Aozaki Aoko [664-665] (Patreon)

Chapter 664: The Visitor Comes With Hostile Intent

Seeing that its first volley hadn’t done the job, the Sixth Angel was clearly displeased with the hasty burst of power it had just unleashed.

Before everyone’s eyes, the Sixth Angel rapidly shifted its three-dimensional projected form. Its central red core split from a single large core into four smaller ones, priming for the next attack with greater charge efficiency.

With a piercing shriek, the air over Tokyo-3 filled with the sharp smell of ozone from massive ionization. The Sixth Angel’s cross-shaped beam was undoubtedly a high-energy particle stream. It struck Unit-01 head-on as it charged forward with its shield.

Unit-01’s shield ablative layer failure at 38%. Self-reported output is still climbing!

Under everyone’s tense gaze, Shinji clenched his teeth and endured the searing pain, pushing toward the Sixth Angel with everything he had.

But just as the “DeepThought” had predicted, the improvised heat-resistant shield couldn’t withstand the Angel’s beam. That patchwork barrier melted like ice cream under a scorching sun, sloughing off as molten metal.

“Uhhh—listen—aaahhhhh!”

Shinji screamed in agony. Although Unit-01’s A.T. Field was still trying to protect him, there was no question that Ramiel’s beam was stronger right now: Unit-01’s chest armor had begun to melt, and its red core was faintly visible.

Worse, the Entry Plug couldn’t be ejected. If it were, Unit-01 would lose its A.T. Field entirely, and both Shinji and the Eva would be doomed.

“Initiate emergency response protocol! Detonate anchor bolts in Blocks B6 through B8 and drop Unit-01 into an emergency evacuation shaft!”

Misato barked the order. A chain of explosions rattled the ground beneath Unit-01, opening a rectangular pit at its feet. The Eva slid down and out of the Sixth Angel’s sustained high-energy bombardment.

Unlike the original timeline, Shinji, though in pain, did not pass out. His charge had pushed Unit-01 to within two kilometers of the Sixth Angel.

This probe couldn’t be called a complete failure. At the very least, everyone now had an accurate read on the Angel’s firepower.

“How’s the pilot?” Misato asked anxiously.

“Conscious, but he’s showing medium-area burn symptoms on his chest. Emergency treatment is underway.”

When a human brain “believes it’s been injured,” the body will manifest physical symptoms. That’s why Shinji’s chest showed “burn symptoms” even though he hadn’t been physically hit by the Angel—an inherent drawback of A-10 nerve synchronization.

“How long until the positron rifle is ready?” Misato pressed.

“About six hours,” Ritsuko replied. “But it’ll only be barely operational—maybe two shots, tops. If both miss, we’re finished.”

“It’s that urgent, huh…” Misato sighed, but her expression showed rekindled resolve—no hint of giving up. “Is this everything we’ve got?”

“Yes, that’s all the resources we can mobilize right now. Unfortunately—” Hyuga trailed off.

“What is it?” Misato asked.

“NERV Bethany Base is requesting to deploy in support. EVA Unit-05 is en route to Tokyo-3!” Hyuga said, surprised. “Isn’t Bethany in the Arctic? Why is Unit-05 coming here?!”

“They’ve probably had their eyes on us for a while—waiting to watch us stumble,” Misato said, annoyed. “They must’ve routed through the Shanghai branch. But why didn’t HQ receive any notification?”

Ritsuko actually knew the reason. Having worked on the Dummy System, she was somewhat aware of Gendo’s maneuvers regarding Bethany. The other side must have sensed something; sending Unit-05 to Tokyo-3 was likely to probe HQ and seize a chance for payback—or perhaps it was a warning from the Committee.

But none of this could be said aloud—at least not to big-mouthed Misato right now—so Ritsuko withheld comment.

“Unit-05 is reportedly a special EVA integrating the French branch’s JA-series systems. With an internal N2 reactor, it has near-permanent operational endurance!” Hyuga said, impressed as he skimmed the dossier. “Why can’t HQ’s Units 00 and 01 get that? Five minutes on internal batteries is such a huge weakness!”

“As you said, the JA-series is the French branch’s work,” Ritsuko said. “Relations with them have always been frosty. We aren’t getting EVA-dedicated N2 reactors. Bethany’s part of the European bloc—probably backed by the French and German branches.”

“Even at the brink of extinction, humanity still schemes against itself…” Misato sighed, genuinely troubled. “Compared to the backstabbing among humans, Angels are at least simple and straightforward!”

“This is the punishment for those who ate the Fruit of Knowledge,” Ritsuko smiled. “We’re scattered into separate individuals who can never fully understand one another.”

“Enough philosophy,” Misato waved it off. “If Unit-05 wants to help, let them! Perfect—while Unit-01 sets up the sniper shot, they can draw some fire. Aren’t their systems supposed to be great?”

“How do we coordinate the operation time?” Hyuga asked.

“In six hours, Unit-01 deploys with the G-Type equipment,” Misato said. “Tell Unit-05 to commence simultaneously.”

—Section Break—

At the same time, NERV Shanghai Branch. Inside Unit-05’s Entry Plug, Gray, wearing a fully enclosed synchronization helmet, was running through the equipment checklist.

“How do you feel?” Touko’s voice suddenly came through. “Anything uncomfortable?”

“I’m good, Sis Touko,” Gray replied with a smile. “It’s finally my first real EVA sortie. I’m a bit nervous!”

“Relax, Gray,” Touko said. “Unit-05α’s kit is far more advanced than Units 01 and 00. No matter how strong the Sixth Angel is, with that borrowed—well, we can deal heavy damage easily. And given your current—”

Touko cut herself off, and Gray understood the implication.

