Chapter 77 109: Househusband Shinji Ikari.

While ensuring he could terminate the plan at any moment, Shinji's primary objective was to utilize SEELE's decades of research and preparation to fundamentally eliminate the threat.

This was Shinji's preliminary concept, a prototype of an idea that had existed since the moment he saw Lilith.

While Ryoji Kaji was marveling at the shocking scene before him, the youth was already thinking about how to purify humanity—how to sever the connection between humanity and Lilith. There was nothing to be done about physical genetics, but there was still room to maneuver regarding the spiritual connection of the soul.

Thus, the moment he saw the Human Instrumentality Project, he actually felt somewhat relieved. According to SEELE's goal of "all becoming one," the Anti-AT Field was a resonance of human souls, discarding the physical body from the inside out. It wasn't about physically destroying the body or blowing people into smithereens.

The idea was novel, but since it was a ritual concerning the soul, Shinji—as a Chapter Librarian—was an expert in this field. He could fully comprehend this obscure and difficult plan.

Otherwise, if an ordinary person saw this, they would only come to one conclusion:

'Are you freaking writing a novel? And a fantasy one at that? Isn't the Third Impact just like a meteor falling? Even if it can kill every human, what does that have to do with returning to the Sea of Life?

Did SEELE plant a micro-bomb in everyone? With a "pop," everyone explodes into orange juice?'

It sounded very "stream of consciousness" indeed. Aside from the Human Instrumentality Project, this world leaned more toward the sci-fi side, just as Hikari Horaki had said:

"We're a mecha show about giant robots fighting monsters."

Fortunately, Shinji had returned from the 40K universe, where science fiction and dark fantasy coexisted. Not only could he understand it, but he could also extrapolate based on its foundation:

'If SEELE can use a ritual to turn everyone into orange juice, can I use a ritual to sever the connection between humanity and the Negative Universe, purifying human souls and their origin?'

Once the direction of his thinking was set, his future investigation had a target. After reading the "script," he was even less anxious; instead, his mood relaxed.

The unknown is what causes fear. What is there to fear about the known—especially a "known" that can be terminated at any time?

Shinji propped his chin on his hand, watching Asuka across from him eating until her mouth was covered in grease, and looking at the orange juice in their bowls.

"Hey, these sweet and sour ribs with orange juice are unexpectedly good."

Asuka really liked the sweet and sour flavor, and she couldn't help but comment: "The color is really similar to LCL, though. When we pilot the EVAs, are we like ribs soaking in orange juice?"

"Asuka! Don't say such disgusting things while we're eating!"

Misato Katsuragi immediately tapped the table, then looked curiously to the side.

"Shinji, how did you think of this? You can actually use a drink to cook?"

"I just had a sudden flash of inspiration."

Shinji couldn't exactly say that someone wanted to turn them all into orange juice.

"Next time I'll try stewing meat with orange juice. Isn't there a dish called Red Braised Pork in Chinese cuisine? I'll adapt it."

"Why are you so obsessed with orange juice..."

Misato didn't quite get it. Speaking of which, she frowned and looked at the other two.

"You two have been having a blast lately. Do you know how tired I am? We were already short-handed, and now I have to step up the security screenings."

Because Shinji had once been "kidnapped," NERV's current level of vigilance was extremely high, using MAGI to constantly check every single person who entered.

"Oh, come on, that's just your job. You can't just take the money and not do the work."

Asuka stuck out her tongue, then, as if remembering something, pulled a small pouch from her schoolbag. "Here. The cosmetics you wanted. Consider it an apology."

"At least you have some conscience left."

Misato beamed instantly, humming a little tune. "I'm just afraid you two might be in danger. The higher-ups don't care if you're famous or not, but once the information is out there, it's too late to intercept. By the way, how does it feel to be a superstar?"

"Hmph, it's alright. Even without the accident, a beautiful girl like me is naturally destined to be watched."

Asuka flipped her long hair, then her eye twitched slightly.

Misato was happily inspecting the cosmetics, Rei was focused solely on finishing her meal, and Shinji was looking down, lost in thought.

'Alright, correction: except for that idiot.'

"What about Rei? How do you feel?"

"It is fine. Shinji-kun helped me gradually get used to communicating with people. Being a 'star' is simply communicating with more people."

Rei put down her chopsticks and stole a glance at Shinji.

From a doll to an ordinary person, and then from an ordinary person to a "superstar"—the process had been gradual, so it wasn't too jarring for her.

"Shinji-kun, is it right for us to do this? Will it cause trouble?"

Shinji snapped out of his thoughts and met those crimson eyes. Rei could guess what he was doing, and she inevitably felt some guilt in her heart.

"It's great. Achievements deserve to be praised; this is the reward for maintaining loyalty. As long as safety is guaranteed, there's no problem. Last time Misato asked me what I'd do after defeating the Angels—you two should think about that question as well."

