Chapter 199: Angel of Freedom, Attack!

Both battlefields were heading toward their finales, but it had no impact on Shinji. He had long been accustomed to the endless wars; he wouldn’t even harbor thoughts like “getting married back home after the war ends.”

To an Astartes, war was like air—an indispensable element of vitality. So, while he had felt lost when he first realized this war might have an end, so much time had passed that Shinji rarely thought about such distant matters.

Unlike the dreams of Rei Ayanami or Kaworu Nagisa, Shinji Ikari’s “Instrumentality” had become something entirely opposite. If it were his old self, he would never have had thoughts about “what to do after the war.”

His oath was to perform his duty faithfully until his gene-seed withered away; if he ended the war in his homeland, he would return to the galaxy without hesitation to fight for the Emperor until his final moment.

‘I have changed.’

Shinji felt his steady heartbeat and watched the group of noisy peers before him. Recently, he had become hesitant; a voice inside was constantly growing louder: This is enough. After completing the mission entrusted by the Emperor, I should retire.

This was a desire stemming from instinct. Back home, there were no Chapter Chaplains to correct his thoughts, so Shinji occasionally felt conflicted. As the Instrumentality progressed, two different worldviews were colliding violently within him.

He didn’t know if this was right, which was why he hadn’t actively responded to the longings of Rei and the others.

Time was too short. This life, not even a year long, didn’t even account for one percent of his long combat cycles. If he were to return to the galaxy, these days would be nothing more than a brief and beautiful dream.

Concepts like “living in the moment” or “crossing the bridge when you get to it” were invalid for an Astartes; each of them was skilled in planning for the future.

“Why are you zoning out again?” A small hand waved in front of his eyes, followed by Asuka’s suspicious face. “Are you even listening to us?”

“So, what is the topic you’re discussing?”

“Birthday party! It’s the end of the month, the blockhead’s birthday is coming. Everyone said we might as well hold a makeup party for me too, since we were busy dealing with an Angel last time, right?” Asuka had been quite angry initially, but upon realizing Shinji had only remembered Rei’s birthday because someone else reminded him, she finally felt it was fair.

“If an Angel doesn’t attack, that’s fine.”

“Even if an Angel attacks, it’s fine, we’ll just have it later.” Asuka was extremely persistent, brandishing her fist, refusing to let Shinji off the hook.

Shinji thought for a moment, wanting to refuse this excess of social interaction—it would only cause further hesitation—but eventually, he nodded.

“Fine, I agree.”

‘Yes!’

Asuka was about to cheer. She knew time was limited and she had to leave the most precious memories. This birthday party—no, my birthday party—was the best opportunity.

The group immediately began to discuss it as if they were holding some important ceremony. Even the theoretical protagonist, Rei Ayanami, couldn’t get a word in; she felt like she was being used as an excuse, and this group was just looking for an opportunity to have a good time.

But she didn’t mind. Her crimson eyes remained fixed on Shinji, watching the boy occasionally deep in thought, occasionally conflicted.

‘Ikari-kun has finally changed a little.’

Rei couldn’t describe the boy’s iron will. It had taken so much time, the efforts of so many people—including the Eva-01 soul, Yui Ikari—to create a tiny crack in that impenetrable AT Field, twisting the Astartes’ worldview back just a fraction.

‘It hasn’t been easy. I’ve forgotten how many methods I’ve used, but at least they’ve had some effect.’

She was happy. As the soul of Lilith, she was sensitive to the AT Field. Having talked with Shinji before, she understood the core conflict. In the past, it would have been impossible to pry open that crack.

‘Blocking me from serving the Emperor to the death? Keeping me from completing the vow to fight until my gene-seed withers? How many bolter rounds do you want to eat?’

The Astartes’ worldview was so alien to mortals, driving psychologists crazy. But Rei understood Shinji’s mind; it wasn’t as simple as it appeared on the surface.

If the protagonist of a school anime was a spineless, overly kind weakling, then an Astartes was too rigid.

‘Love grows with time; constant dripping wears away the stone.’

This was everyone’s contribution: Misato’s embarrassing moments, Asuka’s nagging, Dr. Akagi’s help, and that Nagisa Kaworu’s pursuit of freedom.

Rei placed her hand over her heart. This was the reason she was willing to accept everyone; just like herself, she wanted a mortal heart. The sense of security Shinji provided wasn’t enough.

