I don't know that?"

"Let them get what they came for, then send them on their way. That aligns with our interests."

---

After a while, the stern-faced girl they had encountered earlier entered the hall.

Cocolia addressed her immediately.

"Bronya, Belobog has received distinguished visitors. Leave the frontlines to Gepard for now. I have much to handle, and as the Silvermane Guards' commander and my heir, it falls to you to host them. Do you understand?"

Bronya's expression shifted.

"But, Mother—"

"There's no major issue on the frontlines. The Silvermane Guards have everything under control. Learning to host guests is a necessary skill for a Supreme Guardian."

Mother and daughter began a slow conversation in the administrative hall.

Meanwhile, Chen Lin had just arrived at the hotel and immediately opened his phone.

Herta had sent a message!

---

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.

If you'd like to support WiseTL, you can visit [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Even a small gesture is like sunlight and rain to a growing flower—it helps the garden of stories flourish and bloom!

-With love, Nahida 🌱