Chapter 540: An Unexpected Delight
Sending a crucial biological sample back to the Warhammer world via the dimensional communicator, allowing the main body to use it as a foundation to modulate a brand-new EVA belonging entirely to "Chen Yu," was undoubtedly the most ideal scheme.
However, if this process were delayed due to an accident, or could not be completed in time before "that event" took place, then an EVA unit—one into which he had already pre-implanted specific technical backdoors, and whose system logic he understood to a certain extent and could even exert influence upon—would become a crucial backup chip in his hand.
Unit-03, currently under repair with relatively centralized supervision and opportunities for internal modification, was undeniably the best target for this backup plan.
As for the Dummy System inside Unit-03 that Chen Yu had previously analyzed in depth, its threat level was significantly lowered within his evaluation framework.
This system might be an inescapable shackle for a young pilot like Shinji Ikari, whose mind was not yet mature and who was easily swayed by external directives.
But in the eyes of Chen Yu and his main body, this system was essentially nothing more than an auxiliary control system with a certain degree of complexity, its core logic lying in simulating the pilot's personality and taking over control authority.
Chen Yu had full confidence that based on his deep understanding of the system's underlying code and interface mechanisms, combined with his own psionic means that surpassed the conventional norms of this world and the technical countermeasures he might obtain from the Warhammer world, he was completely capable of ensuring that this system could not pose a threat to the pilot he designated.
In his planning, the positioning of the Dummy System could be reversed.
When needed, it could become an auxiliary tool to share the pilot's mental load and elevate the sync rate, bearing part of the neural pressure and combat pain for the pilot.
As for its "replace control" function, it could only activate when Chen Yu needed it to activate; otherwise, it would remain in a monitored and suppressed state at all times.
The repair work continued, and Unit-03's silhouette grew more complete day by day.
In NERV's records, this was a successful technical repair and limited innovation project overseen by Dr. Chen Yu.
Yet within Chen Yu's blueprint, it was a covert modification and pre-emptive deployment aimed at a critical strategic asset.
While steadily advancing his primary task of obtaining the core biological samples, he patiently wove his own second layer of network over Unit-03, adding a heavy chip to deal with the oncoming storm.
The superb technical capability displayed by Chen Yu during the repair process of Unit-03, along with his seemingly reasonable yet faintly unconventional "technical verifications," though mostly digested within NERV's technical discussion framework, still caught the attention of some exceptionally sharp-scented individuals.
Ryoji Kaji, a dual or even multiple spy with a complex identity who superficially drifted between NERV and the Japanese government, was one of them.
On a seemingly accidental evening, Kaji "happened upon" Chen Yu, who was preparing to return to his office, in a relatively quiet corridor of the Headquarters.
With his usual slightly frivolous yet inscrutable smile plastered on his face, he stepped forward to start a conversation.
"Dr. Chen Yu, you've really been working hard lately. I hear the repair progress on Unit-03 is very ideal, all thanks to your efforts." Kaji's tone was relaxed, like ordinary pleasantries between colleagues.
Chen Yu stopped his steps, looked at Kaji with a calm gaze, and nodded: "Just doing my duty, Mr. Kaji."
"Speaking of which, Doctor, your research field is truly broad. From marine ecological restoration to cutting-edge weapon development, and then to the deep repair of EVAs, there doesn't seem to be a field you aren't proficient in." Kaji chatted seemingly casually, but the gaze behind his lenses carried a trace of unnoticeable scrutiny. "For a talent like you to choose to stay at NERV is truly humanity's good fortune."
Hearing this, Chen Yu's face showed no ripples, only responding faintly: "Science is inherently whole, and different fields often have points to draw from. As for the choice... everyone has a reason they must stay, don't they, Mr. Kaji?"
He deliberately paused slightly on the title "Mr. Kaji," before turning the topic slightly, his tone still steady but carrying a sense of insight: "Just like you, you don't seem content with merely serving as a megaphone between NERV and the government. Your curiosity, as well as certain... actions exceeding your scope of duties, are also deeply impressive."
These words were like a precise scalpel, gently slicing open Kaji's disguise.
The smile on Kaji's face remained unchanged, but the casualness deep in his eyes instantly vanished, turning sharp.
Chen Yu didn't call out any of his specific identities, but this phrase "actions exceeding your scope of duties" was enough to show that Chen Yu was absolutely not the surface-level scholar who only knew technology; he knew about him, and to no shallow degree.
A brief silence spread between the two.
The lights at the top of the corridor cast a cold white aura, reflecting two faces that were equally calm yet harbored their own thoughts.
"It seems you are even more... sharp than I imagined, Doctor." Kaji finally spoke again, the frivolity in his tone receding significantly, replaced by an equal, probing seriousness. "In that case, we can perhaps skip some unnecessary beating around the bush."
"I believe that is a wise decision," Chen Yu agreed.
Both of them knew clearly that the other was absolutely not purely loyal to either NERV or SEELE. Chen Yu's technical pathway and certain behavioral logics were incompatible with this world, while Kaji's multiple identities and covert activities also proved he had other designs. Under this subtle awareness, continuing to disguise and probe each other was no longer necessary and might instead increase unneeded risks.
"I am very interested in certain... 'truths'." Kaji chose his wording carefully. "And you, Doctor, also seem to be searching for certain... specific 'answers' or 'items'."
"I can provide some... information you might be interested in," Chen Yu didn't directly admit it, but his words left sufficient space. "In exchange, I also hope to understand some 'background dynamics' that cannot be acquired through public channels."
There was no explicit agreement, no blood-oath ceremony.
In this deserted corridor, two men who well knew the other was absolutely not simple achieved a tacit understanding through a few lines of dialogue filled with subtext.
Limited sharing of intelligence, and a potential, informal cooperative relationship under specific circumstances.
They needed each other—Kaji needed Chen Yu's technical insight and potential access to core information to piece together the truth, while Chen Yu needed Kaji's eyes and ears spread everywhere and his deep understanding of the internal power struggles within NERV and SEELE to evade risks and more effectively achieve his own goals.
"Well then, good luck to you, Doctor," Kaji smiled at last, this time with a bit less disguise and a bit more substantive meaning in his smile.
"Likewise, Mr. Kaji," Chen Yu nodded slightly.
The two passed each other, walking in different directions.
A brief contact, yet it could stir unexpected waves in the future.
On Chen Yu's chessboard, another piece had been added—one that was uncontrolled, but perhaps capable of bringing unexpected delights.
And on Kaji's road of exploration, a mysterious and powerful source of technology had also appeared, capable of providing critical clues.
This tacit understanding, built on mutual utility and cautious wariness, quietly formed beneath the massive iceberg that was NERV.