Even though Unit-01 was technically an upgraded version derived from Unit-00, it was still an experimental model.
Unit-02, on the other hand, was a full combat-production EVA—built from the ground up for battle.
Its specs far outclassed both Unit-00 and Unit-01 in nearly every category.
So then… how was it possible that Unit-01 still had 99% energy remaining?
For a brief moment, Misato Katsuragi felt that something was… off.
But she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Regardless, both Unit-00 and Unit-02 had already been pushed to their limits—critically low on power.
At this point, their only hope was Unit-01.
And just as this tension peaked in Misato's chest…
Unit-01 suddenly moved.
No—saying it "moved" didn't quite capture it.
Something astonishing happened.
The A.T. Field around Unit-01 began to drastically shift.
A dramatic transformation took place, clearly visible on MAGI's monitoring systems:
Unit-01's A.T. Field pressure was spiking—at an unimaginable rate.
100%
200%
400%...
800%...
And still it continued climbing.
Even the stones beneath Unit-01's feet began to crack and crumble, reduced to powder beneath the mounting pressure of the Field.
"This… this can't be real! Not even an Angel has ever generated an A.T. Field like this!"
One NERV technician stared wide-eyed at the monitors, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Because at that moment—
Unit-01's A.T. Field had expanded to over 1000%.
That was a hundred times the force of Earth's gravity.
It was beyond human comprehension.
People watched the readings in stunned silence, their jaws slack.
This wasn't something human engineering could produce anymore.
The force being measured was now approaching the theoretical pressure of a black hole.
Black holes: cosmic objects that devour everything—even light—reducing matter to nothingness.
Now, the center of Unit-01's A.T. Field was beginning to mimic that terrifying force, warping reality around it.
And that wasn't even the end of it.
With its Field at maximum intensity, Unit-01's legs straightened.
Then, suddenly—it jumped.
No—launched.
With a burst of incredible force, Unit-01 and the Eighth Angel, Sahaquiel, were propelled into the air.
The sheer explosive power of the leap sent them both thousands of meters skyward.
Everyone stared in utter disbelief.
Forget Unit-01's power output—what kind of physical condition did the pilot have to be in to withstand that kind of neural strain?
EVA units were linked directly to their pilots' nervous systems.
That meant the pilot had to physically endure every jolt, every ounce of acceleration.
And yet, Ryota Kitazawa showed no signs of slowing.
Suddenly, Sahaquiel let out another screech—an ear-splitting shriek.
It was a sonic attack, clearly meant to stop Unit-01.
Whether it was fear, desperation, or instinct, the Angel knew: this EVA was a threat.
The attack measured a stunning 10,000 decibels.
A sound so powerful it could rupture the fuselage of a fighter jet—kill a bird in midair with internal hemorrhaging.
Every communication system in NERV was overwhelmed.
Broadcast relays shattered. Speakers blew out in a burst of static and sparks.
This wasn't just loud. This was cataclysmic.
Such sound pressure had only ever existed theoretically—during Earth's primordial upheavals or apocalyptic-scale events.
But now, Sahaquiel made it real.
Misato clutched her ears, her eardrums screaming in pain.
Thank God the sound came from high altitude.
Had it been at ground level, the whole world might have heard it.
Might have been brought to its knees.
And yet—even with the soundwave's devastation—the video feeds remained intact.
They watched as Sahaquiel flailed in midair, its wings—fluttering like those of a monstrous butterfly—trying to escape.
But Unit-01 had latched on.
Its massive arms gripped the Angel's wings tightly, refusing to let go.
Panic set in.
Yes—Sahaquiel was afraid.
Misato's eyes narrowed. The analysts were whispering behind her.
The image on screen was clear:
The Eighth Angel—was terrified.
Terrified of Unit-01?
Or terrified of Ryota Kitazawa?
No one knew for sure.
But what they did know was that Sahaquiel had never reacted like this before—paralyzed with fear.
The Angel beat its wings violently, struggling to escape, but Unit-01's grip wouldn't loosen.
Then—
Unit-01 spread its arms wide—
And with a visceral, violent pull—
Ripped Sahaquiel's wings off.
"RAHHHHHHHH!!"
A piercing scream.
Not a sonic attack—just pain.
Thick, bright red blood gushed from the Angel's torso, cascading through the air.
Its wings were torn clean off, violently severed by brute strength alone.
But still—it did not die.
Sahaquiel was a high-level lifeform, practically immortal, with near-limitless regenerative capacity.
Still… it had one weakness.
A secret humans had long since uncovered.
The S² Engine.
And they were going for it.
PS: Access the complete chapters/series at