Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

"Mentor, the frontlines are too dangerous. Why did you come in person?"

"I'm just repaying the hospitality you've shown us," Chen Lin replied with a light laugh. "Don't worry. While I may not be much of a fighter, our team brought plenty of self-defense weapons for this trip, so I can hold my own to some extent."

Nearby, Pela sat on a crude wooden stool, meticulously updating the personnel roster and consolidating reports from the frontlines into a clear, structured table for Bronya. This would make it easier for her to analyze the situation and deploy troops effectively.

Pela had grown used to hearing Bronya refer to Chen Lin as "Mentor" over the past few days.

As both the intelligence chief of the Silvermane Guards and Bronya's personal adjutant, Pela was one of Bronya's most trusted confidants.

Recently, Bronya had been devoting a significant amount of time to studying governance and military strategy under Chen Lin. The idea of establishing a temporary command post on the frontlines, using a city map to coordinate troop movements and fortify defensive positions, was one of the strategies Chen Lin had taught her.

At first, Pela was wary, worried that Bronya might be deceived. She had even attended the lessons to supervise. However, after sitting in on a few sessions, her initial skepticism gave way to profound admiration for Chen Lin's knowledge.

Pela had always admired intellectuals—not the kind who lorded their knowledge over others with trivial details, but those who were cultured, approachable, and warm.

Under Chen Lin's guidance, Bronya abandoned the previous rigid tactic of massed troops holding the line. Instead, she appointed numerous squad leaders to oversee smaller groups, who in turn reported to higher-ranking captains. These captains coordinated directly with Bronya's overarching strategy.

This approach was based on Chen Lin's adaptation of "segmented defense theory" for Belobog's cold-weapon-centric military. Instead of clustering soldiers en masse at choke points—where only the front row could engage the enemy, often resulting in heavy casualties—smaller squads could rotate soldiers in and out at key defensive positions, significantly reducing losses.

This was knowledge Chen Lin had taught Bronya just a few days ago. Not only did she learn quickly, but she also applied it masterfully.

By sacrificing non-essential areas and consolidating defensive lines, the commercial district's defenses became significantly more stable. While casualties still mounted, they were far fewer than in past battles.

Every soldier was someone's son, someone's father. Each loss brought untold grief to a family. War was never just about cold numbers; even victory could leave wounds that would never heal.

Chen Lin couldn't recall the exact day Bronya started calling him "Mentor," but she had explained her admiration for the utopian ideals he had described to her. In her eyes, he had opened a new path for her, and the title felt appropriate.

Of course, in public, Bronya still addressed him formally at Chen Lin's insistence. He had no desire for rumors about him "indoctrinating" Bronya to reach Cocolia's ears—especially since Cocolia was likely a problem in her own right.

"This is well-planned," Chen Lin remarked, inspecting the roughly constructed sand table. "Cutting off the enemy's supply routes and using narrow chokepoints to hold their advance."

"You told me to always start from reality, analyze specific problems, and adapt to changes in circumstances rather than sticking rigidly to rules."

"Don't start parroting me already. You've barely been learning for a week."

"Of course not…"

Despite her words, Bronya's pleased expression betrayed her pride. Not every student could apply their teacher's lessons so effectively in practice, and earning Chen Lin's approval on her first attempt filled her with satisfaction.

"Commander Bronya, the latest battle report from five minutes ago is ready," Pela said, handing over a neatly formatted table.

"You handle the command," Chen Lin said with a wave. "I'll just observe for now."

Chen Lin had his own plans to consider. By sending March, Dan Heng, and Stelle to the frontlines, he aimed to demonstrate their willingness to help during Belobog's time of need. Additionally, combat units respected strength, and the trio's prowess would undoubtedly earn their team significant credibility among the Silvermane Guards.

This could be seen as building "military goodwill."

From Chen Lin's perspective, the military was the most critical pillar of any governing system. While Cocolia might cause trouble for him politically, as long as the military backed him, her interference would amount to little.

The extent of the Fragmentum erosion was evident even as Chen Lin made his way to the command post. The situation was far worse than when they had first arrived in Belobog, with chaos and danger rampant even on the outskirts of the main battlefield.

Silvermane Guards stationed at the outer defenses regularly entered the command post to report, some casting curious glances at the unfamiliar Chen Lin.

At these moments, Pela would step in to briefly explain his identity, and the messengers quickly understood.

Reports from the frontlines detailed the exploits of the Trailblazer trio. In less than an hour, their formidable combat prowess had spread across the ranks of the Silvermane Guards. Soldiers everywhere spoke of the three mysterious helpers who tore through Fragmentum creatures with ease.

When the soldiers realized the calm, smiling young man in the command post was their team's leader, many shot him grateful looks.

After all, no one knew if the lives saved by those three included their own comrades or family members. Even if not, as fellow soldiers, the gratitude came naturally.

As night fell, the battle showed no signs of stopping. On the contrary, the growing number of Fragmentum creatures pushed the soldiers to exhaustion, forcing the defensive lines to contract.

Bronya paced the command tent, her brow furrowed as she pored over Pela's reports.

"The last two groups of civilians are being escorted out. Once they're confirmed safe, this battle will finally be over! It's too slow… Why is there no news yet? The Silvermane Guards have suffered enough casualties. We can't let this drag on any longer."

The frustration was palpable. Pela remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. This was their home, after all, but all they could do now was evacuate civilians and redraw the boundaries between safe and dangerous zones.

"Bronya."

Chen Lin's voice broke the tense atmosphere.

She turned to him, confused. "Mentor?"

"Do you want to take back this district?"

"Of course, but we can't, Mentor. The Fragmentum won't disappear; it will just keep spawning more monsters," Bronya said bitterly.

Chen Lin, however, knew something she didn't. According to Dan Heng, Fragmentum rifts were manifestations of Stellarons' excess energy. Their ability to sustain themselves depended on their energy reserves—especially when they had just formed. If the monsters spawned by the rift were destroyed, the rift would eventually collapse from a lack of energy.

Before Chen Lin could explain, a commotion erupted outside the tent. A group of Silvermane Guards entered, their uniforms distinct from the others. Bronya immediately recognized them as Gepard's men.

Her expression hardened. "What are you doing here?!"

"Commander Bronya!"

The lead guard fell to his knees, bowing deeply. "Please save Captain Gepard! He disappeared into the rift while escorting the last two groups of survivors. The soldier he sent back with the message just passed away, but he said Captain Gepard is locked in a fierce battle!"

"What?!"

Everyone in the tent froze.

Chen Lin, however, saw his opportunity. Standing abruptly, he declared in a calm yet resolute tone:

"It's fine. I'll bring him back."

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