Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

[Herta Space Station: Prologue]

Unusual activity detected outside the Herta Space Station. Defense personnel report that a planetary destruction-class weapon known as the "Doomsday Beast" has breached the station's shield defenses. Despite the residual effects of the gravity barrier, it is attempting a full-scale assault on the station.

[Stay vigilant. We'll assist in the defense.]

[Think of the bigger picture.] (End this event chain.)

A true Paradox player would never prematurely end an active event chain, no matter how unknown the outcomes might be. For Chen Lin, exploration of the unknown was a necessity, not a choice.

What's the point of playing safe? I'm already barefoot; why fear stepping on glass?

Seize the day. Research the wreckage later!

"I'm not leaving."

The chaotic command center buzzed with activity as Asta barked orders, directing personnel to evacuate or activate defense systems. Amidst the commotion, a voice cut through—calm, composed, and resolute.

Asta froze in shock.

At that moment, Himeko arrived with the rest of the team. Noticing their arrival, Asta pleaded anxiously, "Himeko, take Chen Lin to the train immediately. You need to get out of here. I'll—"

"I'm staying."

Chen Lin interrupted, his words catching both Asta and Himeko off guard. He continued before anyone could question him:

"I don't know why I'm here, but since I've found myself on this station, I see it as fate."

The key to war is always a good excuse. Even in this situation, a justification is better than silence.

He turned to Himeko, speaking earnestly. "Miss Himeko, I wish to stay and help defend the station. I may have lost many memories, but there's an old saying in my homeland: 'A man dies for his confidants.'

"Miss Asta has been nothing but kind, patiently explaining countless things to me. To leave her to fend off the enemy alone would be unthinkable. Please, all of you go ahead—I'll remain here to assist."

The Astral Express? Sounds fancy, but what does it even mean?

Chen Lin's true intentions lay in seeing the event chain through to its conclusion. The rewards and insights it offered could prove invaluable for his survival and growth in this world.

Whether or not they understood his motives, Chen Lin had made his choice.

"Very well. I'm glad I wasn't mistaken about you," Himeko said, a flicker of approval in her eyes. "If we're here, then it's only right to stay and assist our allies."

March 7th chimed in enthusiastically, planting her hands on her hips. "Yeah! Let that thing come down here and fight me one-on-one!"

"You probably wouldn't last against one of its claws…" Dan Heng quipped, crossing his arms.

Despite the levity, Asta felt a surge of gratitude as she gazed at Chen Lin. His steadfast decision left a profound impression.

"Thank you," she said softly. "But the station's defense systems will need time to charge…"

Chen Lin's mind turned to the three corvettes under his control. With a plan forming, he declared, "I might have a solution."

"Oh?" Himeko tilted her head, intrigued.

"Before we proceed, I need to confess something."

Everyone's attention snapped to him.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Lin explained, "Those three ships outside the station—I can control them."

He tapped his temple for emphasis. "With this."

A stunned silence filled the room.

Asta was the first to recover, exclaiming, "Wait, so you're the one who made those ships fly off earlier?!"

Chen Lin nodded.

"Incredible… I've never heard of an ability like that," she murmured.

"Ships?" Himeko blinked, still processing the revelation. Asta quickly filled her in, explaining the situation.

Himeko frowned thoughtfully. Controlling warships with his mind? What kind of ability is this?

BOOM!

A deafening explosion rattled the station, the sound reverberating through the walls.

"The Doomsday Beast has breached the barrier! It's near the platform!" Asta announced, panic edging her voice.

"I'll handle it."

Chen Lin took a step toward the door, then hesitated, turning back with an awkward expression.

"Miss Asta… Where's the platform?"

Dan Heng pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Let's all go," Himeko said, smiling lightly. "We can't afford to lose new recruits. Besides, it's been a while since the train had fresh blood."

The group moved quickly toward the platform. As they departed, Asta called out, her voice trembling yet resolute.

"Please… be careful. I'll be waiting for you to return."

The Doomsday Beast.

The creature towered before them, a massive monstrosity resembling a Western dragon. Its colossal wings stirred gusts of wind that billowed March 7th's skirt. Blue and white armor adorned its body, glowing faintly with an eerie energy.

Its imposing form suggested a hybrid of beast and machine, every movement heavy and deliberate, powered by some mysterious force.

As the group stepped onto the platform, the Doomsday Beast descended, slamming into the ground with a thunderous impact that shook the station to its core.

Chen Lin staggered but steadied himself, blinking up at the hulking creature.

This is supposed to be a planetary destruction weapon?

The creature, though massive, stood only about 50 meters tall. Chen Lin found himself questioning its actual capabilities. How is this thing supposed to attack a planet? It seems… underwhelming.

"Let's go!"

March charged forward without hesitation, her face alight with reckless determination. Stelle followed suit, her bat ready to strike.

Dan Heng sighed, summoning his spear. "Why do I always end up covering for them?"

Chen Lin, meanwhile, activated his interface, issuing commands to the corvettes.

Though the Doomsday Beast appeared less intimidating than he had anticipated, it was still far beyond what a standard laser rifle could handle.

For a foe of this magnitude, the solution was simple: deploy heavy firepower.

From the command center, Asta received a report that the mysterious ships had returned, now hovering just outside the station's barrier.

Realizing their potential, she gave a decisive order.

"Lower the barrier in that section. Let them in!"

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T/N: hmmm how IS a doomsday beast supposed to blow up a planet? does it just raze the surface or something hmmmmm

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