Sudden Deviation

Everything has been proceeding smoothly

since the Bunker Buster operation.

Everyone seems to have gotten quite close, and their sense of teamwork is improving.

Without any active fighting going on, everyone is getting along well with their respective partners.

Their strategies have also improved markedly since the last operation.

Yeah.

That they are.

They are excellent students.

Indeed. We even discussed it, and everyone is in agreement:

We might even be able to move up the date of deployment.

Yes. Perhaps it's due to the fact that they've now undergone a real operation,

but they are showing a growth that is incomparable to before.

Told you that would be the case.

The higher-ups are pressuring us to take down the Massive Object

before it fires its Ultra Beam a third time.

The fact that the beam was fired earlier than we expected during the last operation,

even if only by a few hours, has them spooked.

Even though, according to our schedule, the next shot should be in a few days,

they want us to prepare as much as we can

and be ready before anything unexpected happens again.

I agree wholeheartedly.

As do I.

All right, that concludes the meeting!

Let's all go grab a beer. It's been ages.

Oh, that's my phone.

It's marked urgent...

This is Marciana.

What?

The School Circle Squad...

has disappeared?

What?

Okay, we'll look for them as well.

What's going on?

The entire School Circle Squad is nowhere to be seen?

... Yes.

No one can find Ein, Zwei, or Rei.

They're all still at the school.

We have to go find them.

I'll check the dorms.

You two look around the school.

Roger.

Let's split up.

Are you looking for Zwei?

Can't say I do.

Other than the times when we arrange to practice together,

we don't really pay close attention to what the other one is doing.

What about you, Rei.A?

Do you know where Ein could have gone, or have you heard anything?

... I don't know.

When was the last time you saw her?

Yesterday evening during practice.

She headed to the dorm straight after.

That's all.

Me too.

That's when I last saw her.

... I see.

What's wrong?

Did something happen to them?

Ein, Zwei, and Rei have all disappeared.

What?

They're not in their dorms,

and they didn't show up to any of their classes.

I didn't see any of them in the morning.

I figured they just had a different schedule than us.

... I guess not.

...

All right, for the time being,

if Zwei or Ein attempt to contact you,

be sure to let us know.

... Okay.

... Sure.

When was the last time I saw Rei?

Probably last evening, when she was heading back to the dorms after training.

Why? Is something wrong?

Just her?

Ein and Zwei as well.

I see.

Disappeared...

They have been acting awfully strange the past few days.

Ever since we came back from the Bunker Buster mission...

How should I say...

They seemed a bit... on edge.

On edge?

Yeah, as if they were scared of something.

Of what, exactly, I'm not sure.

But ever since we came back from the surface,

it's as if they've been looking over their shoulders the entire time.

She's not here, either.

No trace of them in the dormitory either.

We should check their favorite hang-out spots, like the cafe in front of the school or the downtown area of the Ark.

We've searched high and low in the places they usually frequent, but haven't seen a trace of them.

The only place that could possibly be left would be the Outpost.

All right, good.

... I see.

It makes sense. If they had gone there,

I'm sure someone would have contacted you immediately.

After an operation up on the surface,

where would Rei go if she was frightened?

Wouldn't be found so easily...?

!!

Yes.

The elevator.

I think they might be inside the elevator leading up to the surface.

Given the current state of things,

no one would dream of taking the elevator up to the surface

unless there were express orders to do so.

...

...

...

Is it okay for us to run away like this?

Our teachers must be worried sick about us.

... I don't know.

But if we stay, then we might really need to go fight.

You think so?

They said preparations were well underway for some sort of massive offensive.

That means we'd almost certainly

be going up against that horrifying thing either today or tomorrow.

Rei, I...

I didn't realize how terrifying that creature was.

At worst,

I thought we would be dealing with something like a Tyrant-class Rapture.

But when we went up to intercept those Bunker Busters, I realized something.

The beam from that thing can scorch the surface itself,

and is powerful enough to expose the steel framework of the Ark's roof!

You're right.

I had no idea how formidable that thing was either.

Ha. Me neither.

...

...

So...

What do we do now?

We can hide out in this elevator for a while,

but we are still technically inside the Ark, so someone will find us eventually if they look hard enough.

Do you think we're capable of going up against whatever that thing is again?

... I don't know.

I...

... Don't think I can.

...

Me neither.

