Attack from the Unknown

Master! Look over there!

That must be what Enikk was talking about!

Damn, that looks ominous as hell...

Can no one get close to it?

Negative. There's some kind of invisible barrier around it. No one's able to even approach it, let alone attempt to attack it.

Do you think it's similar to the shield we saw on the Gatekeeper before?

Not sure.

I think it serves a similar purpose, but it differs slightly.

While Gatekeeper's shield entirely deflected any incoming attacks,

this one creates an octagonal wave upon contact.

While neither of the shields can be penetrated,

this one is somewhat different in that contact can be made.

I see.

I guess that means it's not the Gatekeeper.

I guess that means it's not Gatekeeper.

Right.

Commander!

We've got a request for backup coming in from the Ark.

Hello.

A large entity is approaching the Ark.

It is exhibiting energy patterns which are different from a regular Rapture.

According to our analysis,

the patterns most closely resemble D-Waves.

A squadron has been deployed up on the surface,

but you are being tasked with another mission.

We have also identified four entities nearby emitting similar wave patterns.

They look like humans,

and thus we have determined they might be experiencing the same phenomenon

as the other D-Wave beings you have previously encountered.

Given that the Counters have the most experience with D-Wave entities,

we are assigning you to the search and rescue mission.

Report to the surface as soon as you can.

Commander. We've arrived at the coordinates Enikk provided.

They should be right here, shouldn't they?

Based on Enikk's scan, yes.

I wonder what type of beings they are this time?

Who knows? I'm just hoping they're capable of taking down that giant floating object.

Commander, over there!

What's with that suit? I've never seen anything like it.

Do you think that's them?

Should we approach?

I'll take the lead.

I'm unable to connect with NERV headquarters.

We're outside of communication range already?

What's going on here? Where are we?

And that thing floating there...

Is that an Angel?

... This is bad.

Um... er... excuse me...

!!

Who goes there?!

I know this might sound crazy, but I'm guessing you all don't know where you are?

How did you...?

We've encountered quite a few people in your position before. I presume you're all from a different world...

What in the world is that noise?

It's coming from that Massive Object!

It's gathering energy!

Everyone, get down!

Commander, are you okay?

Wh-what the...

!!

!!

The ground is... just gone!

How powerful is this thing?

What incredible firepower!

Why would you care about firepower at a time like this?!

That shot...

It was directed towards the Ark.

Was it aiming for the Ark?

Could that be the 6th Angel?

Its shape is somewhat similar...

but if you look carefully, there are many differences in its appearance.

So we're not even sure if this is an Angel? This doesn't bode well.

...

You guys know what that thing is?

Huh?

Are you talking to us?

Well, we're familiar with something that's similar to it,

but we're not sure if it's the exact same thing.

Commander, things are quiet now, but we don't know when the next attack could occur.

I suggest we head back to the Ark.

Not yet.

All communications have been down since the recent bombardment.

Roger.

We don't have much to go on in terms of trusting you...

But the fact we're apparently in another world is somewhat disconcerting...

Not to mention that anything is better than standing here aimlessly in front of such a dangerous entity.

Lead the way.

So, this place is called the Ark, and it's humanity's last refuge.

You're the Commander in the Central Government's army,

and these are the members of your squad.

Correct.

We're also fighting to keep mankind alive.

However, this is the first time I've heard about any of this:

A vast underground city dubbed the Ark;

Humanity being threatened by mechanical creatures called Raptures.

The existence of these beings called Nikkes.

That's understandable,

considering our worlds are different.

Another world...

That's the part

I'm having the most trouble accepting.

A different world...

Hehe, pretty interesting.

You're not pulling our legs, are you?

This is all just too outlandish to be true.

We're not lying. Anis, Neon, and I are not human. We're Nikkes.

We are humanoid weapons designed for fighting Raptures.

Humanoid... weapons?

You're not human?

That's right. Except for our brains, our bodies are entirely mechanical.

