Unexpected Impact

Wow, the ocean!

Anis, look! We're on the sea!

We're back on the Admire again? Am I dreaming?

Both of you, calm down. Gatekeeper could pop up anywhere.

Helm, status on the D-Wave detector?

No anomalies detected so far.

Hmm...

What's it summoned this time? I've got a bad feeling...

Without flight capabilities, whatever it is will just sink, right?

Maybe a giant?

Subordinate, a moment?

We've established contact with the advance team. They report no anomalies around the destination.

*Rooorar*!

Wh-what was that noise?!

Commander, 3 o'clock!

Watch out! Incoming waves!

Everyone, grab something!

Wait, look at that! Are there more of them now?

Signal confirmed. D-Wave detected from those two newcomers.

So they are Gatekeeper's doing?

Subordinate!

Commander, get down!

I'm fine. But Helm...!

Ugh... It's no big deal...

Wh-what's happening?! The ocean's... turning red?!

It's not just the ocean!

The sky too!

What about the giants?

There's only one left... But it's not moving anymore!

Where did the other two go?

The remaining giant's outline is flickering... like a shadow.

We need a closer inspection.

I'm afraid it's not possible. The Admire collided with the cliffs during the blast.

We need to assess the damage first.

I'm fine.

Got it.

... Understood.

Hmph, it's not over yet!

I heard the report. Is everyone safe?

Don't worry about the Ark. It was far from the operation site.

The range of the red sea is limited to the coastal area. At this moment, there's no chance of it affecting the Ark.

But still, the sea and sky turning red... It's hard to believe such a phenomenon really exists.

We can't leave this threat unchecked.

I'll immediately select some squads and send reinforcements to join you.

Considering the injured squad member, I'll also dispatch the Seraphim Squad.

That's correct.

The giants you discovered are indeed the source of this D-Wave.

In other words, those three giants must have been summoned by Gatekeeper.

However, I heard that two of their signals had disappeared, leaving only one remaining.

Hmm... Did it take down the other two just to survive? A dangerous entity, indeed.

At this point, it's difficult to observe or identify the remaining giant, so the Central Government has officially decided to name it 'Phantom'.

We'll also be keeping an eye on this phantom from now on.

Please continue searching for a way to counter it.

If you're referring to humans summoned by the D-Wave like last time...

I heard that just moments ago, three human-shaped biological signals emitting D-Wave were detected.

I'd like you to verify this as well.

I'll be counting on you.

Commander. Have you finished communicating with the Ark?

As expected.

Subordinate, there's no need to worry about me.

The Admire and Aegis aren't so fragile.

Maintenance will be finished soon. You must trust me and start the search first.

Yes. Just as we trust your judgment, I want you to trust us too.

Roger.

Got it!

Commander, we're about to enter the area where the human D-Wave was detected.

Anis, Neon. Stay in formation and keep an eye on the front.

Okay!

... Lilin?

!!

You're... Asuka from NERV?!

What's going on? Why are you here?

Huh? How can you be here?

Weren't you supposed to have returned to your original world after the Massive Object suppression operation?

Did Gatekeeper summon you here again?

Anis, wait. Look at her eyes...

Do you know me?

...

Of course. I know that girl too. She's Rei from NERV, isn't she?

Though her appearance... seems a bit different.

Running into acquaintances already, what luck!

Wait, you said who from where?

You know Special Duty Lieutenant Colonel?

Then... you shouldn't approach that person casually.

...

Wh-what? Did you two have a fight?

Aren't you both from NERV? Why the hostility?

No. We belong to WILLE. NERV is our enemy!

...

Wait—so Asuka and Rei are on opposing sides now? Even becoming enemies?

Uh... Why do I get the feeling that they don't remember us?

... Looks like we all have things to clarify.

Sakura. Settling scores with NERV isn't the priority now.

Shouldn't we focus on gathering intel from them first?

...

This is our first time in this world, yet you know so much about us...

Honestly, it's suspicious... But fine. We'll cooperate. Just don't get in our way.

The "Special Duty Lieutenant Colonel" they mentioned resembles someone from our past.

Ah, pardon my manners. I'm Sakura Suzuhara, WILLE's medical officer.

Just call me Sakura.

I think I get it now,

Time flows differently here compared to their world... Unbelievable.

