Chapter 1872
Reinforcements Arrive!
Chapter 1872 Reinforcements Arrive!
"How...how is this possible?!"
When NERV's transport planes arrived at the Punishment's base on the floating continent with the second batch of Earth Federation reinforcements, Shinji Ikari, who had been eagerly waiting, immediately performed a standard GM II simulated combat routine in front of Asuka, with Nami's permission.
The smooth combat controls made Asuka's eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.
Asuka believes she has just as much experience piloting mobile suits as Shinji Ikari.
But why is Shinji Ikari's delivery so smooth?
"Cough. Don't worry about it too much. Before Shinji became the pilot of Unit-01, he had already been training at the Federation military base."
Although the two did not explicitly state their private comparison, He Ming could still tell what Shinji Ikari and Asuka were competing against.
"How could this happen? Isn't this blatant sneaking out?"
Asuka clenched her little fists.
"Haha! This is hardly a sneaking out. Shinji was in a bad situation at the time, and to prevent things from getting worse, I had him live in a Federation military base for a while, just to get him some exercise!"
He Ming reached out and patted Asuka's head to comfort her.
"Besides, look, Shinji hasn't used any other Earth Federation mobile suits except for the GM II! But you? You've experienced the Zeta Gundam, Gaplan, and Psycho Gundam. You know, those are some of the most advanced mobile suits currently in service with the Earth Federation Forces!"
Upon hearing this, Asuka immediately raised her chin proudly.
"Of course! Even if you're familiar with piloting the GM II, it's still just a mass-produced machine!"
Asuka's eyes darted around, looking at He Ming.
"Go! Go to CC and Feng! They'll be so happy to see you!"
"Okay! Thank you, Colonel!"
After watching Asuka leave, He Ming glanced at Jim II, who was still charging back and forth in the temporary training ground specially set up to deal with the BETA's attack, and slowly spoke.
"I didn't expect it to be you leading the team here. Vice Commander Fuyutsuki Yukimasa."
"Colonel Akira is joking. The NERV underground headquarters is so important that it is only natural that Commander Ikari should be in charge. As for me, an insignificant person, I am the best choice for this mission."
Fuyutsuki Yukizo walked over to Heming from a short distance away, greeted him respectfully, and offered his congratulations to NERV on the victory that Punishment had achieved so far.
"Punishment truly lives up to its reputation as the Earth Federation Forces' ace unit. To achieve such great results in just a few days since arriving on the floating continent is commendable."
"No. That was just a stroke of luck. The real test is yet to come. Vice Commander Fuyutsuki, aren't you worried about anything going wrong with Unit 2, which you've been so generous in sending here to this floating continent?"
He Ming's eyes, hidden beneath the mask, carefully scrutinized Fuyutsuki Yukizo.
"Colonel Ming, you flatter me. EVA was created to fight and defend humanity against external enemies. Whether it's Angels or Betas, they are all enemies of humanity. It is an honor for me and NERV to participate in this war."
"It was Fuyutsuki Yukizo who said this sincerely."
"To be honest, it's embarrassing! If Unit 2 could have extended its operational time, perhaps we could have provided greater assistance to humanity."
Upon hearing this, He Ming realized that his original intention in having Shinji Ikari feed the Angel's core to Unit-01 had been discovered.
But will He Ming admit it?
Not will.
"That is indeed a fortunate thing. However, it depends on the joint efforts of everyone at NERV."
He Ming's response caused a hint of doubt to flash across Fuyutsuki Yukinobu's eyes, but it did not allow him to test him further.
After all, judging from the current cooperation between the two parties, there is no possibility of them parting ways in the short term.
Moreover, judging from the Earth Federation Council meeting that has not yet concluded, both NERV and SEELE, which stands behind NERV, seem to have reached some kind of cooperation with the Earth Federation Forces.
Therefore, Fuyutsuki Komaru knew very well how to position himself in a supporting role.
Just as he had always assisted Gendo Ikari. It's just a pity that Heming doesn't need the presence of the great Fuyutsuki Yukimasa by his side.
"My lord. The Emperor of the Floating Continent has arrived at the outer edge of the northern defense line."
As the two were talking, Lian brought Alice to He Ming's side.
"okay."
When He Ming casually replied, he suddenly realized that something was wrong.
As his gaze shifted, He Ming saw Alice standing somewhat awkwardly beside Lian, dressed in a maid outfit.
"Cough. Lian, don't go too far."
Although He Ming didn't know if this was Lian's hobby when seeing an old friend, or if it was a mischievous thought arising from projecting resentment towards Alicetina from other timelines onto the current Alicetina, he still had to speak up and dissuade her.
"No. This is the reward for the victor, sir!"
Lian smiled faintly.
"winner?"
He Ming was taken aback and looked at Alice.
"I lost. Colonel, I lost ten matches in a row in the MS simulation battle. As the loser, I need to put on this uniform and work alongside Ren before the end of today."
Alice responded crisply, but immediately lowered her head.
What's the deal with this maid outfit that's made of such soft, close-fitting material and is so comfortable to wear?
Beatrice, no, Lotus, how do you know even her size so clearly?
"···"
He Ming glanced at Lian, but the maid still smiled faintly.
"Ahem. Okay! That's enough."
"Understood, sir!"
The maid bowed in response.
Seeing this, Alice, who was standing next to her, hurriedly followed suit.
"Then, I'll go and prepare the tea and refreshments for the Emperor! Alice Tina, please come with me!"
After the two maids left one after the other, Fuyutsuki Yukizo, who had witnessed the whole process, suddenly felt a little unreal.
"Colonel Ming's men are indeed full of extraordinary talents!"
"When there are no combat missions and as long as no regulations are violated, everyone likes to kill time at their own pace."
"I admire Colonel Ming's insights."
Amidst the shouts of "The Emperor's name" echoing from the distant northern defense line, many Earth Federation soldiers looked up at the solemn figures standing on the northern defense line, who then prostrated themselves on the ground after a group of people carrying young figures on foot arrived.
"This is really an impressive display."
As the captain of the Garuda, Kenes was also required to participate in the welcoming mission.
"After all, he is the ruler of a nation. Captain Sleg, prepare the welcoming ceremony!"
This is the moment when the Earth Federation Forces made their first contact with the power center of the floating continent!
(End of this chapter)