Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

Herta: "I've sent you the information. These are all records and data from the archive with no confidentiality restrictions, so feel free to handle them as you wish. By the way, where's my Chapter Three?"

Whenever the topic of psionic theory came up, Herta would become unusually eager. Chen Lin had to admit, he admired her patience and perseverance in research.

Now that he'd received what he wanted, it was time to honor his end of the deal.

Chen Lin: "I'll sort it out over the next two days and send it to you. Feel free to ask me if you run into anything unclear."

Herta: "Alright, I'm going to fine-tune some data."

Friendships can often be influenced by external factors, but mutually beneficial exchanges rarely sour. Chen Lin's current relationship with Herta was a prime example of intellectual trade—having a well-connected partner like her was proving to be quite advantageous.

Sitting at the hotel desk, Chen Lin tapped his phone a few times to open the materials Herta had sent him regarding Jarilo VI.

When it came to reading, Chen Lin had a peculiar habit: if a topic intrigued him, no matter how dull or tedious the text, he could read and memorize it with remarkable efficiency. Even dense history books—often the bane of many science students—were no obstacle to his focus and recall.

Flipping through the documents, he began reading intently.

"Thousands of years ago, Jarilo VI boasted a temperate climate with verdant seas… Around a thousand years ago, a Stellaron streaked across the sky and crashed into the world. Soon after, the Legion of Destruction descended like a torrential rain. The Aeon of Preservation's adherents, the Founders, resisted the invasion for some time. Then, without warning, the Eternal Freeze swept across the land, consuming all in its path, friend and foe alike…"

Using the early morning light filtering through the window, Chen Lin meticulously absorbed and committed every detail to memory. Hours passed in this blend of reading and rote memorization.

Before he knew it, evening had arrived.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound of someone at the door broke his immersion in the historical texts. Chen Lin paused, closed his phone, and walked to answer the door.

Creak.

The wooden door swung open, revealing a tall young woman with silver hair. Her sharp eyebrows framed a pair of bright, intelligent eyes. She appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old.

It was the same girl they had encountered earlier when meeting Cocolia.

Before Chen Lin could speak, the girl placed a hand over her chest and introduced herself.

"Mr. Chen Lin, I am Bronya Rand, acting commander of the Silvermane Guards and heir to the Supreme Guardian. At my mother's behest, I've come to welcome and assist our distinguished guests. I trust the accommodations have been satisfactory?"

"The hotel is wonderful. I didn't expect Commander Bronya herself to handle our reception—it's an honor for someone like me!"

As they exchanged polite formalities, Chen Lin took the opportunity to observe the young woman more closely.

Thanks to the enhancements from the Origin power in his body, Chen Lin's senses had significantly sharpened. Though initially difficult to manage, he now had complete control over these abilities.

From his observations, Bronya had a tall, lean frame with no excess fat. Her toned calves suggested regular physical training. Her upright posture and precise, consistent steps indicated discipline and resilience, qualities befitting a top-ranking military officer.

Despite her youth, traces of innocence remained in her expression, hinting at an approachable personality.

With these insights in mind, Chen Lin stepped aside with a smile.

"Please, Commander Bronya, come in. It's hardly polite to chat at the door."

As he spoke, Chen Lin turned back into the room, setting water to boil and preparing tea—a clear invitation for Bronya to stay.

Bronya had initially intended to refuse. Her visit was merely to formally greet the leader of the so-called research team. Detailed hospitality arrangements had already been delegated to her intelligence officers.

However, faced with Chen Lin's warmth and hospitality, her polite refusal caught in her throat, and before she realized it, she had stepped into the room.

"Then I'll impose on your hospitality, Mr. Chen Lin."

"There's no need to talk about imposing. We're the ones troubling you, Commander Bronya. We arrived empty-handed, without any gifts, yet you've treated us so well. I feel quite guilty!"

Chen Lin shook his head with a sigh before continuing. "Once our mission is over, we'll confirm Belobog's coordinates and deliver supplies from our ship to your citizens."

"That won't be necessary. The citizens are doing well, and cultivated seeds can still grow in the city's soil."

Unconsciously, Bronya's guarded demeanor began to ease. She had initially worried that the head of this extraterrestrial research team might be arrogant and difficult to deal with. To her surprise, she had misjudged him.

Her earlier concerns weren't unfounded. Cocolia had briefed her on the details she'd seen in Chen Lin's identification. It was only natural for someone young and accomplished to have a touch of arrogance.

Yet Chen Lin's earnest hospitality—pouring tea with such ease—left Bronya with a favorable impression of the team.

In truth, Chen Lin's smooth demeanor came from years of workplace "experience"…

Once the tea was ready and the initial pleasantries were out of the way, Chen Lin sat down and got to the point.

"Commander Bronya, I'm just an ordinary researcher who spends most of my time buried in books and instruments. That said, I have a keen interest in various cultures and histories. Would it be possible to borrow some of Belobog's historical texts?"

"That's no problem at all. Such a small matter is within your rights as our guest. I'll have someone deliver the books to you tomorrow morning."

Bronya had expected a far more complex request. Hearing that he was merely curious about her nation's history, she readily agreed.

Chen Lin smiled. "There's no need to call me 'Mr.' Commander Bronya. Just my name will do—I'm not used to formalities."

"Alright, then you should just call me Bronya as well. I dislike attaching titles to names. My mother always taught me that genuine and equal communication is the best way to foster relationships, so don't worry about my position."

She was raised well.

True mutual respect in friendships isn't easy to achieve. Many people fixate on status gaps: those in higher positions emphasize their superiority, while those below often shy away from addressing the disparity.

For someone in Bronya's position to possess such a mindset boded well for her ability to win public support.

Chen Lin teased, "Where I come from, there's a tradition—only friends call each other by their names."

Bronya blinked in surprise before replying naturally, "Actually, Belobog has the same tradition."

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