Never Ending Story: A

Everyone, report your findings.

There's nothing unusual.

Looks fine on my end.

The sea is calm overall.

The D-Wave's wave level is still low.

*Sigh*... looks like we're not getting anywhere today.

The fishing line's pulling.

Huh?

We've got a bite! Quick, reel it in!

Wow! It's a big one!

I bet it's going to be a feast. Are we having it for dinner?

It's probably better not to eat it.

Besides, we're still in the middle of our report.

That's right.

Anyway, there has been no sign of the phantom, and Rapture hasn't attacked us since then.

While the sea is relatively calm, we set up a temporary base.

How about we celebrate the completion of the base with a campfire?

Commander, something's been bothering me.

Yes, I think they are up to something.

I understand, but for now, let's focus on reinforcing our forces.

We need all the rest we can get, and prepare properly if we want to win the battle.

When there's heavy damage dealt to both sides, we keep our distance and recover... Wait, now that I think about it, it's always been like this, hasn't it?

And during the climax, both sides clash head-on with everything they've got!

No! That's too boring!

The hero has to overpower everything on their own with their firepower!

That kind of story would really heat things up!

And we need a villain who tries to stop them! This is how the storyline should unfold!

Wait, why are we even talking about a villain here?

... What are you doing over there?

If you have so much free time on your hands, why don't you help out the transport team?

I don't exactly get along with the transport team.

We can't take someone else's job! So, I'll be guarding this beach as the hero!

Don't worry about the transport team. They've got Absolute and Cafe Sweety with them.

Besides, aren't we here for a more important mission?

Our job is to protect one of the most crucial people in this operation.

?

Who?

Hey everyone, long time no see! I believe the first time we've met since the offensive operation against Massive Object, right?

Such a touching reunion... Is everyone doing well?

Ah... I've been busy with things on the Ark. We haven't had a chance to talk.

In any case,

looks like the Princess owes you one, thanks!

The Four-Eyed Crony... What are you doing here?

I came because I was worried about you, Your Highness.

Stop avoiding the question. How did you get here?

Do you even remember anything about this world?

Hey, calm down a second, I was also suddenly summoned to this world.

Seems like I was a bit late.

As for my memory... I don't really know.

I can't say I have all the answers to the world's mysteries!

I see...

So...

Let's toast to the completion of the temporary base!

Cheers to the base being set up! A job well done, everyone!

Haha, no sweats! A hero never expects a reward!

Considering that, you sure are eating and drinking a lot.

Is this a welcome party just for me?

Probably a mix of things.

Yeah, I'm feeling good, all warm and cozy.

Isn't it just because you're sitting by the campfire?

What do you like, Helm?

What do I like?

Yeap! I'm curious about what a naval officer might enjoy.

Hmm...

Could it be that your "like" is...

I-I didn't mean to look at Subordinate!

Hehe, everyone's having fun!

Oh, Special Senior Major Shikinami, where are you going?

I'm going to the shooting range, getting familiar with the weapons of this world.

I'll be heading out.

Yeah, let me know if you need something.

Lalala♪ The temporary base♪ Looks totally different now!

It's a song I just made up.

A song praising the masterpiece Mighty Tools created over several days.

Like that thing over there!

The outdoor clinic construction is finished!

Great job! Now Sakura has her own clinic!

Really?! Thank you so much!

It was nothing, really!

Once ship repairs on the Admire are done, we'll build more facilities.

Yeah.

I also heard you made accommodations for everyone.

Let's go see it for ourselves, then.

Let's start with the Princess's room!

Come on in.

Yes.

I'll shoot even better in the next battle.

So, what are you here for?

I'm fine here.

It's actually quite comfortable. I'm not sure who set it up, but...

Please make sure to thank them for me.

...

Stop worrying about me.

If you really want to help,

Take care of Early Lot.

Right now, she needs more attention.

Oh, Captain! What brings you here?

You've come at the perfect time! Check this out!

I caught this while fishing! Looks like a seed or something.

Hehe, the red sea is full of strange things!

What is this?

A seed?

It could be something valuable!

And since it came from the mysterious big sea, it must be a treasure!

This is probably the "treasure seed" hidden in the red sea!

What is the treasure seed?

You're interested too, Rei?

...

After all, it's a rare item, so of course, I'll give you one!

Not sure if it's valuable, but since you're special, it's a gift! Haha!

You're giving this to me?

...

All right, I'll try growing it.

Great! Please take good care of it!

So, how did it go, Commander?

Did you take care of everything that was bothering you?

Oh, the sea level is starting to change.

The monitoring results show that there have been no significant changes in the D-Wave of the phantom.

