Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

Chen Lin nodded subtly to himself, steering the conversation with Bronya toward the local customs and traditions. Occasionally, he would share anecdotes about other planets, piquing Bronya's curiosity and drawing her into the discussion.

His storytelling was vivid and engaging, weaving tales of native cultures from the galaxy.

"For example," Chen Lin began, "there was a genetically modified agent sent to infiltrate a planet. He wrote to his leader, declaring his intention to defect. He had fallen in love with the local culture—and his destined partner. Ultimately, the agent from the advanced civilization abandoned his imperial ties and married a local woman."

"And did his leader agree?" Bronya asked, her curiosity fully captured.

Chen Lin smiled faintly, giving a gentle reminder.

"This story doesn't have a happy ending. Are you sure you want to hear it, Miss Bronya?"

"Of course! I'm prepared, regardless of the outcome!"

"Then you might be disappointed. His leader tracked him down, exiled him to a prison planet, and used a weapon capable of eradicating all life to execute every prisoner on that planet."

Bronya covered her mouth in shock.

"That's so cruel…"

Chen Lin chuckled awkwardly. If only you knew the version I played out.

In truth, during that storyline, Chen Lin had chosen to respect the agent's decision—right before annihilating the native planet with neutron weapons.

Steal from me? You wish.

Games often reduced complex situations to simplified visuals. As one online user aptly put it, when everything feels like data in a simulation, morality becomes optional.

As the leader of the galaxy's most powerful nation, why would he let a primitive planet incapable of space travel take away one of his agents? Advanced technology provided a chance to retaliate, even if the odds weren't in one's favor. Without it, the underdog couldn't even dream of resisting.

Having a sword and choosing not to use it was entirely different from not having one at all.

Of course, Chen Lin's stories had an ulterior motive: gathering intel.

Seeing Bronya fully engrossed, he sighed deliberately.

"What a pity this planet is now buried under ice and snow. Otherwise, we might have discovered countless undiscovered flora and fauna."

"It can't be helped. For as long as I can remember, the land has been plagued by snowstorms. Wave after wave of cold and Rift creatures have eroded our towns and taken the lives of many Silvermane Guards…"

Bronya clenched her fists, her frustration and helplessness evident in her expression. It was clear she blamed herself for her inability to prevent the loss of lives in the ongoing fight against the Rift creatures.

The emotions of the young were often easy to read, and Chen Lin found her response genuine rather than performative.

He sighed softly, offering comfort. "Miss Bronya, both you and the Supreme Guardian have done your best. But why did the snowstorms arrive so suddenly?"

"The history books describe the onset of the cold as abrupt. But I've only studied the basics of Belobog's history and don't know the specifics of that era."

Bronya furrowed her brow in thought before turning to Chen Lin. "You're a renowned scholar. In your opinion, what could cause such an enduring cold?"

"A planetary-scale freeze could have many causes—stellar radiation, atmospheric circulation, or even oceanic disruptions. If it's a natural phenomenon, it would be incredibly difficult for humanity to stop it."

Chen Lin deliberately emphasized natural phenomenon.

"I see…"

Although Bronya didn't fully grasp terms like stellar radiation or atmospheric circulation, she understood how insignificant humanity was in the face of nature's forces. A mere drop in temperature was enough to cause widespread death and famine.

Belobog was their last bastion against the harsh environment. If the city could no longer fend off the monsters and the cold…

Bronya didn't dare finish that thought.

"It's getting late. I apologize for taking up your time during dinner and rest. My intelligence officer is staying downstairs at the inn. If you need anything, feel free to summon her."

Noticing the time, Bronya rose to leave and planned to have her officer formally introduce herself to Chen Lin. But as she turned to go, Chen Lin's next words stopped her.

"Miss Bronya, take care. By the way, on the way here, Captain Gepard mentioned your nation's history. I couldn't help but marvel at how… convenient the arrival of the ice and snow was."

"Oh? Please elaborate."

"When the Founders were fighting the Antimatter Legion, the battle seemed overwhelmingly in favor of the Legion. Then, the snow tipped the scales, favoring the Founders and humanity."

Chen Lin picked up a pen and began sketching on the paper in front of him. "Righteous humanity fighting the evil Antimatter Legion, saved in their darkest hour by a miraculous freeze. Doesn't that sound like the kind of story one might read in a novel?"

Of course, Chen Lin couldn't outright reveal that the Eternal Freeze was caused by the Stellaron. While Bronya appeared unaware of its existence, it was always wise to keep one's cards close to the chest.

Rather than exposing his hand, Chen Lin preferred to nudge others into action.

After all, a casual remark of curiosity from an outsider seemed far safer than directly investigating the matter himself.

Though young, Bronya carried herself with the grace of nobility. Yet her frequent mentions of phrases like "Mother told me" and "Mother taught me" hinted at deep conditioning.

Brainwashed, perhaps?

Even if she had some independence, it was likely limited. Bronya resembled a royal heir groomed to serve as a puppet.

Of course, Chen Lin could just be overthinking it. Bronya was still young and had yet to assume the mantle of Supreme Guardian. Her limited perspective might simply be a product of her age.

Fortunately, Bronya's strong sense of justice and straightforward nature—likely shaped by her military upbringing—made her easier to influence.

Fighting monsters doesn't build character nearly as fast as dealing with people…

Before seeing her off, Chen Lin decided to plant a seed of doubt. If it failed to sprout, he could pass it off as idle curiosity. But if it did take root…

Well, maybe it's time to dabble in some Paradox-level antics.

Play as the will of the nation? Why not—it sounds fun.

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T/N: TBH I DONT BLAME HIM, when i was playing civ 6 some bttch off a city state stole the barbarian camp i was clearing out and i declared war on them then razed their city....

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