Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

In some ways, Chen Lin could be considered a diplomatic prodigy.

Typically, when faced with a political leader like Cocolia, who frequently created tension for foreign guests like them, the usual course of action would be to decipher her true intentions, minimize one's presence, or leave before conflicts escalated.

But Chen Lin wasn't one to follow the rules. His goals extended beyond simply resolving the issues surrounding the Stellaron, which disrupted the Astral Express's warp travel. No, he had his sights set on something far grander—this resource-rich, energy-abundant planet.

At this point, finding the Stellaron was a secondary task. His primary interest had become replacing this nation's leadership to enjoy the unparalleled experience of playing out his own homeworld simulation.

Driven by curiosity and ambition, he had chosen to bring the Trailblazer team into this war between Belobog and the Fragmentum.

"Pela, you'll accompany the team," he said.

After much debate, Bronya realized she couldn't dissuade Chen Lin.

The determination he exuded was as if he were defending his own homeland from an invading force. His resolve was both stubborn and earnest.

Adding to her frustration, the army was already exhausted, with heavy casualties. They struggled to hold back the endless waves of monsters, let alone spare a capable squad to rescue Gepard's beleaguered team.

While Bronya herself was a formidable fighter, she couldn't leave the command post. As the commander, her presence was vital to maintaining coordination and morale. Any lapse in communication could devastate the already struggling troops.

No matter how worried she was, she had to stay.

The remaining captains were either stationed on the frontlines or recovering from injuries. The only person left was the seemingly frail researcher standing before her.

Although their time together had been brief, Bronya had come to understand certain aspects of Chen Lin's personality. He would never recklessly place himself in harm's way unless he was confident in the outcome.

For someone he had only met briefly, such as Gepard, to make a promise of rescue, he must have considered the situation thoroughly.

Moreover, Pela had informed her that Chen Lin's team carried weapons of extraordinary power. Even if Bronya hadn't seen them herself, she was acutely aware of the technological gap between Belobog and civilizations beyond the stars.

Out there, in the vastness of space, lay forces and technologies beyond their imagination. The stories Chen Lin had shared of a mighty empire called the Starsea Empire filled her with wonder.

And he… he seemed to come from that civilization.

The momentary daze passed, and Bronya spoke sternly, "Please, ensure your safety. Pela, stay in contact with the command post at all times."

She turned to the soldiers standing at attention near the door, their heads bowed in deference since entering the room.

"Gather your squads and accompany Mr. Chen Lin to the rift where Captain Gepard went missing!"

The soldiers shouted in unison, their voices brimming with resolve: "Yes, ma'am!"

Their eyes were filled with gratitude as they looked at Chen Lin, who was preparing to leave.

In the army, those who stood at the dangerous frontlines weren't green recruits. These were seasoned soldiers who had trained under Gepard, surviving countless brushes with death. Among comrades, each owed their lives to one another.

Though life lost in battle could never be recovered, they regarded their fellow soldiers as family. If there was any chance to lend aid, they wouldn't hesitate to charge into the fray, even knowing it might cost their own lives.

Now, their leader Gepard was in grave danger, and only one of the six men sent back with news had survived to deliver the message.

For these soldiers, rescuing their commander—even at the cost of their lives—was a decision they made without regret.

War, however, wasn't about individual courage. It was a cold, calculated management of human resources.

Pela, clutching a book at her side, adjusted her glasses as the dim light reflected off the lenses.

"I understand."

Minutes later, a group of over thirty heavily armed soldiers embarked on a mission from which they might not return.

At the front of the formation, Chen Lin walked alongside the vigilant Pela. The group passed through roadblocks guarded by watchful soldiers, each checkpoint leading them closer to the rift.

The atmosphere was tense, the soldiers wary, and Pela's expression was tight with worry.

Chen Lin, however, moved with an air of calm, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll rather than heading into battle.

What gave him such confidence? A strong physique? Exceptional combat skills?

No, it wasn't anything so flashy. As the saying goes: Truth lies within cannon range.

"Mr. Chen Lin, your guards could handle this task. There's no need for you to personally step onto the battlefield—it's far too dangerous," Pela said, sighing softly. Chen Lin's scholarly demeanor made him seem more like someone who worked behind the scenes than someone who belonged in the chaos of war.

People like him often carried a false sense of security, having never truly witnessed the horrors of battle.

Pela understood Bronya's concerns clearly. Despite her official title as an intelligence officer, Pela had considerable combat experience. Bronya had sent her along not just to assist but to ensure Chen Lin's safety. If sacrifices had to be made, this young man was not one of them.

Belobog had suffered enough. Another diplomatic incident could not be afforded.

"Relax. Where I come from, brute force has long been obsolete. In the face of superior weaponry, numbers are irrelevant," Chen Lin replied, his tone unhurried and his pace steady.

Unbeknownst to the others, Chen Lin had been leveraging the scientists of Herta Space Station, who had worked tirelessly to develop advanced technology. Their efforts had already rendered primitive weaponry like deflection shields and blue lasers obsolete. What Chen Lin now carried were upgraded deflectors and state-of-the-art swarm missiles.

As the group arrived at the rift's edge, Chen Lin stepped forward without hesitation.

"Wait—Mr. Chen Lin!" Pela called out, her voice tinged with urgency, but he didn't pause.

Without a second thought, he entered the Fragmentum.

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