Chapter 519: Weaponization
Gendo Ikari sat upright in the shadows, the fingertips of both hands pressed together. Behind the orange lenses lay bottomless contemplation.
Meanwhile, before SEELE's iconic monoliths, the low voices of the old men echoed. The core of their discussion was not how to utilize this technology against the Angels.
"The key lies in... where the boundaries of effect are for these particles based on the principle of 'purification'." A cold voice pointed out.
Another voice followed, carrying a trace of imperceptible dread: "Angels and EVAs fundamentally possess the same origin of power. Since it can so effectively break down the biological tissues of an Angel... then, can it similarly cause irreversible damage to the core of an EVA, or even to a unit undergoing the process of 'Deification'?"
"Ikari, this must be confirmed." The final order was issued. "Before the potential risks it poses to the 'Project' are fully clarified, cautiously control the proliferation and application of this technology. What we need are tools to ensure the smooth execution of the scenario, not a double-edged sword that might wound ourselves."
Therefore, although Ryo regained his freedom and his project was allowed to continue, a much more secretive testing directive had already been quietly issued to the Technology Development Department.
Ritsuko Akagi looked at the top-secret mission briefing on her screen, which demanded an assessment of the "Impact of Special Catalytic Particles on Simulated EVA Biological Tissues." She pushed up her glasses, her gaze becoming incomparably grave.
Several days later, Dr. Ritsuko Akagi visited the Ninth Research Institute.
Her visit appeared quite formal. Not only did she carry a standard clipboard, but she was also followed by an assistant holding a data terminal, clearly marking this as an official-level technical exchange.
Inside Ryo's office, which offered a partial view of the bay, the two sat across from each other at a simple desk.
After brief pleasantries, Ritsuko Akagi cut straight to the chase. Her question was as precise as a scalpel: "Dr. Ryo, regarding the 'catalytic particles' you used against the Fifth Angel, we observed significant fluctuations in the peak efficiency of their energy release. This could constitute an uncontrollable risk in a combat environment. Do you believe this is a flaw in the synthesis process, or an inherent characteristic of its mechanism of action?"
Ryo leaned back slightly, the tips of his fingers lightly touching, revealing the focused expression characteristic of a scholar discussing a problem.
"A very sharp observation, Dr. Akagi," he responded calmly. "This is not a process flaw, but rather directly related to its unique mode of action. These particles are not simply energy carriers; they are closer to a type of 'information catalyst'. Their efficiency is highly dependent on the target—that is, the specific activity state of the Angel's biological tissue. The stronger the target's activity, the higher the efficiency of the particles being excited, which manifests as peak fluctuations in energy release. Fundamentally, this is an intelligent, targeted reaction, rather than an indiscriminate explosion."
Ritsuko Akagi quickly took notes on her clipboard and continued to press: "Regarding the 'orderly disintegration' theory you proposed, the trace debris data we recovered shows that the way the molecular chains broke exhibits an unnatural, almost 'programmed' neatness. How does your catalysis theory explain this?"
"This is precisely the key to the entire mechanism." Ryo picked up an electronic presentation board and fluently drew a simplified diagram of the molecular structure changes. "It is not achieved through violent destruction, but by intervening in and 'rewriting' the 'energy protocols' or chemical bonding patterns that maintain the stability of the Angel's biological structure."
He pointed to the key nodes of change in the diagram. "It can be understood as coaxing the Angel's body into believing it should revert to a more fundamental, more stable state, which is decomposing into the harmless LCL base fluid. The 'programmed' neatness you observed is the direct evidence of this directed induction."
"A very exquisite hypothesis." Ritsuko Akagi's tone remained neutral, betraying neither praise nor criticism. "But this brings about the difficulty of large-scale application. According to your theory, how can the stability of large-scale synthesis and storage of such highly specific particles be guaranteed? After all, it's impossible for us to temporarily customize a batch of particles for every single Angel."
"Indeed, this is the main challenge we currently face," Ryo frankly admitted. "The current synthesis method is highly inefficient, and the product stability is far from ideal. This is exactly why I could only create that crude bomb last time. To achieve large-scale and stable production, we need more advanced reaction vessels and energy containment fields. Theoretically, if we can break through these technical bottlenecks, the efficacy of the final weapon will far exceed the current makeshift device."
His explanation was clear and logical. It demonstrated the immense potential of the technology without evading the existing difficulties, perfectly presenting the image of an objective and candid researcher.
However, the gaze behind Ritsuko Akagi's lenses continuously maintained a cautious evaluation, carefully searching through the technological blueprint Ryo described for any potential contradictions or unspoken risks.
"From a theoretical standpoint," Ryo lightly tapped the core reaction area on the diagram with the tip of his pen, "if we can achieve weaponization modifications and optimize the delivery methods and detonation conditions, its lethal efficiency against the Angels will far exceed the crude device I used last time. Last time, we merely exploited the momentary window when the A.T. Fields neutralized each other; the actual effect was quite limited. Theoretically, a catalytic weapon with sufficient yield and precise delivery fully possesses the potential to annihilate a conventional Angel in a single strike."
His description was logically rigorous and the prospects were enticing, completely fitting the image of a scientist dedicated to pushing the practical application of his research results.
Ritsuko Akagi listened quietly, the gaze behind her lenses acutely analyzing every technical detail, evaluating the feasibility of this theory in her mind.
When Ryo's explanation came to an end, she seemingly casually picked up the water glass on the table and, in a calm tone akin to discussing ordinary technical parameters, posed the most critical question: "A very exquisite theory. Then, Dr. Ryo, I have a technical question—will these catalytic particles you've developed also cause similar damage to an EVA unit?"
As she posed this question, her line of sight seemed focused on the slightly rippling water surface in the glass, but her entire being's perception was focused on capturing Ryo's next reaction.
A brief silence fell over the office.
Ryo did not answer immediately.
He slowly put down the pen in his hand, raised his head, and looked directly at Ritsuko Akagi with a calm yet extremely penetrating gaze.
His face showed no expression of being offended or surprised. The corners of his lips even carried a faint, subtle arc that was difficult to decipher.
"Dr. Akagi," his voice was not loud, but exceptionally clear, every word seemingly carrying a special weight. "That is indeed a question worth pondering deeply."
He paused for a moment, as if weighing his words, or perhaps deliberately leaving room for thought.
"The answer depends on," he finally said, his gaze still firmly locked onto Ritsuko Akagi, "what exactly an EVA... is composed of."
This sentence was like a stone thrown into a calm lake. Although it did not provide a clear "yes" or "no," it directly steered the core of the question toward the closely guarded essence of the EVA.
This response could be understood as the reasonable reply of a rigorous scientist based on unknown premises, or it could be interpreted as some sort of tacitly understood hint.
Ritsuko Akagi's movements experienced an almost imperceptible freeze.
She raised her eyelids and met Ryo's gaze. The two engaged in a brief, probing contest in silence.
"I understand." A moment later, Ritsuko Akagi set down the water glass, her expression returning to its usual calmness and professionalism. "Thank you for your answers, Dr. Ryo. Today's exchange has been very enlightening." She stood up, gracefully concluding the visit.
But both of them knew perfectly well that the discussion regarding the catalytic particles—especially the ambiguous and dangerous boundaries of their effect—had only just been officially brought to the table.
Ryo's seemingly evasive yet actually sharp answer was like a tiny, sharp thorn piercing deeply into the hearts of everyone in the know.