If I'm being honest,

at first, I thought dying wouldn't be so bad.

After all, it wouldn't be that much different from getting knocked off during the school exam.

But now that I think about it, it's not like that at all.

That thing wouldn't kill just us, it'd decimate the entire Ark.

Hehe,

it's kinda strange when you think about it.

We've risked our lives countless times going up against Raptures,

but I never saw them as insurmountable, you know?

But... I don't think I can do this.

If I make a mistake, it's not just my life on the line,

but everyone in the entire Ark.

The owners of our favorite cafes and clothing stores.

The theater employees who are always so nice to us when we buy movie tickets.

The bustling crowds downtown.

The people in Rushae, Rupee, all the students and faculty at the school... everyone.

They'll all die.

Because of me.

It's this unbearable weight on me, suffocating me. I'm so scared, you guys.

What can I possibly do at a time like this?

... I don't know either.

They said if we practiced harder, we wouldn't be so nervous.

That this fear, while it may not go away, would at least subside somewhat.

But it hasn't.

I keep thinking about all the things I saw on that day.

I keep imagining the worst case scenario,

where the operation fails.

The Massive Object fires its Ultra Beam again,

annihilating the Ark and everyone in it.

All of humanity would be wiped out.

If we fail, that's exactly what will happen.

Everything will be destroyed. Countless people will perish.

I can't take it.

It's too much, the fear of having to save everyone. The fear of failing.

I just want to think about me and my friends, Naru.

I don't... I don't want to...

I'm scared.

I'd rather take the final exams a thousand times over than go through this!

I don't want to think about this anymore.

I don't want to be scared anymore.

I just wish someone else would do it for us.

...

Honestly though, how come it's us?

Why do we have to do this?

Perhaps because we're students at M.M.R. Vocational School?

Our grades aren't terrible, either.

It doesn't make any sense. We're still students.

We haven't even graduated. We're not even in the senior class, for crying out loud!

We're too young to have the entire future of the Ark rest on our shoulders. It's absurd.

Those elite squads we saw, on the other hand, can do it.

They're much better than us. They're fighting machines.

Why can't we leave it to them?

They're clearly more qualified for the job.

I was thinking that too.

But... can we really give up like this?

... I don't think we can.

I heard the Deputy Chiefs and the director already know that we've been assigned to this mission,

despite our misgivings.

None of us want to carry out an operation when so many lives depend on...

!!

!!

... Teacher?

We finally found you.

So this is where you all were hiding.

...

...

...

Come on, let's hurry back.

Everyone's been terribly worried about you.

... Do we have to?

This operation scares us. We can't do it.

Rei...

... I don't want to go back.

Me neither.

If we go back,

we'll be forced to partake in this operation,

and we don't want to!

Where is all this resistance coming from?

Haven't you all been doing well so far?

You've been training hard.

And after the Bunker Buster operation,

your rapport with the others has been improving steadily. Did something happen?

The reason we trained hard is because

we had to occupy ourselves to help us forget.

You both saw it too.

What the Massive Object did.

It destroyed the surface... and the Ark's roof...

... Yes.

That scared the living daylights out of us.

What if we fail?

What if we haven't practiced enough?

If we get nervous?

If we don't coordinate well with our teammates?

If the operation scares us too much until we can't think straight?

Whatever the reason, if we fail, the entire Ark will be destroyed.

Zwei...

Please, Miss Marciana, can't we sit this one out?

We're not that important.

We're just low-level Nikkes helping some people from another world.

Nothing more.

That's not true.

Come on, we all know the truth.

They don't need us to break through the Anti-Field,

so how vital are we really to this operation?

She's right.

We think there are plenty of people who could replace us.

Your job is not something just anyone can do.

In fact, you all are the only ones for the job.

You all are...

Is that an earthquake?

Everyone, stick close to me!

The electricity is back.

I can't believe we had a blackout.

Was that an earthquake just now?

... I think so.

Is everyone safe?

Things got a bit chaotic due to that tremor and resulting blackout,

but everything's fine now.

How's your search going?

...

...

...

That's a relief.

All that shaking...

Was that due to the Massive Object moving?

Yes.

Apparently it fired another Ultra Beam.

Apparently it has accelerated its schedule.

We'll need to move faster than originally anticipated.

All right.

We'll return to the school as soon as we can.

We'll be ready for you.

Let's get out of here.

We need to get back to the school.