Our timeline barely moved, but theirs jumped years ahead?

A long time has passed in Asuka's world, and so much has happened.

NERV split, their relationship with Rei changed...

Plus, they forgot all about us. That makes me kinda sad.

Let's get to the point.

To resolve all this...

We must combat an entity called "Gatekeeper," correct?

The previous Massive Object had an Anti Field blocking our attacks.

But objects you touch leave D-Wave resonance.

Weaponizing that resonance can break the field.

So we should be fighting in a similar way this time as well.

Got it.

Beat Gatekeeper to go home.

Enough talk. Let's make a plan.

We'll hash out details on the move.

...

One thing confuses me.

?

That "Rei"...

She's not the one we know, is she?

That's right.

She's from an early lot Ayanami series, a blank slate fresh off the assembly line.

An Initial lot fresh off the assembly line, you say?

What is this?

Rapture remains.

They are your enemies?

Yes.

We eliminate them.

...

You'll be encountering them a lot from now on, but don't worry.

We'll be here with you.

I can't agree with that.

Even if you've had formal training and are different from ordinary Lilin,

you won't be able to defeat that phantom with your previous methods.

Hey, Asuka.

You keep calling us Lilin, what's a Lilin?

It means... humans.

We're Nikkes, not humans.

What?

Except the Commander,

we're Nikkes, humanoid weapons designed for fighting Raptures.

...

That sounds familiar.

Familiar how?

This world's messed up too, huh?

Commander.

Without the combat experience from the past, should Rapture training drills be conducted first?

Skip it. No training.

That thing took my New Unit Two.

I'll never forgive it!

This fight's not what you think.

It's Evangelion vs. Evangelion.

Huh?

...

I was in a Lilin village.

And then, I woke up here.

...

I was aboard the Wunder...

Then suddenly here with Rei.

And then we found that thing. That thing you call phantom.

That thing's no joke.

If it's different from what you knew, could it be modified like a Rapture?

You think it's a Rapture hybrid?

Yeah, could be.

... I see, no wonder it doesn't have an operator.

It fused with a Rapture.

Ever since I arrived in this world, I've felt that thing was dangerous...

What happened?

I saw it attack a Nikke near the coast.

So I had to pilot my Eva to save her.

Wait.

You mean those giant things fighting the phantom?

Yeah, you saw them.

Me and that early lot were piloting Evas.

We're Evangelion pilots.

So those were YOU?

Three giant robots?!

This is peak firepower!

Whatever. At least the Evas got dragged here too.

You rode inside them?

Yeah. I fought the phantom,

until it froze mid-battle.

Dunno. I don't have the specifics either. But judging by its current look, it must be in an unstable state right now.

Based on what Asuka said and the combat logs we have against Gatekeeper so far...

Gatekeeper was planning to use the phantom to attack us.

But due to the attacks from the Evangelions piloted by Asuka and Rei, the summoning stopped.

Yeah, it could cause massive damage to the Ark. We have to stop the phantom from being fully summoned.

Wait, was that impact just now also from Gatekeeper's summoning?

That's insane...

Welcome back, Captain.

Subordinate, something's wrong.

The phantom's form is becoming clearer.

Raptures at sea are multiplying.

It's likely Gatekeeper's doing.

Healed. It won't hinder operations.

I'm fine.

That's right, Commander!

We're here now. There's no need to worry!

Leave it to us to hold down the fort until Helm is fully recovered!

...

Still immobilized. One more hit and it's scrap.

Mighty Tools haven't arrived yet.

We'll have to make do with the materials gathered nearby.

We'll do what we can!

Like pulling an all-nighter hauling water!

The enemy recovers while we're stalled.

No need to panic. It's not like the sky's falling.

We've got backup now.

Let's trust them.

Are you done chatting?

We need to stop it as soon as possible.

What kind of stupid question is that?

I'll crush that thing no matter what.

We can't stand idle.

This is WILLE's duty too.

If it's an order, I will.

... I don't know.

Seriously?

Now is not the time to have that talk.

We need your power to return home.

You... need me?

I hate to say this, but we could really use your help.

Yes, it's a team effort.

Team, you said...

Hey, it's been on my mind for a while now...

What's that Asuka's holding? Is it for the Evangelion?

