Shinji Ikari, returned from Warhammer

Location at latitude 0 in the Pacific Ocean; belonging to NERV, a sea-based launch platform.

The cruise ship left a white trail of water as it sailed toward the light at the horizon, where the lights were so bright they seemed to float up like a palace in the sea, and the offshore launch platform in operation emitted a huge roar.

Asuka looked up through the observation window at the top. The last light was in the center of her field of vision, surrounded by dark blue seawater. A sliver of light seemed to be projected from an inverted well in the sky. As the platform at sea sank into the darkness as if sinking into a well, Asuka shivered.

"If I were a bright moon, I would surely pass through that dark moon, as black as jade." Faintly, it seemed as if a girl's singing voice came from a very distant place.

Asuka didn't know where the voice came from; it seemed to be right next to her ear, yet also seemed to come from outside the world.

Soon, Misato Katsuragi's clear voice pulled her back to reality.

"It is now August 9th, 2015. According to the calendar, the beginning of autumn has just passed. We are currently on the sea launch platform. The sea is calm, and the equipment is functioning normally. Tonight, we will execute 'Project US,' and I am the commander of this project, Misato Katsuragi." Misato Katsuragi, dressed in military uniform, swept her sharp gaze across everyone. "This time, it will be a crucial moment for humanity to confront the Angels."

Asuka clenched her fists, and everyone nodded.

"Although you've all seen the information in the documents, only now will you know all the details. Listen carefully, and remember, your cooperation is crucial to success." Misato Katsuragi surveyed the pilots in combat suits in the pod, who stood with their hands behind their backs, their expressions solemn. "This battle will be completely different from the last operation against the Sky Angels or the Seraphim. This time, the stage will be in space, 35800 kilometers above the Earth."

“This target is no less formidable than the Sky Angel or the Seraphim; its wingspan alone surpasses that of the Sky Angel. Most human weapons are ineffective against it, so conventional weapons are useless. Therefore, you will be wearing the most special G-type equipment,” Misato Katsuragi said, opening a large screen displaying an electronic blueprint. “The G-type is a highly specialized piece of equipment. It features a ballistic calculation system attached to the right shoulder to correct for various errors during sniping. Because we are in space, MGAI cannot provide support, so a complete auxiliary ballistic computer is required.”

That being said, Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami were both familiar with it. This extremely rare G-type equipment had been used once during the battle against the Lightning Angel.

Therefore, Misato Katsuragi's real mentor was Asuka, though it wasn't necessary, since they had already internally decided on Rei Ayanami as their second support operative. And this was something everyone had a vague idea of.

"Because this is a space operation, the margin for error in this plan is extremely low; there may only be one chance of success. We still don't know the specific capabilities of the target Angel. The Soviet Union will use N2 aerial bombs to bombard the Angel's surface to draw its attention. That will be your opportunity to step in," said Misato Katsuragi. "Now, let me announce the roster for this space operation: Commander Misato Katsuragi, Vice Commander Ritsuko Akagi, responsible for engine and fuel supply. The space operation personnel are: Number One, Shinji Ikari will pilot Unit-01 as the vanguard, engaging in direct combat; Number Two, Rei Ayanami will pilot Unit-00 for cover; Number Three, Asuka Langley Soryu is the reserve candidate..."

Asuka clenched her fists so tightly that her nails almost dug into the flesh of her palms. She could no longer hear what Misato Katsuragi was saying next.

Although no one spoke, she vaguely guessed that she would be eliminated. The so-called third candidate was just a nice-sounding name, meant to soothe her emotions.

What makes you think you can pilot Unit 2 to fight? Based on your recent dismal performance? Don't be ridiculous, Asuka! Even if the Puppet System were to pilot Unit 6 alongside Unit 1, it wouldn't be your turn!

“Report, I have a problem.” Rei Ayanami raised her hand. “I cannot proceed with this operation plan.”

The entire scene fell silent. Misato Katsuragi frowned, her sharp gaze fixed on Rei Ayanami, whose face remained calm. "What's your problem, First Child?"

"I am not feeling well and am unable to complete this operation," Rei Ayanami said.

"Is there something wrong with your health?" Misato Katsuragi looked at her suspiciously. "You shared a tub of ice cream with Shinji Ikari and the others this morning, how could there be a problem?"

But since Rei Ayanami had said so, and Misato Katsuragi wasn't Gendo Ikari, she couldn't force a pilot to pilot an EVA in combat. She then looked at the bewildered Asuka, "Since the First Child is unwell, the Second Child, Asuka, will take her place to provide support and cover. I'll send you the detailed mission information later, so please remember..."

