As the main hostilities on the Kelber continent subsided, the Iron Hounds Legion and the EVA tactical squad began their transition to the pre-designated rear assembly areas. Heavy transport vehicles and engineering units entered the battlefield to recover damaged equipment, collect the wounded, and begin preliminary clearing operations.
The three EVA Titans followed the Iron Hounds' formation, their heavy strides echoing across a landscape carpeted in wreckage and scorched earth. Unlike the bow-string tension of their arrival, this march carried the solemnity and exhaustion of victory.
Upon reaching the temporarily established reinforced landing pads, the three EVA Titans were guided into designated maintenance bays by Tech-priests and servitors. Thick energy conduits and maintenance gantries quickly connected to the units, beginning post-war diagnostic checks and energy replenishment.
Shinji Ikari, Asuka, and Rei Ayanami emerged from their entry plugs in sequence. The prolonged, high-intensity neural synchronization and LCL immersion left all three showing visible signs of fatigue. Shinji was pale, his steps unsteady, needing to lean against the hatch wall to keep his balance. Though Asuka's eyes remained bright, a lingering weariness sat between her brows as she stretched her stiff neck. Rei followed quietly, her expression as placid as ever, though her movements were slightly more sluggish than usual.
Osiris (the Second Avatar) was already waiting outside the maintenance area. Still clad in his Tartaros-pattern Terminator armor, the crimson optical lenses of his helmet swept over the three, quickly assessing their physiological states.
"Preliminary medical data shows your vital signs are stable, fatigue is within expected parameters, and there are no serious physiological injuries," his approving voice sounded steadily. "You have done well. The success of this decapitation strike directly led to the total collapse of the Ork army, yielding significant strategic value."
His gaze lingered on Asuka for a moment. "Pilot Asuka, the timing and positioning of the final blow to the fortress were handled perfectly."
Asuka straightened her chest, her face unable to hide her triumph, though she still let out a snort. "Of course! A mission of this level is a piece of cake!"
Shinji added softly, "Everyone... worked very hard. Rei and Asuka's cover... was also very important."
Rei merely gave a slight nod, remaining silent.
Osiris offered no further evaluation, instead saying, "Go to the recovery area for deep rest. Detailed mission reports and data debriefings will take place after you have recovered." He gestured for the standby medical servitors to come forward and lead the three to the well-equipped rest chambers prepared for them.
With the pilots settled, Osiris turned his attention to the preliminary damage assessment reports for the EVA Titans. The Tech-priests had completed external scans and basic system checks.
"Red Unit-01: Minor external armor abrasions and scorch marks, primarily on the front and legs. The Volcano Cannon system requires replacement of certain energy conduits and cooling units due to overload. Overall structural integrity: 98.7%, excellent."
"Violet Unit-02: The A.T. Field generator load approached critical levels at one point, requiring deep calibration and cooling. Multiple dents and scorch marks from ballistic impact and explosions on the external armor; minor deformation on the left shoulder plate. Void Shield generator stable. Overall structural integrity: 97.1%, good."
"Blue Unit-03: External armor intact; energy weapon systems operating normally with minor wear. Sensor arrays and fire control systems require standard maintenance. Overall structural integrity: 99.2%, superb."
The results met Osiris' expectations. In such high-intensity combat, the three EVA Titans demonstrated extreme reliability and survivability. In particular, the dual-protection system—A.T. Field and Void Shields—showed staggering effectiveness in defending against Ork Gargant main cannons and concentrated heavy fire.
"Maintain and repair according to the highest standards. Replace all consumable components immediately," Osiris instructed the presiding Tech-priest.
"By your will, Lord Astartes," the Tech-priest bowed and immediately began directing servitors and servo-skulls into more meticulous inspections.
At that moment, the familiar, booming voice of Princeps Olaf came from behind. "Lord Astartes!"
Osiris turned to see Olaf striding toward him. The Princeps had swapped his Titan flight suit for a lighter commander's uniform, his face glowing with irrepressible excitement and a hint of relief.
"Princeps Olaf," Osiris nodded slightly.
"Unbelievable! Simply unbelievable!" Olaf reached Osiris and gestured excitedly, his eyes frequently darting toward the three EVAs under maintenance. "I knew they were strong—the training data was impressive enough! But real combat... real combat is the true touchstone! Did you see that? That mobility! That firepower! And that god-awful defense! My Iron Fang would shudder from a single hit from that Gargant, but that violet fellow actually held it head-on for so long!"
His tone was full of unshielded admiration. "And that final move! The red one charged in and melted that iron turtle shell in one shot! Clean and decisive! That is a true decapitation strike. It's a completely different concept from our Titans slowly hammering away with heavy fire!"
Osiris listened quietly to Olaf's excited narration, his optical lenses flickering slightly as he recorded the man's reaction. Olaf took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions, though his eyes remained fervent.
"Lord Astartes, in the name of the highest commander of the Iron Hounds for this operation, I once again offer my highest respect and gratitude to you and your EVA tactical squad! Your participation not only drastically reduced our potential losses but also pushed a campaign that could have turned into a long war of attrition toward a decisive victory in a very short time!"
He paused, his tone becoming more formal. "I have already ordered the staff to draft a detailed report of this joint operation with the highest priority. In this report, I will emphasize without reservation the decisive role played by the EVA Titans—especially their precision decapitation capability in high-risk environments, unparalleled battlefield mobility, and superior survivability. This report, along with the full battlefield records, will be delivered at maximum speed to Legion Headquarters and... the High Command of the Collegia Titanica."
This was exactly the result Osiris wanted. He responded calmly, "I thank Princeps Olaf for his objective evaluation. The value of the EVA Titans can only be fully realized within a suitable tactical framework. The successful coordination with the Iron Hounds proves this. We look forward to deeper cooperation in the future."
"Of course! Without a doubt!" Olaf promised immediately. "The doors of the Iron Hounds are always open to you and your God-Machines! I believe the Legion leadership, and even the Lords of the Collegia Titanica, will take a great interest in the EVA Titans after seeing this report. This will be a new starting point for our cooperation!"
After a few more words regarding the subsequent battlefield cleanup and unit rest arrangements, Princeps Olaf took his leave, eager to oversee the drafting of the report.
Osiris (the Second Avatar) stood in place, watching Olaf's departing figure. Then, through an encrypted consciousness link, he synchronized the preliminary results of the operation, Olaf's reaction, and the EVA damage assessments with his original body on Mars.
The stream of information transmitted silently. Moments later, the feedback from the main body arrived.
"The operation results meet the optimal expectations. The combat data is of immense value, fully validating the adaptability of the EVA Titans in complex battlefield environments and the feasibility of coordination with existing Imperial forces. The Iron Hounds' positive evaluation is a critical political asset. Begin comprehensive data analysis immediately to optimize unit performance and tactical protocols. Simultaneously, prepare to handle the attention and inquiries from the Collegia Titanica and even higher levels of the Adeptus Mechanicus. The next step: consider demonstrating more technical details in a limited capacity to secure a firmer alliance and resource priority."
"I understand," the Second Avatar replied.
He severed the consciousness link and turned his gaze back to the three giants undergoing maintenance. Crimson, violet, and ice-blue; they stood silent under the lights of the maintenance bays, as if gathering strength for the next unknown challenge.
The campaign for Veldan III was drawing to a close, but the ripples caused by it were only just beginning to spread.