Chapter 521: The Sixth Angel
Thanks to Ryo's mature mastery of the catalytic particle technology, the research and development progress of the "Sword of Cherubim" project went quite smoothly.
In just a few short months, the team completed the construction of the theoretical framework and successfully trial-produced the first batch of prototype samples.
Ryo designed the first-generation product into a special grenade style. This design fully considered the convenience of actual combat—the EVA only needed to hang it on the standard interface of its external restraints, and when using it, operate it just like throwing a normal grenade.
This grenade, dubbed the "Cherubim-Type I," had a streamlined exterior and was loaded internally with precisely formulated catalytic particles, activated via a simple delayed detonation device.
During a recent internal demonstration, the test projectile erupted with a soft azure light upon contacting the target, thoroughly decomposing the Angel biological tissue sample used as a target. The effect was highly impressive.
However, this weapon possessed a significant limitation: its use still required the EVA to first neutralize the Angel's A.T. Field.
Just as Ritsuko Akagi pointed out in her evaluation report: "The 'Sword of Cherubim' is fundamentally a close-combat auxiliary weapon. It cannot independently break through the defense of an A.T. Field. It must come into close-range contact with the Angel's main body the very instant the field is neutralized to exert its maximum efficacy."
This limitation made Misato Katsuragi frown during tactical planning: "In other words, Shinji and the others still have to engage in dangerous close-quarters combat with the Angel first."
Looking at the footage of Unit-01 throwing the grenade in the demonstration video, her tone carried obvious worry.
"That is indeed the case," Ryo frankly admitted this flaw at the project briefing. "The current catalytic particles do not yet possess the ability to penetrate an A.T. Field. It is more like a dagger that requires the enemy's armor to be opened first before it can be used."
He immediately proposed a direction for improvement: "The focus of the next generation of research will be developing a special carrier capable of resonating with the A.T. Field, allowing the particles to penetrate the field's defense to a certain extent."
This design characteristic provoked different reactions within NERV.
When reviewing the report, Gendo Ikari seemed unconcerned about this "flaw," instead instructing the project to continue advancing in its current direction.
The old men of SEELE, on the other hand, stated through encrypted channels that such a limitation was "precisely within an acceptable range."
Meanwhile, on the training grounds, Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami were undergoing adaptability training for the new equipment.
Shinji carefully hung the "Sword of Cherubim" grenade onto Unit-01's waist restraint, repeatedly practicing the motions of rapid retrieval and throwing.
Through the communication channel, his somewhat hesitant voice came through: "At least... this is a bit safer than charging straight in with the Progressive Knife, right..."
From inside the cockpit of Unit-00 standing not far away, Rei Ayanami quietly observed Shinji's training.
Upon hearing his murmurs, she spoke calmly: "Ikari-kun."
"Ah, yes!" Shinji responded subconsciously.
"When using this weapon," Rei Ayanami's voice was as flat as ever, but the content of her words made Shinji freeze slightly, "I will be in front of you to block the attacks."
Shinji looked at Unit-00 through the panoramic screen, momentarily unsure of how to respond.
Rei Ayanami continued in her monotonous tone: "Unit-00 will be responsible for neutralizing the Angel's A.T. Field. At that time, you can throw the weapon."
"But... if that's the case, Ayanami, you will be in great danger..." Shinji's voice revealed his worry. He clearly remembered how dangerous it was to break through an A.T. Field at close range during previous battles.
After a brief silence, Rei Ayanami's voice sounded again in the communication channel: "This is the most effective tactic." She paused, seemingly thinking, and then added a sentence: "I will protect you, Ikari-kun."
These words completely stunned Shinji. In his impression, Rei Ayanami had never so explicitly expressed a desire to protect someone. Although her tone remained flat, the sentence itself had already exceeded the scope of a mere tactical arrangement.
"Th-Thank you..." Shinji responded with a slight stutter, "Then... I will also protect Ayanami properly."
The communication channel fell silent, but Unit-00 slightly turned its head, seemingly glancing in the direction of Unit-01.
This subtle movement was clearly captured by the training ground's surveillance system.
Inside the observation room, Ritsuko Akagi stared at the training data and sparring footage on the screen, whispering to Misato Katsuragi beside her: "Is this design flaw truly a technical limitation, or did Dr. Ryo do it intentionally?"
Misato did not answer. She merely silently watched the figures of the two EVAs training cooperatively on the screen, her eyes complex.
With the first batch of the "Sword of Cherubim" officially deployed, NERV's tactical options indeed became more diverse. However, everyone understood that what truly determined the outcome of the battle was still that dangerous close-quarters dance between the EVAs and the Angels.
Meanwhile, Ryo had already begun planning the research and development of the second-generation product. That new project, temporarily named the "Penetrating Carrier," was quietly undergoing preliminary experiments in the laboratories of the Ninth Research Institute.
Just as the two projects seemed to be advancing steadily, NERV's alarm systems were suddenly sounded.
A massive energy reaction approached from afar. On the radar screen, a blue, crystal-like object shifting geometric shapes at an astonishing speed was breaking through the clouds, heading straight for Tokyo-3.
"Sixth Angel identified! Codename: Ramiel!" Inside the command center, the staff's voices carried tension. "Its predicted final target is NERV Headquarters!"
Misato Katsuragi immediately entered command mode, her sharp gaze sweeping across the data on the screen: "It's finally here... All units, enter Level 1 Combat Configuration! Unit-01, Unit-00, prepare to launch!"
Inside the underground launch channels, the Entry Plugs were rapidly being inserted into the EVAs' cockpits.
Shinji Ikari tightly gripped the control sticks, feeling the sensation of the LCL fluid submerging his entire body, his breathing involuntarily quickening.
Misato Katsuragi's orders came through the communication channel: "Shinji, Rei, the Angel is approaching. According to the predetermined tactics, Unit-01 will be responsible for the main assault, and Unit-00 will provide support and assist in breaking through the A.T. Field. The new equipment has been mounted; confirm status."
"Unit-01, ready." Shinji tried his best to make his voice sound steady.
"Unit-00, ready." Rei Ayanami's voice was as calm as ever, betraying not the slightest fluctuation.
Up on the surface at the Ninth Research Institute, Ryo also synchronously received the battle status information through internal lines.
He stood before the institute's observation window, looking toward that ominous speck of light growing closer in the distant sky, a calculating glint flashing in his eyes.
He spoke calmly into the communicator: "The 'Sword of Cherubim' prototypes have been issued. This is the optimal opportunity to collect actual combat data."
At the same time, in the deepest depths of NERV Headquarters, Gendo Ikari sat upright in the commander's seat. His orange lenses reflected the highly oppressive figure of Ramiel on the main screen.
Vice Commander Fuyutsuki stood beside him and said in a low voice: "It's finally here. This is also a good opportunity to test 'that'."
Gendo Ikari did not respond. He merely rested his chin on his crossed hands, like a frozen statue.
Above the city, Ramiel's massive shell, composed of countless blue octahedrons, was already clearly visible. Its core flickered with a heart-palpitating light as destructive energy gathered within.
The battle was on the verge of breaking out.