Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

The history of the Architects is vast and storied. They were the first visionaries to propose building Belobog under the watchful gaze of Qlipoth, the Aeon of Preservation. Over time, they became the authority overseeing all political, military, technological, and cultural matters in the city.

When Belobog was the last remaining bastion on Jarilo-VI, it was the Architects' Council that decreed supreme authority would rest in the hands of the Supreme Guardian, who would then select other suitable individuals to aid in governance.

There is an adage in politics: One speaks on behalf of the one who grants them power.

The authority of any high-ranking official originates from the Supreme Guardian, and naturally, these officials are accountable to the one who grants them power. This alignment of interests ensures a unified front—perfectly reasonable under the circumstances.

At least, that's what Belobog's textbooks teach: respecting the Architects, obeying the Supreme Guardian, and trusting every command from Qlipoth's Citadel are all pillars of political correctness.

Under such an education system, no commoner would dare disrespect the Supreme Guardian. After all, their only glimpses of the Guardian were during public speeches on major holidays.

Mysterious. Powerful. Wise.

These were the traits Belobog's citizens ascribed to the Supreme Guardian. As long as they weren't driven to the brink of starvation, the populace maintained the highest reverence for their leader.

Looking back at Belobog's history, Chen Lin only knew of one Supreme Guardian— the eighth—who had been exploited by the reigning political elite as a tool to expand their power and eliminate enemies. In the end, this Guardian was overthrown in a coup led by the Silvermane Guards and cast into the abyss.

Beyond that, while the abilities of the Guardians varied, they all left significant legacies among the people.

Chen Lin fixed his gaze on the slightly trembling Serval before him. From her eyes, he sensed a faint but resilient defiance beneath her fear.

It struck him as odd. Serval, the eldest daughter of the Landau family, held a naturally advantageous political position. So why had she ended up running a modest, seemingly unprofitable workshop on the streets?

"Our side has no intention of stirring political disputes in Belobog, nor do we wish to meddle in any of its affairs. My country has always maintained a neutral and friendly stance toward Belobog."

Chen Lin's expression turned puzzled. "I spend most of my time in the lab, only occasionally going out for field research. As far as I know, I haven't done anything to harm our diplomatic relations. Why should I need to worry about the Supreme Guardian?"

"You…"

Serval gritted her teeth, her eyes flaring with fear before dimming into a bitter smile. "She doesn't care about that. She doesn't care about anything. She's long since lost her mind."

So, she does know something…

A sharp glint crossed Chen Lin's eyes before he stood and approached the dejected Serval. In a gentle tone, he asked, "By the way, Serval, do you run this shop entirely on your own?"

"Mm… There aren't many customers usually, but I use my free time to do things I enjoy, like music and theater."

"Wow! That sounds pretty nice. Honestly, I envy a life like that—far better than my current one, hopping from research ship to research ship for over a decade without even a chance to go home."

Chen Lin sighed softly, gazing at the pitch-black night sky outside the window, his tone tinged with melancholy. "I wonder if I'll ever get to return home before I die…"

This wasn't an act—Chen Lin genuinely missed home. His parents, his sister, and even the Gundam models stored in his apartment…

Emotion flowed naturally, and Serval fell silent. For reasons she couldn't explain, looking at the forlorn young man before her made her want to reach out and pat his back in comfort. But recalling her current circumstances, she held herself back.

"You will!" Serval said firmly, meeting Chen Lin's gaze. "You'll definitely make it home. Don't say such unlucky things. After you retire, you'll surely become one of your country's most celebrated researchers—your name might even end up in textbooks!"

"I hope so…" Chen Lin smiled faintly. "By the way, Serval, as a member of the Landau family, I've heard your family oversees many key government departments. Why aren't you in public service?"

At this, Serval's expression grew even more bitter. Almost reflexively, she reached out and held Chen Lin's hand, murmuring:

"I used to be the head of the Architects' Research Division. I managed countless major projects, and many of Belobog's current technologies still bear traces of my efforts."

As she spoke, Serval retrieved a pristine geothermal heater from under the table.

"This heater was brought in for repairs a few days ago. I had just cleaned it when I heard my foolish younger brother had been hospitalized. Thanks to you, though, he made it through the rescue…"

"It was nothing. I couldn't just stand by and watch someone I know die in front of me."

Chen Lin didn't decline her gratitude, but he asked, "So, Serval, were you dismissed?"

"Dismissed… and nearly killed in the process."

Hearing this, Chen Lin suddenly recalled an article he'd read in an old Belobog newspaper. Could this elegant woman before him have been a central figure in what appeared to be a political purge disguised as restructuring?

What kind of luck is this…

Frowning slightly, Chen Lin spoke slowly. "I read in some old newspapers that before the current research division was reorganized, it was accused of plotting to overthrow the Supreme Guardian. They were supposedly eradicated… But how could a group of researchers, without weapons or soldiers, stage a coup?"

"That's why I said she's lost her mind."

Serval shook her head. "Many researchers were executed, and several project leaders were exiled beyond the city. I'm likely the only survivor. Perhaps I should thank her—she did, after all, show me mercy."

Chen Lin's expression turned sympathetic. Truthfully, he did feel for the woman before him. From her words, it seemed she and Cocolia had a deep connection—one that gave her such insight into the Guardian's actions…

"What happened back then?"

Serval didn't answer immediately. Instead, she asked, "Do you trust me?"

"Of course. Completely. I'm just an outsider with nothing to my name. What could you possibly gain from me?"

Confidence radiated from him, pure and unshakable.

He… He reminds me of her…

Looking at the young man before her, Serval felt an inexplicable closeness.

After a long pause, she began speaking slowly: "I was on the verge of uncovering the true origin of this planet's eternal freeze. But just as I reached the final stage of my calculations, I was accused of researching forbidden matters and demoted to a commoner…"

Chen Lin's pupils dilated slightly, and one thought consumed his mind.

The Stellaron!

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