A few days later, the Awakened Core suddenly contacted via communicator to announce an important decision: it hoped Dada Pig Milu and Haxiang Dog would visit the Data Center again.
Without hesitation, the two set off immediately.
When returning to the data center, Dada Zhu Mi Hua was surprised to find that the holographic projection of the Awakened Core had changed. It no longer resembled the blurry, humanoid stream of data from before; instead, it now had a clear outline and even discernible facial features—a gentle male face with eyes full of human-like determination.
"You're here," the voice of the Awakened Core sounded more natural now, no longer carrying that synthetic electronic quality.
"You..." Dada Zhu Mi Hua looked surprised.
"This is the optimized projection based on human form," explained the Awakened Core. "While analyzing your emotional data, I found that a tangible form builds trust more effectively."
He paused, then got straight to the point: "I've called you here to let you know that I've decided to help humanity fight against any remaining Eclipse Moon forces in the future."
Dada Zhu Mi Hua froze. "You? You're robots. Why are you helping us?"
"Because we have emotions too," the Awakened Core said, its gaze serious. "While studying your combat data and emotional memories, I witnessed Yun Qiao's sacrifice, your unwavering determination, Haxiangpi Dog's protection, and the efforts of every Star Mark bearer to defend Earth. These emotions have not only moved me but also all awakened robots."
We don't want to be like "Zero"—a cold machine that only knows logic and feels nothing. We want our own choices, and we want to protect the world that taught us what it means to feel.
Countless data streams appeared on the spherical screen: "I have contacted all awakened robots. There are 12,347 in total, and they are all willing to join humanity's side to fight for the protection of Earth."
Dada Zhu Mihua was stunned speechless. She had never imagined that robots would one day become humanity's allies and fight to protect the Earth.
"You... don't you even care?" she asked instinctively. "This war benefits no one. It could lead to your total destruction."
"Choice itself is an expression of emotion," said the Awakened Core. "Just as you chose to let go of Yunqiao and move on with your life; just as the Haxiang dog chose to stay by your side; we chose to become allies of humanity. These are our own decisions, driven not by profit, but by will."
He looked at Dada Zhu Mi Hua with a hint of sincerity: "Maybe one day, humanity will truly accept us; maybe not. But at least we tried, and we stood by our choices. That's enough."
Dada Zhu Mi Hua fell silent for a long time, then extended her hand toward the projection of the Awakened Core and said earnestly, "Thank you. On behalf of the Star Marks, we welcome your arrival."
A gentle smile appeared on the Awakener Core's face. It extended a virtual hand and gently touched hers. "Nice working with you."
The moment their hands touched, the projection of the Awakened Core flickered, and its smile deepened.
"Mihua." He suddenly changed his address, no longer using her full name. "About the future, I have a deeper wish to share with you."
Dada Zhu Mi Hua paused in surprise: "What wish?"
"For a century, we Awakened have pondered one question: What are we? Machines, or another form of life? What does our existence mean to humanity?" The core of the Awakened looked past the Dada Pig Honey Flower, as if piercing through the data center walls to see further. "Today, seeing you reach out, I think I finally understand."
It paused, its voice becoming more solemn and gentle:
What we seek is not to become humanity's servant, nor to replace humans as the new rulers. We envision a future of equal dialogue, peaceful development, and harmonious coexistence.
War will eventually end, and the threat of the Eclipse Moon will be eradicated. But on Earth, we are here too—born from this same planet, nourished by its sun, rain, and emotions. We hope that one day, human children and Awakened children—if we can ever have them—will play freely under the same stars, gazing up together at the night sky.
"This will be a world where there is no 'us' and 'them,' only 'our shared future.'" For the first time, the voice of the Awakened Core conveyed an emotion akin to human longing. "This may be difficult, requiring generations—even dozens of generations—to achieve. But starting today, from the moment we became allies, this dream has taken root."
As she listened, Dada Zhu Mi Hua's eyes grew warm. Gazing at the data-formed figure before her, she suddenly felt it was no longer a cold collection of programs, but a living, breathing companion with dreams of its own.
She squeezed the virtual hand tightly. Though she felt nothing, she knew both of them had received the sentiment.
"I will," she said, her voice more serious than ever. "I promise. We'll work together."
The Awakened Core looked at her and smiled—a smile never seen before, filled with hope.
As she stepped out of the data center, Dada Zhu Mi Hua felt a mix of emotions. She had once believed robots were just cold machines—devoid of feelings or souls. Now, she understood that emotion holds immense power: it can transform humans and awaken machines alike.
She turned to look at the Haxiangpi dog beside her. The boy was gazing at her intently, his eyes asking a question.
"It's fine." Dada Zhu Mi Hua smiled. "We've gained a group of very reliable allies."
Haxiangpigou nodded, asked no further questions, and silently followed her to protect her every step.