EVA: Daybreak

But... when it came to the heart, even Ritsuko Akagi felt a heat building in her chest as she looked at Gendo Ikari.

> "I see... So that's how it is. Now I'm truly curious to see just how brightly this student, Ryota Kitazawa, will shine in the end."

Gendo gave a faint smile at the end of Ritsuko's report, then lowered his eyes again to the documents on his desk.

Seeing him resume his work, the light in Ritsuko's eyes dimmed slightly.

> This man... I've watched him for so many years.

And I'll keep watching him—just as I always have.

> Whatever Gendo Ikari desires, I will help him obtain.

Whatever goal he chases, I will help him realize.

But as for what she wanted...

> When would she ever truly possess it?

---

> "All stations prepare. We're initiating Phase Two of the test."

Facing the towering mass of Evangelion Unit-01, one of the technicians gave a wry smile as he issued the command.

The shock of Ryota Kitazawa's earlier performance still lingered in everyone's minds. Some staff hadn't even recovered yet.

As for Toji Suzuhara and the others, they were completely speechless at the sight of the colossal Evangelion.

They'd been surprised again and again on this journey—

But this... this was something else.

Because the Evangelion program was classified, very few had ever seen one up close—let alone stood in its presence.

Even Ryota Kitazawa, looking at the purple armored giant, couldn't help but nod to himself.

> At last... I'm here.

---

> "Welcome. What you're looking at right now is humanity's ultimate weapon—our newest project: the Evangelion humanoid combat system."

A soft, authoritative voice rang out through the testing chamber.

Misato Katsuragi stepped forward gracefully, wearing a calm, professional smile.

> "I'm the one in charge of this program. My name is Misato Katsuragi."

Even Toji and the others, caught off guard by her beauty, couldn't help but freeze. Their eyes locked on her instantly.

Some even blushed slightly, unable to tear their gaze away from her presence.

You could hardly blame them—Misato was stunning.

But she paid them no mind. With a warm smile still on her lips, she continued:

> "Congratulations on passing the first stage of testing."

> "The second phase… begins now."

> "It's very simple. You will each attempt to board and synchronize with the Evangelion in front of you."

> "But not just anyone can operate it."

> "Only those who can perfectly synchronize with the Evangelion will be considered its true pilot—its chosen one."

> "And whoever can pilot the Eva… will represent all of humanity in battle."

> "So—do you understand?"

She paused, her smile subtly shifting as she glanced toward Ryota Kitazawa, who stood calmly and silently off to the side.

> "Yes, ma'am!" came the loud, eager responses—even from Toji.

> "Excellent. Begin the test!"

With a nod and a wave of her hand, Misato set the phase into motion.

---

As the other candidates stepped forward one by one, Ryota stood perfectly still.

There wasn't a trace of anxiety on his face.

> He knew what mattered wasn't physical strength…

But the A.T. Field Synchronization Index.

In essence, the higher your AT Index, the more natural and powerful your bond with an Evangelion.

It was the key factor in determining whether someone was a suitable pilot.

Ryota, of course, had the physical power.

But his AT Field Index hadn't improved much, even after the War God Space.

> Good thing I completed the War God System's starter mission…

> "Now's the perfect time to use my reward."

With calm precision, Ryota triggered the reward he'd saved:

> Ding! Reward unlocked — Use of Beginner's Package detected. Confirm usage to enhance AT Field Index.

> "Confirm."

Without hesitation, Ryota activated it.

> Ding! Beginner's Package activated. A.T. Field Index — MAXED OUT.

---

[Pilot: Ryota Kitazawa]

Age: 14

Physique: 100

AT Field Index: 100

He reviewed his updated stats and nodded slightly.

His eyes, filled with quiet determination, turned toward Unit-01.

> "Ryota Kitazawa. Proceed to Unit-01 for synchronization testing."

A technician's voice rang out clearly.

> "Understood."

Ryota replied with a nod and began walking toward the Evangelion.

As he passed by, he brushed shoulders with Toji Suzuhara—

who looked pale and visibly shaken.

Clearly, Toji's sync attempt had failed.

> I want to see if you really have what it takes…

Toji clenched his fists tightly as Ryota passed him, a bitter voice echoing in his heart.

---

Misato found herself feeling strangely nervous as Ryota approached the entry platform.

> Why… why am I so anxious?

> Is it because I've placed too much hope on this boy?

Even Ritsuko Akagi, standing silently beside the operations station, kept her gaze fixed on Unit-01.

Everyone was watching.

Waiting.

Expecting.

---

Time passed.

But still… no reaction.

Inside Unit-01, Ryota was motionless. Silent.

The Eva remained dormant.

The seconds stretched longer… and longer…

> Could it be?

> Did he fail?

A look of disappointment flickered across Misato's face.

Whispers began to rise.

A few staff sighed quietly.

The room was tense and silent.

Some were sad. Others were simply stunned.

Especially those who had watched Ryota endure Level 10 pressure without breaking a sweat.

They had believed they'd seen hope…

> Was it all just a dream…?

But just then—

Unit-01's eyes suddenly lit up with a blinding flash.

A pulse of light surged through its frame—

And then…

> It moved.