Chapter 544: Losing Unit-02
Ultimately, under Ryo's persistent stance and strong arguments, NERV's higher-ups adopted a compromise and relatively fair solution: a standardized practical combat evaluation for Asuka and Mari.
The results of the evaluation—particularly the comprehensive score and the stability of the synchronization rate—would serve as the key basis for determining the final piloting rights of Unit-02.
Since Asuka was the returning pilot and her prior piloting experience was heavily concentrated on Unit-02, according to the testing protocol, she was required to pilot the newly repaired Unit-03, whose performance parameters were not yet fully clear, for the evaluation. Meanwhile, Mari continued to pilot Unit-02, which she had already become basicly familiar with.
This arrangement filled Asuka with a strong sense of injustice and resentment. In her eyes, this was no different from forcing a swordsman accustomed to using their right hand to suddenly switch to their left hand to duel an opponent who was using their dominant hand.
She expressed her intense dissatisfaction to Ryo in private, believing it severely hindered her performance.
After listening to her complaints, Ryo did not echo them but comforted her with a calm, rational attitude: "This is a procedurally necessary step, meant to assess your adaptability and core qualities under non-ideal conditions. We have already mastered Unit-03's baseline performance; it is by no means inferior. The key lies in whether you can swiftly establish a connection with an unfamiliar machine and perform stably. This, in itself, is a proof of your capability. Focus on piloting; forget whether you are driving Unit-03 or Unit-02, and just treat it as an EVA."
His words carried a convincing calmness, dissolving a portion of the anxiety Asuka had developed due to the unfair external conditions. Although still indignant in her heart, she accepted this reality, turning her attention toward learning the operational characteristics of Unit-03 as quickly as possible.
On the day of the evaluation, within the designated simulated combat zone, the two EVAs stood facing each other from a distance.
The black-painted Unit-03, under Asuka's control, moved with slight awkwardness; it was clear she was still adapting to the feedback of this new machine. On the other hand, the red-painted Unit-02, piloted by Mari, appeared significantly more fluid and natural.
Ryo, alongside relevant personnel from NERV's Tactical Evaluation Department and the Technology Development Department, watched the entire evaluation process from the observation center. On the massive screens, various data points for both machines were displayed in real-time: energy output, maneuver trajectories, weapon response speeds, and the most critical component—the synchronization rate curves.
Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami also arrived at the observation area. Shinji appeared somewhat tense, his hands clenching unconsciously as his gaze remained tightly fixed on the data stream representing Asuka and Unit-03. Rei stood quietly to the side, her red eyes calmly watching the screen, occasionally glancing at Shinji beside her.
"Asuka, do your best!" Shinji couldn't help but mutter under his breath. Though his voice wasn't loud, it sounded exceptionally clear within the relatively quiet observation area.
The evaluation content encompassed a series of standard tactical maneuver drills, simulated target shooting, and a final, restricted-condition confrontation exercise.
In the early stages, Unit-03 under Asuka's control did indeed exhibit slightly lower movement efficiency and accuracy compared to Unit-02 under Mari's control due to adaptation issues, and her synchronization curve showed minor fluctuations. However, as the evaluation progressed, she gradually found her rhythm. Unit-03's movements became fluid, and she displayed a fierce combat style that was no inferior to her past self, particularly during the close-quarters melee exercises.
Nevertheless, Mari's performance remained consistently stable. Her cooperation with Unit-02 appeared more seamless, her long-range shooting precision was exceptionally high, and her tactical choices were flexible and varied.
Ryo silently recorded the various data points, focusing not only on Asuka's performance but also meticulously analyzing the coordination pattern between Mari and Unit-02. For him, this evaluation was likewise a valuable opportunity to gather interaction data between different pilots and EVAs.
Ultimately, the evaluation concluded after the simulated confrontation ended. With the data collection complete, the final score computation and synchronization stability analysis required time to process. Under official orders, the two EVAs ceased all movements, standing silently on the testing grounds.
When Asuka emerged from Unit-03's Entry Plug, her face bore a trace of exhaustion, but her eyes held mostly indignation and dissatisfaction with her own performance. Shinji and Rei walked up to greet her, with Shinji asking softly about how things went.
Ryo shifted his gaze from the data screens, looking at Asuka as she returned from the simulated battlefield. It was obvious that Asuka also knew her performance in the evaluation had been less than perfect.
Following the data computation and a comprehensive review by the evaluation committee, the final results of the evaluation were officially announced: Mari had secured a victory by a narrow margin in the overall score and synchronization stability.
According to the pre-established rules, she would continue to serve as the official pilot of EVA Unit-02. Meanwhile, Asuka was designated as the pilot of the repaired EVA Unit-03.
For Asuka, who possessed immense pride and had always viewed Unit-02 as her personal symbol and glory, this result was undoubtedly a devastating blow. Although Ryo had anticipated it through the real-time data beforehand, the official announcement still caused Asuka's emotions to instantly plummet to rock bottom. She felt an unprecedented sense of loss, frustration, and a fierce resentment born from being replaced and invalidated. She locked herself in her room, refusing to communicate with anyone, coldly shutting out even the concern offered by Misato Katsuragi and Shinji Ikari.
Upon learning of the results and Asuka's reaction, Ryo took the initiative to seek her out. He did not choose a public area filled with prying eyes, but instead intercepted her during a seemingly accidental encounter in the corridor leading to the simulated training grounds.
Seeing him, Asuka subconsciously tried to avoid him, but Ryo stepped in front of her. Her eyes were somewhat red, yet she stubbornly forced herself not to show weakness, turning her head to the side.
"I am already aware of the results," Ryo cut straight to the chase, his tone calm and lacking any pity or regret, sounding more like he was stating an objective fact. "This is not entirely your fault. Piloting an unfamiliar machine inherently impacts performance. Pilot Mari's compatibility with Unit-02 did indeed exceed expectations."
"So what! Unit-02 was originally mine!" Asuka snapped her head back around, her voice carrying suppressed fury and grievance.
"Regulations and evaluation results must be respected; that is the foundation of an organization's operation." Ryo did not refute her emotional outburst but offered a new perspective along the lines of her words. "But this does not mean you lack value, nor does it mean Unit-03 can only be a second choice."
He held her gaze, his tone becoming more focused, as if explaining an important technical project: "In fact, the repair of Unit-03 is merely the first phase. I still have a series of deeper optimization and modification concepts for it, which could not be fully implemented before due to time constraints. These concepts include further elevating its biological coordination, optimizing its energy utilization efficiency, and... adapting a truly complete, full-system combat armament that surpasses the current foundational 'Cherubim' models."
He paused slightly, allowing Asuka to digest this information, before continuing: "These tests and improvements require a pilot who is intimately familiar with EVA combat and whom I can fully trust to cooperate with me. Pilot Mari is certainly outstanding, but she is a newcomer after all, and I require absolutely reliable sources for many of the deep-layer test data. In this regard, you are far more suitable than her. Having you assist me in completing Unit-03's ultimate upgrade holds far more significance than having you drive a Unit-02 that has already been finalized and requires little to no tuning."