Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

The sun shone faintly, casting a cold light unique to Belobog across the city.

Ice and snow had become the hallmarks of Belobog, reflected in its food, architecture, and art, all bearing traces of frost's touch.

In the fallen commercial district, a deep, black rift tore through the air. From the eerie glow of the fissure, countless Fragmentum creatures poured forth like an unending tide.

"My daughter! My daughter is still in there! I won't leave—I can't leave her behind!"

"Frank! Escort this woman to safety. You, you, and you—come with me to find her child."

"Yes, Captain!"

The Silvermane Guard captain, his breastplate dented and legs covered in gashes seeping blood, barked orders as he led a small team into the monster-infested building without hesitation.

The sounds of intense battle erupted from within, punctuated by pained screams, before falling into an eerie silence.

Whoosh—Clang—

On the broad streets, panicked civilians were continually evacuated by Silvermane Guards, their weapons clashing against the creatures that threatened the retreat. The sharp cries of battle mixed with the anguished wails of the wounded, echoing through the streets.

What had once been a thriving district had become a living hell in just over an hour.

Snow scattered across the stone pavement was stained red, the thin layers of ice on the roadside melted by the warmth of blood, only to refreeze in the freezing air, forming new frost laced with crimson streaks.

That vivid red was shockingly out of place against the white backdrop.

A few hundred meters behind the frontline, a temporary command post stood in the middle of the street. Bronya, as the commander of the Silvermane Guards, bore the heavy responsibility of directing the battle.

Messengers ran back and forth with reports from the battlefield. Despite her extensive experience, Bronya struggled to keep up with the chaos of such a sudden, large-scale invasion.

"Captain Archie, take your team to secure the second intersection on the east side of Amber Avenue. The surge of Fragmentum monsters there is endangering the evacuation route for civilians."

"Captain Dunn, relieve Captain Jaden's unit at the library junction. Their casualties are severe, and the location is strategically critical. It must not fall!"

One command after another left Bronya's lips as waves of Silvermane Guards were dispatched to the commercial district's frontlines.

"Report! Commander Bronya, Captain Vic and his squad have all been killed. The outer city's passage to the commercial street has fallen!"

"Battle report! Commander Bronya, Captain Andre of Squad Four went missing while covering the evacuation of fourteen civilians. The search teams are understaffed!"

With every desperate battle came reports of death, each one delivering the grim news of comrades who had greeted her warmly not long ago. Bronya gritted her teeth hard enough to draw blood.

"Keep delivering the reports. You, bring me the reserve list."

Despite the pain and sorrow of hearing about the fallen, Bronya knew she couldn't afford to show weakness. As the commander on the frontlines, her resolve was crucial to maintaining morale. If she faltered, the situation would only worsen.

Endure… You must endure…

Her fingernails dug deeply into her palms, the metallic taste of blood seeping from her gums as she bit down.

When the reserve list was brought to her, Bronya forced herself to calm down, channeling her anger into determination and refocusing entirely on commanding the battle.

Outside the evacuation zone secured by the Silvermane Guards, Pela led Chen Lin's group through the chaotic crowd, her mind weighed down by concern.

The further they advanced, the colder the air became, as if the Fragmentum wasn't just tearing apart space but also the protective blessing of the Preservation.

The biting chill pierced through clothing and skin, sinking straight into their bones.

"There are so many people! Look at them—some are so injured they can barely walk!" March's eyes glimmered with sympathy as she gasped in shock.

"They've lost their homes… Will they freeze out here?" Stelle lowered her gaze, her voice tinged with sorrow.

"They won't," Pela answered with certainty. "The Silvermane Guards will arrange shelter, food, and clothing for all citizens affected by the Fragmentum's spread. While it may not restore everything they've lost, it will at least ensure their survival."

As an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, Pela was more familiar than anyone else present with post-disaster relief efforts. She waved to stationed soldiers to let them through while answering the group's concerns.

The evacuation corridors were heavily guarded by Silvermane Guards, who defended against any potential Fragmentum incursions to ensure the safety of the fleeing civilians.

Before long, they arrived at the command post. Chen Lin, playing his part, acted winded, sweat glistening on his brow to maintain the appearance of a slightly unfit researcher.

Noticing his state, Pela rushed to help him to a nearby ledge to rest.

"Mr. Chen, please catch your breath. I'll report to Commander Bronya… I'm terribly sorry for troubling you."

She couldn't help recalling Chen Lin's earlier mention of weapons. Though she hadn't seen them in action, their description—capable of rapid, localized explosions—had left even a semi-administrative officer like her impressed.

Perhaps it was a sign of Belobog's unprecedented times, requiring its first guests in centuries to step in and help with city-wide dangers.

Such poor hospitality… How embarrassing…

Sighing, Pela received a nod from Chen Lin before darting past the barricades into the makeshift command post constructed of wooden stakes, sandbags, and tents.

Minutes later, Bronya emerged from the command post, striding toward them. Her expression was a complex mix of emotions as her gaze landed on Chen Lin. She seemed reluctant to let him see her current disheveled state.

"Mentor… Mr. Chen Lin! Why are you here?"

"I heard you were in trouble. Figured you'd be short-handed, so I came to help."

Chen Lin smiled lightly. "After all the hospitality Belobog has shown us, we couldn't just stand by and watch. My companions are quite skilled in combat, so feel free to put them to use."

Dan Heng nodded, while March, brimming with energy, practically leapt into the air.

"That's right! We've got tons of experience fighting monsters. These Fragmentum creatures will be no problem! Right, Stelle?"

"Of course!" Stelle lifted her chin, her coat billowing slightly in the wind, giving her a sharp, heroic air.

However, before she could finish her dramatic moment, Chen Lin pinched her cheek.

"Stop showing off. Bronya, take a look at the frontlines and assign them wherever reinforcements are needed. Don't hold back."

Bronya took a deep breath and nodded firmly, her gaze filled with gratitude.

"Parker, take these warriors to Captain Dunn's position. Tell him they're under my orders!"

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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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