Humanity has successfully colonized numerous planets in the future. However, their progress is abruptly halted when a violent attack by an unknown alien group called the Victim destroys most colonies, leaving only Zion standing. To defend Zion, a training academy known as GOA is established to recruit young boys from other colonies with a rare blood type called EO and unique abilities called EX. The academy trains them to operate the Ingrids, five powerful robots responsible for Zion's defense. When Candidate 88 or Zero arrives at GOA, he unintentionally operates Ingrid Eeva-Leena, which requires precision and sensitivity to control. Although everyone expects the Goddess to kill Zero during synchronization, he manages to achieve full synch despite nearly fainting. However, Zero's investigation is put on hold as his pilot training immediately commences.