It came from countless moments of laughter, intense arguments, and the resonance of “love.” An AT Field—the kind that rejects interaction—can never be broken. Shinji was walking on the path of Instrumentality and had finally reached a critical point.

‘Come over.

These two are definitely insane. They’re talking about deep, incomprehensible topics again.’

Asuka looked back and forth, vaguely sensing Shinji’s change. At least he hadn’t been this easy to talk to before.

‘Forget it, I just need to pray that an Angel doesn’t come to cause trouble. With the Class Monitor and the others helping, my chances of winning have greatly increased!’

She nodded in satisfaction, then saw Shinji suddenly stand up. He frowned, sensing something for a few seconds, then sat back down.

“What are you doing?”

“An Angel is coming. Never mind, ignore it.”

That sentence made Asuka jump up immediately. It was March 25th—if they didn’t hurry up and kill the Angel, what would happen to their plans? But upon seeing Shinji’s calm demeanor, she reacted.

‘Ah? Is it him?’

‘The end is near. I have come to fulfill my final wish.’

Kaworu Nagisa stood on the lake surface, a ripple spreading from his toes. He suddenly felt a bit of gratitude toward the Negative Universe’s will. Because of it, he had formed a bond with Shinji-kun; because of it, the instinct to merge with Adam had weakened, and he could finally come to this city without any psychological burden.

This was an important premise. He knew Shinji’s character well—he would never risk triggering the Third Impact just to let Kaworu approach the city. Now, a curious “window period” had formed.

The framework of the “Dead Sea Scrolls” was loosening, and a new one had yet to be born. He had briefly leaped outside of instinct and fate, smelling the scent of freedom. Acting entirely by his own will—what a wonderful feeling.

Best of all, SEELE was no longer an obstacle.

Kaworu took a step, walking across the lake toward the city. He wasn’t in a hurry to find Shinji; instead, he drank a cup of coffee by the train station, chatted with passing pedestrians, or leaned down to pet a puppy looking for food.

There was no surveillance, no mastermind jumping out to tell him what not to do. He just wandered aimlessly through the city, entered an alley, and finally stood at a street corner waiting.

Before long, he saw Shinji and the others coming home. They looked like they had just come from the supermarket, carrying big and small bags of groceries. The two girls were full of vigilance, but Kaworu’s gaze remained fixed on Shinji’s face.

“You’re here?”

“Yes, I happened to have some free time, so I stopped by to take a look.”

“Do you have a place to stay? Or are you planning to remain at Lake Ashi?”

“Being stared at like a monkey isn’t very interesting.”

“Then come to my place. We’re having dinner anyway; you can meet the others.”

The two talked casually. Rei and Asuka’s mouths hung open wider and wider; they couldn’t understand how these two, who had been at each other’s throats last time they met, were acting like old friends now.

“You, come here for a second!” Asuka immediately pulled Shinji away, clutching his hand tightly. The first thing she said was: “I want to report you to the Emperor for disloyalty!”

‘What a severe accusation.’

Even Shinji was stunned for a moment, becoming as serious as if he were facing a Chapter Chaplain.

“When necessary, cooperation with Xenos has many precedents. Furthermore, his loyalty has been verified; he is an important tool for me to complete the final step.”

“So you’re using him? You don’t have any other thoughts?”

“Put away your blasphemous fantasies. What kind of thoughts could I have about Kaworu?” Shinji glared, then said sternly: “It’s not just about using him. He agreed to swear loyalty to the Emperor, and I must provide him with corresponding rewards. It’s only fair.”

“What reward does he want?”

“To be my friend. Don’t underestimate this. As a Xeno, he had to pay a tremendous price to gain this opportunity.” Shinji was very serious, and he didn’t mean it as a boast. Kaworu had indeed paid a great price; in a sense, he had become a traitor to the Negative Universe’s will.

‘Oh, so he really has impure motives!’

Asuka’s eyes grew even more vigilant. She was nervous, but she didn’t know how to stop it, so she could only droop her head and lead this “beast” into their home. As for Rei, she hadn’t spoken a word the whole time; she would never oppose Shinji’s orders.

When the group returned to the apartment building, Misato Katsuragi and Ritsuko Akagi had already returned, sitting in the living room drinking coffee. Hearing the door open, they turned their heads casually, but when they saw the boy behind Shinji, Misato spat out her coffee.

