"Rei, what are you doing!?"
In NERV's command room, Misato staying for final evacuation saw Unit-00's action. Eyes widened. Didn't want this reality happening before her.
This girl—though incredibly slow emotionally, only honestly following orders, like a beautiful doll.
But inside, deeply cared about others' thoughts. Just didn't know how to respond. She always treated this world—everywhere strange to her—with gentleness.
"Rei..."
Gendo watched Rei's choice. Also fell silent.
"BOOM!!!"
Unit-00 charged before Zeruel. Unit's self-destruct program activated. Intense flames occupied their entire screen.
Unit-00—self-destructed.
"The Angel's AT Field wasn't completely broken. She knew she couldn't eliminate the Angel with such an attack. Just buying us time."
"Let's go. Can't waste this precious time."
Professor Fuyutsuki looked at the screen with complex expression. Said to Gendo beside him.
They were the last batch evacuating. After they also evacuated, this base could activate self-destruct.
But—when technicians in the command room already left seats, preparing to evacuate—
"The Twelfth Angel, Leliel's life signs disappeared!"
The last technician discovered the abnormality.
"What?"
"Looks like... we don't need to evacuate."
Albert hearing this news, corners of mouth slightly rose. Pushed up glasses.
They all saw it too. After Unit-00's self-destruct flames scattered—the giant standing on the battlefield.
"Sorry... Ayanami-san... no, Rei."
"I'm late."
In the giant's hand lay a figure wearing white Defense Force Suit.
Rei slowly opened her eyes. Saw the massive red-silver figure. Head lowered. Looking at her. Bright eyes emitted gentle light.
"Shinji... kun."
She looked at the giant who saved her. Wanted to respond something. Suddenly remembered what Shinji said that night. Just smile... that's enough.
She smiled. Felt this moment's peace.
"Too late!"
"Idiot Shinji!"
Inside Unit-02, Asuka looked at the giant before her. Wrinkled her delicate nose and shouted.
Fatigue and pain struck simultaneously. This time she couldn't hold on even gritting teeth.
"Sorry."
Shinji's voice rang in Asuka's mind.
"Leave the rest to me."
"Also... Asuka truly is the best pilot."
The giant bent down. Set Rei down.
Watching the giant nod slightly at her, she also understood what she should do now.
Ran toward Unit-02's location. Prepared to evacuate with Asuka.
"WOOM!!!"
At this moment, Zeruel also launched attack. Used AT Field to burst an impact forward. If nothing unexpected, this strike could eliminate Unit-02 along with everything behind completely.
"Idiot, dodge quick..."
Asuka saw this scene. Wanted to remind Shinji to dodge. She clearly knew this strike's power.
However, what appeared before her—an unbelievable scene.
Zeruel's impact landed on the giant's chest. Couldn't make the giant retreat half a step. Like a solid wall. Blocked all attacks.
"No way..."
The enemy that left three EVAs helpless couldn't make the giant retreat half a step. Such power—truly too astonishing.
That was the strongest Angel!
But displaying such combat power, she didn't need to worry about that idiot's safety anymore.
"Definitely win!"
She left these words. With Rei, controlled Unit-02 to evacuate toward distance. Left the battlefield to giant and Zeruel.
"Thud... thud..."
The giant looked at Zeruel floating before him. Stepped forward.
Heavy footsteps trampled the ground. Each step brought tremors. Surrounding building debris fallen from above shook. Distant lake also showed layer upon layer of ripples.
"You who became one with that waste boy should also be affected mentally."
"How exactly did you break through the Dirac Sea?"
Ghost Angel possessing Zeruel questioned the giant. Simultaneously fully deployed AT Field. Formed thick layered defenses.
According to his prediction, even if the opponent successfully broke through the Dirac Sea, still needed time.
Arael + Leliel's combination attack should make Shinji Ikari's will depressed for a long time.
"You underestimate Shinji too much... and me too much."
Natsuki said coldly.
"Using mental abilities to attack me—I presume... you're also prepared."
The giant arrived before the semi-transparent AT Field. Extended hand. Fingers slightly exerted force. Pierced one layer of AT Field. Then forcefully tore sideways.
"RIIIP!"
One layer of AT Field—shattered.
After that, as the giant's steps continuously moved forward, AT Field layers shattered one after another. Like layers of fragile paper. Said broken, broken.
The giant's emotionless gaze drew closer and closer to him.
"Damn... just three minutes... hold three minutes..."
Ghost Angel already played all trump cards. Bet everything on this operation. If this time failed, he'd also have no chance of recovery.
Remaining time only two-plus minutes. He must use this strongest Angel to hold the remaining time.
"You think you can last three minutes in my hands?"
The giant's fist clenched section by section. Across the remaining three layers of AT Field, cold voice transmitted into his mind.
Words fell—
"BOOM!!!"
The giant stepped forward. Heavily swung fist. Motion fast as afterimage. One punch shattered remaining AT Field. Smashed onto Zeruel's defense stacked with layers of bands!
"WHOOSH!!!"
Second Form Zeruel's figure instantly vanished. The sonic boom from swinging fist, plus the impact from contact—crushed and blew away debris beneath feet. The lake beside also raised massive waves!
"THUD!!!"
Zeruel's figure in an eyeblink already reached this massive cavity's wall. Deeply embedded inside. Spider-web cracks appeared around impact point. Shattered. Like ground after meteor impact.
"Gah!"
Ghost Angel possessing Zeruel synchronously felt pain.
Vision looked forward.
Suddenly—saw the giant standing among ruins raise one arm.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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