Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [115]

Whoosh—

A powerful gale swept across the land that had been sealed under snow and ice for nearly a millennium. No longer were snowflakes dancing in the wind; instead, melting ice flowed freely, forming streams. The once-cloudy sky cleared, scattering the oppressive fog and revealing sunlight that Belobog’s people hadn’t seen for generations. For the first time in centuries, beams of enlightenment pierced through this frozen planet, bringing unprecedented light.

With the remaining loyalists and private soldiers of the previous regime eradicated, the citizens learned that Qlipoth Fort had been temporarily taken over by Bronya’s military forces. Instead of enforcing curfews, the new military government repealed many of the oppressive decrees established during the crisis.

From that moment on, Belobog was free. Movement was no longer restricted; citizens could explore all corners of the city, and previously sealed zones were reopened. Even the Lower District was fully accessible.

During this period, many residents noticed uniformed representatives moving between the Lower and Upper Districts, rumored to be envoys negotiating with Qlipoth Fort. Families separated by the previous lockdown were finally able to reconnect, traveling via the now-operational electric trams.

What reassured the populace most was the joint statement issued by Qlipoth Fort and the Empire’s terrifying fleet hovering in the sky. It declared that after inspecting Chen Lin’s "corpse," there was still a strong chance of his recovery.

And recover he did!

The ability to bring someone back from the dead further cemented the belief that the Empire’s strength was akin to divine power.

In short, Belobog’s crisis had been resolved in the most comprehensive way possible.

Early the next morning, as the first light of dawn crept over the city, Silvermane Guards in crisp uniforms appeared throughout the streets, posting official notices on bulletin boards. Beside each notice, they placed a meticulously crafted metal box, firmly secured in place.

At first, the sight of these boxes puzzled the citizens. Curious, they crowded around the Guards, asking about their purpose.

The Guards, well-briefed and prepared, patiently explained the contents of the notices and demonstrated how to use the boxes.

“An anonymous vote? To decide whether to join the Empire?”

Holding the special red ballots in their hands, the citizens were initially baffled but soon became exhilarated.

Belobog, a place historically controlled by the Builders’ Consortium, had always kept its people far from policymaking. Citizens paid their taxes and, at most, could grumble privately about poor policies.

Now, under Bronya’s military leadership, such a monumental decision was handed directly to the people.

“The struggle against the Fragmentum has been won, and soon it will disappear completely.”

“To join the Interstellar Rift Empire is to become part of its Outer Domain, receiving comprehensive aid and military support. As the sole nation on this planet, Belobog will retain limited fiscal, administrative, and military autonomy. A governor’s office will be established to co-administer planetary affairs alongside Belobog’s leadership. Citizens will pay taxes only to Belobog’s government, not the Empire. Should Jarilo-VI face invasion, the Empire will consider it a direct attack on its territory and retaliate immediately.”

“Choosing not to join the Empire means Belobog will independently develop its resources with its existing manpower. The Empire will still assist in eliminating the remaining Fragmentum but will not intervene in Belobog’s internal or external affairs, maintaining diplomatic relations through an embassy.”

The options were laid out plainly, with the pros and cons clearly visible.

Join the Empire and enjoy its wealth and protection, or remain independent and face the challenges of self-reliance.

Was there even a choice?

Once citizens understood the contents of the notice, their faces lit with excitement.

If they remembered correctly, the Empire was closely tied to the respected Chen Lin. Everyone knew how much he cared for them. Far from a betrayal, joining the Empire felt like a genuine blessing—a gift that seemed almost too good to be true.

On the other hand, facing the desolate wilderness alone was daunting. Few people had the courage or desire for such an adventure.

The citizens’ desires were simple: preserve their culture, fill their bellies, avoid oppression, and witness their nation’s prosperity.

Silvermane Guards handed out the special red ballots, explaining that only these could be counted in the final tally. Afterward, they stepped aside to maintain order and keep watch over the ballot boxes, ensuring no one tampered with the process.

Most people were rational, but in a crowd of thousands, there were bound to be a few troublemakers. The Guards were there to prevent any chaos.

---

Meanwhile, in Qlipoth Fort’s administrative hall, Bronya sat on the throne symbolizing Belobog’s highest authority.

Behind her stood a smiling young man, and below the dais, hundreds of elders, women, and children were chained and kneeling in rows, as numerous as an ant swarm.

At the base of the stairs, two figures flanked the hall: one was the former Silvermane Guard Captain, Gepard, and the other, the newly appointed Director of Belobog’s Bureau of Security, Seele.

Bronya glanced at the young man behind her, seeking his advice with pleading eyes.

