Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

Despite his occasional moments of unconventional behavior, Chen Lin was generally approachable. Many former classmates and colleagues had enjoyed confiding in him, a testament to his solid emotional intelligence.

After sending Pom-Pom off, Chen Lin and March distributed the snacks to other passengers on the train. He politely declined Himeko's invitation to share coffee and stayed to chat briefly with Uncle Yang.

Welt, as always, had a calm and composed demeanor. When Chen Lin mentioned his goal of joining the Astral Express to find his way home, Welt expressed genuine sympathy and heartfelt wishes for his journey. Of course, Chen Lin, playing the part of an amnesiac, kept details about "home" vague—an essential part of his cover story.

Welt, too, seemed to have his share of secrets. The conversation remained pleasantly engaging, each careful not to cross certain boundaries.

Meanwhile, Stelle was likely in March's room. She had been assigned to bunk with March, whose bed was large enough for two and freed up an extra room on the train.

After bidding Welt farewell, Chen Lin sought out Himeko and Dan Heng, asking March to deliver Stelle's share of snacks. Once all was settled, he returned to his room to finally address the flood of messages from Herta.

Ever since boarding the train, Chen Lin's phone had been vibrating at odd intervals. Aside from Asta's polite daily greetings and occasional shared memes, there weren't many people who would text him. With the other train passengers all within earshot, there was really only one possible culprit.

Herta.

Pulling out his phone, Chen Lin wasn't surprised to see a long list of unread messages.

Herta: "The space station's celebrity! What a grand send-off you had!" (Read at 8:41)

Herta: "How's it feel to be on the train? Any unique sensations?" (Read at 8:50)

Herta: "I'll keep adjusting the Simulated Universe machine. I'll message you when it's ready." (Read at 9:08)

Herta: "About Chapter 1, Section 7 of Psionic Theory—I have a question. In the John Consciousness Inversion Equation, your example where poigx → ∞ leads to Henry's variant conversion… doesn't this result in infinite consciousness measurements? Why is that?" (Attached: photos of densely scribbled draft notes) (Read at 9:27)

Herta: "I think I've fully grasped all of Chapter 1. Have you remembered the next chapter yet?" (Read at 9:30)

Herta: "…" (Read at 9:35)

Herta: "Respond to me." (Read at 9:36)

(Herta poked you.)

Relentless… Chen Lin sighed, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation. This level of persistence reminded him of an old college roommate during a whirlwind relationship.

With a resigned chuckle, he started typing a response, first addressing Herta's question.

Chen Lin: "That issue will be covered later. The John Consciousness Inversion Equation is just the beginning of Psionic Theory. The broad framework is correct, but there are small inaccuracies in the details. Psionics is essentially energy that can be materialized. If a psionicist dares to imagine boldly enough, expanding their mind to what we call the 'Yalrik Threshold,' they may qualify as a candidate to enter the Shroud…"

Herta: "You finally replied!"

Herta: "Wait—what's this 'Yalrik Threshold'? That's not in Chapter 1. Have you remembered Chapter 2?"

Chen Lin smirked. Herta truly lived up to her genius reputation. Psionic Theory, a subject far more convoluted than advanced mathematics, had been almost fully grasped by her in record time.

Psionics and calculus must be distant cousins—both don't lie. Either you understand them, or you don't. No room for deceit.

He fondly recalled the university library packed with engineering students cramming calculus before exams, desperate to avoid becoming one of the unlucky few on the retake list.

After some thought, Chen Lin crafted a reply.

Chen Lin: "Yes, I've already organized it in my mind."

Herta: "Write it down and send it to me! I want it right now!"

Her eagerness didn't surprise him. Yet, her tone carried the same commanding entitlement as always. It was a familiar attitude—expecting help but acting as if it were owed.

Chen Lin had encountered many similar personalities before. Some became fleeting acquaintances; others drifted apart after minor conflicts. He still wasn't sure where Herta fell on that spectrum, which was one reason he was reluctant to share everything upfront.

If they weren't destined to be genuine friends, he wouldn't reveal his hand entirely.

He typed another message.

Chen Lin: "I'm busy. No time."

Herta: "You… 🤢"

Herta: "Based on my calculations, Psionic Theory is crucial for understanding Aeon genesis and improving the Simulated Universe. Nothing could be more important!"

Chen Lin: "So what? Show some respect. Can't you ask nicely?"

Herta: "What do you mean by that?"

Chen Lin: "You could try saying 'please.' Would it kill you to be polite?"

After sending the message, Chen Lin smirked, imagining Herta's flustered reaction. She was undeniably brilliant but also so arrogant that interacting with her could be draining. Might as well teach her a little humility now—it'll save me headaches later.

Expecting her to take her time responding, he set his phone down, planning to enjoy the view of space and scout potential mining sites. But then—

Ding! Ding!

Herta: "Please, teacher, I want it. I really want it."

Herta: "Should I send a picture of my doll kneeling as proof of my sincerity?"

Chen Lin: "…No need. I get it. I'll send it to you after I've organized it."

Her quick capitulation stunned Chen Lin. He had anticipated some pushback or negotiation, not this immediate surrender.

Still, this outcome wasn't bad. Their future interactions might go more smoothly, and her research could advance more effectively. Feeling less guilty about exploiting her intellect for free, Chen Lin spent the next three hours compiling the material for Chapter 2 and sent it off.

Herta: "Got it! Thank you, teacher. I'll never forget your kindness and generosity!"

(Pause)

Herta: "🤔 Why is there so little?"

Chen Lin: "Step by step. Chapter 2 lays the foundation for later sections. You'll understand its importance in time."

Herta: "Teacher, please, I want more~!"

Chen Lin: "Nope. I'm off to shower. Goodnight."

---

T/N: IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME AGAIN GIF_AIPFAFHS also i found out that apparently the trailblazer was sleeping on the couch because she was on a trial run for the astral express? LIKE WHAAAAA anyways lets just assume that's not needed in this story

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