Asuka could no longer hear what Misato Katsuragi was saying; she was completely overwhelmed by the sudden surprise. Her gaze was fixed on the ethereal Rei Ayanami, who stood motionless, as if none of this concerned her.

If it were the old her, given her personality, she might have arrogantly refused. But now, Asuka took a deep breath and nodded to Misato Katsuragi.

"I guarantee I will complete the mission." Asuka's expression was solemn; this was the first time Misato Katsuragi had ever seen Asuka with such an expression.

Misato Katsuragi swept her gaze across the faces of the candidates: the ethereal Rei Ayanami, the solemn Asuka Langley Soryu, and the absent-minded Shinji Ikari. "Alright, that's it. Dismissed."

Rei Ayanami nodded, then turned and walked towards the bridge deck of the MIGHTYQ. Just as she was about to reach the stairs, she saw a red figure quickly pass her from behind. "...Th-thank you." Asuka lowered her hat brim and hurried past Rei Ayanami.

Rei Ayanami tilted her head and looked at the full moon in the distance.

On the bridge deck of the MIGHTYQ, Asuka slammed her fist into the railing.

She took a deep breath. Why couldn't she even say a normal thank you? Asuka, you need to change your arrogant personality; you should be more frank!

Asuka sat on the ground, gazing up at the starry sky. She was about to ascend into the heavens to continue piloting EVA. Suddenly, she felt the world was truly beautiful, the starlight so dazzling, and she longed to breathe in more fresh air here…

Below, the massive project is nearing completion.

"The launch platform has been positioned at its designated location at sea. The wind speed and wave height are both acceptable, so there are no issues."

"Restart after a 30-minute countdown. Propellant fully loaded."

The engineers who once belonged to NERV are now busy with their work. At this moment, on the deck of the bridge, the silvery moonlight gently slants over a black figure.

Shinji Ikari munched on a pineapple, leaning against the railing as he watched the crowd working in the distance. A powerful sense of déjà vu washed over him.

He had indeed witnessed a similar scene in a parallel world, where the WILLE organization, led by Misato Katsuragi, was preparing to retrieve Unit-01 from space, which had been launched into space by SEELE. However, just as their mission was nearing completion, he found himself landing at the watchtower at the southern end of Itoman City, and the plan was forever altered.

The enormous silver moon emerged once more from the dark clouds, its vast light shining upon this deck.

—At the same time, engineers in the distance were working diligently on the final stages of the project.

"Thirty minutes, fuel 100% maintenance, refueling begins."

"There are no obstructions on the northern launch orbit, and the situation is good."

Shinji Ikari turned his head and saw Asuka peeking out from the stairs below. Her gaze swept over him, then across the entire bridge deck, before she handed Shinji the ice cream she was holding.

"Here, have some." Asuka looked at herself, then handed another ice cream to Rei Ayanami. "And here's yours too."

"……Ha ha!"

Shinji Ikari burst out laughing. To deliver ice cream to Rei Ayanami, she insisted on waiting until he was present. Then, as if she were giving ice cream to everyone, she delivered it to Rei. This kind of tsundere behavior, going through all that trouble without complaint, was something only Asuka could pull off.

Couldn't she just say thank you? Is it really that hard to say thank you?

"Eat yours, what are you laughing at!" Asuka glared fiercely at Shinji Ikari, then opened the ice cream container, took out the small plastic spoon, and started eating it in big bites.

"Speaking of which, we'll be able to see a supermoon tonight, which is also the second largest full moon of the year," Shinji Ikari said.

A tremendous sound echoed through the dark night sky. Asuka looked up and saw a huge black shadow approaching at low altitude. A giant transport plane carrying EVAs swept overhead.

"Wow, that was fast," Asuka murmured.

[Pilots who have received this order, please transfer to MK. After the transfer is complete, the final launch phase will begin.]

A female voice from MAGI's mechanical system came over the loudspeaker. Shinji Ikari waved to Rei Ayanami, "We're leaving now. Asuka will treat you to sukiyaki when we get back."

"Stop being so cheeky, let's go!" Asuka kicked Shinji Ikari's shin hard from behind. She then waved to Rei Ayanami, turned, and jumped down the two-meter-high stairs.

Meanwhile, in the maritime command center, the operations staff were carrying out their final tasks in an orderly manner.

"The pilot of EVA Unit-01 has arrived and is heading to the control room."

"Temporary warehouse and fixed system checks completed, everything is normal."

