"Unit-01, launch preparation!" At Misato Katsuragi's command, the locks securing Unit-01 released. The massive machine was transported to the launch zone on floating tracks.
"EVA Unit-01 in transit. Proceeding to Route Six." Technical staff reported over comms.
"EVA Unit-01 arriving at Route Six. All systems green!"
"Finally... our first operation." Misato clenched her fists. Stared at Unit-01 on the screen. Voice tinged with excitement. "Unit-01, launch!"
"EVA Unit-01, launching!" Technicians activated the high-speed elevator. Propelled the giant Unit-01 toward the surface at extreme velocity.
Excessive speed brought crushing pressure.
Shinji in the cockpit felt uncomfortable. But his enhanced physique adapted quickly.
He repeated internally: 'I have to fight... can't run away... have to meet Father's expectations... and Natsuki-san's expectations...'
With positive encouragement, the boy was trying to face his inner self. Challenge his inner shadows.
Then, in combat-mode Tokyo-3, a surface gate opened.
CLANK!
EVA Unit-01 emerged through the gate onto the surface. Over eighty meters tall—distinctive even among high-tech structures. Power cables trailed behind.
The moment Unit-01 appeared, the Fourth Angel noticed. Emitted a low-frequency cry. Drowned out by movement sounds.
"Unique looking thing." Natsuki saw the Fourth Angel's purple insect-like form. Rubbed his chin.
Surface defensive structures were damaged. Clear cutting marks. Obviously the Fourth Angel's work.
"EVA control relies heavily on the pilot's mental state."
"Shinji, just imagine yourself walking." Ritsuko Akagi's voice came through comms.
Everyone was watching this battle. As head of the EVA development project, she knew EVA's control system better than anyone.
BOOM BOOM!
The Fourth Angel swung whip-like tentacles. Destroyed more buildings. Then floated toward Unit-01. Ready to eliminate it.
"Imagine walking..." Shinji thought about Ritsuko's words. Gripped both control sticks. Forcefully imagined himself walking.
Walking...
Huh?
Left leg or right leg first?
Walking was human instinct. But actively thinking about it caused hesitation.
That moment of hesitation—Unit-01's left leg tripped over its right.
THUD.
Face-planted.
First time piloting an EVA. Shinji really wasn't used to it.
"Shinji! Get up!" Misato in the command center saw this. Urgently reminded him.
The Angel had reached Unit-01. Abdominal legs writhing. Upright body intensely oppressive. Two light-whips radiating high-heat energy.
CRACK!
The Fourth Angel swung its whip. Lashed toward Unit-01.
Shinji in the cockpit saw it. Pupils contracted. Instinctively tried to roll away.
Simultaneously, Unit-01 made the same motion. Rolled on the ground. Dodged the attack.
However, the cable trailing Unit-01 wasn't so agile.
"Unit-01's power cable severed!"
"Unit-01 has lost external power!"
"Estimated five minutes remaining on internal battery!" Command center technicians monitoring Unit-01's status shouted urgently.
Driving such a massive machine required sufficient energy. EVA Unit-01 was directly powered by the base through cables.
Now the cable was cut. Unit-01 could only use internal power. Five minutes maximum. After five minutes, Unit-01 would cease activity.
"Get up, Shinji! You only have five minutes left!" Sweat beaded on Misato's forehead. She reminded him through comms.
A tight mental link existed between Unit-01 and its pilot. Any damage Unit-01 suffered, the pilot felt. She didn't want a 14-year-old to endure too much pain.
But this was Shinji's first battle. Destined for poor performance.
Five minutes... absolutely insufficient. Maybe Unit-01 would be dismantled before time ran out.
"Shinji, we've delivered a weapon near you. You need to grab it and fire at the Angel!" Misato continued.
Surface gates near Unit-01 opened. A steel structure rose rapidly. Opened to reveal a massive firearm prepared for Unit-01.
Conventional weapons didn't work on Angels because of something called an AT Field around their bodies.
EVA series machines also possessed AT Fields. When fields canceled each other out, EVAs could use weapons to defeat Angels.
"...Okay." Shinji responded.
Just as he tried to control Unit-01 to stand, the Fourth Angel's attack arrived again.
CRACK!
"Gah!"
The high-heat energy whip struck Unit-01 mid-rise. Surface armor melted and damaged. Intense pain transmitted completely to Shinji. He cried out.
"Is this the government's secret weapon? Doesn't look very strong..." On a distant hilltop, two boys who'd snuck out from shelters held binoculars. The bespectacled one doubted what he saw.
They knew the government must have weapons to counter giant monsters. Didn't expect a giant robot. Especially not one this weak.
"Is it going to lose...? Get up!" The other boy in a black jacket shouted.
If this giant robot fell, the city was doomed.
"Imagine yourself moving... stand up... then grab the weapon..." In the cockpit, Shinji endured the pain. Controlled Unit-01 to roll aside. Then slowly rose from the ground. Looked at the weapon in the nearby structure. Constantly reminded himself what to do.
If he were alone on the battlefield, he'd already be terrified. Wanting to retreat.
But he knew—he wasn't alone right now. A voice kept encouraging him.
At least... he had to try his hardest.
THUD THUD THUD!
Driven by Shinji's strong will, Unit-01 ran. Reached the structure with the weapon. Extended its hand to grab the firearm.
But the Angel moved faster.
CRACK! CRACK!
The Fourth Angel's two light-whips swung rapidly. Caused widespread destruction around its body. Including the weapon Shinji was about to grab. And Unit-01.
"Gah!"
Shinji got whipped away again. Machine damage more severe. Unimaginable pain shot through his brain.
Fighting... really isn't for me...
In intense pain, Shinji realized his inexperience. This life-or-death combat—he couldn't adapt.
"This is your first battle. You've already performed better than many warriors." As despair rose in his heart, a comforting voice came.
"Leave the rest to me."
"Okay."
As two souls communicated, the command center erupted in noise again.
"Less than two minutes left!"
"Shinji! Don't just stand there!" Misato saw Unit-01 motionless on the ground. Shouted urgently.
Meanwhile, technicians monitoring Unit-01's status made shocked sounds.
"Oh no!"
"Pilot's sync ratio with Unit-01 is rapidly dropping!"
"Thirty percent... twenty percent... five percent... zero!"
"Pilot's sync ratio with Unit-01 has zeroed out! Unit-01 about to cease all activity!"
"Wait... no!"
"Unit-01 is moving again!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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