Meanwhile, the number of Raptures seems to have returned to pre-battle levels.

Analysis of their behavior suggests they are guarding a specific area.

They might have strengthened their defenses after the last failure.

Do you think so? The phantom hasn't shown any movement either.

So, what are they really gathering here for?

Are they waiting for Tyrant-level reinforcements?

Hmm, it doesn't seem like they're waiting for reinforcements...

Maybe they're trying to create something new?

According to the Princess, both she and Eva were summoned at almost the same time, right?

But I was summoned later.

Plus, the places we were summoned to were different, and when I contacted the Ark...

The Ark was in total chaos due to the phantom.

That's why I became an emergency advisor for the phantom countermeasures of the Central Government.

I remember! The special informant Shifty mentioned was you, Mari!

Ding ding ding, that's right!

It seems like Gatekeeper can summon new entities multiple times from the same location.

They might even be preparing for a new summoning right now.

For example, that Massive Object we defeated before, or maybe...

a new Evangelion.

Just hearing about it gives me a headache. They're all huge, aren't they?

To counter such powerful enemies, we'll need more firepower.

If the enemy is only Massive Object, we could win.

But if that's the case, the forces against the phantom would be spread thin.

It's possible if we modify the Admire's main gun.

If we focus on range and penetration power, we might be able to defeat the phantom...

Assuming Massive Object joins in the fight, there will be two enemies. We'll need a way to counter them both at the same time.

Are you talking about the Wunder?

The repairs on the damaged parts are complete. But what should we do about the systems?

Don't worry about it.

The Big Three have teamed up again and prepared a temporary system to install in the Wunder. It should work without any major issues.

We can also equip other weapons.

But we haven't even done load tests yet. Are we sure about this?

As long as the temporary system doesn't exceed its load limits, it should be fine.

We'll do a test flight with the modified Wunder while clearing the surrounding sea areas.

All right.

So far, everything's going well.

Huh? What's with all this stuff?

...

I just want to return to my world. You don't need to worry about me.

Wait a second.

Are you even paying attention?

...

Four-Eyed Crony and I are different.

I have no memories of this world.

Getting thanks like this only makes things awkward.

I was just doing my best.

The phantom appeared at the same time as us, right?

I guess it might sound strange, but

I feel like I have to defeat it myself.

That's all there is to it.

You never listen, do you?

...

Leaving the gifts behind like that...

Wait, is this... for everyone else too?

... Ugh.

Rei, what are you doing here?

The seed's sprouted.

That's amazing! Did you plant this, Rei? It's growing faster than most plants.

I wonder what it'll look like once it fully grows.

I'm not sure.

What do you hope it will look like?

Hope?

...

I don't have the slightest clue.

I see. Well, I'll be looking forward to it.

...

Looking forward...

...

I guess I'd better not interfere.

The D-Wave of the phantom is amplifying!

At this rate, there's a very high chance it'll start moving within 24 hours!

Currently, Matis is standing by in the surrounding waters!

Huh? It seems like there's someone else over there too...

If we're in range of communication, we should check on Matis's scouting situation!

Oh no, Raptures everywhere! And they keep coming!

Heh, there's no need to worry!

Because there's a hero here!

Hahaha, but there's also a villain!

Let the battle begin!

If it goes well, we might be able to make contact with the phantom.

All right! Let's go! Hero!

Ugh?

What's going on? Did you get knocked back?

What is this? We can't even get close?

Wait, could it be...

This is an Anti-Field, similar to the A.T. Field!

I never thought this giant would have an Anti-Field.

Mari! What are you doing there? It's dangerous!

I came to look for Unit Eight with Matis.

I couldn't find it anywhere else. I've got a feeling it's probably submerged around here.

That's why I asked Matis for assistance.

If Unit Eight joins, our combat power will increase dramatically.

That really puts my mind at ease.

Of course.

The Admire is in top condition, and the Wunder has air dominance.

This is the perfect opportunity.

Let's go, Subordinate.

We'll join Matis and try to secure the new Evangelion.

Roger!

Sakura, can you provide support?

Yes! I'll give my full support!

What should I do?

For today, please wait here with Special Senior Major Shikinami.

I just need to wait here?

Yes! Just like watching a seed grow, we'll wait while hoping for a victory!

Found it!

This is an incredible treasure.

A huge pink robot is lying dormant in the deep sea!

This could be what the Evangelion has been searching for.

So, this is where you've been along, our lovely Unit Eight.

Sorry to ask, but can you check on its condition?

Of course!

Matis is set. The seal pillar is about to activate.

Mighty Tools is also all set! We can begin an emergency check at any time!

Counters is set. Site secured!