Miss Marciana, we...

We can talk later. For now, we have to concentrate on getting back.

We have no idea when another earthquake might occur,

and it's far too dangerous to be waiting in front of the elevator.

... All right.

Emergency alert. Emergency alert.

All citizens, please proceed to the designated shelters immediately.

Everyone remain calm and proceed in an orderly fashion!

Shelter number 3 is this way!

Check the texts you've received to see the shelter number you've been assigned to!

The streets... everyone...

It seems an evacuation order has been issued.

Apparently.

You know...

I realize this may seem inconceivable,

but it seems like the Ark is really gonna be in for a beating.

Everyone is scared out of their minds.

Both the citizens... and the Nikkes guiding them.

What should we do?

Is something bad going to happen?

Most likely.

If the Ark sustains another hit from that Ultra Beam,

it will be true pandemonium.

No, that's not right.

There may be no chaos to speak of, because the Ark will be utterly vaporized.

You asked why you all were chosen for this mission.

At first, yes, you were chosen by happenstance.

The NERV members needed military training,

and that just so happened to be carried out at our school.

That's why you were initially chosen for this assignment.

At the time, we could have gone with anyone else.

But that's not the case anymore.

You've studied and fought together with them,

became comrades-in-arms and formulated strategies together,

and now you all have become irreplaceable assets to this mission.

I am not saying this to make you feel good.

You've proven your worth beyond a shadow of a doubt.

We have?

Yes. Don't you remember the Bunker Buster operation?

That's only because everyone else helped us...

But you were the ones who ultimately took down those Bunker Busters.

That was only possible because of the hard work you've put into working together with the NERV members.

Had it not been for you and the resounding success of that mission,

the Ark would be in even more dire straits than it is now.

Instead of strategizing and formulating an offensive against the Massive Object,

we would be desperately figuring out how to get the civilians outside of the Ark.

Miss Marciana...

That's why we need you now.

You've come so far in such a short span of time, and we need you to fight once more.

To protect the Ark. To save the lives of its citizens.

We need you to stand against this threat, to protect humanity's future.

But... we're scared.

What if everything goes wrong? What if... everyone dies because of us?

That's why we were running away before.

I know.

It's a terrifying thing.

It's not just your life that you're protecting,

but everyone else's as well.

It is an unfathomably heavy burden, enough to make you want to run away from it.

But running away won't change anything,

and you know that.

No matter how much you try to ignore the problem, the Massive Object will continue to target the Ark.

We're running out of time.

I understand what you are trying to say, Miss Marciana.

Whether we run or not doesn't change the reality of the situation.

We'll be faced with this heavy burden either way.

But say we don't run away. That we stay and fight.

What if we fail?

What if we fail you?

That won't happen.

Because we're going to put our lives on the line as well.

What?

We will risk our lives to ensure you succeed in your mission.

You and Teacher?

Not just us. Everyone.

All the other Nikkes in the Ark, including me,

will do everything we can to protect you, so that you can defeat the Massive Object.

!!

Everyone together...

We'll fight with all our strength.

And we're sure to win...

...

...

...

We'll go.

Although we're scared, we know that you'll be fighting along with us,

and so we'll try again.

Thank you, Rei.

Ugh, I don't know!

I guess either way, it's not like we're gonna die alone.

If we're gonna bite the dust,

we might as well try to accomplish something before we do.

... I'll try too.

We're sure to win.

Isn't that right?

Thank you all for doing this. I know it's a big decision.

All right, let's all head back together.

Everyone is probably waiting for us.

All right!

You're back!

We're sorry...

Sorry, Miss Misato.

Sorry to have worried you.

It's all good.

We all have days when we want to skip school.

... Thank you for understanding.

Hey!

Why the hell are you so late?!

!!

Sorry, Asuka.

What are you so down in the dumps for?

Turn that frown upside down and get ready.

We've got an operation to take part in.

...

Thank you.

There's nothing to be sorry about, and you don't have to thank me.

So quit babbling and get a move on.

Gotcha!

Hi, Rei.A.

Hey.

Sorry for being late...

Why?

What do you mean?

You're not late.

The operation hasn't started yet.

!!

...

Thank you.

??

N-nothing. Let's hurry and get ready.

Okay.

Uh... Mari.

What?

Uh... So...

What's gotten into you? What are you so flustered for?

... Aren't you going to get mad?

Why would I be mad?

