Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [196]

Jarilo-VI, Belobog, Lower District Research Institute.

Serval stood in her signature white lab coat, her focus fixed on a multitude of instruments as she reviewed a stack of data-filled documents in her hands. Occasionally, she instructed her team to input the data into simulation environments for further testing.

Not long ago, a researcher had brought in a new batch of data—primarily derived from Clara’s analysis and the detection device she had constructed. The data revolved around the mysterious L-Gate, but numerous interference variables complicated its retrieval and calculations. If nothing unexpected occurred, they would need to devise a solution as soon as possible.

With Serval’s psionic abilities supplementing energy output and the support of fusion reactors, the machinery could handle additional demands with ease.

Over the past few days, the detection device had successfully analyzed the materials comprising the L-Gate, even reconstructing the structure in its complete form. In essence, they now understood the fundamental materials required to manufacture a L-Gate.

But the problem was…

The L-Gate’s energy core was heavily encrypted, with a bewildering array of password types that left Serval utterly confounded. Unlocking it was a challenge, let alone determining how to activate the gate.

The project representative had reported progress earlier and tentatively suggested some methods, but Serval’s calculations quickly dismissed them as ineffective.

Without the foundation of previous advancements, no matter what you’re researching, progress will be painfully slow.

“Ugh… what kind of encryption is this, anyway?”

As one of the top scientists of Jarilo-VI, Serval had originally specialized in engineering. When Belobog allied with the Empire and she awakened her psionic abilities, she shifted her focus toward the scarce field of computational technology.

The support team hired by Asta brought a wealth of computational expertise, and Chen Lin had left behind extensive materials on advancing these technologies. Much of it was beyond Serval’s initial understanding, as the academic resources left after Belobog’s catastrophic downfall were limited to the basics.

Even with her psionic mental development, it had taken her days to get up to speed. Without the assistance of Svarog and Clara, her progress would have been significantly slower.

“Can the existence of gods be calculated? This should be a viable path…”

Serval murmured as she stared at the experimental data in her hand. A spark of realization flickered in her eyes—a brilliance like starlight cascading from the heavens.

She suddenly understood the flaw in her previous approach. A scientist like her should never rely solely on what her eyes could see. If the results suggested feasibility, then there was reason to try. Why hadn’t I dared to experiment until now?

This research involved dimensions—perhaps it could be called multidimensional research!

Serval leaned over her desk, hastily jotting down the ideas flooding her mind. As she meticulously reviewed her notes, a faint starlight shimmered in her peripheral vision.

“Serval, where’s Clara? I haven’t seen her.”

Two figures appeared behind her without warning, startling Serval with their near-teleportation. She shuddered inwardly at how much Seele’s abilities had improved.

“Ah, it’s Lady Bronya and Lady Seele.”

“There’s no need for such formalities,” Bronya said, exasperated. “Just call us by name in private. Otherwise, given that the entire research institute reports to my mentor, I’d have to address you as Chief Scientist Serval.”

Seele nodded in agreement. “She’s right.”

“Just teasing, of course,” Serval replied with a lighthearted smile. “After being stripped of my position, I never imagined I’d end up in a place like this.”

With a shrug, she continued, “Clara’s exhausted. She hasn’t rested in days, so I sent her to bed last night. No matter how strong her mental resilience, half a month without sleep takes an enormous toll on her body—especially since she’s still growing.”

“Half a month?” Bronya asked in shock.

Serval nodded. “That child keeps saying she can’t sleep peacefully without accomplishing something. Last time Chen Lin returned, she stayed in the lab the whole time and missed him entirely. Young ones are always so eager to prove themselves. She’s set her sights on the L-Gate, hoping that one day she’ll solve its mysteries and earn her big brother’s praise.”

As she spoke, Serval couldn’t help but sigh. “That unknown gate has become her personal target, a symbol of her determination to prove herself. Seele, are you feeling unwell?”

Midway through her explanation, Serval noticed Seele twisting and squirming beside Bronya like a restless child.

“Oh, right—congratulations on your promotion,” Serval added. “Entrusting national defense to you truly puts everyone’s mind at ease.”

“Of course,” Seele replied confidently. After a moment, she added awkwardly, “If your research team encounters any difficulties, just let us know. We’ll do our best to help.”

“Well, there is one little challenge…”

Serval briefly explained her attempt to pioneer a new area of research. While Seele, rooted in military theory, didn’t quite understand the details, Bronya grasped the significance.

“Are you missing experimental data?”

“Exactly. We’ve surveyed this starfield, but there’s nothing suitable for experimentation. To progress, we need a high-quality substance, but I have no idea where to acquire it yet.”

Serval was certain that dimensional shifts could be achieved through technology. Her calculations suggested that theoretical dimensional transitions required a vast amount of intense energy to act as a catalyst. Compressing a limited space with this energy could cause it to warp.

If the warped space could then connect to previously inaccessible dimensions, a dimensional transformation would be possible.

At least, that was the theory.

Bronya couldn’t give a definitive answer. After a long period of thought, she finally said in a low voice, “Perhaps Mentor would know. We could ask him when he returns.”

After chatting briefly, Serval presented a concise report on her latest research findings. Once Bronya ensured that everything was progressing orderly, she revealed the purpose of her visit to the research institute.

“Seele and I have both been experiencing strange sensations lately. Sometimes, during rest, it feels like we’re stepping into an unfamiliar space—a vast expanse of nothingness where, apart from ourselves, there’s absolutely nothing visible.”