I owe you one, and will make it up to you twofold.

Hmm, this Eva isn't all that bad.

Phew... just a little more effort, and we should be done.

The others are buying some time. Is going to be over soon.

I'm counting on you.

Excuse me, Commander, there's an emergency!

The phantom's D-Wave signal just spiked!

The phantom has started to move!

What?

This can't be! It's headed for the temporary base!

I'm analyzing the situation!

I dodged the direct hit with the pre-set barrier I had ready!

I'll guide everyone to the underground shelter!

Rei! Where are you?

Over there!

The place where I planted the seeds...

The fishing spot...

It's dangerous here! Quickly, come this way!

It's all gone.

Wait, the sky!

D-Wave readings from the phantom are off the charts!

It looks like it's preparing for an attack!

What the?!

Darn it!

Ugh... Attack the phantom right now! We need to divert its attention!

Or else the base won't survive the next strike!

Can't get a clear shot from here! We need to advance further!

Ta-da! Sorry to keep you waiting!

Hey there!

Were you Raptures expecting me?

Time to stop bullying these adorable Nikkes!

Now we can fight properly.

Don't worry about your precious Subordinate, Helm. He's safe.

If this continues, the defense system's about to crash!

Everyone, get underground now!

We'll join you once we finish checking the Wunder!

I'll help guide the evacuation!

Don't push yourselves too hard!

...

You've got to be kidding.

Me? Evacuate?

Sigh...

I can't wait any longer.

...

Huh?

Asuka? Where are you going?

I'm going to help.

You're heading to the sea?

Obviously. Four-Eyed Crony can't handle the phantom alone.

Even without New Unit Two...

But how will you even—

Ugh! At this rate!

!!

Oh! I've got the perfect idea!

Everyone!

Fall back to the Admire!

We're out of ammo!

Four-Eyed Crony!

Master, the Wunder's here!

Princess!

I'll handle the suppressing fire.

Four-Eyed Crony, cover the Nikkes!

Rapture signals zeroed out. Elimination confirmed!

Finally, we can breathe.

...

Securing another Evangelion's a silver lining.

Now we just need to regroup at the Admire...

Wait!

Massive energy surge detected! It's a new D-Wave signal!

!!

Ooh! Another summoning?

Holy...

You've got to be kidding.

Massive Object confirmed!

But we just took one down...

Well, this is troublesome. I didn't expect it to be so vengeful.

It looks like the same model. Guess we'll just have to eliminate it again.

Commander, both fronts look grim.

As time passes, things are going to get worse for us.

Roger! 80% of personnel evacuated to shelters.

The underground shelter's quite dark, so watch your step, everyone!

...

It's getting dark...

Rei? Something wrong?

...

Rei?

Are you hurt?

Rei? Rei!

Medic! Any medics? We have casualties on the ground!

I-I'm a medic!

...

Rei, wait here. Call me if anything happens!

...

They should be fine for now.

Please move these people to the shelter.

Thank you! Is there anything else you need help with?

Nothing here... But do you know the status of the clinic or the Wunder?

Well... the clinic's on lockdown, and the Wunder's gone to the frontline.

Then we should head back to the shelter.

Ah...

That place where Rei planted the seeds...

Wow, it bloomed.

Such a beautiful white flower...

Rei would love this.

I should take it to her.

How should I pick it?

Look out!

Huh?

Neural waves... still...

Ugh!

Open... your eyes...

...

Sakura? Guess I made it back to the Admire's clinic...

And Rei...

You recognize me? Thank goodness.

Do you know where you are? What's the last thing you can remember before you got here?

I saw a beautiful flower and wanted to show Rei, then falling debris...

Sorry. I wanted to give it to you in perfect condition.

Why?

I'm a doctor.

Caring for others is my duty.

I wanted to show this to you.

I hoped it might cheer you up a little.

Yes, I see it.

How do you feel about it?

It's beautiful.

Thank you.

Base damage assessment complete.

All wounded receiving treatment. Zero fatalities.

Thank goodness, it could've been much worse.

Won't the phantom launch another attack?

Though we can still detect the signal...

Massive Object has also returned to the sea.

We can't pinpoint its exact location now.

I've got this feeling they're gonna attack all at once next time.

Perhaps.

Liter, Centi. Status on Evangelion and the Wunder?

Evangelion's got non-mechanical components. We can't fix what we don't understand.

Same goes for the Wunder. There are parts we can't do anything about.

Unit Eight hasn't fully recovered yet. Aegis will take the lead.

Can Unit Eight provide rear sniper support?

I believe that's the only way to conserve our forces at this point.

?

I brought gifts from the Nikkes.

Gifts, you say?

