On August 8th, 2000, SEELE initiated its Human Instrumentality Project to return the entire human race to one entity in an attempt to become gods.
     On the same day, Commander Gendou Ikari of NERV initiated his separate plan of Instrumentality to become one with the First Child and reunite with his deceased wife Yui once he became a god.

      Both Ikari and SEELE failed.

     Through the combined efforts of NERV's pilots and command staff to prevent the joining of Adam and Lilith plus the final decision of one Shinji Ikari to let humanity thrive, the Instrumentality was stopped.
    Now, it is the year 2017. A new enemy of beings known as "Devils" are invading the Earth to capture a now reincarnated Lilith. NERV's credibility is now shattered after its affiliation with SEELE was exposed to the public. Another organization, known only as the Infinity Foundation, is answering the call to combat the Devils and help victims of the attacks. NERV, as a corporation, is now starting to weaken. . .