Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [103]

Chen Lin’s presence in the Overworld remained a closely guarded secret, known only to a few trusted individuals.

Even within the Silvermane Guards, the ordinary soldiers were under the impression that their leader, Commander Bronya, was merely engaging with the Underworld. The only visible “outsiders” were two enigmatic visitors who answered no questions about their origins.

Many speculated that Chen Lin might be in the border camp, but since no one had seen him, they couldn’t confirm their theories.

Several days passed, and the city grew darker as night fell.

After briefing March 7th, Bronya, and the others, Chen Lin slipped away from the camp and ventured alone into the heart of Belobog.

From Pela, he had learned that there were still a few informants within Qlipoth Fort who were secretly relaying intelligence to the border forces.

Chen Lin wasted no time in requesting a list of these contacts. Unfortunately, most of the names were unfamiliar to him, and those he did recognize were low-level palace guards, unlikely to be much help for his plans.

After scanning the list, one name caught his attention: Peter Valk, head of the Research Department.

He thought back carefully and soon remembered who the name belonged to—the old man he had encountered when Bronya first brought him to the Research Department. At the time, the man had been skeptical of Chen Lin due to his youthful appearance.

But Peter had proven himself worthy of his position. He had taken Chen Lin’s theories and research leads and organized them into a comprehensive framework, advancing Belobog’s technological progress significantly. A capable old researcher, indeed.

To Chen Lin’s surprise, this foul-mouthed, stubborn man—who was known to argue with his subordinates over trivial issues for days on end—had also been recruited as an informant by Pela.

He might actually be useful.

Armed with the address and contact information Pela provided, Chen Lin set out to meet this high-ranking informant aligned with Bronya’s faction.

“Wow, things have really changed.”

It had only been a couple of months since Chen Lin last walked through the administrative district, but the transformation was drastic.

The once-bustling night market was now eerily quiet. Only a few citizens could be seen passing by on the streets, and many shops had closed down. When he passed through the commercial district earlier, the atmosphere was similarly desolate. Aside from a few bars with dim lights, there were hardly any stalls selling grilled food or other items.

In the darker alleyways, graffiti covered the walls, cursing certain ministers and even the Supreme Guardian. Some of the messages were direct threats, claiming, “Your family ruined mine—don’t think I’ll let you off, even in death.”

The entire city felt like it was on the verge of collapse.

If Chen Lin were to evaluate it, he could only shake his head in regret.

Even a dog would find this place unbearable. Truly, what a thriving paradise…

In a secluded corner, Chen Lin pulled out his phone and saw a message from Dan Heng.

Dan Heng (Not a Cold-Faced Azure Dragon): We’re almost at the Overworld. How’s it going on your end?
Chen Lin: Almost done. I’m about to contact an informant recommended by Pela. Wait for me near the exit to “arrest” me.

After a long pause, Dan Heng replied with a simple, Got it.

Following the address in hand, Chen Lin arrived at the residence of Dr. Peter Valk, head of the Research Department. The unassuming standalone house had a mailbox near the door, designed with a narrow slot for easy insertion and retrieval of items.

Chen Lin followed the instructions, slipping a written note into the mailbox. After ensuring no one was around, he knocked on the door—four light knocks followed by three heavy ones—and then disappeared into the shadows of a nearby alleyway.

Minutes passed before the door creaked open. A bearded, slightly overweight old man cautiously stepped out, retrieved the note, and quickly retreated inside.

More time passed. Still, no further movement. Hidden in the alley, Chen Lin began to wonder if there had been some sort of misunderstanding. I followed the procedure exactly…

Just as he was debating whether to use his psionics to peek inside, he detected a presence within his sensory range. Yet, when he looked in that direction, he saw nothing.

The sound of rustling drew his gaze to a large rectangular trash can. Its lid suddenly lifted, and out climbed the bearded old man, struggling to free himself from the container.

Chen Lin: “…”

What is this, a magic show?

Before Chen Lin could ask, Peter grumbled, “There’s not much happening in the palace lately. During the day, it’s just those parasites arguing over who embezzled what funds or ruined which civilian family. Lady Cocolia’s only contribution has been yelling at everyone. So, what do you want from me?”