Yeah.

One appears to be for you.

What for?

Just take it.

We don't have any memories of this place.

Lilin, the Nikkes...

Everyone's been so nice to us.

You don't like that?

Just think it's a bit silly.

...

Anyway, I figured I'd help.

What will you do?

None of your business.

Mark.09's still immobilized.

Stay put with Sakura.

Obviously.

Someone needs to take risks at times like this.

Losing the Admire would be worse, don't you agree?

We almost pulled it off last time.

...

We'll cover Asuka until she reaches New Unit Two.

Hold on, I didn't ask for cover.

We're not backing down, even if you don't want us to.

Tch. Suit yourself.

Right back at you.

Let's get to work then!

Ooh-la-la... Time to bring the firepower!

Commander...

I'm all set and ready to move.

Yay! This outfit suits the Princess too!

I found this plugsuit on the Wunder.

Don't you have one too?

It feels like our final battle outfit.

Final battle, huh... yeah.

Let's go.

Okay!

Everyone, please be careful.

I'll provide cover from the Wunder.

Got it.

Why's Early Lot here?

I have something to say to the Commander.

I want to fight too.

Mark.09's offline. Don't push yourself—

I can still use weapons.

...

Hey, weren't you the type to follow orders without question?

Nikkes taught me fishing... gave me flowers...

They're kind.

Your point?

I want to protect.

I want to protect the Nikkes' world.

... Don't die.

Yeah.

...

Let's go.

It's the final battle.

The Wunder has reached the designated position!

Centi, take aim!

Leave it to me!

Please channel D-Wave into the Wunder's cannons!

Right! Powering up!

Ooh, looking serious!

Well then, shall we give it our all too?

The Admire has reached the phantom's front!

Mast, the transport ships!

Matis! You're up!

Hehehe! Time for the villain to shine!

Chaaaarge!

Heroic dispatch!

Eek! The Admire's window!

We have perfectly good exits. Why break the windows to get out!?

Compensation forms will be filed later.

Hahaha! Make way! The villain's coming through!

This is no time for jokes. Focus on the sealing pillar operation!

Rei, synchronize D-Wave with main cannons.

Understood.

Mast, prep the second transport ship.

Locked and loaded!

Captain, pray for our success!

Got it. Moving out now.

Understood.

Roger that!

Let's go!

Don't forget about me! I'm coming too!

Raptures incoming. New Unit Two's position is just ahead!

Engaging the enemy.

Encounter!

Raptures are everywhere!

I can't get a clear read on New Unit Two's status from down here!

Unit Eight has reached the phantom! Commencing close combat upon landing!

Phantom's signal remains critical. Be careful!

Its current form has gotten quite close to the true form Gatekeeper desires!

That's even more reason to stop the summoning!

Helm!

I'll give it my all for what I love!

Hiya!

*Boom*!

This phantom thing just won't give up!

Even with all the firepower from the Wunder, the Admire, and Unit Eight, it's not even budging!

We need more firepower!

Tell me about it.

But thanks to their successful diversion, we've reached New Unit Two.

Hey kid, when will New Unit Two's maintenance be done?

K-kid?! Don't judge me by my looks!

Just wait a bit longer until the maintenance is complete!

Here comes my ultimate special move!

Ugh, I got caught...

Oh no! Here comes a big one!

Everyone, grab hold! If we get swept up, it's over!

Main cannon! Prepare to fire!

Ready to fire.

Woo! Thought I was toast there!

Incoming seawater! Evasive maneuvers!

Got it! Wait, what?

The seawater is floating in the air!

Hey. I opened the gift.

Pretty clever.

Maintenance complete!

New Unit Two is operational!

...

Moving out.

New Unit Two, launch!

Obstacle cleared!

Exit secured! Ready for a retreat at any time!

Major!

Centi, let's go welcome New Unit Two!

Roger that! Everything's ready!

Four-Eyed Crony!

Been waiting forever for you, Your Highness.

We are using that.

Looks like we hit a critical spot!

Just one more shot, and we'll take it down!

Mast, Anchor, Rei, get ready!

Hold on a second! Another D-Wave signal is coming through!

The response is coming from beneath the sea!

Turn at full speed!

Mast, give me a damage report!

Ugh, we lost power! We can't move for now!

At this rate, we're just sitting ducks!

What's the status of the phantom?

It looks like it revived again.

It's currently fighting against the two Evangelions.

Massive Object is gathering power too!

Its target is obvious—it's us!

This is bad, really bad!

The Admire is...

I'll head there right away! I don't know if I'll make it in time, but I'll go at full speed!

Please... don't be late!

This is the perfect time for a hero to step in!

