Shinji Ikari, returned from Warhammer

However, no matter how hard she tried, Mari couldn't imagine a way to bypass Shinji Ikari and achieve her plan.

It wasn't until Mari's gaze shifted to the Black Moon that the slowly rising Seventh Heaven suddenly awoke. Mari suddenly remembered that Wille and Shinji Ikari's goal this time wasn't to resolve the Black Moon's anomaly.

Inside the interrogation room, Fuyutsuki Yukizo watched the black moon slowly rise outside the iron bars before closing his eyes.

"The stage has been set up for you. How will you end this drama, Ikari?"

A deafening roar, as if the heavens and earth were collapsing, echoed outside the window. Misato Katsuragi and Sakura Suzuhara rushed to the iron bars and watched as a seven-colored vortex suddenly appeared in the sky, with the Black Moon crashing head-on into its center.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment. After a few breaths, souls surged into the black vortex like a tide, overwriting the world.

February 27: May all wishes come true.

In the distance, three shooting stars, like brilliant swords piercing the sky, streaked across the heavens. Like the destined arrows shot by Arash, the legendary hero of ancient Persia, the Sin, Redemption, and Prayer, dividing the sky into two colors, hurtled into this battlefield like shooting stars.

They are from the same series as the Hope Ship. Compared to the unfinished Hope Ship, the three starships, which received preferential treatment from NERV resources, are truly complete and are cutting through the sky.

The Wille rebels, who witnessed their appearance firsthand, realized that from beginning to end, NERV and SEELE had never considered them, these traitors, as adversaries, and had even regarded their rebellion as part of their plan.

These three completed starships ended their mission the moment they appeared.

At this moment, Misato Katsuragi pointed her gun again at Fuyutsuki Yukinobu, who sat silently on the bench with his eyes closed, her eyes wide with rage. Fuyutsuki Yukinobu had indeed done nothing wrong, as he claimed, but he was concealing the most crucial information, one that would lead to humanity's utter defeat.

Even though she was an elder she once admired, Misato Katsuragi still knocked on the safety door. "It's no use. It's too late now. Killing Vice Commander Fuyutsuki now is just a matter of sooner or later." Ritsuko Akagi also came to the door at this moment. This friend, who had supported and helped each other since their student days, shook her head at Misato Katsuragi and turned to look out the window.

Through the iron bars, one could see the Black Moon coming into contact with and colliding with the seven-colored vortex. The white outline, resembling the Super God Unit-13, appeared on the surface of the seven-colored vortex, and endless black-purple smoke spread outward from the hole in its chest.

The smoke spread to the Ship of Hope, and countless translucent creatures swept past Akagi and her companions: cyanobacteria, trilobites, comb jellies, armored fish, placoderms, lobe-finned fish, pteranodons, Basilosaurus, Confuciusornis... penguins, egrets, retrievers, and humans.

If you could get a closer look, you would find that it was not smoke, but countless translucent biological souls.

"The Black Moon, the Lilith Egg, the GUF House, or the seventh heaven in Jewish mythology, are fully opened. Since the birth of this planet, all souls have been commodified at this moment, including human souls. All souls will be transformed into cores and merged with EVA. This is the Final Impact."

At this moment, Ritsuko Akagi suddenly understood Gendo Ikari's state at that time. It was not only the divine state manifested by using the Key of Nebuchadnezzar, but also the materialization of his soul, which is the core that makes up the infinite energy of EVA. Even from the perspective of a scholar, this man is a guy who has reached the pinnacle.

"I really lost." Ritsuko Akagi murmured softly, it was unclear whether she was referring to Gendo Ikari or to Yui Ikari, who was obsessed with him.

SEELE, located in Hamburg, Germany, whose history was altered by Shinji Ikari's return, has survived to this day.

The final meeting, the final Human Completion Committee, the twelve stone tablets were lit, and unrestrained laughter emanated from them.