This is an L-Barrier density detector. This red area is extremely dangerous for you all.

What happens if we go in there? Do we get launched into the stratosphere or something?

... Are you an idiot? You'll die.

Humans can't operate in the red area without protective gear.

But we're Nikkes, so we should be fine, right?

Machines don't work there either, so Nikkes are no exception.

Seriously?!

Commander, please be careful.

Would you like to hold my hand? We never know when danger might strike.

Hmph, Lilin. Stay alert.

...

... That's a long story.

Let's go. We have more important things to do.

*Sigh*...

With the sea this color, I think I'm gonna lose my sense of direction.

And it looks like Raptures are everywhere...

We're gonna get lost at this rate.

Oh, I found it!

Huh?

Over there...

I see a huge ship!

Is that...?

The Wunder? Why is it here...?

Wow, it's a massive ship!

That's AAA Wunder. It's WILLE's battleship.

It must have been summoned to this world like us. I wonder if the rest of the crew is here too?

...

It's not damaged.

Oh, you mean the part you blew up?

It's been repaired.

I see.

Can't we use it as a power source?

My firepower eye found this, so it can't be bad!

I'm not sure.

Sure.

Commander, look.

There's an Evangelion over there...

That's...!

... Mark.09.

*Sigh*... It's heavily damaged...

Huh? Why is an Evangelion there?

And it's a total wreck...

But I think it can still move somehow.

Commander, signs of Rapture activity detected nearby.

The Wunder was flying non-stop after it was activated.

But since the rest of the crew wasn't summoned to this world... It looks like it crashed here.

A super-sized flying battleship? It must have incredible firepower!

That's strange. The internal structure is completely different than before.

It might have been affected when it was summoned to this world.

This structure... It looks similar to our battleship control system...

Commander, we have a problem! A massive number of Raptures are gathering outside!

We'll stop the investigation for now and focus on the Raptures.

Um, I have a suggestion.

How about we use the Wunder? With this size, it must have awesome firepower!

A-are you serious?

It would be difficult for us to control this ship by ourselves.

Rapi's right.

We need a lot of people to operate the Wunder and fight.

We still can't recover New Unit Two, but maybe we can do something with Mark.09?

...

Is that an order?

Helping each other...

Okay.

If you're done talking, come over here.

Mark.09's upper body is intact, so we might be able to use the weapons.

But its legs are too damaged, so it can barely walk, let alone fight.

If we can find a way to move Mark.09...

Um... I've been wondering... Doesn't the Wunder's structure look similar to the Admire we talked about earlier?

You're right, it does look similar!

... The Admire's control system is designed to be operated by a small crew.

So you're saying we can operate the Wunder by ourselves?

Exactly.

Wow, that's a brilliant plan! You're the best, Master!

Are you sure that will work?

It's a pretty reckless plan. But still, we don't have any other options, so we might as well try.

Okay!

Are you really going to fly it?

We are about to face unknown firepower!

Anis, Neon, let's get ready too. We'll protect Asuka and Sakura from the incoming Raptures.

All right. This should be good enough.

Early lot.

What's wrong?

We're deploying!

Ugh, those Raptures! What did they do to the Wunder?!

At this rate, the battleship will lose power and crash.

Arm damage detected.

Looks like this is as far as the early lot goes.

Sakura, get the life jackets. We're jumping out with parachutes.

The passage is clear!

But...

Let's go, Sakura.

Commander, you go first!

She got out!

Anis, Neon! Let's go!

I didn't think I'd be swimming again...

Commander, are you okay?

I was holding him tight, so he's fine.

Ugh, I swallowed some seawater. I-I'll be okay, right?

Captain! Everyone! Are you all right?

Is anyone hurt?

I knew it was the Captain!

Everyone, get on the lifeboat!

Raptures are right on our heels!

Me...?

We're safe!

But the Wunder...

Don't worry. It won't sink easily.

Let's hop on the boat for now.

I see...

By the way, you fought while piloting that massive ship?

That's incredible!

We'd be really happy if you could come help us next time.

...

... Is there something wrong?

Thanks.

What are you talking about? You're the one who did all the heavy lifting!

Yeah. But... We helped each other.

...

Wow! It's been ages since I've been here...

