The next day, in the simulation laboratory at NERV Headquarters.
As Shinji Ikari was about to head in for his test, Huang Zhetian stopped him and said, "The test is simple. Just treat it like a VR game. The only difference is that one experience is more advanced and realistic than the other. Just think of it as a game..."
Shinji Ikari frowned, looking a little embarrassed. "I never play video games..."
Huang Zhetian: "..."
Forcing a smile, Huang Zhetian did his best to stay friendly. He patted Shinji Ikari on the shoulder and said, "Then treat it as a game anyway. Your goal is to beat it! It's no big deal!"
With that, Huang Zhetian asked Ibuki Maya to bring over a tablet and handed it to Shinji Ikari. It played footage of Huang Zhetian's earlier training sessions.
Shinji Ikari watched Huang Zhetian's fluid strikes and evasive movements in the video. There wasn't a single unnecessary motion; everything was perfectly timed.
Shinji Ikari couldn't help exclaiming, "You're amazing!"
Huang Zhetian swiped to another video, this one of his battle with Shamshel the previous night.
"Your test today is to defeat a simulated Shamshel. You have five minutes. Remember how every moment feels during the test. That's important!"
Huang Zhetian explained it to Shinji Ikari with a serious expression. Shinji Ikari would be taking the field for the next battle, and Huang Zhetian still didn't know whether repairs to his Special Unit would be finished in time.
Shinji Ikari instinctively stood at attention and nodded firmly. "Understood, Zhetian-kun!"
"Then go!"
The test unit's simulation chamber in NERV's Underground Base.
Dressed in a blue-and-white combat suit, Shinji Ikari sat at a loss inside the Entry Plug. His first encounter with LCL had completely thrown him, and learning its purpose and effects