Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

Many of the Silvermane Guards had limited education, yet they couldn't help but feel moved by Chen Lin's words. For a city where he was merely a passing guest, he had selflessly done so much good without expecting anything in return.

In that moment, the Guards traveling with him were overcome with complex emotions, which soon solidified into resolve.

If even an outsider like Chen Lin would go so far for Belobog, risking punishment to fight for our city's benefit, then we too must protect him and this last bastion of civilization at all costs!

While the group remained immersed in their newfound determination, Chen Lin casually grabbed two bottles of drinks and headed straight for the mechanical workshop.

As soon as he stepped inside, he spotted Gepard, his body wrapped in bandages, sitting in a chair across from Serval. A pair of crutches rested beside him. Both turned toward the door at the sound of movement, and their expressions couldn't have been more different when they recognized Chen Lin.

Gepard immediately stood, despite the obvious pain it caused him. He suppressed a grimace as he bowed deeply, even as his body trembled and fresh blood stained the bandages on his chest.

"Mr. Chen, I owe you my life. I, Gepard, will never forget your kindness!"

"There's no need for that, really."

Chen Lin quickly helped Gepard back into his seat, noting the bright red spots that had begun to seep through the otherwise pristine white bandages.

Once seated, Gepard grasped Chen Lin's hand firmly, his expression solemn. "I swear on my name—Gepard Landau—that if you ever need anything, I will brave any danger to fulfill it!"

"Alright, alright! What's he going to ask you to do, storm the Fragmentum?" Serval smacked the back of Gepard's head, then gestured to Chen Lin. "Come here, Lin. Ignore this thick-skulled brother of mine and sit down."

But Gepard's face turned serious.

"Sister, you're being disrespectful to Mr. Chen! He's not only discovered a new alternative energy source for Belobog's future but also helped us reclaim lost territory. Your tone is far too casual!"

"Oh, please."

Serval rolled her eyes, looking utterly exasperated. "You act like we're in a military briefing. No wonder you can't find a girlfriend."

Gepard blinked, the realization hitting him slowly. He glanced at Chen Lin, then back at his sister.

"You… You two know each other?"

"Of course!" Serval replied breezily. "Honestly, you're as dense as a brick wall. It's embarrassing."

"Better to be focused on slaying Fragmentum monsters than distracted," Gepard muttered.

Chen Lin chuckled and extended his hand toward Gepard. "Let's start fresh. Chen Lin, a humble researcher specializing in computational technology, particle physics, biology, and psionics."

"Oh! Gepard Landau, Captain of the Silvermane Guards…" Gepard reflexively shook his hand, introducing himself in a stiff, formal tone.

Serval, visibly irritated by her brother's formality, didn't even wait for him to finish before shooing him out.

"Alright, alright. Back to the hospital with you. Stop worrying about your military duties for once. Healing is your top priority right now."

"Sister…"

"What? You want to head back to the frontlines? Don't even think about it until you're fully recovered. I'm not visiting you in the hospital again just to see you comatose."

The sibling dynamic amused Chen Lin. To see Gepard, who exuded professionalism and command outside, utterly cowed by his sister at home was a jarring yet entertaining contrast.

Eventually, Gepard left the workshop, glancing back every few steps like he was leaving something unfinished.

Once he was gone, Serval returned from the doorway with an exaggerated sigh.

"My brother has a one-track mind—loyalty to the city above all else. If anything happens to him, I'm counting on you to look after him, Lin."

"I don't think it'll come to that," Chen Lin reassured her. "I doubt anything will spill over to him."

"I hope you're right… Oh, right, the list is ready. Turns out there are more potential candidates than I thought. I didn't expect your reputation among the Guards to be this high."

Serval walked to the counter and retrieved a notebook filled with names, handing it to Chen Lin.

The list detailed soldiers and officers discontented with Belobog's current policies. These individuals had expressed enthusiasm when Serval mentioned Chen Lin, making them likely allies.

Initially, Serval thought the task would be challenging. But after speaking to just ten Guards, she found eight were already inclined to join Chen Lin's cause. The remaining two were outright fanatics, requiring no further persuasion.

"Thanks for this."

As Chen Lin scanned the list, he was astonished by the thoroughness of Serval's work. Each name came with notes explaining their motivations—most stemming from frustration with the administrative district, specifically Qlipoth's Fort.

The notes detailed repeated orders from Cocolia to launch offensives into the Fragmentum, despite the high risk of casualties. Many Guards had lost comrades, friends, and even family to these senseless missions.

Though they were soldiers, they weren't fools.

A pointless command could be justified once or twice as a necessary strategy. But when it became routine, it was impossible to overlook.

Some officers had even begun intentionally stalling at the Fragmentum's borders, unwilling to waste lives in futile attacks. They knew such actions only depleted their numbers without yielding any meaningful results.

"They don't understand why Cocolia keeps sending them to their deaths, and now they're rallying behind you."

"That's simple enough," Chen Lin replied, flipping through the notebook. "Because in battle, I stand in front of them."

"Wait, what?"

Serval blinked in surprise. She'd only heard snippets of the story from some familiar Guards but didn't know the full details.

Chen Lin smiled.

"I don't just hand them weapons and send them ahead. I take the weapons and lead them forward. That's all there is to it."

"Oh… I see."

Serval suddenly understood why Chen Lin's reputation among the Silvermane Guards was so high.

It wasn't just the advanced weapons he provided. It was because he stood beside them, fighting alongside them.

The difference between saying follow me and go ahead—a single word—created an entirely different meaning.

This was the key.

The Guards, though hardened soldiers, could clearly distinguish between someone who genuinely cared for them and someone who treated them as expendable.

"By the way, I'll swing by later. I've got a gift for you, Serval. Something you've never seen before!"

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Hello! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. WiseTL has worked hard to bring these wonderful stories to you, and I'm so happy we could share this moment together! Don't you think stories are a little like dreams? Each one has its own colors and shapes, and they grow even brighter when shared with others.

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