!!

But you look so human.

Yeah, totally life-like! Amazing!

Hehe... I'm not quite sure what to say...

Yeah, it's a bit embarrassing being in the spotlight like this.

Dang, it's starting to feel like we really are in another world.

This is insane!

...

What about Ikari?

Is he not here?

You're right! What about Shinji?

Shinji, a boy around the same age as Rei.A and Asuka. Have you seen him?

No.

We scanned the area around the Ark, but we didn't see anyone else besides you all.

If someone else had come along with you, they would have been nearby.

I see.

I guess Shinji didn't tag along.

... I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing.

It's a good thing, believe me.

That idiot! What's he thinking going it alone at a time like this?

Ikari...

*Sigh*... Fine.

Let's assume that we are, in fact, in another world.

The question is, how do we get back?

Huh?

The first thing you asked us was if we had come from another world.

That tells me you've met others like us who aren't from your planet, right?

Wow, you're sharp.

Correct, we have.

Then I assume you know how to get back as well?

Massive Object?

You mean that thing that looked like the 6th Angel?

We're not entirely sure what you mean by "Angel",

but if you're referring to that entity we saw on the surface, then yes.

There are Angels here too?

Again, we're not familiar with this "Angel" you speak of.

I suspect that Massive Object might be something Gatekeeper created after seeing those "Angels" from your world.

You keep mentioning the word "Gatekeeper".

What is that?

It's a special entity which can manifest living and nonliving organisms from other dimensions.

In our world, a previously unseen entity with the code name "Gatekeeper" was discovered.

This entity emits energy waves which resemble those seen during sleep. We refer to these as D-Waves.

At the same time, individuals like yourself, seemingly from different worlds, began materializing.

Further investigations uncovered that these people also emitted D-Wave energy.

We also came to realize that these people were intimately connected with Gatekeeper.

Upon further research into the D-Waves and Gatekeeper,

we were able to decode its database.

The database revealed a diverse record of various beings,

ranging from the familiar, like Raptures,

to the fantastical:

wizards, knights, dragons, time-freezing devices, soul synthesizers, and interstellar ballistic missiles.

We discovered Gatekeeper could "summon" anything within this database,

be they familiar or fantastical.

Summon?

For lack of a better word, yes.

Gatekeeper uses D-Wave energy

to search through its database

and conjure both you and that Massive Object, which you refer to as an "Angel", into our world.

So this "Gatekeeper"

summoned all of us,

and that thing

we all saw on the surface,

without my consent?

Correct.

The fact that you are unfamiliar with the basic concepts of our world such as Nikkes and Raptures,

and that you are emitting D-Wave energy are the two most telling signs.

That energy is coming out from our bodies?

I can't believe this... but I guess I have no choice.

It did all this without consulting us!

...

This is all fascinating,

but I think I'm getting a headache from all this information overload.

Yeah, me too.

Is there somewhere we can rest for a while?

We're all pretty exhausted.

We appreciate it.

Here, let me take you to our dorm!

Thank you.

Tell me about the people from another world.

Are they cooperative?

I can imagine.

Being transported to another world

is something unfathomable to most people.

That's a good idea.

Let's give it some time and see.

Besides, they're not the most pressing issue at the moment.

Correct.

That massive beam which shot out from that entity

severely damaged the area of the surface directly above the Ark.

The higher-ups have taken to calling it the Ultra Beam.

It's caused quite a commotion amongst their ranks,

considering it wasn't Rapture-based, and instead was an attack we could not identify.

The only bit of real good news is that

it's been quiet since that initial attack.

That's given our engineers time to focus on repairing the areas of the surface that were damaged.

Meanwhile,

we're assembling our finest soldiers in preparation for an all-out assault on the Massive Object.

Hard to say,

but things aren't looking good.

That massive barrier surrounding it,

which we're referring to as the Anti-Field,

prevents anyone from even approaching it, let alone attacking it.

