Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

Bronya was surrounded by a cluster of Silvermane Guards, likely due to her sensitive status. Chen Lin couldn't think of any other reason for such a heavy escort.

From behind their masks, the guards cast curious glances his way. Word had spread that Belobog was hosting a group of extraterrestrial guests, personally honored by Supreme Guardian Cocolia Rand. Naturally, they were eager to see what these visitors from beyond the stars looked like.

Yet no matter how they scrutinized him, Chen Lin looked just like any other human—save for a frame they deemed a bit slender—and he exuded the same scholarly aura as Commander Pela.

So this is what aliens look like? Just a head, two eyes, and… nothing else?

"You lot, guard Mr. Chen Lin carefully. Don't let any unauthorized personnel approach him!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

A few guards snapped to attention and flanked Chen Lin, remaining on high alert.

Chen Lin, however, wasn't the least bit fazed. Instead, he offered a warm smile. "Thank you for your hard work."

"N-no… it's no trouble at all!"

The sharp-featured young guard at his side felt her heart pounding inexplicably, her voice faltering. A distinguished scholar like him actually cares about us? How unbelievable!

Noticing their varied reactions, Chen Lin suddenly recalled something Pela had mentioned—many in Belobog's scientific community held a certain disdain for the Silvermane Guards.

Apparently, these so-called researchers, confident in their "superior intellect," often looked down on the largely uneducated guards. Any soldier daring to touch their equipment would be met with anything from harsh scolding to official complaints escalated to the weekly council meeting.

This disdain had left many guards wary of researchers, choosing to avoid them entirely to spare themselves the humiliation of being ridiculed for something as trivial as smelling of sweat.

Pela had hinted that this tension stemmed from a significant period in Belobog's history, though Chen Lin hadn't pressed for details at the time.

Turning to Bronya, he asked, "Miss Bronya, what's the general state of your research facilities?"

He had recently checked Belobog's Contacts status. Their relationship had improved significantly since yesterday, though the increase didn't reflect on the trust gauge. Instead, a new entry appeared:

-50 Suspicion from Threat Perception

Threat perception? When did I become a threat?

After some thought, Chen Lin could only attribute this to his conversation with Bronya the previous evening. It seemed she had relayed much of what they discussed to her mother.

That explained everything.

Bronya hesitated briefly before responding, "It concerns energy research and the development of new equipment for the Silvermane Guards."

"Ah, physics-related matters?"

"I think so… I'm not very familiar with these topics. I apologize."

Bronya's downcast eyes and faintly apologetic expression further confirmed Chen Lin's suspicions.

The two continued their walk, eventually reaching Qlipoth Fort. This time, however, they bypassed the main hall, heading instead to a different structure at the back.

Earlier, Pela had assured Chen Lin that she would continue guiding March and the others on their tour of Belobog's landmarks, so there was no need for him to worry about their safety.

After a lengthy trek, Bronya signaled for the guards to halt before motioning Chen Lin to follow her.

"This way, Mr. Chen Lin."

"Understood."

They entered a building with icy blue walls, passing through several sturdy iron doors. As they ventured deeper, the corridors grew busier with researchers and staff, all of whom greeted Bronya with respectful salutes.

"This is Belobog's research division," Bronya explained, "responsible for various scientific endeavors."

"And our destination?"

"That room over there. The minister in charge and several researchers are inside, struggling with their work."

Following her gaze, Chen Lin immediately identified the research room—primarily because it was the noisiest one in the vicinity.

Bronya spoke earnestly, "If possible, please lend them your assistance."

Noting a subtle shift in her expression, Chen Lin chose not to comment. Instead, he strode confidently into the room.

Bronya sighed, watching him enter before turning to leave.

Inside, the research room was pristine, though the atmosphere was anything but calm. A group of elderly scientists were bickering loudly around a long table.

"This stuff is worthless compared to geomarrow! How could it possibly meet the energy demands of our heaters? What's the point of sending this from the mines?"

"I've told you a hundred times—geomarrow production is plummeting! If we don't find alternatives, the entire city will freeze to death!"

"And what, exactly, is this material good for besides burning?"

Intrigued, Chen Lin edged closer to see what they were arguing about.

One glance, and he froze.

Coal?

One of the white-haired scientists noticed the unfamiliar face in their midst and barked, "Who are you? This isn't a place for random bystanders. Get out!"

The others turned to scrutinize him, frowning in confusion at his unfamiliarity.

Undeterred, Chen Lin replied politely, "I was brought here by Commander Bronya. I'm an offworld researcher invited to assist with your challenges."

"So you're the alien scholar?"

An elderly man with a bushy mustache eyed him skeptically. "You look far too young."

Their disbelief was evident. Before his isekai adventure, Chen Lin would've been just another unremarkable young man. But now, with the collective genius of Stellaris' society, engineering, and physics at his disposal, he was lightyears ahead of these "primitives."

What do they know?

Suppressing his amusement, Chen Lin smiled humbly and spun a tale. "On my homeworld, people live for thousands of years. I may seem young to you, but by your standards, I'm not exactly a child."

The room fell silent. The scientists exchanged glances, clearly grappling with this revelation.

Good luck proving me wrong. If pressed, Chen Lin was prepared to dive into genetic editing jargon, leaving these old-timers utterly baffled.

"So," he continued, "you seem to be discussing energy utilization?"

"Yes. This mineral was sent up from the mines years ago. There's supposedly plenty of it deep underground, but aside from burning, we've found no other use for it."

With that, all eyes turned to Chen Lin, awaiting his verdict on the mysterious material.

Without revealing his familiarity with coal, Chen Lin extended a hand. "Could you provide data on its combustion properties, deposit thickness, and relevant physical characteristics?"

If they were so puzzled about coal's potential, Chen Lin was more than ready to guide them into the steam age—and beyond. They'd get a firsthand experience of advancing from steam power to the wonders of electricity.

You've dabbled in electricity but skipped over critical tech trees. Time to fix that.

Coal? This was no mere fuel—it was a treasure trove waiting to power a revolution.

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T/N: in civ 6 i usually avoid using coal power plants because of co2 but here >:) COALLLLLLL YESS POWER EVERYTHING LET THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION BEGIBN

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