Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [65]

The Underworld had existed for centuries, gradually carved out into a massive living space beneath Belobog.

After navigating yet another deep and dimly lit mining tunnel, the group suddenly emerged into an expansive area. The narrow pathways gave way to a cavernous space that felt like its own world.

“This is it—Rivet Town! So, how does it compare to what you imagined the Underworld would look like?”

Sampo stretched his aching legs and exhaled deeply, his expression relaxed. “This is the biggest settlement in the Underworld nowadays. The others are either too small or abandoned due to rift erosion.”

“Hey, Lin! Look at all those glowing rocks over there!” March exclaimed, pointing excitedly at the piles of raw, luminous materials scattered nearby.

“That’s raw geomarrow in its most basic form. With some simple processing, it can be used directly,” Chen Lin explained with a smile. “I’ve read plenty of research about it. Some of the overworld’s skincare products are made using lipids extracted from geomarrow. It’s incredibly useful for both industrial and everyday applications.”

Dan Heng nodded in agreement. “Providing thermal energy and extracting resources—definitely a natural treasure.”

“Wait a second… I understand the words, but when you put them together, they lose me…” March mumbled, staring blankly at Chen Lin.

Stelle patted her shoulder, her face filled with pride. “I don’t get it either, but you should really read more.”

March: “…”

The subtle rivalry between Stelle and March was lost on the rest of the group. What wasn’t lost on anyone, though, was how much time they’d spent walking to reach this point.

Thankfully, everyone in the group had decent stamina. Otherwise, just getting here would’ve taken dozens of hours.

Credit was also due to Sampo’s guidance. Rather than following the abandoned tram tracks the entire way—where soldiers might have pursued them—they took one of Sampo’s so-called “shortcuts.” This saved a significant amount of time.

Sampo, aware of his less-than-stellar reputation, refrained from commenting on March’s outburst. Instead, he turned his attention to Chen Lin, who radiated a calm, scholarly demeanor.

Everyone in the overworld called Chen Lin a polite and unassuming researcher. But Sampo knew better—this man was anything but weak.

“Ah, Chen Lin, you mentioned wanting to meet someone from Wildfire?” Sampo hesitated before pointing toward a specific part of the town. “I can make introductions, but I need to deliver something to my client first…”

“No problem. We’ll wait for you,” Chen Lin replied with a nod. “I’ll pay you for your trouble, of course.”

During their time in the overworld, Bronya had arranged for them to receive some funding. It wasn’t much, but it covered their basic expenses.

Bronya, however, had taken extra care to ensure her respected mentor, Chen Lin, never went hungry or lacked resources. Even though he had contributed so much to Belobog, she often worried he might one day go without a decent meal due to a lack of money.

Whenever she had the chance, Bronya dipped into her private savings to give Chen Lin more funds. Despite already having over a dozen moneybags stuffed in their hotel room, Bronya continued to send Pela with weekly deliveries.

At first, Chen Lin refused, saying he had no need for so much money. But Pela insisted, explaining that she’d be scolded by Bronya if she didn’t deliver it. Reluctantly, Chen Lin accepted the funds, planning to return them someday.

Now, it seemed that money was finally coming in handy.

Sampo looked like he wanted to protest, but as soon as he opened his mouth, Chen Lin pulled out a bag as large as his head, filled to the brim with Winter City Shields.

Chen Lin shook the bag slightly. “Does this cover everything?”

At that moment, Sampo felt that keeping his client’s identity secret didn’t seem so important anymore. With a broad smile, he stepped forward eagerly.

“More than enough! Of course, I’ll ensure my client has no complaints. Please, my esteemed guests, follow me! Right this way, right this way!”

March watched as Chen Lin stashed the bag away again. Nudging Stelle with her elbow, she whispered, “Where did Lin get so much money? Bronya’s funding wasn’t nearly that generous!”

“Hmm… maybe he found it lying around?” Stelle replied, nonchalant.

“Then why don’t you go find some for me?” March grumbled.

Nearby, Dan Heng decided to clarify. “Chen Lin’s money comes from Bronya. Miss Pela delivers one or two bags every week—I’ve seen it happen.”

“What?!” March stared at Chen Lin’s back in shock, her mind racing. “That woman must be plotting something!”

Stelle tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“She’s trying to bribe Lin! If he eats her food and spends her money, he’ll feel obligated to her. Eventually, he won’t be able to refuse her when she… takes advantage of him. This is a classic case of—of—financial seduction! It’s despicable!” March huffed, visibly outraged.

Dan Heng sighed deeply, quickening his pace to distance himself from March’s theatrics.

Meanwhile, Stelle seemed lost in thought. After a moment of deliberation, she pulled out a handful of Winter City Shields from her pocket and ran up behind Chen Lin, tugging on his sleeve.

Chen Lin turned around, puzzled. Stelle held out the money with a serious expression.

Seeing his confusion, Stelle asked earnestly, “Is this enough?”

“Enough for what?”

“To support you.”

“...?”

A giant question mark seemed to hover over Chen Lin’s head. His mouth twitched slightly before he raised a fist and lightly knocked it against Stelle’s head.

Thud!

“Ow!”

---

After navigating through a maze of streets and countless staircases, the group finally arrived at a small building.

From behind the closed door, Chen Lin could hear a gentle female voice speaking inside.

“Little Ailee, you’re so strong! Just a few more days of medicine, and you’ll be all better~”

“Nata-sister, I promise I won’t play in the mines again…”

“Good. Because if you hurt your leg again, we might have to saw it off next time~”

“No, I won’t! I really won’t!”

Outside, Chen Lin and Sampo exchanged bewildered glances. Sampo noticed the doubt in Chen Lin’s eyes and let out an awkward laugh.

“This is a proper clinic, I swear! Nothing shady here, haha…”

“I hope so…” Chen Lin muttered.

Just then, the door opened, and a tall, graceful woman appeared in the doorway.

“Sampo? You actually came back? If you’d stayed away any longer, the patients might not have made it.”

“Boss, you wound me!” Sampo replied dramatically. “I ran into some trouble, that’s all. Nothing to worry about!”

The woman’s eyes narrowed as she glanced at the group behind him. “And who are these… friends of yours?”

---

T/N: oml stelle is too funny this story is great

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!