Having finally finished the meal, the Gemini twins appeared unexpectedly once more. Everyone lamented that it wasn't a good day for eating; Pisces had left, and Gemini had arrived—it was certainly lively.

However, Gemini was not Pisces. She simply carried her food over and sat down opposite Ziye, sharing a meal with Ziye under the bewildered gazes of the others.

She left with a wave, remarking, "You've lost weight recently," before departing gracefully. Ling Yin rested her chin on her hands.

"Ziye, why do I feel like you and Gemini have something going on?" Ziye played dumb. "No way?

She just came to check on us." Ling Yin snorted. "Don't include us.

She didn't even spare me a glance. Little Yezhi, you better confess!" Ziye chuckled nervously and darted away from Ling Yin to hide behind X-Bent, using the twins to shield her body while only poking her face out.

"I really don't have anything going on with her, honestly." Whether or not there was something going on, the twins knew best. The moment they saw Gemini appear, they knew she had been sent by An Junlie.

Her appearance usually signaled that Ziye was in danger. Of course, in front of outsiders, they wouldn't casually greet Gemini, pretending they hadn't noticed her.

After the meal, Bent pulled Ziye along, walking behind the others, and whispered, "Be careful during this time." Ziye murmured back, "I know. You all need to be even more cautious." Bent patted her head and shook his head.

The draw for the Top Four knockout stage was scheduled for that afternoon. The venue for the draw felt more significant than a visit from an interstellar superstar.

For the competing teams, this was the final lottery that would determine who could make it all the way! Success meant everything; failure meant nothing.

It all hinged on this moment! Interstellar media and reporters were gathered in force, with people from the four great families, ten major legions, and a hundred top academies packing the draw site until it was completely gridlocked.

On the drawing stage, the four teams stood at the front, clad in their respective uniforms, watching the large screen above as they awaited the draw. The uniforms for Chu Xiu had been designed by Siyue at Ziye's request.

That girl usually appeared as gentle as a small steamed bun, and the initial designs she produced were slightly delicate. But after a reminder, she immediately altered the uniforms to stand as straight and proud as a sword.

She chose a vibrant, almost blinding red, paired with a deep, profound black. The twins and Bobo, being tall men, instantly overshadowed the other teams with their sheer aura.

Ziye, Ling Yin, and Li Chunyu were immediately categorized as the "three little girls." However, even as "three little girls," wearing those uniforms, their presence was not to be underestimated. In summation, Siyue possessed the heart of a warrior beneath the exterior of a soft girl.

The Fei Fei team's uniforms were pink, the Qingtian team's were dark blue, and the Fero University team's were yellow accented with purple. Among the three other teams, only Fero University's uniform colors stood a chance against Chu Xiu's striking display.

Unfortunately, their yellow and purple looked too gaudy; they lacked the weighty presence of Chu Xiu's black, putting them at a disadvantage in capturing attention. This time, the Chu Xiu team had earned immense prestige!

Just then, the host signaled them to turn around, face the audience, and keep their backs to the large screen, preparing for the draw. Ziye felt a slight unease in her heart, constantly worried they would be drawn against the Fei Fei team.

If they met them in the Top Four, even if they won, their energy would be severely depleted. She would much rather face them in the championship final.

The moment she turned, Ziye saw Bent standing beside her, and for some inexplicable reason, her heart settled. They would face them eventually; even if it was sooner, she wouldn't lose!

As she was thinking this, the audience erupted in cheers. The host's voice was soft and melodious.

"Contestants from the four teams, please slowly turn around and see which team you have drawn against." Ziye slowly turned back and immediately smiled in relief. Fortune seemed to favor Chu Xiu; they had not drawn Fei Fei, but Fero University.

The Qingtian team was slightly less fortunate, matched against Fei Fei. However, after several rounds of drawing, everyone on every team had learned to face the public.

They merely smiled faintly and applauded the result of the draw. All their true thoughts were pressed deep inside; as soon as they left the stage, they would rush back to the lab.

Everything else was secondary; modifying the mechs was the priority. In fact, regarding this result, the Fei Fei team was even less composed.

Her best possible outcome was to face Fero, but she never expected Qingtian. Qingtian from Lings University, compared to Chu Xiu—she held greater apprehension toward Qingtian.

In her view, Bobo and Li Chunyu of Chu Xiu were only famous due to hype, and while Ziye was rumored to be capable, wasn't she ultimately relying on Tang Wen's behind-the-scenes support? Now that Tang Wen was not in Karga, she had effectively lost her backer and was no longer intimidating.

If she could eliminate one of the twins, she was confident the pilot of the Fei Fei team could completely overcome the remaining one. As for Ling Yin, she was nothing more than a mere clown.

Conversely, Qingtian held a formidable advantage. They had over ten members, the majority of whom were scions of wealthy or official families—not people she could casually target.

Even if she moved against the remaining few, it wouldn't significantly impact the overall situation. Iliya's mood was utterly foul!

Iliya didn't go to the lab immediately. Instead, she first went to a stronghold of the Fia family, finding a few underlings to take action against the Qingtian team while also calling over her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend's name was Peizhe, and he was the main pilot for the Fei Fei team. Normally, Peizhe was instantly available upon her call, but this time, after summoning him, Iliya felt an unexpected unease, vaguely hoping he wouldn't arrive too quickly.

Peizhe was less her boyfriend and more her ardent admirer. They were mutually fond of each other, but she knew Peizhe came from a poor background.

Her family and her ambitions did not permit her to enter into a formal relationship with him. Therefore, no matter how much she liked him, she refused to give him a proper status, only allowing him to remain by her side.

He was such a good person; even if he was displeased with her actions, he would neither argue nor try to stop her, only offering silent support. This time, he would probably help her too, wouldn't he?

It was just that this time, the request was difficult for her to voice. Peizhe arrived quickly.

He was a third-year student at the Cadet School. He wasn't exceptionally handsome or flashy, but he was pleasing to look at, giving off a comfortable impression, and notably possessed a rare scholarly air.

Iliya stood by the window. After he entered, he remained silent, standing quietly behind her.

Iliya felt her composure wavering. She turned around, looked directly into his eyes, and said, "Zhezhe, we are in serious danger against the Qingtian team this time." Peizhe started to reach out to embrace her, but his hand paused.

Observing her hesitant expression, he ultimately didn't follow through, only stepping closer and saying softly, "I know. I will do my best." Iliya shook her head.

"No, even if you do your best, it doesn't guarantee we'll beat them." Peizhe covered his face, his voice strained with pain. "I'm sorry, I've disappointed you." Iliya took his hand.

"No, you can help me." Peizhe looked up sharply. "Tell me.

As long as I can manage it." Iliya bit her lip, slowly uttering two words: "Injection!" -RS