"Huh? The Angels will actually run out?"

Asuka immediately looked over.

"Of course. At least in this world, service has an endpoint. What do you want to do?"

"You make it sound like there are places where it doesn't have an endpoint."

Asuka muttered, but then she became melancholic. She hadn't thought about this question. Until now, all her memories were tied to Unit-02. Now that Shinji suddenly told her the Angels would be completely eliminated, she felt momentarily lost.

'When that time comes, I won't have to pilot Unit-02 anymore. So what should I do? I won't have to go out and look for a job, will I? NERV never taught me how to be a corporate slave.'

The girl's mind wandered, beginning to fantasize about a peaceful life. Rei, on the other hand, felt a bit sad; she was even less likely to consider the question.

As a tool, she wasn't supposed to reach the "endpoint," let alone think about life after the Angels were gone.

'Why did the atmosphere suddenly get so heavy?'

Misato looked left and right, scratching the tip of her nose. She had thought about what she'd do after it was all over; as an adult, she wasn't as troubled as these children.

To put it bluntly, the pilots were child soldiers. Piloting an EVA was their entire reason for being. Once the EVAs were no longer needed, what could they do? Could they return to a normal life?

Thinking of this, she suddenly understood why Shinji encouraged the two of them to keep being in the spotlight. She couldn't help but smile:

"Even if the Angels are completely wiped out and NERV is disbanded, you can still be idols. You're both interested in it anyway, and you barely even come to headquarters anymore."

"Oh, right! Didn't Chihaya say she wanted to be in a band with us for the rest of our lives?"

Asuka suddenly got excited. Her sense of existence came from being needed; if there was no Unit-02, she would still have things to do—being watched by the world and being the center of attention. It was practically made for her. She glanced at the cold-faced Rei and frowned:

"What? You're not willing?"

"I am willing... but I fear I may not have the chance."

Rei shook her head gently, feeling as though words were stuck in her throat.

"Don't worry. You will."

Shinji suddenly interjected, looking at her with burning eyes.

"But..."

"You will."

With his tone strengthened, Rei silently opened her mouth, then nodded heavily, her hesitation vanishing.

'If Shinji-kun says I will, then I definitely will.'

"This guy's single promise is worth ten of mine, huh? Fine, I'll let it slide since your singing is good."

Asuka crinkled her nose, then looked at Shinji with interest.

"What about you? Have you thought about it?"

"I've thought about it, but I don't know."

Shinji shook his head. He was actually the one most out of place. When you tell an Astartes they don't have to fight anymore, the Astartes will just assume it's a Tzeentchian plot and blow your head off with a bolter.

Asuka obviously didn't know that killing was ingrained in Shinji's marrow. Peace was the most alien concept to him. Her eyes lit up, and she instantly raised her head.

"Heh heh heh. Don't worry, I'll support you when the time comes."

"Asuka, you're quite bold, publicly announcing a plan to keep a 'kept man'."

"This... this doesn't count as that! Misato, can you imagine this guy wearing a suit and going to a company to be a corporate slave?"

"Uh, that is indeed a problem."

Shinji ignored their teasing. He couldn't imagine such a future either. Fortunately, by the Emperor's grace, the low-intensity warfare was helping him gradually get used to his current life—he just hadn't considered how to live outside of service yet.

The Chapter provided everything; an Astartes only needed to fight. But if there was no more fighting, what would a bunch of two-meter-tall powerhouses do? Work as security guards?

The question was shelved for now; it was too early to think about the future. Asuka, now in high spirits, dragged Rei away. Soon, the sounds of singing and drums echoed from the next room. Misato grumbled about her overtime, while Shinji slowly cleared the table.

Wiping the plates with a towel and cleaning the stove until it was spotless, Shinji found himself smiling self-deprecatingly as he worked.

He could never be a corporate slave, but Asuka's suggestion was actually quite feasible. The thing he was currently best at was being a househusband. In terms of cleaning, tidying up, and cooking, it was likely no one in all of NERV was better than him.

'To think this is the strongest skill I've learned since my return...'

The thought was ironic. He shook his head to clear the clutter from his mind, checked his phone, and picked up the bagged trash.

"I'm going to take out the trash. The coffee is brewed, get it from the kitchen yourself. And remember to hang up the clothes in the washing machine. Finally, if I see you stuffing your socks in the washer again, I'll make you hand-wash socks for a month.

Also, remember to dry your undergarments after washing. Maintaining hygiene is the first priority in resisting the corruption of Nurgle."

"I know, I know! You're so naggy, just like my dad."

Misato waved him off. She was long used to being complained to; she wasn't going to change anyway.

However...

She looked at the incredibly tidy room, the floors polished to a mirror shine, even the toothbrushes in the bathroom all facing the same direction. She sniffed the aroma of coffee in the air and propped up her chin.

'Hmph. Asuka sure has high hopes. A man this reliable... even I'd want to keep him around.'

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