Thanks to Osiris's sophisticated grasp of the Catalytic Particle technology, the development of the "Cherub's Sword" project progressed remarkably smoothly.
In just a few months, the team completed the theoretical framework and successfully test-manufactured the first batch of prototypes.
Osiris designed the first-generation product to resemble a specialized grenade, a style that prioritized combat convenience. An EVA simply had to attach it to a standard interface on its external restraint cage and use it just like throwing a conventional grenade.
This weapon, designated the "Cherub-I" Grenade, featured a streamlined exterior and was loaded with precisely calibrated catalytic particles, activated via a simple delayed fuse.
In the latest internal demonstration, the test round exploded in a soft, brilliant azure glow upon contact, completely breaking down the Angel biological tissue used as a target. The effect was highly impressive.
However, the weapon had a crucial limitation: its use still required the EVA to first neutralize the Angel's AT Field.
As Ritsuko Akagi pointed out in her assessment report: "The 'Cherub's Sword' is essentially a close-quarters auxiliary weapon. It cannot penetrate the AT Field defense independently. To maximize its effectiveness, it must be used at close range the instant the field is neutralized."
This limitation caused Misato Katsuragi to frown during tactical planning. "So, Shinji and the others still have to engage the Angels in dangerous, close-contact combat first." She watched the demo footage of Unit-01 throwing the grenade, her voice heavy with concern.
"That is correct," Osiris conceded openly during the project briefing. "The current catalytic particles lack the ability to penetrate the AT Field. Think of it less like a cannon and more like a dagger that requires the enemy's armor to be opened first."
He immediately proposed the direction for improvement: "The focus of the next generation of research will be developing a special carrier capable of resonating with the AT Field, allowing the particles to permeate the field defense to some extent."
This design characteristic elicited mixed reactions within NERV.
When reviewing the report, Gendo Ikari seemed unconcerned by this "flaw," instead instructing the project to continue its current trajectory. The elders of SEELE, communicating via encrypted channels, indicated that such a restriction was "well within acceptable limits."
Meanwhile, on the training ground, Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami were conducting adaptability drills with the new equipment. Shinji carefully attached the "Cherub's Sword" grenade to the restraint cage on Unit-01's waist, practicing the motions of quick retrieval and throw repeatedly.
His hesitant voice came over the comm channel: "At least... it's safer than charging in directly with the Progressive Knife, right?"
In Unit-00's Entry Plug nearby, Rei Ayanami quietly observed Shinji's training. Hearing his low murmur, she spoke calmly: "Ikari-kun."
"Ah, yes!" Shinji responded instinctively.
"When using this weapon," Rei's voice was as flat as ever, but her words made Shinji slightly stunned, "I will hold the line against the attack ahead of you."
Rei continued in her uninflected tone: "Unit-00 will be responsible for neutralizing the Angel's AT Field. At that point, you can throw the weapon."
"But... Rei, that puts you in serious danger—" Shinji's voice was filled with worry. He clearly remembered how hazardous breaching the AT Field at close range had been in previous battles.
After a brief silence, Rei's voice returned over the comms: "It is the most effective tactic." She paused, seemingly considering her next words, and then added: "I will protect you, Ikari-kun."
The statement left Shinji completely speechless. In his experience, Rei had never so explicitly expressed an intention to protect someone. Although her tone remained neutral, the words themselves transcended the mere scope of tactical planning.
"Th-thank you—" Shinji stammered in response. "Then... I will protect you too, Rei."
Silence fell over the communication channel, but Unit-00 slightly tilted its head, seemingly glancing in the direction of Unit-01. This subtle action was clearly captured by the training ground monitoring system.
In the Observation Room, Ritsuko Akagi watched the training data and battle feed on the screen, whispering to Misato Katsuragi beside her: "Is this design flaw simply a technical limitation, or was it an intentional choice by Dr. Osiris?"
Misato did not answer, merely staring at the silhouettes of the two EVAs training in coordination, her expression complex.
With the formal deployment of the first "Cherub's Sword" grenades, NERV's tactical options were certainly richer, but everyone understood that the true decider of the battle would remain that dangerous, close-quarters dance between the EVAs and the Angels.
Osiris, meanwhile, had already begun planning the R&D for the second-generation product. The new objective he had tentatively named "Penetrating Carrier" was quietly undergoing preliminary experiments in his Ninth Institute laboratory.
Just as the two projects seemed to be advancing smoothly, NERV's alert system blared abruptly.
A massive energy signature was rapidly approaching from the distance. On the radar screen, a blue crystalline object, rapidly shifting geometric forms, was breaking through the clouds and heading straight for Tokyo-3.
"Sixth Angel identified! Codename Ramiel!" The controller's voice in the command center was tight. "Predicted ultimate target is NERV Headquarters!"
Misato Katsuragi immediately snapped into command mode, her eyes sharp as she scanned the data on the screen. "It's here, as expected—all units, shift to Level-One combat configuration! Unit-01, Unit-00, prepare to launch!"
In the underground launch bay, the Entry Plugs were being rapidly inserted into the EVA cockpits. Shinji gripped the controls tightly, feeling the LCL fluid engulf his body, his breathing quickening involuntarily.
Misato's instructions came through the comm channel: "Shinji, Rei, the Angel is approaching. Follow the predetermined strategy: Unit-01 for the main attack, Unit-00 for support and assisting with AT Field breach. New equipment is mounted; confirm status."
"Unit-01, ready." Shinji tried to keep his voice steady.
"Unit-00, ready." Rei's voice was, as always, utterly calm, betraying no ripple of emotion.
At the Ninth Institute above ground, Osiris also received the battle information through an internal line. He stood by the institute's observation window, looking out at the ominous speck of light rapidly closing in on the sky, a calculated gleam flashing in his eyes.
He spoke calmly into his comm unit: "The 'Cherub's Sword' prototypes have been issued. This is the optimal opportunity to gather real-world combat data."
Concurrently, deep within NERV Headquarters, Gendo Ikari sat rigidly in the command seat, his orange glasses reflecting the oppressive silhouette of Ramiel on the main screen.
Deputy Commander Fuyutsuki stood next to him, speaking softly: "It has finally arrived. This will also be a perfect chance to test 'that.'"
Gendo gave no response, merely crossing his hands beneath his chin, frozen like a statue.
Above the city, Ramiel's massive body—a pulsating structure composed of countless blue octahedrons—was clearly visible. Its core pulsed with a heart-stopping glow, and destructive energy gathered within it.
The battle was about to begin.