As they watched Gendo Ikari walk away, the Thrones of Souls went dark one by one. They did not disappear entirely, however, but lit up again at Neuschwanstein Castle an instant later.
"He really does refuse to admit anything," the Third Obelisk sneered mercilessly.
Of course they did not believe Gendo Ikari's lies. The unidentified armed personnel who had infiltrated the base during the operation were actually people they had slipped in under cover of the Angel's invasion.
Gendo Ikari must have guessed as much. That was why he had ordered MAGI to dispose of everyone they had sent: he did not want to fall out with them so soon.
In that regard, they ought to thank Gendo Ikari. The Human Instrumentality Project belonged to SEELE; even the United Nations knew nothing about this plan to evolve the human race.
As far as they were concerned, Gendo Ikari had done them a favor. This was also what they liked about him.
"Fortunately, although we failed to capture the Third Child or find the Womb Angel research data, we did obtain the Dummy System's core data," the Seventh Obelisk said.
"He actually dared to conceal the Dummy System's core technology. That is outright deception," the Third Obelisk said. "And he keeps prattling on about loyalty. How tiresome and ridiculous."
"No matter. The final piece of the puzzle is in our hands, and everything is proceeding according to the script. There is no need for impatience, gentlemen. Sit back and enjoy the show," the First Obelisk said with a cold laugh.
As his words fell, mocking laughter rose and fell throughout the castle, like a horde of cavorting devils in hell enjoying a ridiculous farce.
A week later.
"So we could see each other's memories because the Horror Angel damaged the