"The first impact purifies life, the second impact purifies the ocean, the third impact purifies the earth, and the fourth impact is where the soul resides."

"In exchange for triggering the Second Impact, Dr. Katsuragi proved his conjecture, and the feasibility of the Human Instrumentality Project was thus confirmed."

"After tasting the fruit of wisdom, this is the only path left for mankind to take, and we have finally waited for this moment."

"The core that makes up EVA's infinite energy is the materialization of the soul. In this final ritual, the Angels will discard the physical body as a vessel and the seed of humanity. Our collective wisdom will be guided to a pure and immaculate paradise!"

A purplish-black tide of souls swept through the area. This time, the last Kings of Li Lin offered no resistance, allowing the wave to carry them to the immaculate paradise.

In Tokyo 3, Mari, protected by Unit-08, leisurely watched the starship's brilliance. "Oh my, this is truly an Ultra Signature. I wonder if those Ultraman kings in Nebula M78 will still have time."

----------

----------

Two purple machines entangled, fought, and broke through the stars and the sea.

Bound by Unit-01, it passed through the portal to the other side of the world. There were magnificent clouds, exploding stars, black and white ink paintings, and a black pillar covered with white patterns. Unit-01 stood on it, its scarlet eyes fixed on Unit-01 in front of it.

It is unknown when, but He has shed the white that symbolizes purity and returned to his original purple form.

Even so, he hadn't managed to defeat Him. Shinji Ikari took a deep breath. Had he really weakened to this extent after passing through the door?

No, no, no, that's not right. I haven't gotten weaker! I've actually gotten stronger!

Shinji Ikari had perfect control over his own power. With a thought, white light covered the surface of Unit-01, and the halo above his head rapidly expanded and surrounded the back of his head, forming one halo after another.

Originally, Unit-01 was only in the initial stage of awakening, but it instantly broke through to the third level of deification. Moreover, if it wanted, it could even surpass the pseudo-deification and reach the same awakened state as Unit-03.

Shinji Ikari showed no joy; he looked up at the purple mobile suit opposite him. Unit-03 calmly sheathed its dual pistols, facing him with an unusually composed demeanor.

"It's no use. You can't defeat me now, Shinji Ikari." Asuka's voice clearly reached his ears, and the next moment her figure appeared in front of him in place of Unit-03.

Shinji Ikari didn't hold back just because Asuka was in front of him. Unit-01 flashed out at close range, and this strange space rippled because of its all-out effort. The long sword, forged from the high-temperature authority of the Angel of Day, was swung out.

It was hotter than the Spear of Light, and the sun's radiance shone on its blade. The combination of Shinji Ikari and Unit-01 was invincible; when they went all out, even the world standing in their way would be smashed to pieces.

All of this continued until the opponent reached out.

Asuka, or rather Unit-01, gripped the scorching blade with one hand. Shinji Ikari finally showed an expression of disbelief, because this level of combat skill should not have been displayed by Asuka. She piloted Unit-01, using her five fingers to leverage the edge of his blade, accelerating again and breaking free from Unit-01's blade.

Within this small space, an incredibly familiar thunderous roar echoed from Unit 13's fist—

—The Paladin's Lightning Gauntlets slammed heavily into Unit-01's chest.

The two identical purple mobile suits separated, and this time Shinji Ikari did not launch the first attack.

"I have to admit, Shinji Ikari, you and Unit-01 are invincible opponents." Asuka's voice rang out in this special place. She frankly admitted her and Unit-01's weakness. "Even with a higher level of awakening, I have no confidence that I can defeat a chosen one like you."

Shinji Ikari wore a cold, stern smile. Asuka, though boasting about herself, still claimed that all of this was a blessing from heaven.

"But the power you possess here is meaningless; the conflict between us cannot be resolved through force and fear."

