A long silence fell over the meeting room.
The information was too shocking; it had shattered their existing cognitive framework. A traveler from another world? It sounded like something straight out of a science fiction novel. But when they considered the incredible technologies Osiris had demonstrated—especially the powerful EVA-Titan—this seemingly absurd explanation became the most logical possibility.
Kaji Ryoji was the first to break the silence. He took a deep breath, his tone complex. "This is truly... an astounding truth that far exceeds my entire intelligence network. So, Doctor, what is the purpose of your honesty at this moment?"
"To propose a formal cooperation," Osiris looked at the three of them. "I, personally, and the... scientific entity I represent, am willing to establish a stable cooperative relationship with WILLE. We will provide technical assistance and necessary military support to help you combat SEELE and stabilize the situation of this world. In return, we hope to conduct deeper and more legitimate research into the unique phenomena of this world, particularly the technologies related to EVAs and Angels."
Katsuragi Misato and Akagi Ritsuko exchanged a look.
After the initial shock came a rapid weighing of pros and cons. An ally from another world possessing technology beyond their own was undoubtedly a massive boon in the fight against SEELE. However, the risks of such cooperation were equally immense. What was the other party's ultimate goal? Would they become a new threat in the future?
Yet, the harsh reality was laid bare before them. WILLE had only just established its footing, beset by internal and external troubles, and the threat of SEELE was imminent. Any power that could increase their chances of survival was precious.
"We need to confirm the sincerity of your cooperation, as well as the specific details of your technical support," Misato finally spoke, her voice regaining its calm, commanding tone.
"Fair enough," Osiris nodded. "I will demonstrate my sincerity first."
Under the watchful gaze of Misato and the others through surveillance screens, the massive wreckage of the Mass-Production units was enveloped in a ghostly blue light. Then, as if erased by an eraser, they vanished silently, teleported back to his main base in the Warhammer world.
"The first batch of 'samples' has been sent. My faction will analyze them and assess what kind of technology would be most effective to provide," Osiris explained.
A few days later, through a dimensional communicator, an encrypted and translated technical data package was transmitted to WILLE's technical center. The team led by Akagi Ritsuko worked through the night to parse it, and the results left them exhilarated.
The package included blueprints for several high-efficiency compact power cores (with energy densities far exceeding NERV's current technology), several enhancement schemes for ballistic and energy weaponry (applicable to existing EVAs and fortifications), and a rudimentary schematic for a device named a "Matter Replicator" (capable of replicating basic non-living materials with relatively low energy consumption, greatly easing the resource pressure of reconstruction and supply).
These technologies were not gifted as finished products but as viable theoretical frameworks and key manufacturing processes—exactly what WILLE needed most urgently.
In exchange, after intense internal discussion and strict scrutiny, WILLE opened a portion of its non-core but still highly valuable EVA research data to Osiris. This included partial characteristic analysis of EVA biological tissue, basic theoretical models of A.T. Fields, and early observation data of the S2 Engine (the Angelic power core).
A cross-dimensional cooperation based on real-world needs was thus preliminarily achieved. Although the foundation of trust remained fragile, a common enemy and the need for survival had temporarily linked two unrelated world powers together.
While the establishment of the cooperation framework brought hope to WILLE, individual trauma required time to heal.
The days of high-pressure combat and the subversive revelations of the truth had left the two young EVA pilots in a state of depression. Asuka, though still forcing herself to carry out patrol and training missions, had clearly lost much of her former bravado and vitality. She often spent time alone in the hangar, staring blankly at the white Unit-03, or gazing at the devastated ruins of the city during her breaks, her eyes filled with an unmistakable weariness and confusion.
The meaning of combat and her own value seemed to have become blurred after learning of SEELE's conspiracy and NERV's darkness.
Osiris found her in Unit-03's hangar after a routine technical inspection. Asuka was sitting on a high maintenance platform, her legs dangling in the air as she looked down at the silent white giant below.
"Still thinking about the Mass-Production units?" Osiris walked to her side, his voice peaceful.
Asuka didn't turn her head, merely whispering, "Doctor... does everything we do really have any meaning? Even if we defeat SEELE, this world... it has already become like this."
She stopped herself, but Osiris understood her unspoken words. EVA and Angels shared a common origin; the power itself was filled with contradiction and original sin. She gestured toward the window. "And the power we use to fight, the EVA, it is also..."
"Meaning is not inherent; it is bestowed by the actor," Osiris looked at Unit-03 below. "You prevented Lilith's awakening, you protected the headquarters, and you annihilated the incoming enemies. These are things you tangibly achieved. SEELE wants to strip humanity of the right to choose, and your battle is precisely to protect that right. As for the power of EVA—a tool itself has no good or evil; what matters is the will that wields it."
These words flowed like a warm current into the cold and lost lake of Asuka's heart. He didn't comfort her with empty platitudes but affirmed her actions and value.
He paused and looked at Asuka. "The choices you make, the efforts you put in, the things you protect—these are what define the meaning of your existence. It is not determined by your origin or the machine you pilot. You have done very well, Asuka. You are far stronger than you imagine."
She lifted her head to look at Osiris, a spark of life seemingly returning to her eyes.
However, not long after Asuka's spirits had slightly improved, an even greater storm struck her.
While Akagi Ritsuko's technical team was thoroughly sorting through the Central Dogma databases and facilities, they inevitably touched upon areas classified as top secret. This included a partially destroyed "Rei Ayanami" clone cultivation unit deep within Central Dogma.
During a data synchronization and briefing meeting, a remnant file regarding the "Shikinami Series" was accidentally displayed on the tactical briefing screen due to a system correlation—and Asuka was present.
The file clearly bore the designation "Shikinami Asuka Langley" along with an explanation of her being part of the "Qualified Subject Backup Plan." Beside it was a static image of another "Asuka" in a cultivation tank—someone with a nearly identical appearance but with hollow, empty eyes.