First, Unit-05 is equipped with a pseudo-Lance of Longinus specialized for piercing A.T. Fields.

Second, Gray herself possesses an A.T. Field. Overlapping it with Unit-05’s, she could easily neutralize the Angel’s field.

Either one would make short work of a typical Angel. The latter simply couldn’t be exposed yet.

Chapter 665: Air Support

NERV HQ’s final tactic was to have Unit-00 carry an even more hastily cobbled-together, crummier shield than Unit-01’s earlier, ready to protect Unit-01 at any time.

That’s because Unit-00’s maintenance wasn’t finished, leaving Rei’s sync ratio with Unit-00 far below Shinji’s with Unit-01. She couldn’t handle the positron rifle; only Unit-01 could.

Shinji objected, but after hearing the situation, he clenched his teeth and accepted—hoping he could land a single decisive shot so his little sister, Rei Ayanami, wouldn’t have to act as his human shield.

“Don’t worry too much, Shinji,” Misato reassured him. “We’ve received word that Bethany’s Unit-05 is en route to Tokyo-3. Most likely, the three EVAs will fight together. Rei’s job is just in case.”

“EVA Unit-05?” Shinji was surprised. “Why now…?”

He had wanted to ask why they skipped Units 02, 03, and 04, but saying that outright might sound silly, so he changed tack on the fly.

“They’ve probably been watching us for a while,” Misato said with a wry smile. “Making a hero’s entrance at the crucial moment—waiting for us to mess up. Bethany and HQ don’t exactly get along.”

“How could it be like this…” Shinji looked incredulous. Even Rei beside him was taken aback.

“Anyway, allies are better than none. But my advice: Shinji-kun, act as if they don’t exist,” Misato said seriously. “We can’t guarantee they’ll arrive on time. And we’ve only got two shots with the positron rifle. You must make it count. That’s best for Rei—and for everyone.”

“…Understood,” Shinji took a deep breath. “I’ll do everything I can.”

…

At the same time, 15,000 meters above the nearby seas of Japan, a modified flying-wing bomber was hauling the stealth-clad Unit-05 toward Tokyo-3.

Touko was reviewing data Aoko had sent through a covert channel about Unit-01’s probe against the Sixth Angel, forming an initial assessment of its capabilities.

“I see—an aerial fortress type with overwhelming firepower and defense.” Touko murmured. “Judging by its counterattack speed, its detection is sharp too. Our drop altitude can’t be too low.”

“We’ve entered Japanese airspace. About twenty minutes to the Lake Ashi area,” the captain’s voice came over comms. “Approaching the designated drop zone. All teams, prepare.”

“No problem, Gray?” Touko pressed her headset switch. “This opponent isn’t a pushover like the earlier Angels.”

“No problem! Leave it to me, Sis Touko!” Gray answered confidently.

Tech crews had verified Unit-05’s systems were in perfect condition. Once they reached the target zone—Tokyo-3’s airspace—Unit-05 would be airdropped to close with the Sixth Angel.

Though “airdrop,” with Unit-05’s JA Type-A equipment, it was more like “gliding” after separation from the bomber.

For short-duration aerial combat, in addition to rocket boosters, Unit-05 had a turbofan jet pack and wings on its back, allowing high-speed aerial maneuvers.

Outside of Unit-06, still undergoing revival at the Tabgha Base, this capability was unique among EVAs worldwide.

Because of that, besides the bomber carrying Unit-05, over a dozen high-altitude reconnaissance planes were flying escort nearby, ready to monitor the entire operation after deployment.

With scrutiny that tight, there was almost no way for Gray to “cheat” via the Key of Nebuchadnezzar without exposure. Victory would have to be earned the hard way.

Even so, neither Touko nor Gray felt fear. They were absolutely confident in their abilities.

“Over target airspace. Separation sequence start.”

“Evangelion Unit-05, Type-A equipment—ignition!”

As Gray’s crisp voice chimed over the channel, sparks flashed along the connection latches between Unit-05 and the stealth bomber. The military-green giant emerged from its stealth shroud.

Metal “wings” unfurled from the flight pack. Two turbofans spat orange flame, their Mach diamonds clearly visible.

With deft precision, Gray piloted Unit-05 through the sky. With the EVA’s vision and optics, she could clearly see conventional forces engaging the Sixth Angel on the ground.

From A.T. Field readings, Units 01 and 00 were hidden in the mountains roughly a dozen kilometers from the Angel, preparing a one-shot kill with the positron rifle.

Gray adjusted her course, holding at around 8,000 meters—any closer and the Sixth Angel might detect her, ruining the ambush.

“Pseudo-Lance of Longinus—armed.”

In flight, Gray drew a red “missile” from the bay. This was the “Pseudo-Lance of Longinus: Aerial Variant,” refined repeatedly by Bethany’s R&D. It retained the Lance’s anti-field traits while gaining near-“auto-tracking” capability.

Unit-05 then performed a maneuver no fighter jet could at high speed: a hover.

This wasn’t mere turbofan thrust, but the miracle of overlapping A.T. Field vectoring to counter gravity—physics be damned.

Not wasting a second, Unit-05, braced by field and jets, hurled the red cylinder at the Sixth Angel with all its might.

The moment it left her hand, flames jetted from the cylinder’s tail. It corrected its course autonomously and streaked toward the Angel.

The Sixth Angel, fending off attacks from all directions, suddenly sensed a massive threat approaching. Its body rapidly reshaped, “muzzle” swinging to aim at a point in the sky.

…

“What’s going on? Why is the Angel engaging an aerial target?” Misato frowned. “UN forces?”

“It’s support from Bethany!” Hyuga replied. “Unit-05 has launched—position… 8,000 meters above the Lake Ashi area!”