While we try and resolve this situation,

I want you to keep doing what you've been doing

and give our otherworldly visitors the royal treatment.

In the event we come to require their assistance,

we want them on our side.

Give me a roll call.

Here.

Here.

Here.

I'm sure you've all heard.

The situation isn't looking good.

We've been attempting to

breach that Massive Object ever since it appeared,

but, perhaps unsurprisingly, we have been unable to penetrate the Anti-Field.

Each of the Big Three have dispatched their finest squads, but progress has remained at a standstill.

How is it our fault that we can't break through?

Why did that thing suddenly appear above the Ark in the first place?

The reason is simple.

Gatekeeper used D-Wave energy to summon it.

We know that! You don't have to point it out!

Syuen.

Calm down and sit.

Now is not the time to be losing our cool.

I'm not losing my cool!

I understand that this mystérieuse entité has you worried,

but we cannot deal with this situation using la force brute alone.

In times like this, we must try to think rationnellement.

Don't talk down to me! I know that!

Argh!

Continue, s'il vous plaît.

To make matters worse,

the mass has fired another Ultra Beam, causing further damage.

Yeah.

The facilities which were being repaired from the previous attack,

as well as the surface above the Ark have sustained further damage.

How much of the surface area above the Ark is left?

After the two beam-related attacks,

approximately 75% of the surface area remains.

Have there been any other attaques other than the Ultra Beam?

Negative.

Besides the defensive line of Raptures armed with Anti-Fields,

there have not been any additional offensive maneuvers made on the Ark.

I suppose that's a minor relief.

In light of all this, the higher-ups have come to the following conclusion:

This entity's target

is most likely the Ark.

So what should we do?

We are calculating how many more Ultra beams

the surface can withstand.

In the meantime, you all must attempt to find a way to defeat that thing as soon as possible,

by any means necessary.

As for me, I'll go meet our visitors personally.

Welcome.

Are you the leader around here?

Nice to meet you. The name's Andersen.

I called you here so we could talk face to face.

I have some important information to share with you.

And what would that be?

It's about the current situation of the surface.

A few days ago, our most elite Nikkes conducted numerous offensive operations,

attempting to defeat the entity that appeared on the surface along with you.

However, thanks to its Anti-Field, all our efforts have failed.

Since then, we have attempted to formulate a way to overcome this thing,

but the unfortunate conclusion we have reached is that

the Anti-Field cannot be breached with our current technology.

The biggest issue we are facing is that the Massive Object's target...

That's right. After that initial attack you witnessed,

another beam was fired. It damaged the surface above the Ark.

Despite our attempts to divert its attention elsewhere,

the entity only generates Raptures around the Anti-Field and sends them after us

while its attention is focused on the Ark.

We don't know.

Our speculation is that

it intends to annihilate us because of our attempts to hinder it.

So it wishes to exterminate all the humans here?

The biggest problem is that,

because its appearance was so sudden,

we haven't been able to prepare any proper countermeasurements.

The moment the surface above the Ark is breached,

the Ultra Beam will be able to vaporize the Ark in an instant.

Based on the analysis by Enikk and M.M.R.,

we can withstand...

three more attacks.

After that... the Ark will sustain a direct hit.

Based on the current pattern, once every 5 days.

That means we have 19 days before a potential direct hit.

No matter what, we must destroy the Massive Object before that happens.

Within the next 19 days...

...

...

...

I understand that the situation is serious,

but why are you telling us this?

I heard you refer to the entity as an "Angel".

That tells me you have experience with something similar to what we're dealing with here.

... That's right.

Moreover,

you're the only ones

who are emitting D-Wave energy like it does.

That has led me and the others to believe that

you might be the key to defeating that thing.

So, please,

will you help us?

You're asking us...

... To fight that thing without Eva?

...

For the sake of the humans here...

...

What do you all think?

I think it'll be a tough fight without Eva.

However, if we want to return to our world, we don't have much of a choice.

I feel the same.