Did something happen?

!!

*Sniffle*

Thanks.

Any chance I can have some of Naru's chocolate?

Never!

Okay, fine. Let's get ready.

... All right!

Is everyone ready?

Ready.

I'm ready too!

All preparations complete.

All set here.

Same here.

Narus say they are all done preparing!

Good.

Let's go and take this thing down.

All right!

Wow, they really went all out with this operation!

They've brought out all the latest weapons.

It certainly seems so.

And there are so many Nikkes as well.

...

This is fun!

It really feels like we're going all out, doesn't it?

Not that it matters.

I'm sure the important bits will be left up to me anyway.

Teacher, that thing is huge!

What is it?

Look at all those Nikkes guarding it.

Whatever it is, it must be important.

That's right.

That is a particle cannon designed to combat this creature.

It was co-developed by Missilis and Elysion.

I know it's hard to believe, but it's true.

The fact two professional rivals collaborated shows just how much danger the Ark is in.

How can they even move that beast?

They...

Excuse me! Coming through!

Greenhorn, fancy seeing you here!

Hey, Boss! Long time no see.

We were originally,

but every time we repaired it,

some nasty creature would come and keep breaking it.

Yeah, super annoying!

We've never had to repair the Ark's roof so often in such a short time span.

So we decided to give that rude beast a taste of its own medicine!

What else would we be talking about?

Anyway, we're preparing to hit it with our own invention here.

That's right!

The design was a collaboration between core researchers from Elysion and M.M.R., along with the Electric Shock Squad.

The actual construction was where we came in.

Liter was pretty sore about that creature, so she put her nose to the grindstone and made those designs a reality.

Thanks to her hard work, we came up with something truly incredible!

That's right.

We're planning on diverting power from the Ark for this.

Every last bit we can muster,

except for the bare minimum required to sustain the shelters and other essential functions.

We're even going to divert the power reserved for the Dome of Eternity, so we're really gonna be cooking with gas!

Yes.

I understand your reservations.

You're worried about everyone being shocked when they realize that the sky has fallen.

But since all the civilians are in shelters right now, it should be fine.

Also, to be frank, desperate times call for desperate measures,

so we need to take big risks.

Everyone in the Ark is doing everything in their power to take down that thing, and we're no exception.

That's right! We wanna send that thing packing!

So long as we believe in ourselves and go all out,

we can do it!

On that note, we've got to go finish our preparations.

Good luck, Greenhorn.

Good luck, Boss!

Wow. If they're gonna be using all of the Ark's power, the effect is gonna be spectacular.

That's right.

The goal is to penetrate the Massive Object's Anti-Field,

and then deliver a massive blow.

Once we break through the Anti-Field, one of the NERV members has to pull the trigger.

Sounds fun!

All right then,

you'll be the one who sets off the particle cannon.

Nice!

What about me?

You'll be in charge of protecting Mari.

If the Massive Object notices what we're doing and attacks before we have a chance to fire the cannon, it'd be disastrous.

Okay. Understood.

So I'm essentially acting as a bodyguard?

Correct.

Hehe, leave it to me! I'll protect you.

I definitely feel safe with you.

It's nice to see both of you so motivated.

There's no need to worry too much.

In the event of any unforeseen circumstances,

Marciana and I will be acting as your operators.

Hehe, it's so neat to work with you all!

What about us?

You, along with the Commander, will proceed towards the Massive Object to score a direct hit.

Very nice. Not bad at all.

I'm not going to have to walk all the way over there like last time, will I?

Negative.

The only reason we had to go on foot last time was because we had to improvise.

This time, however, things are different.

How so?

The higher-ups said they prepared something for us from the Ark.

I haven't seen it myself just yet.

Shall we go see together?

I believe it's this one.

What in the world is something like that doing here?

Holy crap, it's a train!

Teacher, isn't this AZX?

That's right.

Infinity Rail Squad, reporting for duty!

You all must be the passengers we're serving today.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

We'll be sure to get you to your destination safely.

You want us to take a train?

That's right.

Asuka, Zwei, Rei.A, and Ein will board the AZX with the Commander and wait.

Once the particle cannon is fired,

you will strike at the Massive Object.

This thing is massive. It makes us the perfect target.

Aren't we going to be sitting ducks?

Don't worry about that.

You'll have an escort.

Heya, Birdie! Your hero is here!

