The last morning class was a drowsy math lesson.
In the classroom, except for Shinji and Rei taking notes seriously, all other students had already fallen asleep.
Asuka learned all this long ago—even graduated from university in Germany. So she slept most soundly.
Just as Shinji thought today would be an ordinary day—
[Shinji, emergency assembly!]
[Angel appeared!]
The classroom computer suddenly popped up a message.
"No mistake. Right above us."
At this time, Natsuki also signaled Shinji to look outside the window.
Through special vision, could see a massive figure. Like a black circular core. Its AT Field twisted light. So satellite observation results showed black. But in Natsuki and Shinji's eyes, could see it was a colorful sphere.
"Altitude roughly forty thousand meters. If it falls to the ground with its AT Field from this distance, this city and surrounding areas will instantly be razed."
Natsuki roughly judged this Angel's danger level.
Hearing Natsuki say this, Shinji's eyes instantly widened.
"That much destructive power?"
"Should we transform now and eliminate it?"
"No."
Natsuki shook his head.
"This Angel is probably just a vanguard that guy sent out."
"More troublesome enemies should be waiting for us behind."
The last two Angels didn't appear alone. He speculated other enemies remained.
Moreover, years of combat experience also told him—this time, the opponent was getting serious.
"Go to headquarters first. If we can eliminate this Angel through conventional means, that's best."
Natsuki told Shinji.
"Got it."
Shinji also thought it reasonable.
Then stood up from his seat.
"What's wrong, Ikari-kun?"
The teaching teacher saw Shinji suddenly stand. Asked puzzled.
"Mission."
Shinji said directly. Gaze serious.
"Ah... can't delay that. Go quickly."
This middle-aged math teacher also understood the current situation. Knew their identities. At this time, couldn't possibly make them stay for class.
Students skipping class to save the world... this thing really happening before him, this teacher also felt somewhat emotional.
Rei and Shinji both already walked toward the door. Also woke sleeping Asuka.
The sudden change also drew other classmates' attention.
"Do your best, Shinji!"
"You must win!"
Toji Suzuhara and Kensuke Aida shouted at Shinji striding away.
"Do your best!"
Other classmates also shouted along.
The teacher on the platform watched the three teenagers' backs. Gaze complex. The mission to save the world pressing on these children—wasn't it too heavy?
NERV headquarters command room.
"Tenth Angel, Sahaquiel... descending toward the ground."
Misato looked at the massive black sphere in satellite imagery. Also felt a headache.
"Commander Ikari, activate full evacuation orders."
She turned back. Told Gendo on the elevated platform.
If this operation had even slight mishap, everyone in the entire city would suffer.
"Approved."
"What's your battle plan?"
Gendo nodded. Then asked.
Not many citizens remained in Tokyo-3 now. Could evacuate them all quickly.
"Unit-03 already transported to headquarters. Standing by in the hangar."
Misato answered.
"I plan to deploy all four EVAs. Before the Angel completely lands, use AT Fields to offset the impact it creates."
"Unit-01 piloted by Shinji possesses power to directly penetrate AT Fields. So as long as the other three units hold at the first moment."
Have EVAs catch the Angel barehanded. Then eliminate it.
This plan sounded somewhat unreliable.
"Success rate?"
Gendo asked.
"Success rate... only 1%."
Ritsuko pulled up predictions from supercomputer MAGI.
Similar to the battle with Ramiel. Both tasks impossible to complete by normal logic.
"Though somewhat risky, worth trying."
Gendo nodded. Approved this operation.
For them, 1% success rate in Angel combat already counted as high. After all, those were unreasonable creatures. Every battle with Angels, they created miracles.
Moreover, now they had an absolute trump card.
A trump card even more unreasonable than the enemy. Just shouldn't use it until the critical moment.
"Understood."
After getting permission, Misato smiled slightly.
Then ordered into the microphone by her ear:
"Have all four pilots prepare. Enter EVAs."
"Act according to plan."
"Roger!"
Inside the elevator to the hangar, four teenagers bearing the mission to save the world gathered together. Shinji wore blue-white plugsuit. Rei wore white. Asuka wore red. Kaworu wore black.
Following the elevator, they would soon reach the hangar.
"You're the Unit-03 pilot from the American branch?"
Asuka looked at Kaworu beside her. Raised an eyebrow. Asked.
"Yes. I'm Kaworu Nagisa."
Kaworu turned back. Smiled at her.
"First time in actual combat? What's your Sync Ratio with EVA?"
Asuka's competitive spirit rose again. Couldn't beat Shinji—didn't believe she couldn't beat a newcomer.
"Sync Ratio? I really haven't paid attention to that."
Kaworu pinched his chin. Thought a moment.
"It's not important to me."
Possessing Angel power, Kaworu could freely control his Sync Ratio with EVA units.
"I see."
Asuka nodded. Seemed to understand something.
This thin, weak gray-haired boy was probably a pilot temporarily pushed forward.
"Don't force yourself in the operation. Just follow behind me and listen to my commands."
Asuka lifted her chin. Said confidently.
A rookie arrived. First actual combat.
And she—as NERV's most excellent human pilot—had the duty to lead newcomers.
"Alright."
Kaworu smiled and nodded.
Then placed his gaze on Shinji's back.
Thanks to this period's training, Shinji's height also grew slightly taller than them. Standing at the front. Already had some warrior temperament.
"We're here."
"The four of us together can definitely complete this mission."
The elevator gate opened. Shinji knocked his fists together. Gaze resolute. Took the lead walking out.
"Really, showing off even at times like this."
Asuka tossed her long hair behind her head. Followed closely out of the elevator. Walked toward Unit-02's hangar.
"Haha. Scenes like this aren't common."
Kaworu watched the pilots, hearts filled with fighting spirit. Smiled with emotion.
Together with Rei, walked out from the elevator. Rushed toward their dedicated hangars.
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