We can't stay here forever.

In order to go back to our world, we have to defeat that thing,

so maybe we should work together.

What do you think, Rei.A?

...

And you, Asuka?

Do you even have to ask?

Not only should we take down that giant lump,

we should also take down that Gatekeeper which brought us here!

All right then, everyone seems to be on board.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Now then, what's the first step?

Asuka Shikinami Langley.

Pilot of Unit Two from Evangelion.

... Rei Ayanami.

...

If she does, it ought to be obvious that I do.

Are you a complete idiot? I already told you.

I'm a pilot of Unit Two from Evangelion.

Do you have any concept of what a pilot does?

Is this what guns look like here?

They're not that much different from ours.

Yeah, since we're in a different world,

I thought their weapons would look totally different.

But they're basically the exact same.

Back to position.

Coming!

Whew...

...

...

We were unable to gather anything useful during the question and answer session.

On a positive note,

they do appear to have some military training.

All in all,

the tests proved useful.

We discovered that the D-Wave emitted from their bodies can neutralize the Anti-Field.

Also, when objects come into contact with them,

they emit the same wave as the Massive Object, albeit very briefly.

That's right.

If they can pierce through the Massive Object's Anti-Field with their weapons,

they'll be able to create an opening.

We'll finally have a chance to damage the entity,

something we've been unable to accomplish so far, despite our best efforts.

You're correct.

That's why you and the Counters

will escort the NERV members up to the surface.

Once there, they'll puncture a hole in the Anti-Field,

after which our forces will concentrate their fire through that opening.

If we can accomplish that, even just for a brief moment,

we should be able to destroy the creature.

Currently, the Massive Object is surrounded by Raptures with Anti-Fields.

For this operation, NERV and the Counters will be engaging in a joint operation with our own distinct roles.

The NERV team's goal will be to create a hole in the Anti-Field.

Even if said opening is small, that's fine.

So long as you make an opening,

we and the other forces dispatched by the Ark will concentrate our firepower through that opening to attack.

Okay!

All right, it's time for the elite to step in.

Okay.

While you guys approach the Massive Object,

Anis, Neon, and I will keep the Raptures at bay

so that you can reach your target as quickly as possible.

We won't be the only ones providing cover.

Many of the Ark's top Nikke squads

will pave the way for you.

Wow!

I feel like a real VIP.

They're definitely giving us some special treatment.

That means they want us to deliver.

!!

...

Very cool!

A battle to save humankind in another world.

Very interesting indeed.

You all just do your best to help us.

We're good at what we do, and it's our duty to help humanity.

You just point out the best way for us to deal with those Raptures or the Massive Object.

Okay.

I'll give you a crash course on how to deal with Raptures.

Yeah, that's right. But...

Actually... I'm a little embarrassed.

Even though I'm an adult, even in this world, I'm leaving the real fighting to children.

Don't you worry about that. You just do what you do best, Misato.

I'll take care of the rest.

... Asuka.

Thanks.

I'll do my best and work together with your intelligence department.

Yes, I can hear you.

It's remarkable how clearly I can see where you guys are.

Can you hear me okay?

Good. I still feel a bit awkward about all this,

but I'll keep my eyes peeled

and keep you all updated on any developments.

Has everyone done their weapons check?

I'm good to go.

Me too!

All good here.

Yes.

Of course I'm ready. I'm no fool.

I finished that a long time ago.

Let's do this!

Roger.

Off we go, merrily so!

Commander, there are more of them than we expected!

Wow, they're really pouring in.

Where should I shoot first?

Okay!

Firepower!!!

Additional Rapture reinforcement confirmed at 9 o'clock!

Again?!

Kamikaze Raptures towards the front!

What?!

You didn't mention anything about those being here!

How do we handle them?

Shoot first, ask questions later!

We must prevent them from approaching!

Argh, these things are irritating!

Eliminate the Anti-Field.

Done.

Will resume attack after taking cover...

