"But since the giant eliminated the Angel, at least at this stage, we don't need to oppose him." Another figure spoke. Seemed to have some understanding of that giant. "If things go smoothly, we can even use that giant to help us eliminate Angels."
"Use him... I understand." Gendo Ikari nodded.
These were all members of the Human Instrumentality Committee. Their common goal—complete the Human Instrumentality Project to achieve all humanity's evolution.
For this, they'd stop at nothing.
"By the way, how's Unit-01's pilot doing? I heard your relationship with your son isn't very good." A figure asked.
These people all monitored Gendo Ikari's actions. Supervised NERV under Gendo Ikari's leadership to eliminate Angels.
"No problem."
"Everything is within my control." Gendo Ikari pushed his sunglasses. Said with full confidence.
Soon, the meeting ended.
Gendo Ikari's empty office occupying an entire floor lit up. Through surrounding windows, could see the base's vast exterior space.
"Shinji's situation isn't important."
"Being able to pilot Unit-01 and kill Angels already achieves the purpose." Gendo Ikari still maintained his original posture. Contemplated internally. "As for that giant... can't obtain more intelligence before he appears again."
Their plan continuously advancing. All current accidents still within control range.
Besides this—
Gendo Ikari's own plan was also gradually advancing.
He took out a specially-made encrypted phone from his desk drawer. Dialed a number.
"It's me." Soon, the call connected. He spoke.
"How's Unit-02's situation?"
"Nearly complete..."
"Can prepare to transport from Germany to Japan. We still need to supplement combat power to handle accidents now."
Currently their base had two EVA units total. Unit-00. Unit-01.
Unit-00's activation test still hadn't passed. Couldn't be used for combat. Now they could only use Unit-01.
If that giant appeared again, they must possess power to ensure controlling him. For this, they must transfer Unit-02 to Japan early.
"The competitor's unit?"
"No matter."
"Just act according to original plan. They're merely our stepping stones."
"More importantly, how's 'that thing'?"
"I see... I'm counting on you."
After exchanging information with the person on the other end, he hung up.
The whirlpool beneath this world's surface was quietly gathering.
"In ordinary people's eyes, what we're doing is piloting righteous EVA units to eliminate evil monster Angels."
"But in fact, the truth is far from this simple."
In NERV base's corridor, Albert walked ahead of Shinji. Spoke while walking.
"When all Angels are eliminated, those people at the top will reveal their true appearance."
"Their goal is all humanity's evolution. The plan's first step—eliminate all Angels."
Shinji followed behind. Listened seriously.
He'd originally wanted to probe for information bit by bit. But didn't expect Albert-san to directly tell him this intelligence.
"If we don't eliminate Angels, what happens?" Shinji asked.
He currently had no idea what Angels were. Why they attacked Tokyo-3.
"Humanity will be destroyed." Albert answered.
"Angels as creatures don't possess intelligence. They act completely on instinct."
"And their instinct—return to their creator. Thereby cleanse and destroy all life including us humans. Return Earth to its primitive state."
"Eh?" Shinji listened completely confused.
Why would Angels' instinct be destroying Earth's life?
Albert saw his confusion. Continued explaining: "This traces back to extremely ancient events. But you can simply understand—we and Angels are completely different species. Created by different creators. Originally one planet could only have one creator's life system. But Earth has two. Thereby produced conflict."
More detailed reasons were complex. If truly explained fully, Shinji would be more confused. Better to use simple words as metaphor.
While explaining, Albert also wanted to complain about EVA. How could the TV version and theatrical version create two different logical worldviews?
Complex settings made people dizzy. Felt like the creator's left and right brains fought each other. Also liked backstabbing himself. Characters in the show also didn't speak human language. Probably even the creator himself couldn't understand his own settings. The rest all relied on audience imagination.
"In short, the conflict between humans and Angels is irreconcilable. Like putting wolves and rabbits in the same cage. Conflict will inevitably arise."
"And those people at the top want to use Angels. Want to use everything. Thereby realize their own plan—make all humanity evolve."
Albert spoke. Brought Shinji to another hangar.
This hangar preserved an orange giant unit. EVA Unit-00.
"This is?" Shinji stood in the control room. Looked inside through glass.
In the white hangar, the orange unit was fixed by red special phenolic resin. Still maintained a punching posture. Looked like an accident had occurred here before.
"That's Unit-00." Albert nodded to several technicians in the control room. Then continued explaining to Shinji. "Rei Ayanami's exclusive unit."
"Ayanami-san's?"
"Right."
"Her identity is also far from as simple as you think." Albert's gaze somewhat grave.
Led Shinji forward. Came to a position where conversation wouldn't be overheard.
Moved his gaze from Unit-00 to Shinji.
Said: "She's an important piece in the top's plan. A tool in their eyes."
"But also a pitiful girl."
"In the near future, she'll learn what emotions are because of you. Afterward, she'll also die to protect you."
In Albert's memory, Rei Ayanami's ending couldn't be called good.
"Shinji, this is a world full of tragedy."
"Anyone around you, including yourself, will experience countless miseries."
Rei Ayanami... Asuka... Kaworu Nagisa... Misato Katsuragi... Ritsuko Akagi... Ryoji Kaji... This world had too many tragedies. Too many misfortunes.
"But." Albert placed his hand on Shinji's shoulder. Saw the black bangle on his wrist.
"These tragedies won't happen anymore. Now in your hands... you hold the power to rewrite all this."
"As long as you wish, you can obtain a powerful response."
"This power can help you ignore all conspiracies and schemes."
Shinji listened. Gradually clenched his fist.
He knew—he was changing. He didn't want tragedy before him. Then he would fight.
"I understand, Albert-san."
"I'll fight for the dream of protecting others." Shinji took a deep breath. Said with firm tone.
He didn't like tragedy.
After saying this, after a while, Shinji's eyes tinged with gold.
"Eh?"
"Why are you here?" Natsuki, just finishing training, saw Albert before him. Voiced confusion.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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