Although Asuka said that power was meaningless, she raised her head and thrust her spear at herself—

"These two EVAs are perfectly relative. Unit-01 symbolizes hope, and Unit-013 symbolizes despair. We are in sync and familiar with each other. This is also a ritual that I must go through."

"You are as strong as I am; in other words, my strength will be equal to yours. Whether it's the strength of our mechs, our combat skills, or our will to win, we are equal!"

Both fighters were evenly matched in speed and strength, currently locked in a battle of close-quarters combat with continuous attacks. Asuka roared as she charged at Shinji Ikari with her spear—

"The outside world has been destroyed, and your persistence is meaningless! Give up, Shinji Ikari, only in this way can we change everything!"

A sharp, ear-piercing friction sound rang out in the space. The sparks from the friction between the two guns illuminated the faces of the two people: Asuka and Shinji Ikari, Unit-01 and Unit-013.

"You say it's meaningless, then why don't you give up?" Shinji Ikari smiled.

Asuka frowned; she hadn't expected the other person to still be able to show such a cheerful smile at this point.

“You just said we are equal, right? Our knowledge is equal too.” Shinji Ikari did not launch an attack. He gently put away the Spear of Hope that had fallen into his hand earlier. He looked around at the strange space in front of him.

"This is the Fields of Canaan, the Promised Land. There are some things that people cannot change, but here they can. This is the only place where the world can be changed and destiny reversed through human will."

Even if the world has become nuclearized, even if the souls of life, oceans, and lands have been baptized, even if all souls have been guided to a pure and immaculate paradise, as long as one can achieve victory, the world can be rewritten.

"So you knew." Asuka's voice was low, but then her expression turned fierce.

"But in this space, do you still arrogantly believe that you can definitely win? Don't underestimate me, you bastard! I can beat you for ten thousand years!"

She casually raised her head and unleashed a slash, her hand gripping the Spear of Despair, Longinus. It was just the most ordinary and calm thrust, devoid of any skill, almost like picking up a harpoon, yet the space before her shattered. Unparalleled power and overwhelming majesty—just as Asuka had said, she was now equal to Shinji Ikari.

Shinji Ikari also raised his Spear of Hope, and Cassius spun in a perfect arc before him, the brilliant golden aurora emanating from the spear symmetrical to the crimson of Longinus's spear.

As the two guns clashed, a blinding, bright purple electric light spread out from the tips of the guns, enveloping both of them.

Without a sound, the wildly dancing purple lightning devoured everything, and pure white rapidly covered the space, as if the world was being reset.

---------

In Neo-Tokyo III, the purple Unit-01, bound by restraints, traversed the track and landed on the ground.

And right in front of him was Unit 13, which was launched from the launch port at the same time.

“Our senses cannot perceive the anti-universe, so the Water of Life created a virtual world that we can all perceive,” Asuka said. “You’re familiar with Tokyo-3, right? This is a favor to you.”

"Then should I be grateful to you?" Shinji Ikari raised an eyebrow.

"If you're going to be grateful, then don't resist. Just let me pierce your head!"

Asuka yelled and lunged at Shinji Ikari… Guns clashed, sparks flew, and Unit-01 deftly wielded its spear. No, it wasn't just brute force; there was technique involved. The moment the tips of their spears touched, the shafts intertwined like snakes.

The gun of Unit 13 was deflected upwards, but Asuka Fukure instinctively tightened her grip on the gun handle, took a half step back to the right, then raised her knee and slammed forward.

As the two guns collide, Neo Tokyo shatters into fragments, only to be rebuilt once more, at which point the scene shifts again.

----------

A sharp static roared in his ears. Shinji Ikari skillfully turned off the communicator, but this ordinary action made him slightly dazed.

Without even a moment's mourning for the previous world, the new battlefield they immediately arrived at was—

He found himself standing atop a swaying spaceship, before a scene that resembled a dark ocean dotted with islands of flame, waves crashing as thousands of warriors clashed and slaughtered one another. Organized armored companies were engulfed in flames by massive explosions, legionary phalanxes were annihilated, and heavy incendiary bombs ravaged the ground.