It seems like something really huge just happened.

Watching the world of these cute Nikkes get destroyed like this, I can't just stand by and do nothing.

So just like last time, Gatekeeper created another huge enemy you call "phantom"?

We have no choice. We need to wake Gatekeeper up somehow.

To do that, we need to get as much information as possible from those who came from the other world.

The advance squad will also be transporting weapons for them.

Well, I'll go report to the higher-ups. I'll leave the field operations to you.

I'll deliver the rest of the information!

First, another D-Wave has appeared around the phantom.

At the same time, a massive number of Raptures seem to be gathering in the sea.

Before, the phantom was blurry, and the D-Wave was unstable, but...

Now it's becoming clearer, and the signal is much more stable!

Judging by the amount of D-Wave emitted, it seems to be getting stronger, but...

It's not fully formed yet.

I can't even imagine how powerful it will be once it's fully formed...

Exactly!

The support squad has already been dispatched.

But they're delayed because they ran into a large number of Raptures on the way.

The Ark has sent multiple squads to clear the route...

So, until they arrive, please ask those on-site to continue the defense.

With this situation, we can't expect long-range transport support.

But isn't this operation getting bigger and bigger? Who's coming this time?

Will it be Absolute? Or Matis?

Maybe both.

True, it's a dangerous situation.

It's both a blessing and a curse that we're far from the Ark.

Understood. I'll share the information with everyone.

Roger that.

...?!

... Subordinate?

What are you doing here? Is there some urgent matter?

I see. I appreciate your concern.

Thanks to Seraphim, my injuries have been fully healed, and I've regained my strength.

Now, I'm preparing to return as soon as possible...

!!

S-Subordinate!

C-Could you close the door?

Uh, that's not what I meant...

Are you going to keep standing there...?

Wait!

I-I don't mind if you stay here!

... I'll get changed quickly, so please wait...

Helm! Are your injuries okay?

Are you done with the repairs?

Yeah. I'll join the operation from here on.

It looks like it will take some time for Ark's support to arrive.

That means we need to defeat the phantom ourselves.

Helm is right!

Now is the time for us and the Admire to take action!

The repairs are complete!

So it's our turn to take down the phantom, huh?

That's right.

According to Anchor's observation report, the phantom isn't moving at all.

This might be our chance.

Please let me help.

If we don't wake up the Gatekeeper, they won't be able to return to their world, right?

Right. From what we've seen so far, taking down the phantom is a must.

Then let's decide on our strategy.

The Admire can be piloted without any issues.

But to effectively attack the enemy, we need the help of those who know them best.

I don't mind.

Of course!

Mark.09 has been damaged.

Thanks.

Commander, Anchor has located the Wunder.

Ugh, while we're in the sea...

Even my all-purpose firepower eye can't beat Anchor's radar.

Then it's not really all-purpose, is it?

There are too many Raptures...

The Raptures seem really interested in that ship.

It's like a legendary treasure ship.

I did see a lot of stuff piled inside, but...

I saw it too. But I don't know what's attracting the Raptures.

Do they just want to take something powerful?

That could be it. Everyone loves strong firepower!

Won't be easy. The L-Barrier around the phantom is too strong.

You won't be able to fight in that situation.

Oh!

We have that!

?

The Wunder has sealing pillars!

What do they do?

With those,

we can restore the surrounding environment.

Exactly. If they're working properly, of course.

There should be a transport ship nearby that can move them.

We can bring them to the Admire with that!

You're amazing, Sakura!

Hehe.

The Wunder really has everything.

But your world seems way more dangerous than I imagined.

...

By the way, Rei, what kind of life did you have?

Fighting, sleeping, and then...

Fighting.

... And you're okay with that?

Yeah.

...

...

... You know, Rei.

Are you sure you're not the "Ayanami Rei" that we met before?

I'm not sure.

You don't know?

Everyone is calling you "Rei"...

But you're a different person.

Yeah.

Well, who cares? Everyone has their own story.

Speaking of which, Rei, I saw you looking at my fish tank earlier...

Do you like fish?

Yes. They're very pretty.

Then... would you like to learn how to fish? You might catch an even prettier one!

I have a set for work, though it's not really for fishing.

...

Oh, looks like I struck a chord! Let's go to that fishing spot I found earlier! It's gonna be fun.

