Chapter 532: Promotion
At the evaluation meeting attended by Ritsuko Akagi, Misato Katsuragi, and several heads of the weapon development departments, Ryo stood before the presentation stage, calmly explaining his new concept.
"Based on the successful application of the 'Cherubim-Type I' grenade in close combat, and its demonstrated specific decomposition efficacy on the Angel's biological tissue, I believe we can elevate its combat mode from high-risk close combat to a safer, more efficient ultra-long-range precision strike level."
On the holographic projection screen behind him, the structural diagram of the Positron Cannon's massive launch device was displayed, alongside a disassembled model of the "Cherubim-Type I" grenade.
"My proposal is to develop a special warhead based on the 'Cherubim' catalytic particles, utilizing the existing and verified Positron Cannon launch platform for ultra-long-range projection."
A low murmur of discussion echoed through the conference room. This idea boldly linked two entirely different weapon systems together.
Ritsuko Akagi pushed up her glasses, raising the first technical objection: "Dr. Ryo, the essence of the Positron Cannon is to gather massive electrical energy to form a high-energy particle beam for physical penetration and energy destruction. Your catalytic particles, however, operate on a mechanism more inclined to induce specific biochemical disintegration in the target. There is a fundamental difference in their energy forms and operating principles. How can they be compatible?"
"We are not directly making the energy forms compatible," Ryo calmly switched the projection screen, which now displayed a complex diagram of superimposed energy fields. "My concept is to use the extreme energy field gathered at the muzzle when the Positron Cannon fires as a 'carrier' and an 'initial velocity bestowing device'."
He pointed to the core part of the diagram: "We can design a special warhead whose external structure can withstand the extreme environment at the moment of launch, while its interior encapsulates high-concentration, highly stable 'Cherubim' catalytic particles. When the Positron Cannon fires, the powerful energy field will envelop and propel this solid warhead, giving it an initial velocity and range far exceeding conventional weapons."
Misato Katsuragi crossed her arms, her gaze sharp: "What about the A.T. Field, then? The Positron Cannon itself cannot directly penetrate the Angel's Absolute Terror Field, and still requires the EVA to neutralize the field first. Your proposal doesn't seem to solve this fundamental problem."
"That is exactly the crucial second part," Ryo switched the screen again, displaying a simulated animation of A.T. Fields interfering with each other. "When the Positron Cannon focuses its energy, the muzzle area itself generates an extremely powerful energy field. We can specially treat the surface of the special warhead so that in its terminal flight phase, it can briefly simulate, or even locally amplify, the characteristics of this energy field."
He looked at Misato Katsuragi and Ritsuko Akagi: "When the warhead reaches the target area, relying on its carried, modulated energy field, and cooperating with the A.T. Field neutralization operation performed by an EVA on the other side, it can more efficiently and rapidly tear open a gap for the warhead to penetrate. There is even a theoretical possibility that when the specificity of the catalytic particles perfectly combines with this simulated energy field, it can produce a sort of 'resonant collapse' effect on the A.T. Field itself. Of course, this requires subsequent experimental verification."
He summarized: "In short, the core of this proposal lies in: utilizing the Positron Cannon platform to solve the delivery problem; utilizing the characteristics of the catalytic particles to solve the lethality and pollution problems; and utilizing energy field simulation technology to optimize or even partially replace the EVA's role in breaking through the A.T. Field, thereby reducing pilot risk. The goal is to realize a weapon system capable of precise, highly efficient, and 'harmless' sniping of Angels from an ultra-long distance."
The conference room fell into deep thought.
Ryo's proposal was not an absurd fantasy but a reasonable extension and integration based on existing technological foundations. Combining the lethal characteristics of the "Sword of Cherubim" with the Positron Cannon's range and the EVA's field-neutralizing capabilities formed a complete, more advantageous kill chain.
Ritsuko Akagi rapidly deduced the technical feasibility in her mind, especially regarding the two technical difficulties: the warhead withstanding the launch energy and simulating the force field.
Misato Katsuragi scrutinized the plan from a tactical perspective. If successful, this meant a revolutionary change in the tactics used against the Angels. EVAs would no longer need to engage in dangerous close-quarters melee combat every time; they could provide support and deliver a fatal blow from a safer distance, vastly reducing pilot risk and combat pressure.
"This is a... highly attractive direction, Dr. Ryo," Ritsuko Akagi finally spoke, her tone carrying cautious approval. "But there are multiple high-difficulty challenges on the path to technical realization, especially regarding the materials science and energy field simulation technology for the special warhead."
"I understand," Ryo nodded. "This requires deep collaboration between the Technology Development Department and the Weapons Department, as well as support from higher-level materials science and energy manipulation laboratories. But the potential benefits are worth investing resources to overcome."
Misato Katsuragi took a deep breath and looked at Ritsuko Akagi; the two exchanged a glance. They both knew that once this plan succeeded, it would completely change NERV's combat mode.
"The proposal holds great value," Misato Katsuragi stated on behalf of the Tactical Operations Department. "We need a more detailed technical feasibility report and a preliminary R&D timeline."
"I will submit them as soon as possible," Ryo responded calmly.
As the meeting concluded, a new weapon R&D project, possibly codenamed "Spear of Cherubim" or something similar, quietly entered the sights of NERV's higher-ups. Relying on his continuous technological innovations, Ryo was step-by-step steering this world's means of resistance towards a direction he could foresee and control.
The "Special Warhead Integrated Positron Cannon" proposal submitted by Ryo, with its clear tactical value and clever grafting onto the existing technological system, rapidly passed the joint review of NERV's Technical Review Committee and Tactical Requirements Committee.
The project was officially established under the codename "Cherubim-Type II," with its R&D priority set at Level A, enjoying resource allocation rights second only to the EVA main body maintenance and the Lance of Longinus research projects.
Following this was a clear elevation of Ryo's status within NERV's technological hierarchy.
A personnel appointment document signed by Gendo Ikari confirmed his identity as the "Chief Senior Advisor of the Special Technology Development Headquarters" concurrently serving as the "Chief Designer of the Cherubim Series Weapon Systems."
This meant that nominally, he became the technical official with a status second only to Dr. Ritsuko Akagi within the Technology Development Department. He had the right to participate in most non-core top-secret technical meetings, access massive amounts of unrestricted research materials, and directly lead several crucial laboratories, including the ultra-high-energy materials and directed-energy carrier laboratory specifically established for the "Cherubim-Type I" project.