Normal human thought is incapable of comprehending the horrors before his eyes. As the shadow of another spaceship gradually swept across his flame-scorched face, Shinji Ikari had a vague feeling when he looked up. The massive body of a spaceship blocked out the sun they had struggled to see after breaking through the clouds.

With a violent impact, the bow of the other spaceship scraped the side of the ship beneath them, but that was enough to bring it down. The other spaceship became a fireball, while a crimson knight mech leaped onto its own ship, glaring menacingly at it.

The Imperial Knight, a bipedal mech, is a renowned ranger knight known as the Blade of Freedom, the embodiment of retribution, and has distinguished himself in the battle against Chaos. The moment the visor is lifted, Asuka's face is revealed.

"This place isn't unfamiliar to you, is it? It's a battlefield you once visited, and the aura of your fear still lingers here," Asuka teased, looking at the taciturn Shinji Ikari with malice.

Shinji Ikari didn't refute. He looked down at the corpses engulfed in flames, surrounded by heat, trapped and unable to escape. Some had jumped even knowing they would die. A few Legion soldiers were equipped with jetpacks. Most were burned when the overheated turbines triggered secondary explosions. The Ravens' fire feathers burned out, the Iron Hands plummeted from the sky, and the Salamanders were consumed by the flames. Others were torn to pieces by the hail of bullets from the turrets below.

"Who is brave and fearless from the beginning? Back then, I was just an ordinary person, a bone that cannot heal in minutes, blood that cannot congeal in seconds, without mechs speeding across the battlefield, without the covenant between flesh and machine."

Shinji Ikari frankly admitted his past weakness, but at this moment he suppressed his smile and looked at Asuka, who was inside the Free Blade.

"Do you know what despair is? I've heard that despair is the moment when all hope disappears. It feels like an inevitable stab to the throat, or a hot gun barrel pressed against your temple. If you're lucky, if mercy smiles on you, then your despair will end quickly. But not everyone is lucky."

"For some, the realization of despair is a kind of erosion, like the gradual aging of the body and the corrosion of metal by rust. It hollows you out, slowly tortures everything you were originally, and replaces it with darkness."

For some reason, Asuka suddenly felt a bone-chilling cold envelop her entire body. Even though nothing had happened, and what she was seeing was just an illusion, the chill that penetrated her soul still set off alarm bells for her until Shinji Ikari pulled the chainsaw sword from the corpse and said the rest of his words to Asuka.

"You just said you could fight me for ten thousand years—"

The spaceship before him teetered precariously, but Shinji Ikari was no longer afraid, even if it weren't an illusion but a real battlefield. The moment he took a step towards the Blade of Freedom, he was enveloped in mecha armor.

"May the Emperor bless your soul as indestructible as your words!"

February 28th: ​​Give me your brave heart

Asuka was not swayed by Shinji Ikari's words, just like the students in the last row of a class who don't pay attention to what the teacher says on the podium, perhaps only years or decades later when they suddenly understand.

She just roared and charged toward Shinji Ikari.

Although she had never piloted it before, Asuka was able to skillfully control the mecha called Freedom Blade. Energy surged into the Knight Mecha's armor system, Freedom Blade's jump device flashed, and the golden figure in front leaped across the passage, with Asuka following closely behind. The mecha's tactical display flickered, and no matter where she looked, the target's crosshair would appear.

The yellow mech was incredibly agile. In the blink of an eye, it took three more steps, leaped again, and aimed to land across the burning keel of the spaceship onto the opposite wing. They covered the first three hundred meters in five seconds, then gathered again above the corner of the spaceship. The golden and red figures clashed, endless light and heat, lightning and fire scattering everywhere. The chainsaw sword and the lightning-struck gauntlets resonated with deafening clangs, like the death knell of the world!