We're joining the fight as well.

Here.

We're here too. Master!

How's it hanging, Commander?

We've got your back, Commander.

That's right!

Wherever you go, we go.

That's right. We can't have you wandering off into danger all on your own!

We'll do everything in our power

to ensure the operation is successful.

Good!

Now that the support teams are here, we're fully prepared.

Now then, Commander...

Your orders.

... Let's move.

Let's go!

Hehe, this is so much fun!

Be careful out there, everyone!

See you later, Zwei. Later, Ein.

Take care, Rei.

Make sure to hit that ugly sucker extra hard for us!

Watch your backs out there, everyone.

Dang, I'm kinda nervous.

Y-yeah... me too.

Can you hear me?

We sure can, Miss Misato!

We can hear you.

Before we start, I'll explain again.

When the operation begins, the particle cannon will start charging by drawing power from the Ark.

There are many Raptures surrounding the Massive Object,

so Mari will manually have to aim at the center of the Massive Object

and fire on our signal.

Yahoo!

Meanwhile, Rei must do her best to cover Mari.

Is that all clear?

Yep! I've got this.

Phew... All right, let's do this.

Commencing operation against the Massive Object.

Preparing particle cannon. Initiate cable connections to Ark power supply system!

Roger. Connecting power cables to each substation within the Ark via the surface elevator.

Surface elevator gate open!

Gates 1 to 8 now open.

Gates 1 and 2 now connected to Missilis substation.

Gates 3 and 4 now connected to Elysion substation.

Gate 5 and 6 now connected to Tetra substation.

Gates 7 and 8 now connected to central substation.

All substation connections confirmed.

Power supply system opened. Connection initiated.

Commencing power supply from Missilis substation.

Commencing power supply from Elysion substation.

Commencing power supply from Tetra substation.

Central substation will begin supplying power once the Dome of Eternity is deactivated.

T-minus five seconds.

4... 3... 2... 1!

Dome of Eternity deactivated.

Central substation, initiating power supply.

Power supply from all substation cables confirmed.

Power storage system stable.

Voltage fluctuation within acceptable range.

Final safety lock release. Begin charging the particle cannon.

Final safety lock release complete.

Particle cannon charging complete in t-minus 10...

9... 8... 7... 6... 5...

!!

High-energy reaction from the Massive Object detected!

It's aiming for the particle cannon!

Is it unleashing another Ultra Beam?

Negative. Due to having less time to charge, its power level has not reached that of the fully charged Ultra Beam.

It seems comparable to an attack from a Tyrant-class Rapture.

Good. Then we can try to fight it.

Rei!

There's an incoming attack on your position!

Huh?!

Darn... I knew this wouldn't be easy.

The incoming strike is estimated to be equivalent to that from a Tyrant-class Rapture. Can you block it?

We won't be able to block it... But we can redirect it!

With my handy Narus!

Narus! Go and draw its attention!

The Massive Object is changing direction!

It's moving away from the particle cannon!

Naru 1, 2, and 3! Deploy defensive barriers!

All the other Narus, keep emitting signals! Distract it!

Success!

You really did it! Amazing.

Now's our chance, while it's still distracted!

Particle cannon charging complete! Ready to fire!

Aim the cannon!

Roger!

Let's see...

Target locked.

Fire!!

Eat this!

We got it?

Direct hit!

The Anti-Field has been removed, but...

it doesn't seem to have dealt a significant blow to the creature itself.

The cannon must have been too weak.

So what should we do now?

How about using the particle cannon again?

It's recharging now.

We can try again, but we don't know how long it will take.

All right. If we have any chance to use it again, let's take it.

In the meantime, we'll proceed with Plan B.

Commence operation!

AZX, launch!

What was that noise?

I believe we just plowed through some Raptures.

And you can keep going?

Of course, haha! We can easily knock over one or two Raptures and keep moving.

Pretty impressive, huh?

Amazing! Insane!

This is...

... pretty cool, actually.

Hehe.

However, we won't be able to run through all the Raptures swarming in.

So it has its limits.

I guess if it could mow through Raptures like it was nothing, the war would be over already.

Commander. Can you hear me?

Mari scored a direct hit on the Massive Object with the particle cannon

and has temporarily removed the Anti-Field.

However, we have not been able to

take down the entity itself.

So are you saying we need to shoot it down ourselves?

Correct. We are proceeding with Plan B.