As it turned out, a few days prior, Bronya had felt fatigued after a meeting with the ministers. She had retired to her chambers for a brief rest, only to find herself dreaming of entering an ethereal, otherworldly space.

It was a place that seemed paradoxically empty yet not barren. It had skies and ground, clouds and rivers, but no living beings besides herself.

As one of the only two prodigy-tier psionics in Jarilo-VI, Bronya had a profound understanding of psionic energy. In her dream, she noticed that this space was saturated with an endless supply of unclaimed psionic energy. For a psionic practitioner, it was nothing short of a treasure trove, potentially invaluable for psionic research.

With this thought, the energy in the space seemed to react, coalescing into a gale that surged toward her.

That same day, the psionic energy across Jarilo-VI had grown more abundant. Reports surfaced that many individuals with minor psionic aptitude had broken through their natural limitations, making modest but noticeable advancements.

This phenomenon led to spontaneous celebrations across various regions. Citizens believed it was a divine blessing from their esteemed Emperor.

Seele’s experience was similar to Bronya’s, though it had a different outcome. She developed a unique ability: the capability to move freely through space without needing oxygen. However, it wasn’t as though she could survive without oxygen—it was a strange, borderline ability.

“Have you spoken to Miss Pela?” Serval jotted down their accounts, her brows furrowed in thought.

“Pela confirmed it’s psionic-related but hasn’t identified the specifics yet. She suggested Seele and I consult you, hoping you might have another perspective,” Bronya replied with a sigh. “But don’t stress yourself out, Serval. So far, it seems like these occurrences have been beneficial.”

Indeed, the rise in baseline psionic potential had fostered greater unity among the citizens, while Seele’s newfound ability to traverse vacuum environments was nothing short of remarkable. Furthermore, no adverse effects had surfaced.

Given Serval’s reputation as a trailblazing scientist on Jarilo-VI, it was no surprise that Pela sought her insights when conventional avenues reached a dead end.

“Even so, we can’t afford to let our guard down,” Serval said with a deep frown. “This nation can endure difficulties from anyone—but not from the two of you.”

The L-Gate research had reached a critical bottleneck. A breakthrough was desperately needed to push the project forward. As Serval pondered, inspiration suddenly struck.

She froze, her gaze darting between Bronya and Seele. Dreams leading to another space, impacting reality, even enhancing physical bodies with unique powers…

Could it be… that space?

Her hands trembled.

Could it be one of the higher-dimensional spaces I theorized about?

Psionic energy was malleable, capable of shifting between softness and rigidity. If this energy underwent a qualitative leap within a confined space, could it not transform into the high-quality matter described in her calculations?

This possibility sent her thoughts racing. If these two extraordinary psionics were able to access this mysterious space through their minds, while others couldn’t, it had to be linked to their advanced psionic abilities.

“Which of you has more free time?”

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Serval asked, “I think I may have a lead, but I’ll need your cooperation over some time to confirm my theory.”

The two women exchanged glances.

“I’m free,” Seele said. “There hasn’t been much pirate activity lately, so I gave the fleet some time off. I have nothing pressing to do.”

Bronya, as the political leader of Jarilo-VI, often found her schedule packed with administrative tasks. Though she had moments of downtime, those intervals were unpredictable and could be interrupted by urgent matters at any time.

“Then Seele, you’ll stay here for observation. I have a feeling this dream space you both entered could be an unprecedented opportunity for Jarilo-VI.”

The research institute had mastered numerous methods to monitor and explore psionic states. Serval’s mind was already brimming with ideas on how to discreetly witness this mysterious space alongside Seele.

She had developed several new materials recently, many of which hadn’t yet found a use. Once Clara woke up, Serval planned to discuss leveraging those materials to breach this potential breakthrough.

Space… Dimensions…

If they could master these theoretical technologies, Serval was confident that one day Jarilo-VI’s fleet could appear anywhere in the universe.

Even in the spaces occupied by Aeons themselves!

A surge of academic fervor coursed through her. The thought of her nation standing in domains once claimed by gods filled her with an uncontainable excitement.

Reflecting on her journey thus far, Serval felt a tinge of self-mockery. Once, she had thought herself a scientist simply by studying a handful of energy-based anomalies.

Now, her ambitions spanned psionics, space, and the universe’s deepest enigmas.

Jarilo-VI’s unprecedented access to resources had provided her with an unparalleled fortress for discovery. Within these walls, she could explore every mystery that piqued her interest.

She had no desire for destructive power. Even her psionic abilities were tools for research rather than weapons.

To encounter mysteries, to unravel them—that was Serval’s greatest joy.

While the research institute prepared to embark on a historic project, Seele retreated to the lounge. With snacks in hand, she enjoyed a rare break, watching dramas and indulging in leisure. Though restricted to the institute, she had no complaints.

She longed for an excursion, but with one particular person absent, her desire to explore had waned.

Clara awoke not long after, wrapped in her lab coat and uniform as she joined Serval. The scientist detailed everything discussed, including her theories about spatial dimensions.

Clara, sharp as ever, immediately grasped the root of their problem. The L-Gate project wasn’t stalled because of an uncrackable alien code—it lacked a conceptual understanding of spatial distortion and transfer.

Once they comprehended these phenomena, the L-Gate would no longer be an enigma. After all, it was an artificial construct—if others could build one, so could they.

Summoning nearly a thousand senior researchers, Serval and Clara convened a meeting. Soon, the main institute and its branches plunged into intense calculations, designs, and planning.

Meanwhile, Seele sipped on soda, munched on chips, and binged her shows, blissfully unaware of the monumental project taking shape around her.

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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!