The sudden appearance and precise strike of Ark Maxim was like pouring cold water into a boiling oil pan, instantly changing the course of the battlefield.
Several combat robots charging at the forefront had their cores melted through by the secondary cannon's energy beam, turning them into scrap metal. The robot army's offensive, which had been pressing forward relentlessly, faltered, and their sensors all turned toward the silver spaceship in the sky that was emitting an undeniable energy fluctuation.
"Reinforcements! Reinforcements from the stars!" A short, stocky Underground Tribe warrior with skin as rough as rock shouted excitedly in a gruff voice as he smashed a robot that was trying to approach with his drill-shaped weapon.
"For our homeland! The time to fight back has come!" A tall Treant Tribe warrior swung his massive, tree-like arm, sending a robot flying. Wisps of smoke were still rising from the charred marks on his body from the energy gunshot wounds.
The morale of the indigenous coalition was greatly boosted, and their previously scattered lines miraculously stabilized, even launching sporadic counterattacks.
However, the robot army's command system was clearly more efficient. They quickly adjusted their tactics, with some continuing to suppress the ground forces while others raised their arms, which deformed to reveal honeycomb-like launch ports!
Whoosh whoosh whoosh--!
A dense swarm of tracking missiles rose into the sky like locusts, trailing white plumes of smoke, and swept towards the Ark Maxim!
"Hmph! A mere trick!" Franky scoffed from the control room. "Full-field defense mode activated! Star Shield, energy deflection!"
The starlight shield on the surface of Ark Maxim shimmered and became even more solid. Missiles struck the shield, exploding into bursts of flames and fragments, but they could not budge the shield in the slightest.
At the same time, the spacecraft's hatch opened.
" Gum-Gum -- Bazooka!" Luffy the first to charge out, his arms stretching back to their maximum extent, and then, with terrifying kinetic energy, he slammed into the area with the highest density of ground robots! The huge shockwave sent more than a dozen robots flying along with the ground!
" Three-Sword Style: 108 Pound Phoenix!" Zoro descended into the enemy ranks like a green whirlwind, his sword flashes weaving a net of death, precisely shredding robots into pieces wherever he went.
" Diable Jambe - Finishing Touch!" Sanji's figure flashed in the air, his fiery kick precisely striking the robot's joints and energy core, a single, deadly blow with extremely high efficiency.
Usopp, positioned on high ground, used his slingshot to snipe from a distance, specifically targeting the robots' optical sensors and missile launchers to support his teammates on the ground. "Ultimate Kill - Green Star - Skull Blast Grass!" A Seed shot into the enemy ranks, bursting forth with dense smoke and a pungent odor, disrupting the robots' locking system.
Chopper transforms into his Heavy Point, charging across the battlefield like a tank to shield wounded and fallen native warriors from attacks and provide emergency treatment using his medical skills.
Brook, utilizing his agile movements and Soul Departure ability, weaved through the chaotic battlefield. His staff-sword, " Soul Solid," exuded a chilling aura, capable of instantly freezing the internal circuitry of robots. "Song of Plunder - Solo!"
Allen, however, did not directly participate in the ground clearing. He hovered below the Ark Maxim, his gaze sweeping across the entire battlefield. His senses locked onto several units at the edge of the battlefield whose energy reactions were significantly stronger—these were several larger, more heavily armored robot commanders equipped with heavy weapons.
"We've found the key." Allen raised his hand, starlight gathering at his fingertips.
"Star Focus - Annihilation Ray"
Several slender silver rays, each containing terrifying destructive power, shot from his fingertips. Like the Grim Reaper calling out names, they instantly traversed space and accurately struck the cores of the commander robots!
There was no explosion, only instantaneous vaporization and melting! The heavy robots froze, the red light in their eyes went out, and they collapsed heavily to the ground, turning into real scrap metal.
With their commander instantly killed, the robot army's coordinated combat capabilities significantly decreased, and their formation began to fall into disarray.
With the Straw Hat Pirates on the ground under much less pressure, they were able to clear out the remaining robots much faster.
The warriors of the native alliance looked at this divine assistance, especially Allen, who hovered in the air and effortlessly annihilated their most powerful enemy. Their eyes were filled with shock, gratitude, and a hint of awe.
The battle was drawing to a close. With the combined efforts of the Straw Hat Pirates and the native allies, the remaining robots were quickly eliminated. On the charred battlefield, only burning wreckage and the gasps of survivors remained.
When Zoro cleaved the last robot in two, the battlefield finally returned to calm for the time being.
All the native warriors, whether they were tree people, Underground Tribe, or lizard people, turned their gazes to the Straw Hat Pirates members who were slowly descending. Their eyes were complex, filled with gratitude, curiosity, and a hint of barely perceptible wariness.
A treant, seemingly Treant Tribe, bearing numerous scars yet possessing a wise and composed gaze, stepped forward, surrounded by other warriors. He spoke in a language imbued with ancient rhythm and the sounds of rustling plants:
"Dear star travelers from afar, thank you for extending a helping hand in our time of need. I am Ogen, the chieftain of the Forest Tribe of Qingyang II. On behalf of the remaining free people of Qingyang II, I express my deepest gratitude to you all."
Robin stepped forward and replied using his all-purpose language translator ( Franky's little invention): "You're welcome, Chief Ogen. We've come following the star map, seeking like-minded companions. It's only natural to lend a helping hand when we witness injustice."
"The guidance of the star map?" Chief Ogen's blue tree eyes narrowed slightly. He looked at Robin, then at the unfathomable Allen and the smiling Luffy, as if he were thinking of some ancient legend.
He took a deep breath, his tone becoming more solemn. "It seems the ancient prophecy was not false. The flame of hope in the starry sky has finally been rekindled. My benefactors, please follow us to the sanctuary. This is not the place to talk; the ' Crystal Husk Empire ' patrol will arrive soon."
Crystal Husk Empire!
The Straw Hat Pirates remembered this name. This person was very likely the controller behind the robot army, and the representative of the " Purge Protocol " in this area!