Before the Anti-Field regenerates, you need to move quickly toward the Massive Object and take it down.

Dang! That thing is still standing after getting blasted with the cannon?

This is one tough cookie!

You can say that again.

...

There's no need to be scared.

If it won't go down in one hit, then we'll keep hitting it until it does fall.

Incoming Raptures! They're cloaked in Anti-Field!

Huh?

From the right... I mean, the left!

Wait... they're coming from both sides?

Ahhh!!

We're losing speed!

At this rate, we're going to come to a standstill soon.

If we go full steam ahead, we should be able to push through the Raptures directly ahead,

but with the ones coming at us from the side,

we'll need to work together to get them down.

If we do that, we won't make it to the Massive Object in time!

Looks like this is where we come in.

We'll handle the Raptures that are trying to flank us.

You guys keep going straight ahead, full speed.

Leave it to us.

Jump now? Train running.

I'd call this more of a jog than a run, personally.

Come on, you're a Nikke for cryin' out loud! Don't be a scaredy-cat.

Don't want to jump.

Quit your bellyaching and jump! Do you want to see the Ark get destroyed?

... Fine. I'll go.

We're going too.

We'll hold them off, Commander.

W-we'll kill them all,

so b-be strong.

Hehe...

What are you doing?! Stop tittering like a moron and get off the train!

O-okay!

See you later, Commander!

That's twice now that I've been beaten to the punch. Unacceptable!

Yeah, cause you're as slow as a slug!

Hey, that would make all of us slugs.

... Fair point.

Who cares about who goes in which order?

We're all setting out to do the same thing: clear a path for the AZX.

I knew you'd say that, Maxwell!

Time for us to be heroes,

so the AZX can run at full speed.

Let us heroically carve a wide path for the train, as a true hero should!

Then I'll turn it into a villainous road, mwahahaha!

You can have faith in this band of heroes, Birdie!

Very well, then! Up up and away!

Off I go!

*Sigh*... I'll see you later, Cutey.

Wow, they're really going at it.

They might have cleared everything out before we even get there.

Oooh, that'd be great!

I know, right?

Oh my gosh!

The Raptures on the sides are getting pushed back!

That's why they call these squads the best!

Commander, we'll try and push back the Raptures directly ahead.

Once the path is clear, I'll give you the signal to press ahead at full speed.

We'll be back.

You too, Commander.

Anis, Neon. Let's go.

Okay!

Take care of yourself, Commander!

See you later, Master!

The path is open!

Commander!

Roger!

AZX, running at maximum output!

Dang, we got here super fast!

Way faster compared to when we had to go on foot!

We've arrived.

...

Attention, passengers.

We've reached the end of the line.

No problem.

The AZX is overheated, but we'll be back after we tend to the engine.

In the meantime, you all stay safe.

Oh, and make sure you win.

Yeah, failure isn't an option!

We'll come back soon to pick you up.

Hmm... Do you see that, Teacher?

Is it just me,

or does it seem kinda upset that we removed its Anti-Field?

Its energy is more concentrated than before,

so exercise extreme caution.

It may go for a direct attack.

All right, gotcha.

What's the big deal?

Who cares whether its energy is concentrated or not?

That doesn't change the fact that we've got to go up against this thing, does it?

Haha. Asuka is right.

Then let's proceed according to plan and attack this thing!

Finally, it's my turn!

It's about to begin...

I've been ready.

I'm ready.

All preparations complete.

I'm good to go!

All right.

Let's fight this thing!

Ugh, so annoying!

It keeps changing into weird shapes.

Ein.

Look at the core. Have you noticed that it's remained the same?

It has?

Yes. All of these transformations are taking place around a central focal point.

That must be its weak spot.

In other words, we need to focus our attacks on the core?

Let's do it then!

Zwei, it's changing form again!

I'll try to stop it!

Asuka! The core is exposed!

Rei.A! Now!

Roger!

Take...

This!

Did we take it down?

... Not sure.

It got up!

It's moving again!

Damn!

I guess it wasn't enough...

If we let up and the Anti-Field regenerates...

We can't let that happen!

We have to finish this right here, right now!

Everyone, get out of there!

What?

The particle cannon has been recharged.

We're about to fire it again,

so get away from there!

All personnel in front of the Massive Object evacuated.

Particle cannon ready to fire.

Target locked.

Fire!

You want some more? You got it!