Really?

Catching fish is fun, but it's the fishing itself I truly enjoy. The thrill of waiting quietly in a peaceful spot for a big catch...

I will teach you fishing 101!

Thanks.

Fishing...

If this peace could last...

Of course, there would be no more fighting...

And no one would get hurt.

Then let's do our best together!

Huh?

Even if it's hard to prevent anyone from getting hurt,

we can still do our best to heal them. What do you say?

Of course! I'll gladly help whenever you need me.

Hehehe... It makes me happy just hearing you say that.

It's reassuring to have a doctor who's ready to help!

Thank you, Sakura.

Don't mention it. I'm grateful for your concern.

Everyone's so carefree.

Are you worried about the mission?

It's not that.

I'll be in my room. Let me know when you're ready to go.

You're here, Subordinate.

Mighty Tools has arrived at the Admire.

They're checking the ship and remodeling the rooms as Asuka requested.

This is the room they're remodeling. Want to take a look?

Yeah. The new clinic will have a new steam therapy device that Pepper prepared. I tried it, and it's amazing.

Th-that's because my room doesn't have a vent!

Anyway, the new clinic will have more professional equipment.

That should solve the problem we had last time.

Y-yeah. That's good then.

...

H-hmm. Should we head out soon?

Or should we tell Pepper about this first...?

Tell me what?

!!

I-I'm sorry! Did I come in at a bad time?

Yeah, don't worry about it. Is there a problem?

I have something to report. I think Rei's not feeling well.

I'm not sure, but could we take her to the Wunder?

Yes. Wunder's L.C.L. device might be able to help her.

And that's it for the Admire repairs!

As expected of Mighty Tools. Thanks.

Now everyone's back in action! We can fight with the Admire again!

The Admire... Is that her name?

That's right! She's the fourth member of the Aegis Squad

and our comrade!

Comrade?

It means "friend".

Nice to meet you.

Aegis is ready.

Counters is ready.

I'm ready too!

I'm good to go.

Preparation complete.

All set.

Roger that.

The Wunder is anchored in the E-2138 sea area. We expect a large number of Raptures on the route.

If we get too close, it'll take a while to retreat,

so the Admire will stay at a safe distance,

while the Counters, Asuka, Rei, and Sakura take a small boat to board the Wunder.

So our job is to protect the Admire until you get back.

The boarding team will retrieve the Wunder's sealing pillars and the L.C.L. device.

We might need an extra transport ship, so please prepare one.

Aye aye, Captain!

So many Raptures...

Is the Gatekeeper interfering?

We can't be sure yet.

Watch out!

...!

... Ugh.

Are you all right?

I let my guard down.

It won't happen again.

Jeez, just say "thank you".

... Thanks.

!! D-did you just say thanks right now?

She has.

I think those are the sealing pillars!

They're bigger than I imagined. I think we can only fit one on the transport ship.

The L.C.L. device has been secured! Let's take this at least!

Commander, I don't think we can move all the sealing pillars.

One is enough for now. Or maybe we can move them all if the Admire comes closer.

More Raptures are coming.

Tsk...

If only we had New Unit Two...

I think it's possible... Why did you ask this?

I can't guarantee it.

You're reckless too...

Well, I'm used to it.

Sakura, let's go.

Got it!

Yes, this should work...!

Taking off!

It won't last long!

Everyone, get your parachutes ready!

The Admire is ready.

You can evacuate at any time.

...

Early lot!

...

...! Thank goodness, she's awake!

I'm fine.

You fainted suddenly. Everyone was worried sick.

I don't know why, but her condition is stable now.

Rei, you're awake! What a relief!

Everyone was really worried about you.

...?

Even the Special Duty Lieutenant Colonel was worried.

Thanks to the Special Duty Lieutenant Colonel's guidance, we managed to secure the L.C.L. device before your condition worsened.

The pilot of New Unit Two...

Sakura, you really have a lot to say, don't you?

Don't get the wrong idea. It's just... I felt bad seeing you struggle so desperately.

I will relay the Central Government's orders to everyone.

They have authorized an attack on the phantom.

There's a high chance the phantom will awaken within the next five hours,

so we're cleared to move out without waiting for the support squad.

How do they know that?