“The… Angel of Freedom!” She instinctively wanted to reach for her gun, her scalp tingling. The Angel of Freedom alone had shattered the First Branch’s defense; he was basically a humanoid monster. But when she saw Shinji’s expression, she lowered her hand.

‘Right. The Angel of Freedom has already defected, and Shinji is watching him. Why am I panicking?’

She knew about the “Final Solution.” Kaworu represented the other pole of the collision—he held 24 mass-produced Evas in his hands. If anyone else had said they could make a powerful Angel obediently listen, she absolutely wouldn’t believe it. But this was Shinji—that was fine.

“Sorry for the intrusion, Misato-san.” Kaworu greeted her with great grace, then smiled at the curious Ritsuko before surveying the room.

‘It’s plain, tidy, not luxurious, but it matches the image of “home” in my heart.’

He glanced at the others around him, and Kaworu frowned slightly.

“Shinji-kun, are you surrounded only by women?”

“It wasn’t intentional. I used to be surrounded by men; sometimes I even felt it was a bit inconvenient.” Shinji said offhandedly. Back in the Chapter, he was surrounded by buff warriors; back home, everyone turned into women.

It really was inconvenient. Misato and the others often didn’t pay attention to etiquette, frequently leaving stockings and underwear lying around, walking around the house in camisoles. They only tempered it after he lectured them a few times.

‘What do you mean by that? Being surrounded by beautiful girls is worse than being around buff warriors?’

Asuka and the others immediately flushed red. Before she could explode, Kaworu spoke up thoughtfully.

“Then which type does Shinji-kun prefer?”

“It doesn’t matter to me.” Shinji looked at Asuka’s murderous gaze and added: “Of course, since returning, I’ve gotten used to being surrounded by women.”

“What a pity. The gender was chosen wrong when cloning the body. Fortunately, there is a gene backup at the First Branch, and it’s female.” Kaworu smiled gently. As an Angel, he had no concept of gender.

Asuka and Misato were stunned silly. Was that something a person should say? Rei stood there blankly, looking at her long hair thoughtfully, while Ritsuko’s eyes shone, as if she could write a research paper on “Angel Psychology” just from Kaworu.

“Your loyalty has been verified, and we are already friends. There’s no need to go to such trouble.” Shinji didn’t understand Kaworu’s thinking; to him, there really was no difference.

“No, it’s necessary.” Kaworu sat by the dining table, resting his chin on his hand, filled with a gentle smile, ignoring the people watching them.

“Even if it’s just a little bit, I want to be closer to Shinji-kun.”

‘The Emperor is above. Truly, Xenos are never good, they all need to be eradicated.’

Just as Kaworu uttered this declaration amidst everyone’s shock, everyone’s loyalty to Shinji was greatly reinforced.

‘Too hateful. This Angel is declaring war on us. Who do you think you are?’

But no matter how annoyed they were, they couldn’t do anything to Kaworu. It was a suppression on the level of life itself. Even with Rei’s eyes losing their luster, she couldn’t apply any pressure.

‘Power is truth. That’s what Shinji taught him.’

The dinner was very awkward, but as long as Kaworu couldn’t read the room, it didn’t matter at all. In his eyes, there was only Shinji. They chatted and laughed, praising the Emperor occasionally, which made Shinji talk more enthusiastically about his past experiences.

Kaworu’s performance was near perfect. Like Rei, he was a great listener, but unlike her, he wasn’t stoic. He occasionally expressed his own views, and his flattery was even better than Ritsuko’s. For instance:

When Shinji described a difficult battle, Ritsuko would praise his strength, while Kaworu would contemplate and then express the view that it was “the Emperor’s guidance,” believing it wasn’t that Shinji was too powerful, but that the Emperor, touched by his loyalty, had provided protection.

‘What incredibly loyal praise.’

Shinji was in a great mood. His psychic senses told him this was what Kaworu truly thought. After being praised, Kaworu wouldn’t act smug like Asuka, but simply nodded gently.

“It was only after I became friends with Shinji-kun that I realized the Emperor’s greatness. If there are gods in this world, it can only be Him. And only the Emperor could have sent down such a perfect Angel as you.”

“It’s just a pity that I was born an Angel and cannot perceive the Emperor’s light. Doing this now is perhaps atonement. Look, through atonement, I have now gained temporary freedom.”

“I understand now. To be friends with Shinji-kun is to perceive loyalty. Death-Angel of the Emperor, please point the way forward for me.”

