Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [60]

Where there’s joy, there’s sorrow.

Inside Qlipoth Fort, a secret meeting was taking place.

Late last night, Supreme Guardian Cocolia, who had been unconscious for an extended period, suddenly awoke. She immediately summoned Bronya, who had been temporarily acting as Supreme Guardian, to report on her tenure.

Under Bronya’s leadership, Belobog had seen remarkable progress. The Silvermane Guards, equipped with improved armor and advanced weaponry provided by the mysterious visitor Chen Lin, had reclaimed significant territory lost to the Fragmentum.

Politically, Bronya had championed the notion of humanity’s resurgence. Secret investigations revealed that the public’s willingness to enlist in the army had surpassed even the fervor seen during the anti-Antimatter Legion resistance 700 years ago. Civilian-led propaganda initiatives had also been encouraged and approved.

Economically, new technologies had revitalized factories, modernizing their machinery and boosting the production of consumer goods. The mining and smelting industries had achieved unprecedented advancements.

In agriculture, Bronya had worked tirelessly to unite Belobog’s major families in a government-backed initiative to construct hydroponic farms on lands donated by these influential clans. The results were staggering—agricultural yields reached heights unseen in the past century.

Belobog was thriving. The streets were alive with smiling faces, a hopeful optimism radiating from its citizens.

But as Bronya stepped into the meeting hall, her expression was anything but cheerful.

The night before, her mother had summoned her to report on Belobog’s progress. While Cocolia had appeared calm as she listened, she had subsequently ordered Bronya to remain in Qlipoth Fort for the night. Numerous Silvermane Guards had been stationed to seal off the area, ensuring no one could enter or leave without explicit permission.

Shortly thereafter, ministers began arriving, summoned one after another for private audiences with Cocolia.

What transpired during those meetings was known only to those present, but the atmosphere that emanated from Qlipoth Fort grew increasingly oppressive.

Bronya, seated in the council chamber, scanned the room and noted the absence of several familiar faces. Anxiety and anger churned in her heart.

According to a message from Pela, who had discreetly communicated with her via a concealed device, several ministers had been secretly executed the previous night in the palace training grounds. Among the condemned were key figures who had supported Belobog’s collaboration with the advanced technologies brought by Chen Lin, as well as representatives of influential families who had allied with Bronya during her temporary leadership.

Bang!

Cocolia tapped the table lightly, but in the deathly silence of the chamber, the sound rang loud and clear.

Her gaze swept across the assembled officials, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Her voice was calm, but it carried a commanding weight that silenced all dissent.

“Today, I’ve gathered you here for two reasons,” Cocolia began. “First, to inform you all that I have fully recovered. Second, to hear your honest observations of Belobog’s state under Bronya’s interim leadership. Each of you holds a critical role and has a frontline perspective. Tell me—how has Belobog fared under her command?”

Her voice echoed through the chamber, authoritative and unyielding.

Among the representatives of the Silvermane Guards, Captain Gepard Landau kept his head bowed, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He bit his lip, forcing himself to remain silent despite the burning urge to confront Cocolia.

I must endure… for the family…

Earlier that morning, Gepard’s father, the head of the Landau family, had personally visited him at the frontline camp. The forced smile on his father’s face was enough to alert Gepard that something was gravely wrong.

Before Gepard could ask questions, his father had preempted him with an order:

“During tomorrow’s meeting, you are to remain silent and obey the Supreme Guardian’s commands. If you defy her, you’ll bring shame upon our family—just like that traitorous woman.”

The cryptic remark left Gepard confused, but when he pressed for an explanation, his father revealed another unsettling detail:

“Your uncle has been executed by the palace guards. His crime? Attempting to assassinate the Supreme Guardian during an audience.”

Gepard had been stunned.

His uncle, a man who had recently collapsed from overwork while perfecting new crops for the hydroponic farms—how could he possibly have committed such an act?

Something is wrong. This doesn’t make sense. It has to be a mistake.

But Gepard knew that for the sake of his family’s survival, he could not speak out.

“A conspiracy! This is a conspiracy to destroy Belobog!”

The sharp voice of an elderly minister cut through the tension. Leaning heavily on his cane, the man declared, “An evil alien civilization seeks to undermine Belobog by subverting us through commerce and technology! Their goal is to dismantle our government and seize control!”

“The Minister of Construction—no, forgive me—our newly appointed Minister of State is absolutely right!” another minister chimed in. “Supreme Guardian, we beg you to see through this treachery!”

Several officials stepped forward, echoing similar sentiments. Their words were laced with baseless accusations and slander, but their demeanor betrayed their fear—they kept their eyes downcast, avoiding direct eye contact with Cocolia.

Bronya seethed with anger, her hands trembling at her sides. The education she had received in restraint was the only thing keeping her from shouting at these vermin.

“Lies!” Bronya exclaimed, her voice quivering with rage. “Chen Lin has done nothing but help Belobog. Every action he’s taken has been for the benefit of our people! The citizens are not blind—they see the truth in his work. What exactly does Belobog have that would tempt foreign powers?!”

“Your naivety speaks volumes, Lady Bronya,” one of the ministers retorted, his tone dripping with condescension. “You’ve been deceived, manipulated by a cunning outsider. This alone proves our point!”

Bronya’s vision blurred with frustration. The same ministers who had once sworn allegiance to her now stood united in opposition, spouting unfounded accusations.

They’re not just lying… they’re choosing sides.

Her nails dug into her palms as she struggled to maintain composure. “You…” she began, her voice steady but strained.

“Enough!” Cocolia’s sharp voice cut through the chamber, silencing Bronya.

“Bronya, you’ve shown poor judgment, allowing yourself to be a puppet controlled by others. You still have much to learn.”

She turned to Gepard.

“Captain Landau, escort Bronya back to the palace quarters. Ensure she is kept under strict guard. Until this matter is resolved, she is not to leave Qlipoth Fort.”

---

T/N: shake my friggin head

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!