We have a special informant.

You'll all get to meet them soon!

It would've been great if we had Evangelion's support... What a shame.

Yes. They said they need a bit more time.

Perfect timing. I'll go.

New Unit Two seems to be near the waters where the phantom is.

If we clear the path, I want to try recovering it.

But without Eva, it'll be tough.

You're coming too?

Got it. I'll leave the Raptures to you.

Understood! We'll fire at full power the moment we see an opening!

Leave it to us.

Understood, leave it to me!

Let's ride this momentum and break through their encirclement!

Captain, we're nearing the destination.

The waters ahead of the Admire, as well as to starboard, have been secured.

We're ready to deploy the transport ships.

Commander, let's move out.

We'll provide support while moving!

Aye aye, Captain!

Activating the sealing pillar for communication!

!

Communication restored! Thank goodness, the connection is back!

Commander! The phantom's signal is intensifying! And a massive number of Rapture signals are closing in fast! Everyone, stay alert!

This is bad! We need to pick up the pace!

What is that? I've never seen anything like it!

Emergency evasive maneuvers!

Ugh! Incoming waves!

Protect the Commander at all costs!

There are too many Raptures! They're trying to destroy the sealing pillar!

But if we do that... we won't be able to protect you!

... Understood!

Admire, full speed ahead!

Adjust sights on the phantom. Prepare to fire!

Energy charging initiated! Charging at 50%!

Sakura, you're on the trigger!

Got it!

...

Whoa, this is insane! They're desperate to destroy the sealing pillar!

What are you talking about?! What's your plan?

... All right.

Master! So our job here is to hold back the Raptures, right?

Time to put on a show, huh?

Roger that.

Okay! Let's go all out!

85%... 100%!

Now's our chance. Open fire!

Fire!

What the?! That's cheating!

Watch out! The phantom is gathering energy!

Emergency evasive maneuvers!

Whoa!

The armor at the grazed area is melting!

Recharging in...

No, we need to clear the skies first!

I'm on it!

Copy that!

We'll take care of the airborne Raptures!

Keep the Admire focused on the attack!

Thank you, everyone...

Admire, begin charging again!

Pepper... everyone...!

...

Hey, Rei.

...?

Please... can you help them?

If we don't fight back with an Eva, they'll keep getting hammered. At this rate...

It's fine.

The Eva... it can still move.

I'll help everyone.

Commander! The phantom's D-Wave is about to reach its peak!

Darn it! We're out of ammo!

The Raptures just keep coming!

Master, this is bad!

No way... Is it going to fire at us?!

Commander! Get out of here!

That's...!

Move forward!

Leave this to Rei and us, Subordinate.

Roger!

Look over there! That ship near the phantom... isn't that the transport ship Asuka was on?

I believe so.

Asuka!

You guys...!

We're here to help!

Everyone! The phantom's energy levels are skyrocketing!

Be careful!

No... Rei!

She took a direct hit!

Early lot!

Rei's vitals are still showing! We need to rescue her now!

We're on it!

New Unit Two is right there...

The phantom is nearly complete. We can't get any closer.

Darn it...!

Right.

If there are no Raptures nearby, we still have a chance!

Asuka, take this. An attack infused with D-Wave should be able to break through.

It's a Nikke-exclusive gun, so the recoil is strong. I'll hold it steady for you.

You guys...

We've only got one shot. Make it count.

One shot is all I need.

I never miss.

Its energy levels are plummeting!

One more shot should finish it!

Leave it to us!

The Admire!

Prepare to fire!

Energy charge complete! Sakura, it's all yours!

Firing now!

What an incredible firepower!

The phantom's signal is disappearing!

It's falling into the sea!

Commander!

C-Commander...!

Commander!

Phew... thank goodness you're safe.

You're awake, Master!

The Admire retrieved Mark.09 and brought it to shore. Asuka is heading there now.

...

Why... why did you push yourself so hard?

I made a promise... to everyone.

That's why... I have to keep going.

...

No one asked you to go that far... you idiot...

Is everyone safe?!

Are there any injuries?!

Phew... I'm just glad everyone's okay.

Now that this is over, let's head back...

...?! W-wait a second!

I'm detecting another high-energy signature ahead!

The phantom's energy... is regenerating!

No way...!