“Dr. Peter, do you remember me? It’s been a while.”

Chen Lin pulled down his hood and mask, revealing his sunny smile.

“Mr. Chen! Holy—when did you get to the Overworld?”

“A couple of days ago… but let’s skip the small talk.”

Chen Lin’s eye twitched slightly. This old man really thinks I’m some ancient alien. The casual lies he had told back in the Research Department had apparently become canon among its members.

Well, fair enough. What young man carries this much esoteric knowledge in his head?

“The operation is about to begin, but I need your cooperation on a few things beforehand.”

“Say no more! This old bag of bones is at your service!” Peter thumped his chest. “Whatever you need, I won’t hesitate.”

Peter had spent his entire career tackling problems across various fields, only to hit bottlenecks just as results seemed within reach. If not for Chen Lin’s guidance, he would have spent his life leaving projects half-finished, likely taking that frustration to the grave.

It was this gratitude that had turned Peter into one of Chen Lin’s staunchest admirers. To him, helping Chen Lin wasn’t a chore; it was an honor.

“Easy there,” Chen Lin chuckled, handing Peter three small cloth pouches. “For three specific moments, do the tasks described in these pouches. I’ve numbered them for you. Also, if anyone asks about me, deny knowing anything.”

Peter accepted the pouches, his curiosity piqued. “What are these three moments?”

“When I’m captured, when the first task begins, and… when I’m no longer here.”

The first two conditions sounded reasonable, but the third left Peter dumbfounded.

“When you’re… no longer here?”

“You’ll understand when the time comes. Just remember what I told you, alright?” Chen Lin didn’t bother explaining further. This was one of his guilty pleasures—adding a touch of mystery to his plans made it all the more entertaining.

Especially when he imagined the chain reaction that would follow after his plans were set in motion. The mental image of the resulting chaos was almost too satisfying.

He realized he might have a knack for finding joy in these moments. Perhaps it was his way of coping with the monotony of research—creating little amusements to keep himself entertained.

“When you’re captured, during the execution of the first task, and when you’re… no longer here,” Dr. Peter Valk repeated the instructions, his tone cautious. “I got that right, didn’t I?”

“Perfectly,” Chen Lin confirmed with a smile. “Once this is over, I’ll make sure Bronya credits you with a major contribution.”

“I don’t want recognition.” Peter shook his head firmly. “As long as you stay safe, that’s enough for me. I’m already an old man with one foot in the grave. Completing the research I’ve worked on for decades is more than enough. Titles and accolades mean nothing to me.”

Well, he’s got a bit of the scholar’s dignity, doesn’t he?

Chen Lin smiled faintly but couldn’t resist asking the question on his mind. “So, Dr. Peter… why exactly were you climbing out of a trash can earlier?”

“I built an escape tunnel,” Peter replied matter-of-factly. “It’s for evading surveillance or secretly meeting with Lady Pela’s contacts. But I’d barely finished the tunnel when you scheduled this meeting, and I haven’t had the chance to inform anyone yet. You gave me quite the scare…”

“Uh…” Chen Lin’s mouth twitched. “Dr. Peter, you’re surprisingly cautious.”

You’re scared? I’m the one who nearly jumped out of my skin, Chen Lin thought, momentarily convinced that Stelle had sneaked over to surprise him by hiding in the trash can.

Honestly, this city… what is it with everyone’s obsession with trash cans?

After confirming the instructions several times, Peter flipped open the trash can’s lid and climbed back inside. Using his psionic sense, Chen Lin detected the old man moving through the underground passage toward his residence. Satisfied that everything was in order, Chen Lin saw no reason to linger.

Adjusting the psionic energy coursing through his body, Chen Lin crouched slightly before leaping forward with psionic enhancement.

Efficient and energy-saving—perfect.

Carefully avoiding the private soldiers patrolling the city’s districts, Chen Lin, cloaked in psionic energy, quickly reached one of Belobog’s restricted zones: the entrance to the tunnel connecting the Overworld and Underworld.

