Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [59]

What can be accomplished in just over a month?

Take a few extra days off school? Skip a handful of work shifts? Maybe earn one more paycheck?

No, those things are trivial.

Starting this very morning, countless residents of Belobog, as they did every day, flocked to government-run supermarkets to purchase supplies for the days ahead.

For restaurant owners, the haul was usually much larger. They also bore the brunt of market fluctuations, particularly during years of poor harvests when many bakeries and eateries would shutter, their owners’ investments vanishing like snow in the sun.

But today was different.

As residents entered the government-run supermarkets, they froze in their tracks, stunned by the sudden abundance of food on display. The price tags, however, were what truly left them dumbfounded.

A bag of rice that had always cost 30 Winter City Shields was now only 5? And those fresh green vegetables—previously so exorbitantly priced that most families might afford them only once a month—now sold for just 1 Shield a bundle?!

This had to be a mistake.

Belobog’s food supply had always been limited. Previous Supreme Guardians had implemented sweeping reforms, ensuring that food was sold exclusively through government channels. This approach was designed to thwart profiteering capitalists eager to exploit national crises and also to bolster Qlipoth Fort’s financial reserves.

The system stabilized food prices, protected citizens from widespread famine during lean years, and allowed the city to maintain emergency grain reserves for times of disaster.

Since birth, most citizens had known the prices of staples to fluctuate only marginally, rarely exceeding a 5% annual variance.

But today?

Had the supermarket staff lost their minds? Did they not fear that mislabeling prices on such a massive scale might get them arrested and thrown into the dungeons by the Silvermane Guards?

Chaos ensued as supermarket managers across Belobog were inundated with complaints and inquiries, their offices nearly paralyzed by the deluge. Fortunately, they had been well-prepared for this moment.

As pre-arranged directives were issued, a number of prominent figures took to the streets to address the public.

Outside a central district store, a distinguished-looking man stepped forward. His every gesture exuded an air of wealth and refinement, as if the very word “affluent” had been engraved into his being.

“Ah, esteemed citizens of Belobog, there is no need to panic,” he began, his voice resonant and authoritative. “The prices you see are accurate. Please rest assured and make your purchases freely. I am Harlouse Kaeteborritch Rheimsstein, the 25th patriarch of the Rheimsstein family. I personally guarantee these prices are genuine. And I assure you—they are not the lowest we’ll see. Food prices will only continue to drop in the future!”

The murmuring crowd shifted their attention to Harlouse, instantly recognizing the name.

The Rheimsstein family held considerable influence in Belobog—not politically, but in commerce. Their wealth was among the greatest in the city.

If someone of his stature vouched for the prices, it was enough to dispel most citizens’ doubts.

Even so, someone in the crowd couldn’t help but ask, “Why are prices dropping so much? I’ve lived over forty years, and I’ve never seen vegetables or grains this cheap.”

“Ah, a very astute question!” Harlouse replied, his polished demeanor unwavering. “Allow me to enlighten you. Roughly 20 days ago, I and the leaders of five other prominent families were honored to receive an invitation from Mr. Chen Lin and Lady Bronya. Together, we discussed plans for the construction and operation of ‘hydroponic farms.’ These farms are a miraculous gift brought to us by the esteemed Mr. Chen Lin from beyond the stars. They dramatically increase crop yields, shield crops from harsh weather, and even eliminate the need for seasonal planting. With this technology, we can harvest at least once a month!”

The crowd erupted in astonished chatter. What they had initially suspected to be yet another ploy by the elite to exploit the common folk had suddenly turned into something entirely different.

Chen Lin.

A name they all knew and respected.

This man, who had worked miracle after miracle for Belobog, had earned the unwavering gratitude of its people. The weight of their suspicion lifted, replaced by newfound trust.

Harlouse continued, “After careful deliberation, we—the heads of these families—unanimously decided to support Mr. Chen Lin’s vision. We pledged our resources to secure Belobog’s future and provided extensive land for the farms. This month’s harvest was a resounding success! After rigorous testing, all crops have been certified by the Food Safety Department at the highest quality grade. Eat with confidence, my friends!

“The administrative district’s supply is jointly managed by the Rheimsstein and Kruspa families. We promise to continue delivering affordable, high-quality food. Our newfound abundance means the Silvermane Guards will also have greater reserves, ensuring their strength in defending our city. With this progress, I am confident we will one day overcome the Fragmentum, conquer the snow, and reclaim Belobog’s future!”

The families involved carried immense weight in Belobog’s history. Many of their ancestors had been celebrated architects and defenders of the city.

Though not all prominent families had participated in this endeavor, the average citizen didn’t dwell on such details.

Their thoughts were simple.

For the first time, they wouldn’t have to fear going hungry. They wouldn’t need to endure the annual dread of famine, hoarding food just to survive.

Joy swept through the city. Citizens celebrated the prospect of not only a full belly but also the financial freedom to pursue leisure and enrich their lives.

Amidst this jubilation, rumors began to swirl.

Word from Qlipoth Fort hinted that Supreme Guardian Cocolia had recently fallen ill, temporarily delegating her duties to Bronya. The hydroponic farms, it seemed, were initiated during this interim period—an effort that had drawn considerable media attention at the time.

Today, however, reports emerged that Cocolia had recovered. Many officials were seen rushing toward Qlipoth Fort for an emergency meeting.

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At the Goethe Hotel, Chen Lin called out to March and the others as they prepared to head for the barracks.

“Wait, you’re not heading out today?” March asked, puzzled.

“Not today,” Chen Lin replied. “Let’s pack up our things instead. Make sure you don’t forget anything.”

“Wait, are we heading back to the train?” March’s expression brightened, though tinged with confusion.

Dan Heng, however, raised an eyebrow. “Has something changed?”

Chen Lin nodded slightly. “Yes. After everything that’s happened, I suspect someone’s patience has finally run out. Let’s be ready. When the time comes, we’ll receive word, and we’ll act accordingly.”

As he spoke, Chen Lin’s gaze drifted toward the window.

This morning, he had received word from a well-placed attendee at Qlipoth Fort—Cocolia had regained consciousness.

Fortunately, during her incapacitation, Chen Lin had not been idle. He had used the time to complete several key investigations and secure critical approvals. Bronya, now acting Supreme Guardian, had directly granted him the right to establish a galactic construction project.

Turning his thoughts inward, Chen Lin’s mind focused on the miniature star system anchored within his consciousness. At its center, near the massive star, a newly built frontier outpost gleamed, already upgraded and well on its way to completing its shipyard.

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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!