‘Damn Xeno. Cunning sycophant.’

Asuka couldn’t listen anymore. She knew Shinji was extremely hard to deceive but also very easy to “trick”—as long as you were genuinely loyal to the Emperor, Shinji would change his view of you. But that “genuine” part was hard to fake, and as the only psychic, it was almost impossible to fool him.

But Kaworu wasn’t deceiving him. As the vessel of Adam, he had undoubtedly betrayed his stance, completely obeying Shinji’s orders and entrusting his life and death to him. If this wasn’t loyalty, what was?

‘Damn you, Adam. Why didn’t I crash into you and kill you back then?’

Rei’s gaze was strange. She hadn’t expected Kaworu to be so compatible with Shinji. Originally, the identity of an enemy had stood in the way—Astartes don’t make deals with enemies—but Kaworu had gone to great lengths to tear off the “enemy” label, and suddenly he had a use.

This boy had a gentle personality, a handsome face, and a silver tongue. He deserved to be someone who could say, “We were born for you.” When he praised the Emperor, he never repeated himself.

“You are still an Angel, a descendant of Adam, and an enemy.” Rei spoke up rarely. This wasn’t a normal Angel anymore; she had to strike hard.

Kaworu looked at her gently. He didn’t say anything annoying like, “Aren’t you also the Second Angel?” instead, his expression was serious.

“Yes. Therefore, I must use my life to atone, offering everything for the Emperor’s mission. This is perhaps the only way to leap out of inevitable fate. I once told Shinji-kun that choosing how to die is the only freedom. He corrected me. I’ve thought about it for a long time recently and feel that if one dedicates themselves to the Emperor’s mission, it can never be manipulated by the Negative Universe’s will. Then, I have achieved true freedom.”

Everyone was stunned. Kaworu’s terror didn’t lie in his eloquence or his spiritual affinity, but that he truly believed it. This thought was just too loyal; every word struck Shinji’s weak spot.

Look, the guy was already praying, praying for the Emperor to forgive his sins.

“Shinji, you can’t be fooled by him! I think this Angel harbors sinister intentions.” Asuka shouted, but she was glared at.

“No one can deceive Shinji-kun. And I have handed over my self-destruct collar and all my clones to him. My life and death are all in Shinji-kun’s hands.” Kaworu remained calm, using logic and facts, leaving Asuka not knowing how to strike back.

“Alright, Kaworu has passed the verification of loyalty. This kind of loyalty can be traded; don’t treat him as an enemy.” Shinji said calmly. In truth, he also found it amazing. Was this what they called “destiny”?

By all logic, how could the soul of Adam be friends with an “Angel Butcher”? But reality was just like this. In terms of benefits, it was also crucial—this was necessary material for him to complete the final step.

That’s why Misato and Ritsuko didn’t interrupt. They both knew how important Kaworu was; without him, it would be impossible to open the Gates of Guf.

“Was dinner satisfactory?”

“This is the most delicious dinner since my birth. I felt Shinji-kun’s emotions in the food, and I had so many friends around talking and laughing.”

‘Er, is this “talking and laughing”?’

Shinji looked at the bickering group and nodded gently. “Whose turn is it to do the dishes today?”

“I’ll do it. I’ve long wanted to experience what ‘housework’ feels like.” Kaworu picked up an empty plate, but his hand was pressed down. Asuka, who usually avoided chores, jumped up directly.

“It’s my turn today! I don’t need your help!”

The girl suddenly became industrious. These tasks, which she usually hated most, were the proof of being a family member. She absolutely, absolutely didn’t want this Angel to do them for her.

‘Who is his friend? I must expose his lies.’

The first time Kaworu came as a guest, he experienced the “enthusiasm” of the Misato household. Everyone rushed to do the dishes and mop the floor, leaving him no excuse to work, so he could only sit on the sofa and chat with Ritsuko, who was also being watched with suspicion.

One, an Adam; the other, an expert in the field of Angels. The two talked quite spiritedly, moving from work to Angel psychology, and finally touching upon Kaworu’s dreams about reincarnation. Shinji brewed a pot of tea and listened quietly, occasionally asking a few questions.

“What do we do? We can’t join the conversation at all.” Asuka stood in the dining room, pacing anxiously. The “Time-line Paradox” or “Accumulated Butterfly Effect from Reincarnation”—those were realms they couldn’t touch.

