EVA used a neural-interface control system. Rather than being mechanical creations, EVAs were more like products of Biological Technology—special life forms themselves. As a result, the neural link between pilot and machine meant that if the machine suffered severe damage, such as having its arm torn off like now, Shinji Ikari, as the pilot, would experience the same agony of losing an arm.
The torn-off arm directly overwhelmed Shinji, whose mental fortitude was not particularly strong. He could only clutch his arm, kneeling on the ground and howling in agony. The pain of losing an arm battered his mind, surging straight into his brain and making him forget everything.
"Ah!"
"Damn it!" Ryoma Nagare frowned and looked toward Unit-01 when he heard Shinji's agonized cry. At that moment, the red eyes of the second Apostle before him, whose lower half resembled an octopus, flashed. A ray impossible to catch with the naked eye shot toward Getter Robo.
Hayato had been watching the Apostle's movements all along. The instant it attacked, he shouted, "Ryoma, don't get distracted! This isn't an enemy we can deal with easily!"
The tremendous force carried by the ray tore huge cracks through the ground, while rings of expanding ripples appeared out of thin air in midair. Ryoma immediately refocused. "Hayato, Benkei!"
"Roger!"
In an instant, Getter Robo split apart into three aircraft of different shapes and colors, leaving trails of afterimages as they shot out in three directions. The Apostle's attack missed completely. At the same time, countless tentacles shot from the Apostle's body, rushing swiftly and nimbly toward the Getter Fighters before forming three enormous nets in the sky and descending upon them.
"Switch!"
As Ryoma's voice fell, Titan 3, Sanbot 3, and VILLKISS charged in from behind, positioning themselves before the three Getter Fighters.