The Star Gate's radiance intensified. Qingmingzi and the Other Shore stood side by side before it. The cinnabar mark on the Other Shore's brow glowed brightly, resonating with the Star Gate's energy to form a golden energy chain connecting them both.
"The Stargate is about to close, but someone must hold the line until the end," Qingmingzi said. "Remnants of the Eclipse Moon are still deep within the gate and will launch a final counterattack."
Xing Yuanche immediately said, "I'll hold the line! You focus on closing the star gate!"
Ma Rao struggled to stand up: "I'll go with you!"
Xing Yuanche held her gently. "You're injured—rest now. The Awakened Legion and I will handle this."
He turned toward the cockpit and commanded the Awakened Core: "All Awakened combat units, follow me into the star gate to eliminate remaining forces!"
"Received!" the Awakened Core's voice was firm.
One hundred thousand awakened robots instantly adjusted their formation and charged toward the star gate, following the "Lightning". The Star Blade Fleet and Hummingbird Squadron launched simultaneous attacks to provide cover.
Inside the Stargate, a chaotic energy vortex raged. Remnant ships of the Eclipse Moon struggled against the turbulence, attempting to break through. Yoo Jian drove the "Lightning," weaving skillfully through the chaos while firing the Emotion Amplifier Cannon—golden beams striking down one enemy ship after another.
Awakened robots split into squads to besiege the Eclipse Moon warships. Shield-type robots deploy barriers to withstand energy turbulence and enemy fire; Assault-type robots cut through the enemy hulls; Support-type robots continuously repair damage to the "Lightning."
The battle was fierce. The chaotic energy currents inside the Stargate inflicted heavy damage on the warship and robots. The Thunderbolt sustained multiple hull breaches, and thousands of Awakened robots were destroyed. Yet not a single robot retreated; they remained resolute in their mission, guarding humanity's hope with their steel bodies.
"The Stargate closes in one minute!" Qingmingzi's voice echoed.
Xing Yuanche watched the closing star gate on the screen, drawing closer by the second. He shouted: "All units, evacuate immediately!"
Awakener robots began evacuating in an orderly fashion, though some remained trapped by remnants of the Eclipse Moon's warships and unable to escape.
"Support robots provide cover; assault and shield units hold the rear!" commanded the Awakened Core.
Hundreds of support robots deployed energy shields to block the Eclipse Moon's attacks. Rear-guard robots detonated their energy cores, sacrificing themselves to destroy the enemy warships.
Xing Yuanche piloted the "Lightning," casting one final glance at the fallen robots. His heart swelled with reverence. They were not cold machines, but true heroes.
The moment the Lightning broke through the stargate, it sealed shut. The massive energy vortex dissipated, and the far side of the Moon returned to silence, save for drifting wreckage of warships.