"Socket connection complete, power conversion complete, internal voltage reaches the specified value."

Insertion plug ready, core unit calibrated, everything normal.

"Received. Resume countdown." Misato Katsuragi nodded and announced the start of the operation.

[Countdown resumes; all personnel on the ground evacuate.]

[Countdown resumes; all personnel on the ground evacuate.]

[Countdown resumes; all personnel on the ground evacuate.]

On the bridge deck of the MIGHTYQ, a mechanical female voice came over the loudspeaker. Rei Ayanami brushed her hair behind her ear and quietly watched the dark figure in the distance. The launch pad under the night sky looked like a magnificent giant standing on the sea.

A brilliant burst of light rose, and a powerful wave of air blew through Rei Ayanami's blue hair as she watched intently as the two figures flew towards the distant starry sky.

Chapter 179: Facing the Bird Angel Alar

"The tracking team reports the current location of the two aircraft," Ritsuko Akagi inquired.

“POD1 has reached operational altitude and entered its designated orbit; POD2 encountered a problem when it was deployed into orbit and its altitude was insufficient,” Aoba Shigeru replied.

"Received. Switch to backup plan. POD1 Unit-01 will engage in direct combat first," Ritsuko Akagi said.

“Understood. POD2 will provide direct support and will be transferred to Sub-Project Seven,” Shigeru Aoba replied.

"Understood. Begin Operation US now," Hinata Makoto replied.

“Understood. POD1 has passed the critical point of the flight path and entered Area 88; POD1 is now in its final operational orbit,” Maya Ibuki replied.

In the pitch-black space, two streaks of orange-red light, one after the other, resembled the embers of a summer fire, moving toward their target at a snail's pace.

In reality, their speed isn't slow at all; they soar to cosmic velocity, making them incredibly fast and dazzling on Earth. However, in a space battlefield, they would be rather inconspicuous and dim.

However, if it is only at this level, it still cannot reach the target apostle and will eventually fall due to the acceleration generated by the planet's gravity.

But a new light has appeared.

"In the first stage, all engines are ignited and combustion begins."

"The first stage propulsion unit has separated. Separation confirmed. Electronic equipment system checked, everything is normal."

"Received. Combustion set to automatic, second stage full engine ignition."

With the continuous appearance of red light, Unit-01 once again broke through to an unprecedented level, entering the target Angel's cross track with considerable speed.

At that moment, a notification suddenly popped up in front of Shinji Ikari's eyes in the cockpit.

[Target confirmed: The Fifteenth Apostle, the Bird Angel Alar; contact location unchanged. Best wishes for your victory.]

"Received," Shinji Ikari replied.

"Disconnect all remote navigation now. Take control of the machine. It's up to you now," Ritsuko Akagi's voice rang out in the cockpit. "Good luck."

Upon reaching this position, the outline of the bird angel can be vaguely seen.

Even against the backdrop of the starry sky, the bird angel is quite eye-catching. Its entire body glows, and its wingspan exceeds four kilometers, making the eighty-meter-tall Evangelion seem as insignificant as dust in comparison.

Logically, He shouldn't have been able to observe something as small as Unit-01, but the Angels are also living beings. Perhaps it was the alertness of a living being that made Him realize the deadly thing was truly approaching.

"A reflected wave is coming from the target's space region, causing interference!" Iga Hitomi, who was in charge of observing the target, issued a warning at the ground command center.

"This is the Apostle's attack method. Don't worry, after all, its opponent is Unit-01." Ritsuko Akagi said calmly, standing in the back row with an iced Americano.

Five clusters of orange-red light lit up around the bird angel, their dazzling brilliance clearly visible even from the ground.

"Target under attack, 3, 2, 1 minutes away from arrival—!"

The attack arrived as expected, but an equally powerful, colorful absolute force field appeared in space in the form of a hexagon. Its unfolded area covered a full seven thousand square meters. Facing the new Angel, Shinji Ikari also unleashed his full power.

The bird angel's attack met that boundary layer like gasoline burning on water. Dark red energy turbulence snaked across the colorful boundary.

But no matter what, it couldn't shake the rhomboid force field in front of them in the slightest.

"Yay!" Ibuki Maya clenched her fist.

“The colored Absolute Territory,” Ritsuko Akagi looked at the hexagonal Absolute Territory on the screen, her expression slightly solemn. “Isn’t it no longer a warm white color, Shinji Ikari?”

Amidst the cheers from the control center on the ground, Shinji Ikari in the cockpit slightly raised an eyebrow.

“Interesting,” he said softly.