“Families of the Samalov, Rockefeller, McMillan, Chevnovka, Yorik… their patriarchs, matriarchs, and descendants. Execute all three generations.”

The youth’s serene smile was disarmingly gentle, but his words sent shivers down the spines of those kneeling below. Panic spread like wildfire—some fainted on the spot, while others hurled curses at the two figures above.

Even Bronya hesitated for a moment before issuing the order: “Escort them to the execution grounds!”

Amid cries and wails, the morning’s affairs came to a grim conclusion.

Once the officials and Guards had departed, Bronya remained uneasy.

“Mentor, isn’t this… excessive? Not all of them were involved in the wrongdoing.”

“Lord Chen Lin,” Gepard interjected cautiously, “I also believe this decision might be too hasty. Many of them are innocent…”

Before Chen Lin could respond, Seele scoffed.

“Innocent? So what? Leave these potential threats alive, only for them to seek revenge on Bronya someday? Today, you kill their fathers, uncles, and cousins. Tomorrow, they’ll find a way to kill you. Short-sighted!”

“But the palace won’t hire them again. They’ll have no such opportunities,” Gepard argued, shaking his head.

Seele chuckled darkly, leaning nonchalantly against a table with her scythe slung over her shoulder.

“Who said they need palace access? Stirring rumors and sowing dissent isn’t hard. Not everyone can discern truth from lies. A handful of agitators can cause more chaos than you’d think.”

“Enough.”

Chen Lin raised a hand, his sharp gaze silencing the room.

He glanced at Seele, surprised by her astute understanding of his reasoning.

“Hmph.”

Though defiant by nature, Seele respected Chen Lin’s authority. At his command, she relented immediately.

Once all eyes were on him, Chen Lin sighed.

“When it comes to justice and morality, I don’t take pleasure in ordering so many deaths. But when you strike, you must strike to the root. If you don’t, you risk a cycle of vengeance—thirty years of prosperity could flip into thirty years of calamity. Don’t overestimate people’s capacity for forgiveness. Sparing someone today doesn’t mean they’ll forget that you killed their family. Even if 99 out of 100 people forgive, it’s that one person filled with hatred who can wreak destruction far greater than the good brought by the rest.”

Gepard stroked his chin thoughtfully, while Bronya seemed to grasp some of the logic.

Chen Lin pressed on:

“Imagine a day when infiltrators target Belobog. If even one person we spared becomes a collaborator or a mole, what then? These families aren’t ordinary people. They’ve held office in Qlipoth Fort for generations, even centuries. They know this place inside out. Have either of you considered the consequences of what they could reveal?”

He understood that preemptively punishing people for potential future crimes was neither ethical nor just. It defied fairness and could easily condemn the innocent. Yet Chen Lin didn’t care.

Why should I gamble on the goodwill of families who conspired against me, infiltrated the Fort, and controlled commerce?

“To eliminate a threat once and for all is the most prudent course,” he stated coldly. “Cutting the weeds at their roots ensures no regrowth.”

If not for Bronya’s limited capacity to accept harsh measures, Chen Lin might have called for the extermination of not just three generations but entire extended lineages. He wouldn’t have blinked.

“Your patriarchs tried to kill me, slandered me at every turn. Killing your whole family is more than justified.”

“This isn’t tyranny,” he continued, smiling faintly. “It’s efficiency. Belobog has just emerged from chaos, its society already strained to its limits. The temporary joy from recent victories will soon give way to simmering unrest if we don’t address these issues. Belobog cannot afford the luxury of dealing with saboteurs hidden among the populace. Execution is the simplest, most direct solution."

“If either of you has a better method, feel free to halt the executions. I have no objection.”

Bronya fell silent, while Gepard furrowed his brow deeper.

Eventually, both shook their heads.

“Apologies, Lord Chen Lin. I failed to see the full picture,” Gepard admitted, his tone subdued.

Bronya nodded as well. After hearing Chen Lin’s explanation, she realized his method, however brutal, was undeniably effective.

“Let’s proceed as you suggested, Mentor. I’m inexperienced in handling these matters, and I apologize for burdening you.”

With Gepard tasked with overseeing the public referendum, he soon excused himself, leaving to manage the vote-counting process.

Belobog’s situation remained stable, and the results were expected to be tallied by midday. As the key figure in the referendum, Gepard had no time to spare.

Seele, on the other hand, had fewer responsibilities. Her newly formed department was effectively a placeholder, granting her administrative authority while her actual workload was negligible. She was busier in the Lower District than now.

Meanwhile, the farms Chen Lin had set up in the Lower District continued to supply food to the Upper District. For the first time in decades, the roles of the two regions seemed reversed. Thanks to Chen Lin’s intervention, Wildfire willingly integrated into Qlipoth Fort’s governance, relinquishing its administrative and fiscal independence to become a specialized law enforcement and medical department.