The area was devoid of light, but Chen Lin’s psionic vision didn’t rely on illumination. By using sonar-like feedback, he scanned his surroundings and ensured he was unobserved before slipping into the abandoned tunnel.

After walking for some time, he noticed the glow of geomarrow lanterns coming from a bend in the tunnel. Recognizing them as the group of palace guards who had defected to his side, he approached swiftly.

Dan Heng stood among them, dressed in the formal armor of a palace guard. Despite the bulky gear, his demeanor retained a sharp elegance.

“I’m here,” Chen Lin announced, immediately spotting Dan Heng, who was shorter than most of the guards by half a head. “I have to say, that outfit suits you.”

“I disagree,” Dan Heng replied, shaking his head. “Even with adjustments, this armor is too loose and stifling. I prefer lighter clothing.”

Behind them, the guard captain stepped forward. “Mr. Chen, are we heading to the camp now?”

Following some brief preparations, most of the palace guards had regrouped here under Dan Heng’s lead. Only those with severe injuries remained in the Underworld to recover.

Chen Lin had instructed the guards to follow Dan Heng, but since Dan Heng wasn’t one to initiate conversations, they hadn’t dared to ask about the next steps.

“We’re not going to the border camp,” Chen Lin said flatly. “We’re heading back to Qlipoth Fort.”

“What?!”

The guards were visibly shaken. After all, they had just executed over a dozen prominent members of emerging aristocratic families—individuals with significant political clout. For a group whose authority capped out at “captain of the palace guard,” this was a colossal provocation.

Returning to Qlipoth Fort under such circumstances was unthinkable.

The guard captain stammered, “Mr. Chen, we’ve defected in good faith! We have no ulterior motives!”

“Relax,” Chen Lin said soothingly. “If this succeeds, your contributions will far outweigh those of the Silvermane Guards in the camp. Stick to the plan, and there won’t be any danger.”

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Chen Lin hadn’t explained the full details to him either. All he had been told was to blend in with the palace guards and wait for further instructions at this location.

Now, hearing Chen Lin’s words, Dan Heng couldn’t help but feel that something big was about to happen.

After all, ever since arriving on Jarilo-VI, he’d noticed that Chen Lin’s thought processes were unusually bold—and often dangerously unpredictable.

“If there’s danger, it’ll be on me, not you,” Chen Lin said.

“Huh?!”

“By tomorrow evening, you’ll capture me and deliver me to Qlipoth Fort.”

Chen Lin’s announcement left the group in stunned silence. Even Dan Heng looked taken aback.

Chen Lin explained, “This is a strategy I devised with the military officers and Bronya at the camp. The goal is to legitimize the military’s entry into Qlipoth Fort without provoking public outrage. Right now, everyone’s attention is on the destroyer-class ships in orbit. Resolving that crisis will pave the way for the military’s involvement without backlash.

“Additionally, based on external intelligence and internal reports from the palace’s research department, we’ve identified a way to address the root cause of the Fragmentum outbreak and the planet’s ongoing climate crisis. The key lies in a substance called the ‘Stellaron.’ Unfortunately, it seems certain ministers have been influenced by the Stellaron, spreading deceitful proposals to manipulate public opinion…”

The plan’s logic was straightforward, and after Chen Lin’s brief explanation, the group began to understand.

In summary: neutralize the external threat, leave the palace no excuses to undermine the coup, and use overwhelming military force to overthrow the current government. Bronya would ascend as Supreme Guardian, the parasitic aristocrats would be eradicated, and the Stellaron—a harbinger of destruction—would be dealt with. This, in turn, would free Jarilo-VI from the grip of its harsh, unrelenting winter.

The group listened in stunned silence, their eyes wide with disbelief.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Chen Lin said, his voice calm but resolute, “this is a chance to save an entire planet, a nation, a city, and hundreds of thousands of lives. Isn’t that far more significant than trailing behind others for a share of the credit?”

“Mr. Chen… we…” The guard captain was so moved that he stumbled over his words. “Can we really take on such a responsibility?”

Chen Lin smiled, pulling a stack of papers from his coat pocket. “Don’t worry—I’ve written out a script for you all. There’s still time, so let’s rehearse.”

---

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!