“The Angel of Freedom is indeed a major threat. I saw that the last time he came to Neo Tokyo-3.” Rei was slightly calmer, thinking for a moment before giving a conclusion: “He is just a persistent stalker.”

“Well said. Then how does the invincible Rei plan to deal with him? Weren’t you quite good at scaring me usually?”

Rei turned her head silently.

‘Can these be the same?’

That Kaworu was fearless; his individual strength was enough to tear through the First Branch. Unlike you, who are “brave yet cowardly”—now you hide ten meters away just watching me cut vegetables.

‘Forget it. Now that it’s a united front, it’s better not to have infighting.’

“We don’t need to deal with him. He’s different from us; he craves a kind of spiritual recognition.”

“Adolescent Platonic love?” Misato suddenly interjected, her face slightly flushed. Clearly, she read a lot of similar things.

“Misato-san, do you dare say that in front of Ikari-kun?”

“Of course I don’t dare. He’d probably hang me up and spank me.” Misato rubbed her buttocks, her face even redder.

‘You… are looking forward to that result?’

Rei’s eyes turned dangerous, and Asuka also became suspicious, suddenly recalling the warning from the Class Monitor and others.

‘Double correction?’

Misato quietly stepped back and coughed, saying: “I’m the guardian, after all. I can’t allow Shinji to be led astray by an Angel. We should think about how to deal with him.”

She didn’t dare admit her true feelings now. Once exposed, it wouldn’t just be as simple as being “the disgraceful one.” Who told Asuka, that idiot, to ask for her advice?

Fortunately, at this time, Ritsuko came to her rescue with great perceptiveness.

“Misato, I’m going to work overtime. I’m leaving. Kaworu said he has a lot to discuss with Shinji, so he’ll stay the night.” Ritsuko winked at them. Sure enough, Asuka and Rei abandoned Misato immediately.

“No! He can’t stay here!”

Shinji, who had just been discussing the topic of “Why does reincarnation produce multiple Adams?”, immediately frowned, waiting for Asuka’s reason.

There was no reason. If Kaworu had a female appearance, she could use “unfairness” to stall. But since he was a man now, two boys sleeping together and talking all night was pretty normal, right?

“This, this, this… anyway, no!”

“Kaworu-kun, go take a bath first. We’ll continue the topic later.”

“Er, Ritsuko, this house is mine, right? Aren’t you going to ask for my opinion?”

“Shinji-kun, can I bathe with you? I heard there’s this custom in Japan, and I’d like to experience what it feels like to chat while bathing.”

“I don’t mind.”

Rei watched the chaos from the side. Asuka failed at the critical moment as expected, and Misato was indeed an incompetent and disgraceful adult who couldn’t do anything when she opposed Ikari-kun’s will.

She took a step, walking straight toward Kaworu. She didn’t speak, but simply held his hand, meeting his puzzled, smiling gaze.

“You sleep next door tonight. I’ll give you my room. Ikari-kun, let’s discuss any topics at school tomorrow. Your patience doesn’t extend to waiting for one night, does it?”

Her crimson eyes were filled with determination, leaving no room for negotiation.

Shinji was stunned by such a strong-willed Rei. In his impression, this girl almost never went against his will, but at every critical moment, she had a mind of her own.

“Rei, you…”

“It was Ikari-kun who taught me not to be a doll, but to follow the impulses of my heart. This is what I think in my heart. Unless you can find a way to persuade me.” Rei lifted her chin, her slender body as hard as a stubborn rock.

‘Ah? So you’re this brave? Directly skipping Shinji and making the arrangements?’

Asuka and Misato were also staring blankly. Rei was the most obedient and rarely scolded, but now she radiated a unique temperament—a temperament they didn’t want to admit.

“Oh? Well, as they say, ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Since Rei has arranged it this way, let’s meet tomorrow. I really look forward to going to school with you.” Kaworu nodded with a smile, still as impossible to dislike as ever.

“Ah? It’s that simple?”

“Alright, since you’ve said so, see you tomorrow then.” Shinji didn’t insist on his own view, tolerating Rei challenging his command authority just like that.

Seeing Shinji concede and that difficult Kaworu obey, Asuka and Misato exchanged glances. The former was very unconvinced, biting her lip, thinking to herself why she became a coward at every critical moment, while Misato took a deep breath, suddenly discovering a blind spot.

‘Wait a minute! I’m the guardian, aren’t I?!’