In layman’s terms, Wildfire’s members were now police officers and medics under the newly established Lower District jurisdiction.

“Let’s grab some food and talk later after the referendum results come in,” Chen Lin suggested, stretching with a satisfied grin. With the weight of critical decisions lifted and a small measure of personal revenge taken, his mood was light.

“What’s for lunch?” Seele asked curiously.

“You haven’t eaten?”

“Nope! I was waiting to eat with you guys.” Seele blinked innocently.

“Then eat this punch first.”

“?”

During the meal, Seele, as always, sat plastered to Chen Lin’s side, while Bronya sat across from them, her head lowered in embarrassment.

When Seele brought up the morning’s executions, Bronya’s head drooped lower and lower until it nearly touched her plate. Chen Lin couldn’t help but give her a playful flick on the forehead.

“Next time, just sleep in your room,” he chided lightheartedly.

Seele’s eyes lit up, but then she shook her head. “No way. I still haven’t fulfilled my promise.”

“Credit where it’s due—you’re surprisingly reliable about keeping promises.”

“Of course!”

Earlier that morning, Seele and Gepard had led the operation to round up the remaining conspirators sentenced to death. When they couldn’t find Bronya or Chen Lin in the usual places, they headed to Bronya’s quarters, where Seele, being a frequent visitor, casually pushed the door open.

Inside, she found the two of them fast asleep on the sofa, leaning against each other.

If not for the lack of any suspicious smells and their fully clothed state, Seele might have burst into tears of frustration.

I was here first!

Realizing they had simply fallen asleep from exhaustion, her misplaced jealousy dissipated. However, Bronya’s thin skin prevented her from discussing the incident further.

As Chen Lin enjoyed his roasted fish and flatbread, an enormous event notification suddenly popped up in his vision.

[Our Homeland: Jarilo-VI]

From crumbling ruins to a bustling metropolis, we have given everything in pursuit of a homeland. Through endless hardships, our efforts have finally paid off. With the Fragmentum threat resolved, the native inhabitants of Jarilo-VI have chosen to coexist harmoniously with us.

This will be our new home, a sanctuary where we teach and uplift the natives. We will cherish the lands and resources they have offered. The Empire welcomes this newborn as its own, embracing it as part of our shared destiny.

When a wandering empire finds a home, history’s wheels turn anew. With fleets that blot out the sky, boundless wealth, and cutting-edge technology that leads the universe, the Empire shall shine as the galaxy’s brightest star.

Pouring all our resources into constructing a perfect homeland, we will become the center of the cosmos—no matter the cost.

The universe may expand endlessly, but we will grow ever closer.

[For the Empire, for humanity—glory eternal!]

[Construct the most perfect homeland and astound the galaxy!]
(-25,000 minerals, -15,000 energy credits, -8,000 alloys; Jarilo-VI becomes a Gaia World; Jarilo-VI is designated the capital; adds 10 population; permanently grants the modifier “Imperial Capital” with effects: All districts +50, building slots +24, construction time -90%, construction costs -20%, maintenance costs -25%, job output +66%, happiness +30%, food consumption +20%, consumer goods consumption +20%) [Ends event chain.]

[We need more labor for unknown frontiers; the slave market could help!]
(-3,000 minerals, -1,500 energy credits; Jarilo-VI is designated the capital; adds 8 population) [Ends event chain.]

[Amazing!]
(Jarilo-VI is designated the capital; adds 1 population) [Ends event chain.]

“Holy—!”

Chen Lin’s flatbread fell to the ground as his hands trembled. His jaw hung open, and his heart raced.

Seconds ago, the roasted fish and flatbread had been delicious. Now, they tasted like ash. Staring at the event options, he felt his pulse pounding in his ears.

Even during his battle with the Fragmentum, he hadn’t felt this exhilarated. Yet now, he struggled to keep his composure.

Scanning his available resources, he saw that while minerals were abundant, he had fewer than 4,000 energy credits and barely 600 alloys.

What do I do?

There was no question—Option 1.

Even if I have to go into debt, this is worth it.

The Gaia World designation and various bonuses were tempting, but the real treasure was the permanent “Imperial Capital” modifier. A single planet with this much power could crush entire nations.

“I’ll take out loans if I have to! Let’s go!”

If the price of greatness was temporary debt, so be it. He’d sell resources on the market if necessary. With Jarilo-VI’s mineral wealth, he could mine endlessly, ensuring prosperity for centuries to come.

Time to make this world the heart of the Empire.

---

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!