Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [249]

Splash…

Splash, splash…

Water droplets cascaded onto smooth, jade-like shoulders, while wisps of steam rose gently through every pore. In the bathroom, a pale face stared at the bright red notification on the terminal screen, color refusing to return to her cheeks.

"‘Jarilo-VI—Product Market Demand and Competitive Analysis,’ ‘Jarilo-VI Industry Research Report—Market Trends and Opportunities’… A total of 426 reports have been submitted to the company’s archives. In recognition of Director Topaz’s outstanding performance on this assignment, the board has decided to list you as a ‘P46 Promotion Candidate’ and will notify all departments as a commendation. Your base salary will be increased by 45%, and all reward programs you participate in—including stock options and performance bonuses—will be increased by 60%."

"The Jarilo sector and the Empire possess immeasurable potential. The board has decided that Director Topaz must maintain a strong relationship with the ‘Empire’ and secure significant progress in cooperation plans. Effective immediately, P46 Promotion Candidate ‘Topaz’ is appointed as the Chief External Liaison for Jarilo-VI, responsible for communication, development, and negotiations with the Empire. If necessary, any price must be paid to secure at least one cooperation agreement with the Empire!"

"‘Mineral Trade Expectation List.PDF,’ ‘Technology Cooperation Expectations.PDF’… 99+ new documents received."

"Note: The headquarters intends to establish a brand-new department. The company eagerly anticipates your stellar performance in the near future, Director Topaz."

Hot water gushed from the shower, enveloping the room in warmth, yet Topaz felt none of it.

She had been convinced that she had completely botched this assignment. Who would have thought that not only did the higher-ups show no sign of blaming her, but they had also placed her on the promotion track? It was as if they were subtly telling her that even if she managed to accomplish the bare minimum of this task, she could climb the ranks.

A new department head…

It sounded like an easy title to attain, but Topaz knew better. Reaching a cooperation agreement with such a utopian-like nation was an impossibly high hurdle.

A promotion? Becoming the coveted P46?

Sinking deeper into the water, Topaz pressed her lips together, completely at a loss for what to do.

The announcement had already been sent. Everyone knew about it now. She no longer had the right to refuse this mission. No matter what, she was going to become this so-called Chief External Liaison.

Topaz swept the broken fragments on the poolside into her palm. The pocket watch’s parts were bent and ruined beyond repair, its core mechanism missing entirely. A mere governor’s guard wielding Emanator-level strength… The mere thought of it made her realize just how terrifying this place was.

Cooperation? Easier said than done…

Sigh…

She stood up from the water, drying herself off while racking her brain over how to complete this mission.

Tonight would be a sleepless one for Topaz.

---

At the northern end of the Administrative District, in a tucked-away corner of the Commercial District, a street lined with restaurants bustled with life. Outside one particular food stall, two out of three people in a group stood staring at the slightly smoke-stained sign, their faces full of disbelief.

"Are you… sure this is the place?"

"Pela sent both the location and name. There’s no mistake—it should be here."

"Brother, is there something wrong with this place?"

Gepard glanced at the small hand tugging on the edge of his coat. After a long silence, he finally said, "Lynx, do you remember what I told you? Once we go inside, make sure to follow the rules. Whatever you do, do not anger the Governor."

"Mm, I understand!" The petite girl nodded earnestly.

Hearing his sister’s response, Gepard took a deep breath and turned to the woman beside him. "Doctor Natasha, let’s head in."

The moment the three of them stepped into the food stall, a warm yet slightly gruff voice called out to them.

"Well, if it isn’t General Gepard and Doctor Natasha! What an honor! …Oh? And this young lady is… Ah! The esteemed guests are all upstairs. They specifically told me to bring you both up as soon as you arrived. This way, please!"

The speaker was a middle-aged woman wearing an apron, her face beaming with enthusiasm as she led the way.

Gepard glanced around the noisy, bustling dining area and hesitantly asked, "Boss, is it always this crowded here?"

"You’re telling me!" The woman chuckled. "The Governor and several other esteemed guests came to dine at my humble little shop. They were so generous, buying food and drinks for all the customers! Just a while ago, even the Supreme Guardian and Miss Seele were down here sharing drinks with everyone!"

Gepard: "…"

Natasha: (Smiling.)

Lynx: "?"

Why was the Governor dining at a roadside stall instead of the palace?

Fine, eating out was one thing. But drinking with the common citizens?

You are the exalted Governor, after all!

As Gepard's thoughts spiraled, the shopkeeper suddenly stopped walking. She stepped aside and gave a slight bow.

"An esteemed guest has come to escort you all."

At the staircase landing, a young woman with fluffy animal ears stood waiting for them, smiling. Her long, bushy tail nearly brushed the floor, and every movement she made carried an air of charm and grace.

Trailing behind the group, Lynx froze, thinking, Wow, she’s beautiful…

Before anyone could speak, the girl on the platform chuckled.

"My name is Phantylia. Thanks to my lord’s kindness, I was given a place to stay. Since I have some martial skills, my lord assigned me as a personal bodyguard… Oh my, dear esteemed guests, do be careful! If you trip and fall, I simply won’t be able to bear the responsibility~!"

Gepard, momentarily entranced, misstepped and nearly stumbled. Catching sight of his sister’s peculiar expression, his face flushed, and he coughed twice to cover his embarrassment.

"Apologies, Miss Phantylia. I’m Gepard Landau. This is Doctor Natasha, and this is my younger sister, Lynx Landau. We’ll be in your care from now on."

"Oh, it is I who must rely on you all. This way, please."

The moment they stepped onto the next landing, Gepard felt as though they had passed through an invisible barrier. The previously silent second floor was suddenly filled with noise—laughter, cheerful voices, and lively conversation.

