Chapter 1335
Blowing up a planet? Not bad, that's toned it down!
For Cui Ming...
Hikari's arrival was really just a minor incident. Anyway, he can continue his research, and Cui Ming can continue killing monsters; the two of them won't interfere with each other.
Choi Ming's daily routine was as regular as a clock, with his regular exercise, command, and transformation as needed. Hikari was busy tinkering with test tubes and instruments in the lab; he just considered it as having another luminous researcher on his payroll. As long as Hikari didn't blow up his NERV headquarters, everything was fine.
I just hope Hikari doesn't pull off anything too outrageous here... Cui Ming suddenly felt quite fortunate that he had dealt with Gatanothor and Dark Zagi's powers.
If those two forces were still around, and they encountered a research madman like Hikari, who knows what kind of world-destroying chemical reaction they might create.
Gatanothor's power of darkness and Dark Zagi's destructive essence—either of these in Hikari's hands could potentially be transformed into a terrifying weapon that even the Land of Light couldn't contain. Now, however, the threat has been eliminated in advance. At most, Hikari will only be able to destroy a planet like Saturn Z, which is at least still within a controllable range.
But for Lilith...
She now realized that Cui Ming was a good person… much more human than Hikari! The way that scientist from the Land of Light looked at her wasn't like he was examining a living being, but rather like he was scrutinizing a set of data waiting to be dissected. Every needle prick, every sample taken, made her feel one step closer to becoming a specimen.
And what about Choi Myung? Although he would beat her and threaten her, at least he treated her as a living being who could talk, cry out in pain, and watch soap operas. This feeling of being treated as a life seemed especially precious in comparison to Hikari.
However, Lilith didn't know that.
Cui Ming thought Hikari was pretty good. Although that guy was a master at causing trouble, his research efficiency was frighteningly high. He had only produced a potion in less than a day.
The instruments in the lab were running non-stop, and the liquid in the test tubes changed more than a dozen colors. Hikari didn't even close his eyes. He excitedly rushed out of the room with the final product in his hands, almost knocking over the cleaning cart in the corridor.
After giving Rei Ayanami an injection, she returned to normal.
The potion was pale gold, glowing faintly in the syringe, like a small patch of solidified sunlight. Hikari patted his chest and assured him that this stuff could repair the breaks in the clone's genes, restore the compatibility between the soul vessel and the body, and fundamentally resolve the rejection reaction.
After one injection, Rei Ayanami will be able to digest animal protein like a normal person and will no longer need to rely on fish to barely survive.
She can then eat meat.
Rei Ayanami sat on the hospital bed in the infirmary, the white sheets neatly made. She wore a blue and white striped hospital gown, her hands resting on her knees, her gaze fixed on the syringe in Choi Myung's hand. Her expression remained indifferent, but there was a hint of barely perceptible tension in her eyes.
When Rei Ayanami needs an injection, she only wants Choi Myung to give it to her. Because Choi Myung's presence makes her feel safe.
"Come here." Rei Ayanami raised her head, her red eyes staring directly at Choi Myung, her voice so soft it was as if she were talking to herself.
She glanced at Hikari, who was eager to try, then at the medical staff standing to the side, and finally her gaze returned to Choi Myung's face. That silent dependence and trust, conveyed through those red eyes, was so clear that it needed no explanation. As long as Choi Myung stood by her side, she wouldn't be afraid, no matter how thick the needle was.
Before giving the injection, Rei Ayanami asked Choi Myung if he wanted her to do this.
She stretched out her slender arm, revealing the pale blue veins on the inside of her elbow, but her gaze wasn't on the needle; instead, it was fixed on Cui Ming's face. Her voice was soft, but each word was enunciated clearly, as if confirming some important agreement.
Do you want... me to become like this?
Cui Ming looked at her, his gaze calm and gentle. He nodded, his movements steady and powerful.
“I hope you can become a normal person.” Cui Ming’s voice was deep, carrying a reassuring certainty. “You can eat meat, grow taller, experience more things, and… live like a human being.” Rei Ayanami blinked, the corners of her mouth seeming to turn up slightly for a moment before returning to her usual expression. She nodded gently and stretched her arm out a little straighter.
"Then let's fight."
Choi Myung took the syringe, and the moment the needle pierced her skin, Rei Ayanami merely frowned slightly, her gaze never leaving Choi Myung's face.
Rei Ayanami could feel herself changing.
After the medicine was injected into her veins, it felt like a warm stream spreading through her body. Her previously stiff limbs gradually warmed up, and the long-standing, subtle sense of rejection in her stomach began to subside. Her vision seemed to become clearer, and even the smell of disinfectant in the infirmary became more distinct. This change was subtle yet profound, like an undercurrent flowing beneath the surface of a frozen lake, gradually dismantling some deep-rooted barrier.
but……
She felt that none of this mattered.
She didn't notice when the needle was removed or when the cotton ball was put on her arm. The changes in her body, the possibilities of the future—all felt light and weightless. Her gaze bypassed these trivial details, landing directly on Cui Ming standing by the bed.
All she wants to do right now is look at Choi Myung.
He was putting the syringe back into the tray with steady, efficient movements, then turned around, his gaze lingering on her face.
Rei Ayanami met his gaze, her red eyes unblinking, as if she wanted to etch this figure into the deepest part of her memory.
The white light in the infirmary fell on his shoulders, outlining a familiar silhouette. His dark uniform was crisp and straight, his shoulders broad, and he stood upright, like a tree that would not be shaken by any storm.
This unique person appeared in her life.
Before this, Rei Ayanami's world consisted only of orders and obedience, the cold control stick in the cockpit, and the endless emptiness after battles. No one asked her if she was in pain, no one cared if she could eat meat, and no one would stand by her bedside while she received injections, speaking in a calm and resolute voice that they hoped she could live like a human being. Cui Ming's appearance was like a crack, letting light into that enclosed space, making her realize for the first time that such beings existed in the world.
A reliable person.
Rei Ayanami opened her mouth, as if to say something, but something seemed to be blocking her throat, and she couldn't make a sound. She lowered her head, looked at her hands resting on her knees, then slowly raised them and gently grasped Choi Myung's sleeve. The fabric was rough yet warm, carrying his body heat.
She didn't speak, but simply clenched the small piece of fabric tightly with her fingertips, like a drowning person grabbing onto driftwood, or a lost child finding their way home.
Cui Ming paused for a moment, looked down at her hand that was clutching his sleeve, then reached out and gently patted the top of her head.
"Get some rest," his voice was deep, as if it came from a great distance, yet also as if it were right next to your ear, "I'm here."
Rei Ayanami closed her eyes, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips. Clutching the piece of fabric, she slowly lay back down on the bed, her breathing gradually becoming steady.
The changes in her body continued, but she no longer cared. As long as this person was by her side, she didn't care what happened.
The infirmary fell silent, save for the rhythmic ticking of the medical equipment and the soft sunlight streaming in from the window. (End of Chapter)