Gendo Ikari sat in the shadows, his fingertips pressed together, deep thoughts hidden behind his orange lenses.
Meanwhile, before the iconic monochrome monoliths of SEELE, the low voices of the elders echoed. Their core discussion was not about how to use the technology against the Angels.
"—The key lies in the boundary of efficacy for this 'purification'-based particle," one cold voice noted.
Another voice followed, carrying a hint of subtle apprehension: "Angels and EVAs fundamentally share a common source of power. Given that it can decompose an Angel's biological tissue so effectively—"
"Does it, then, have the potential to inflict irreversible damage upon the EVA's core, or even the unit during the 'divinization' process?"
"Ikari, this must be confirmed." The final command was issued. "Until the potential risk to the 'Project' is fully clarified, exercise caution regarding the technology's dissemination and application. We require tools that ensure the smooth execution of the scenario, not a double-edged sword that could wound us."
Therefore, although Osiris was free and his project was allowed to continue, a much more covert testing directive was quietly dispatched to the Technical Development Department.
Dr. Ritsuko Akagi looked at the top-secret mission document on her screen, which required an evaluation of the "Impact of Special Catalytic Particles on Simulated EVA Bio-tissue." She adjusted her glasses, her expression one of extreme gravity.
A few days later, Dr. Ritsuko Akagi visited the Ninth Institute. Her visit appeared formal; she brought a standard clipboard and was accompanied by an assistant holding a data terminal, clearly marking this as an official technical exchange.
In Osiris' office, which offered a view of part of the bay, the two sat opposite each other across a simple desk.
After brief pleasantries, Ritsuko cut straight to the subject, her question as precise as a surgical knife: "Dr. Osiris, regarding the 'catalytic particles' you used against the Fifth Angel, we observed significant fluctuations in the peak efficiency of their energy release. This presents an unacceptable risk of uncontrollability in a real combat environment. Do you believe this is a flaw in the synthesis process or an inherent characteristic of its mechanism of action?"
Osiris leaned back slightly, pressing his fingertips together, adopting the focused posture characteristic of a scholar discussing a problem.
"A very astute observation, Dr. Akagi," he replied calmly. "This is not a manufacturing flaw; it is directly related to its unique mode of action. These particles are not merely energy carriers but are closer to an 'informational catalyst.'"
"Their efficiency is highly dependent on the target object—specifically, the particular active state of the Angel's biological tissue. The stronger the target's activity, the higher the efficiency of particle excitation, which manifests as a fluctuation in the energy release peak. Essentially, this is an 'intelligent,' targeted reaction, not indiscriminate explosion."
Ritsuko rapidly took notes on her clipboard and pressed on: "Regarding your 'Ordered Disintegration' theory, the micro-residue data we collected shows that the molecular chain cleavage exhibits an unnatural, almost 'programmed' uniformity. How do you explain this with your catalytic theory?"
"That is precisely the key to the entire mechanism," Osiris said, picking up an electronic display board and fluently sketching a simplified diagram of molecular structure changes. "It is not achieved through violent destruction, but by intervening in and 'rewriting' the 'energy protocol' or chemical bonding pattern that maintains the stability of the Angel's biological structure."
He pointed to the key transformation nodes in the diagram. "It can be understood as persuading the Angel's body to believe it should revert to a more fundamental, stable state, which is decomposition into harmless LCL fluid. The 'programmed' uniformity you observed is direct evidence of this directed inducement."
"An elegant hypothesis," Ritsuko's tone remained neutral, betraying neither praise nor criticism. "But this introduces difficulties for scalable application. According to your theory, how can the stability of large-scale synthesis and storage of such highly specific particles be guaranteed? After all, we can't custom-produce a batch of particles for every single Angel."
"Indeed, that is the main challenge we currently face," Osiris admitted frankly. "The current synthesis method is inefficient, and the product stability is suboptimal, which is why I could only construct that crude bomb last time."
"To achieve scaled and stable production, we require more advanced reaction vessels and energy confinement fields. Theoretically, if we can overcome these technological bottlenecks, the final weapon's efficacy will far exceed the current makeshift device."
His explanation was clear and logical, showcasing the technology's immense potential while not avoiding current difficulties, presenting the perfect image of an objective and forthright researcher.
However, the gaze behind Ritsuko's lenses maintained a cautious assessment, meticulously searching for any possible contradiction or unspoken risk within the technical blueprint Osiris was describing.
"From a theoretical standpoint," Osiris gently tapped the core reaction area on the diagram with his pen tip, "if weaponization and optimization of the delivery system and detonation conditions can be achieved, its destructive efficiency against Angels will far exceed the crude device I used last time. That attempt merely exploited a momentary window during A.T. Field neutralization, so the actual effect was quite limited."
"Theoretically, a sufficiently potent, precisely delivered catalytic weapon has the potential to eliminate a conventional Angel with a single strike."
His description was logically rigorous and the prospect enticing, fully aligning with the image of a scientist dedicated to pushing research into practical application. Ritsuko listened quietly, her sharp gaze analyzing every technical detail, mentally assessing the feasibility of the theory.
As Osiris' explanation drew to a close, she casually picked up the glass of water on the table and, using the same calm tone one would use to discuss ordinary technical parameters, posed the most crucial question: "A very subtle theory. Then, Dr. Osiris, I have one technical query—will the catalytic particles you developed cause similar damage to the EVA unit itself?"
As she asked this, her gaze appeared fixed on the subtly moving water surface in the cup, but her entire focus was on capturing Osiris' reaction.
A brief silence fell over the office.
Osiris did not answer immediately. He slowly put down his pen, raised his head, and looked directly at Ritsuko with a calm yet highly penetrating gaze. His face showed no sign of offense or surprise; his lips even held a subtle, difficult-to-read curvature.
"Dr. Akagi," his voice was not loud, but exceptionally clear, every word seeming to carry a specific weight. "That is indeed a question worthy of deep consideration."
He paused slightly, as if choosing his words carefully, or perhaps deliberately leaving room for thought.
"The answer depends on," he finally stated, his gaze still firmly locked on Ritsuko, "what the EVA—is actually composed of."
This statement was like a stone dropped into a tranquil lake. While it offered no explicit "yes" or "no," it directly steered the core issue toward the taboo nature of the EVA's essence. This response could be interpreted as a reasonable reply from a scrupulous scientist based on unknown premises, or it could be seen as a certain tacit, pointed suggestion.
Ritsuko's movement froze, almost imperceptibly. She lifted her eyes, meeting Osiris' gaze, and the two engaged in a short, charged silent contest of probing.
"I see." After a moment, Ritsuko set down the water glass, her expression returning to its customary coolness and professionalism. "Thank you for your clarification, Dr. Osiris. Today's exchange has been very insightful." She stood up, gracefully concluding the visit.
But both were fully aware that the discussion about the catalytic particles, especially their vague and dangerous boundary of effect, had only just been officially brought to the forefront.
Osiris' seemingly evasive, yet sharp, answer was like a tiny thorn, deeply embedded in the minds of all who were privy to the truth.