As he took in the scene before him, he immediately understood why the barrier was in place—to block both sound and sight.

The Supreme Guardian and Seele were engaged in a game of cards, slapping sticky notes on each other’s faces as penalties. Meanwhile, the Governor was sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with a completely drunk Pela… playing a drinking game?

There is no word in any language that can truly describe the absurdity of this scene.

"Six-shun, eight-cover… Oh?"

Chen Lin’s hand, mid-motion, suddenly paused. He turned and spotted two people standing there in shock, alongside two others wearing knowing smiles.

"What are you all standing there for? Come, come! Gepard, Natasha, hurry over and eat! And this child…"

Thud!

Gepard dropped to one knee.

"Governor, this is my younger sister, Lynx. She has long wished to meet you in person."

"G-Governor…!"

Lynx Landau, the youngest of the Landau family, had always dreamed of becoming an explorer. She had spent most of her time wandering the snowy wilderness, and from what Gepard had heard, she was quite close with Pela.

"Phew."

Chen Lin let out a sigh and pulled the two of them up.

"Didn’t I say there’s no need for this formality in private? Phantylia, take Lynx to go play with Pela. We need to have a private discussion."

"Of course~"

After seating Gepard and Natasha, Chen Lin handed them bowls and chopsticks, then casually ate as he inquired about the state of the ground forces under Gepard’s command.

Gepard, ever the professional, provided a thorough and meticulous report. His demeanor was completely focused—utterly different from the casual air Chen Lin often encouraged.

From officer assignments to weapon configurations, to the formation of various unit types—Gepard delivered his report with unwavering seriousness, never once looking away or losing his composure.

Chen Lin was pleased.

After all, every officer ranked lieutenant or higher in the army had been personally appointed by him.

Once Gepard finished, Chen Lin nodded and patted his shoulder.

"Good. The ground forces are in excellent hands, thanks to your efforts."

"It is my duty, Governor. You have entrusted the Landau family with this great responsibility, and we shall never fail you!"

Setting down his chopsticks, Chen Lin grinned.

"I need you to personally select a group of highly capable soldiers and form a new unit. Their primary role will be special operations—spreading out across the star systems to establish intelligence networks while also carrying out potentially dangerous covert missions. You’ll oversee the unit’s command. If you need resources, just go directly to the research divisions. What do you think?"

Gepard was just about to thump his chest and pledge his unwavering commitment when, suddenly, something occurred to him. His words caught in his throat.

"Governor… I believe that this unit would function at its best under your direct command! Furthermore, my abilities are limited. I humbly request that you appoint a lead instructor for this task. I will give my full support!"

Seeing Gepard’s cautious expression, Chen Lin nearly laughed out loud.

All I did was ask you to prove that you old-school officers are actually doing your jobs properly—why are you so nervous?

"Gepard, there’s no need to be so tense. I trust the people I put in charge, and I don’t micromanage them. The Landau family has dedicated itself to the Empire—I have no intention of mistreating you."

Chen Lin reached into his coat and placed two porcelain bottles, one large and one small, into Gepard’s hands.

"I heard that your family has produced many promising talents in the past. The contents of this large bottle should be distributed among them. Have them inhale it in small doses, spaced at least a week apart. It will enhance their latent psionic potential and help them awaken abilities they never knew they had."

"As for how effective it will be… if you distribute it among 30 people, by the end of their treatment, they won’t be much weaker than you are now. I doubt you’ll be disappointed with the results."

"The smaller bottle is for you. From now on, you’ll receive a new one every year. Other officers will have to earn theirs based on merit and talent. One day, I hope to see a Landau leading the ground forces—not just as a commander, but as a Psionic General, defending the Empire’s glory. Who you give these to and how you distribute them—I leave that to your judgment. Do you understand?"

Gepard held the bottles with trembling hands.

The Landau family had once been filled with gifted young individuals, only for most to be stripped of their talents after the Great Awakening. According to Pela’s classification system, psionic users below a certain threshold were divided into Heaven, Earth, and Mortal ranks, with ten sub-levels each. Only those who reached level 10 were eligible to join the Psionic Corps.

Right now, Gepard was the only pillar supporting the Landau family. He often wondered—If I were gone, what would happen to our future?

He didn’t dare to think about it.

Staring at the porcelain bottles, he understood the immense value of what he had just received. He also understood the weight of the favor he now owed.

"The Landau family… will serve the Governor to our last drop of blood. We will dedicate ourselves to the Empire and become your sharpest blade!"

A short while later, Gepard declined Chen Lin’s invitation to stay for a late-night meal, leaving with his utterly bewildered sister, likely heading home to make arrangements.

Natasha chuckled.

"Governor, do you have anything for me? Just so you know, I’m not much for fighting and killing."

Chen Lin sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Natasha, you can just call me by my name. Gepard is always too rigid—no matter what I say, he won’t change. It’s honestly a little frustrating."

"Well, can you blame him? After what you did back then, the Landau family was scared out of their wits. Even the elders ended up in the hospital from the shock."

After all, Natasha had been one of the few who supported Chen Lin when he first arrived in the Underworld.

Smiling, Natasha reached out and gently held his hand, just as she had done in the past.

"No matter what the task is, I’ll do my best."

Chen Lin nodded.

"Then I hereby appoint Natasha, Director of the Belobog Institute of Biomedical Research, as the Empire’s Special Ambassador to Xianzhou Luofu. Your mission: to carry out diplomatic duties and research a cure for the Mara-struck alongside Xianzhou’s specialists."

"I accept the assignment."

---

This is a fan translation of 在星穹铁道点群星科技树真的没问题吗? by 杏雨诗韵 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!