Wh-what?!

Heroic cannon!

The hero has arrived!

The villain has arrived!

Ugh, this superhero landing is really killing my back!

Matis! You made it!

But... how?

It's all thanks to the brave Sakura!

She infused our weapons with D-Wave! She is also one of the heroes.

Honestly, that jump was a little scary.

So, you applied the same method you used when you infused the Admire's main cannon.

It might actually work.

Rei!

?

Just like you infused the cannon with D-Wave,

can you do the same for my weapon?

This time, I'm going to take that Massive Object down for good!

Massive Object—confirmed destroyed!

The phantom's D-Wave signal is skyrocketing!

At this rate, its full power will activate!

Liter, status report!

The temperature is too high. It's unstable.

It's a miracle it hasn't exploded from the shock of the attacks.

If luck wasn't on our side, we could've sunk by now!

I can't change direction.

What? Has the turret's control system malfunctioned?

This doesn't look good!

Your Highness!

Argh!

?!

I won't let you do that!

It's still alive!

Your Highness, are you hurt?!

Tch... looks like this is the end for New Unit Two.

I'm sorry, New Unit Two.

I'll start with a remote attack! Your Highness, fall back!

We're not done yet!

That's right. We haven't lost yet!

Go, Admire!

Huh?! It can still generate this much power?

All units, prepare for deployment!

Keep going, Admire! Just a little more!

Rei!

Mm.

I'll pull the trigger.

Not bad!

Hyaaaah!

Take this!

We can't get a clear shot!

Full speed ahead!

Admire, we only have one shot at this!

Charge!

Now!

This is it—open fire!

*Crrrkk*

The phantom... finally went down!

Now, if we take down the Gatekeeper, they can finally return home.

...

But... something's wrong. Did you see New Unit Two?

Princess!

Where... am I?

Did I make it back to my world? No, I'm still on my way back.

That means... we really did defeat the phantom after all. In the end, I didn't even get the chance to properly return the favor.

The Gatekeeper!

That thing! It's been hiding inside that hole all this time!

Looks like it's in a deep sleep. Let's wake it up!

If we attack the Gatekeeper now, we can return home immediately.

Hah... I wish I could go back together with the Princess.

Of course!

I'll make sure she hears it.

All right, everyone, gather up! Time to go!

It's always so sudden, isn't it?

Yeah, for real.

...

We just resolved everything, and now we're already parting ways.

It seems difficult this time, but if we ever get the chance,

I'd love to talk with you all about our hometowns!

Then, take care.

Goodbye.

...

Stay safe!

That beautiful flower...

Thank you.

See you all again someday.

Yeah, you too. Stay safe on your side.

Gotcha!

Your Highness!

!!

Ugh, Four-Eyed Crony!

Come with us!

Hmph... do whatever you want.

A farewell.

...

Bye-bye, Lilin. Bye-bye, Nikkes.

*Sigh* The Admire has been through so much abuse. At this rate, it's practically an antique.

We've been working all night, so it's a miracle if even a little bit can be fixed.

I'm really sorry.

Hey, I know you're doing your best, but could you maybe fix it a little more gently? The Admire is delicate, you know.

Hah! You sure have some nerve to say that, considering you were the one who rammed it headfirst into the enemy!

*Sigh* Nothing interesting is biting at all...

I'm dying of boredom!

Mast, the radar keeps pinging.

Looks like weak Raptures are trying to escape into the sea.

Just let them go. We're in no position to chase them right now.

A true pirate only goes after the big fish, don't they?

After such a grand adventure, everyday life feels unbearably dull now.

Personally, I need a vacation more than another adventure.

Then go talk to Syuen about it yourself.

No way! A hero never takes a vacation!

Even as we take a moment to rest, the claws of evil continue to spread everywhere!

Ugh... You're giving me a massive headache.

Don't we get a vacation, Commander?

That's not within the Commander's authority.

Hooray!

Then please fill out the application.

Neon, what do you want to do if you get a vacation?

Obviously, I'd train my firepower!

The firepower I witnessed in this last battle was unforgettable! I need to train harder and sharpen my skills!

That's a great mindset! Then how about you join me in hero training?

First, I'll teach you how to break windows properly!

Windows aren't meant to be broken! Spare a thought for the people who have to fix them!

And what about you? What would you do if you got a vacation?

That sounds good. You must be exhausted from everything as well.

You really did a great job.

Subordinate, we were able to win safely thanks to you.

We also installed the latest steam medical unit on the Admire.

It seems to be even more effective than expected.

I never realized how comforting the sea breeze could be.

Hey, Subordinate. Would it be okay if we stayed like this for just a little longer?