Urgh!

Get down!

Are you hurt?

... No.

Mari! Behind you!!

Huh?!

Hyaaaahhhh!

I'll create a hole in the Anti-Field!

Thank you!

Firepower!!!

Phew... you saved my life!

Thanks.

Don't mention it!

No rest for the wicked. Here they come again!

!!

!!

This isn't going to be easy.

... Tsk.

...

Phew... Missions on the surface have never exactly been easy,

but this fight seems more unpredictable than usual.

The main reason for that is that we can't attack the Raptures directly.

All we can do is either push back the ones charging at us,

or shoot them down through the holes in their Anti-Fields made by the NERV team.

Since it's our first time fighting on the battlefield together, we still have to work out some kinks.

Our response time is slower than usual, especially when something unexpected happens.

Then again, considering this is their first time in actual combat, they're doing good. Really well, in fact, that it's kinda hard to believe.

That's the only reason why we've managed to hold out this far.

If they hadn't held up their end, someone would have been injured or even killed by now.

I agree.

If we're having a hard time getting through these Raptures,

there's no way we'll be able to handle that Massive Object.

It looks like these things really don't want us to get close.

Let's head back. I don't think pressing forward is a viable option.

Roger that.

The higher-ups took a look at your performance on the field,

and they've concluded that simple training, even on an accelerated schedule,

won't be enough to confront the Raptures.

In other words, this mission tanked because of us?

Oof, how embarrassing...

Therefore,

for the remaining time we have,

you will be learning combat strategies tailored specifically for fighting Raptures.

Oh?

You're going to teach us some new skills?

Where?

Somewhere conducive to taking instruction. I presume you know where I'm alluding to?

That's right.

Are you telling me we're being sent to a high school?

I thought you said time was of the essence.

It's precisely for that reason that further preparation like this is required.

Otherwise, even if we're presented with an opportunity,

we might not be able to properly seize it.

I get what you're saying, but...

I thank you for putting your best foot forward,

but if you charge into this mission recklessly,

there is a chance that we could lose some of you.

Were that to occur, we would no longer have any means of stopping this entity.

We cannot allow that to happen.

... I understand what you mean.

Thank you for understanding.

Hmm... I feel a bit embarrassed enrolling as a student...

We will be assigning you the position of substitute teacher.

I've already explained everything to the school.

They'll guide you.

Oh, and one more thing.

The fact that you are all from another world

is information only a few will be privy to.

Your assigned instructor,

and a handful of students who will be your support during combat training, will be the only ones aware of your identities.

I would appreciate it if you keep that in mind.

So we're going to be high schoolers on a secret mission?

Sounds fun!

What are you blabbering about?

It's just one more thing for us to worry about. What a pain.

...

I get to be a teacher?

I never thought I'd be able to experience something like this.

As for you, Commander...

You'll go along with them.

Negative.

If new transfer students were to show up with the Commando Unit,

that would raise suspicions, to say the least.

If any incidents occur at the school,

you will assume responsibility and provide necessary assistance.

Good.

I realize we don't have a lot of time on our hands,

but I hope you all enjoy your little stint at school.

Hi, Commander. Long time no see.

Teacher!

I didn't realize you were coming too! Oh wow, this is fantastic!

Hi, Teacher.

So are these the individuals the higher-ups mentioned?

Welcome to the M.M.R. Vocational School.

Before we get down to business,

allow us to introduce ourselves.

I am Marciana, the homeroom teacher for Class P.

This is Rei, Zwei and Ein.

They'll be joining you during your time here.

They will be assigned to you in a buddy system, and will be there provide support during your combat training and any aspect of school.

... Hello.

Nice to meet you.

... Hello.

Wow, so we're working on a buddy system? Cool!

Nice to meet you!

...

... Hmph.

You look awfully young to be a high school student.

Huh?

I presume you're referring to Rei?

As a matter of fact, she's a third-year student, and has the highest grades of her class.