Is... Is it dead?

Did we defeat it?

We did it! We really did it!

Finally...!

I'm so relieved!

It's a shame I couldn't finish it off with my own hands,

but this will have to do.

Thank you, Asuka.

Wh-what are you thanking me for?

I did this for myself, not anyone else,

you idiot!

Thank you all the same.

...

We did it, Rei.A!

... Yeah.

I'm glad it all went according to plan...

Huh?

Why are their bodies...?

Teacher! Asuka and Rei.A...

What? I thought there was more to do.

This stinks.

Thank you for helping, Asuka.

Why do you keep saying that?

Take care of yourself back in your world as well.

Yeah... you too.

Be well... and all that crap.

Now that it's really time to go,

I feel a little bummed.

...

When you go back to your world,

maybe you can be a bit more open, okay?

A bit more talkative, perhaps?

... Yeah.

Goodbye, and thank you for everything.

Be safe back in your neck of the woods.

...

Farewell.

So, this is it...

*Sob*... Mari!

Why are you crying?

I'm just going back to my home world.

I know, but still...

It was really cool how you protected me earlier.

Thank you for everything.

Thank you as well!

Take care.

You too! *Sob*

Okay, okay.

Thanks for everything,

Misato.

We'd never have been able to overcome this crisis without you.

I'm the one who's thankful. It's because of you that I can return to my world.

You've done plenty for me as well,

so thank you.

Take care of yourself, Marciana.

You too, Misato.

*Sniff*... Mari's gone.

Misato too.

*Sob* They're really gone.

I feel so empty without them.

I know what you mean.

We won't be able to see them anymore.

Everyone,

the operation is finally over.

...

Hey, you're right!

I guess so...

We couldn't have done it without you.

Oh please, we only succeeded because of everyone else's help!

No, don't downplay your contribution.

It's because you all put your lives on the line that we achieved victory.

Ein.

Zwei.

Rei.

For protecting the Ark, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Miss Marciana...

Miss Marciana...

M-Miss Marciana...

Y... You're right... W-we did it...

Ha... haha! We did it.

*Sniffle* W-we did it! We did it!

It all worked out like you said it would, Teacher.

We... *sob*... we won!

We protected the Ark!

It's a good thing we didn't run away.

If we had, we would have regretted it for the rest of our lives!

Thank you for convincing us to come back.

Well done, everyone. A thoroughly successful offensive operation.

Hmph. Don't forget that this was all possible thanks to Missilis's technology.

Please, est clair that the girls who came from another world did most of the heavy lifting.

What?! We're the ones who made the darned particle cannon!

You seem to have forgotten that Elysion also helped build that contraption.

... Bah, I knew we shouldn't have collaborated with them, extenuating circumstances be damned.

Everyone contributed and went above and beyond,

and with no small amount of help from those ladies from another world,

we were able to emerge victorious, even though it was a close call.

It wasn't all entirely possible due to one single person or organization.

That's right.

We protected the Ark from the Massive Object, but only by the skin of our teeth.

In the event there should be another crisis like this,

the Ark's offensive and defensive measures are barely adequate.

Therefore, we need to buckle down.

We need to be able to respond more quickly against unknown threats

and employ additional defensive measures to protect the Ark.

Okay.

Yes, absolument!

Pssh, I was planning on doing that anyway.

Anyway, good job everyone.

Please convey our gratitude to all the Nikkes who participated in the offensive.

That's all for today's meeting.

Commander?

What are you doing here?

Oh, you must be here to see the School Circle Squad, yes?

I've been well.

And you?

It's good to hear that things have returned to normal.

It's been great. I'm glad of that.

Today is a school holiday.

Since quite a few of the students, including the School Circle Squad,

participated in the offensive,

the school board decided they all deserved a week off to rest.

Of course, it's also to demolish the tunnels connecting the school to the emergency response headquarters.

No.

Rei, Zwei, and Ein are here at the school.

Would you like to go see them?

They're inside.

It is,

but they volunteered to come in and train.

It seems meeting the NERV members has made them grow quite a bit.

They realize now that they're not just Nikkes undergoing military training,

but a defensive force meant to protect all of humankind.

They want to be able to hold their own as individual Nikkes,

without having to rely on any external forces

if another threat appears.

Would you like to go in?

But you came all the way out here...

If you insist.

In that case, let me walk with you to the entrance.