Chapter 565: Cross-Dimensional Cooperation
A prolonged silence blanketed the conference room.
The information was far too shocking, thoroughly shattering their existing cognitive frameworks. An individual from another world? It sounded entirely like a plot out of a science fiction novel. Yet, when cross-referenced with the incredible technologies Ryo had demonstrated—especially that formidable EVA-Titan—this seemingly absurd explanation instead became the most rational possibility.
Ryoji Kaji was the first to break the silence. He took a deep breath, his tone complex: "This is truly... a staggering truth that far exceeds my entire intelligence network. So, Doctor, what is your objective in being so candid at this moment?"
"To propose a formal partnership," Ryo looked at the three of them. "I, along with the research entity I represent behind the scenes, am willing to establish a stable cooperative relationship with WILLE. We will provide technical assistance and necessary military backing to help you counter SEELE and stabilize the situation in this world. In return, we hope to deeper and legally study the unique phenomena of this world, especially the technologies associated with the EVAs and the Angels."
Misato Katsuragi and Ritsuko Akagi exchanged a glance.
Following the initial shock came a rapid evaluation. An ally from an alternate universe possessing technologies that surpassed this world was undeniably a massive asset against SEELE. However, the risks of partnering with him were equally immense. What exactly was the counterpart's ultimate objective? Would they become a new threat in the future?
Yet, the cruelty of reality lay right before their eyes. WILLE had only just established its footing amidst internal strife and external threats. SEELE's retaliation was imminent, and any force capable of shifting the odds was incredibly precious.
"We need to verify the sincerity of your partnership, as well as the specific details of your technical assistance," Misato Katsuragi finally spoke, her voice recovering a commander's composure.
"Entirely reasonable," Ryo nodded. "I will first demonstrate my sincerity."
Following the conclusion of the meeting, Ryo directed engineering units to centralize the relatively intact mass-production model wreckages within a highly isolated sector of the Ninth Research Institute. There, he activated the dimensional communicator, contacted his main body, and subsequently transmitted the wreckages back to the Warhammer world.
Under the watchful eyes of Misato Katsuragi and her team via surveillance monitors, the massive wreckages were blanketed by a deep blue light. Subsequently, as if erased by an eraser, they vanished from the location without a single sound, successfully deployed back to the main body's base in the Warhammer world.
"The first batch of samples has been sent out. My faction will analyze them and evaluate what kind of technology will be most effective to provide based on the results," Ryo explained.
A few days later, via the dimensional communicator, an encrypted and translated technical data package was transmitted to WILLE's technical center. Ritsuko Akagi led her team to parse it overnight, and the results left them thoroughly exhilarated.
The data package contained design blueprints for several highly efficient large-scale energy cores (whose energy density far surpassed NERV's existing technologies), several enhancement schemes for solid armaments and energy weapons (applicable to existing EVAs and defensive fortifications), and a foundational schematic for a device dubbed a "matter duplicator" (capable of duplicating certain basic non-living matter at higher energy costs, immensely easing the resource strain of reconstruction and supply).
These technologies were not direct gifts of finished products but provided feasible theoretical frameworks and critical manufacturing processes—precisely what WILLE needed most urgently.
In exchange, after intense internal debates and rigorous scrutiny, WILLE opened up a portion of its non-core yet highly valuable EVA research materials to Ryo, including partial trait analyses of EVA biological tissue, foundational theoretical models of the A.T. Field, and early observational data of the S.C. Engine (the Angel power core).
A cross-dimensional cooperation based on realistic demands was thus initially achieved. Although the foundation of trust remained fragile, a shared enemy and the need for survival temporarily bound two completely unrelated universe factions together.
While the establishment of the cooperative framework brought hope to WILLE, individual trauma required time to heal. The consecutive days of high-pressure combat and the subversive revelations of truth left the two young EVA pilots in a low state.
Although Asuka still forced herself to execute patrol and training missions, her past pride and vitality had noticeably dimmed. She would frequently stay alone in the hangar, staring blankly at the white Unit-03, or look out at the thoroughly scarred ruins of the city during her breaks, her gaze carrying an unmaskable exhaustion and a trace of confusion. The meaning of combat and her own value appeared to turn blurry after learning of SEELE's conspiracy and NERV's darkness.
Following a routine technical inspection, Ryo found her in Unit-03's hangar. Asuka was sitting on a high maintenance platform, her legs dangling in the air as she looked down at the silent white giant below.
"Still thinking about the mass-production models?" Ryo walked beside her, his voice peaceful.
Asuka did not turn her head, merely speaking in a low tone: "Doctor... does everything we do really have any meaning? Even if we defeat SEELE, the world... has already become like this." She gestured toward the window. "Furthermore, the very power we use to fight, the EVAs, themselves are also..."
She did not continue, but Ryo understood her unspoken words. The EVAs shared a common origin with the Angels; their power itself was filled with contradiction and original sin.
"Meaning does not exist naturally; it is bestowed by the actor," Ryo looked at Unit-03 below. "You stopped Lilith's awakening, protected Headquarters, and annihilated the encroaching enemies. These are things you tangibly achieved. SEELE wishes to strip humanity of the right to choose, and your battle is precisely defending this right. As for the power of the EVAs—a tool itself possesses no benevolence or malice; the key lies in the will that wields it."
He paused, looking toward Asuka: "The choices you make, the efforts you exert, and the things you protect—these are the meaning of your existence. They are not decided by your origin or the machine you pilot. You did exceptionally well, Asuka. You are far stronger than you imagine."
These validating words acted like a warm current, injecting themselves into Asuka's bone-chillingly cold and confused heart. She raised her head, looking toward Ryo, a trace of color seeming to recover in her eyes. The Doctor had not comforted her with hollow platitudes but had validated her actions and value.
However, not long after Asuka's emotions took a slight turn for the better, a far greater storm slammed into her.
While completely sorting through the databases and facilities of Central Dogma, the technical team led by Ritsuko Akagi inevitably touched upon those zones classified as supreme secrets. Among them was an un-destroyed "Rei Ayanami" clone cultivation unit located deep within Central Dogma.
During a routine data synchronization and briefing meeting, a remnant file regarding the "Shikinami Series" was accidentally displayed on the tactical briefing screen due to system correlations—and Asuka happened to be present.
The document clearly designated the code name "Asuka Langley Shikinami" alongside an explanation of her being part of the "Qualified Specimen Backup Project." Right beside it was a static image of another "Asuka" inside a cultivation vat, possessing an identical facial appearance but entirely hollow eyes.