Seriously? I'd never guess by looking at her.

Although they are students, they are still Nikkes.

Ah, I see.

Well, nice to meet you.

I'm Misato Katsuragi, the assigned substitute teacher for the interim period. Just call me Misato.

The children and I are very much in your debt.

Oh please, it's nothing. We really do appreciate you coming.

Before we start combat training,

we should conduct a casual group test.

Before we dive headlong into training,

I would like to take this opportunity to

get a better sense of each other.

That's a great idea!

Since we will be going into battle together, it would be advantageous to see how everyone fights.

Let's move to the simulation room inside the school.

Considering the scale of this underground city, I had high hopes for the simulation room...

But it's nothing special.

...

Hmm...

So this is this world's simulation room...

I wonder what kind of method will be used for this test?

Let's hurry and get this test over with.

We should be engaging in proper combat training, not this.

Testing, testing. Can you hear me?

Yes, we can hear you, Miss Marciana.

As I said in the classroom,

this test is intended to assist with fostering harmony between the members of NERV and the Nikkes who will be assigned to them.

Although the Raptures you will be doing battle with are virtual,

their behavior will be indistinguishable from their real-life counterparts.

Depending on where you are hit,

you will be marked either as injured or dead and will not be able to continue.

Therefore, you must treat this simulation as if it were a real fight.

Did everyone get that?

Don't take this lightly, but don't psyche yourselves out either.

Understood?

Quit badgering us, Mistato.

I've gone up against the real deal.

Do you really think a simulation is gonna have me quaking in my boots?

All right, all right. I trust you.

We're always doing tests like this.

I doubt anything will happen, right?

Yeah, we'll be fine.

It's just another test.

Isn't that right, Naru?

Right.

If I'm being honest, I don't think it's even really necessary for Teacher to be here.

The Commander will be joining you once the mission starts.

It was determined that it would be beneficial for him to get a feel of what to expect out on the field.

Now, no matter how we do this, there's no getting around that this won't be quite the same as conducting exercises up on the surface.

However, the main goal of this is to get everyone working as a team,

so do your best not to intervene and stay out of the way.

Good.

Commencing test now.

Target down.

I knew it. This is nothing.

This is fun. Send more my way!

C'mon Naru 2, let's go and get their attention!

!!!

Naru!

Oh, was that your drone?

It kept buzzing around in my face, so I shot it down.

H-how could you... My precious Naru!

Well, now you know not to send anything flitting about from now on. Do it again, and I'll shoot it down again.

How can you say that? You should be apologizing!

Quit your bellyaching and get out of my way.

Y... You... How can you be so mean?!

Gah!

Rei!

Wha... I've been eliminated?

It's open on the right! I'll cover you!

But then who will take care of this Rap... Agh!

!!

S-sorry!

Zwei! In front of you!

What are you doing?!

Get your head on straight and do it...

Sniper to your left.

What?

Bah!

Ahhhh!!

Uhhh!!

... Argh!

...

That was embarrassing.

...

...

...

*Huff... huff...*

Mari, Rei.A, Asuka.

Considering that you're not familiar with how Raptures operate, you did well.

Rei, Zwei, and Ein. As expected, you've performed admirably and exceeded my expectations on an individual basis.

However, the overall evaluation... left much to be desired.

I realize this is the first time you all have attempted to work together, but there was no sign of any cooperation at all.

Sorry, it's because I changed our objective...

It's because of this goofball in the red suit!

Excuse me?

Rei, please.

You're one to talk.

You practically broke down in tears in the middle of a firefight all because of one stupid drone.

If you ask me, you should be in a shrink's office, not the battlefield.

Asuka, that's enough!

I'm perfectly fine, I'll have you know!

And Naru 2 is not just any drone!

Rei, tone down, please.

This how you act when you're perfectly fine?

Got a problem?!

You're pathetic.

No I'm not!

Yes you are!

No I'm not!

...

...

*Sigh*...