Chapter 11: The Files of the Sequence Bearers

Sequence Crime File, Case Fifteen: This case is suspected to be the work of a Sequence Entity. Human hair and a large amount of arthropod setae were found at the scene. The forensics department identified the setae as belonging to the white-browed huntsman spider. It is reasonably suspected that the perpetrator belongs to the first or second generation of Sequence Entities. Among past investigation targets and long-term surveillance subjects, there are currently no reasonable suspects—making this the first known offense by this criminal.

The white-browed huntsman spider, commonly known as the high-legged spider, giant house spider, or ground tiger, is a large indoor spider of the genus Heteropoda. It is the main natural enemy of household cockroaches. This spider often sneaks into homes and farmhouses, making it the largest indoor spider. It does not spin webs; during the day, it hides in roofs, cabinets, and crevices, emerging at night to hunt cockroaches and flying insects. Its body length is around 20 to 30 millimeters, with a total span (including legs) of 100 to 130 millimeters—about the size of a CD. Its body is densely covered in yellow-gray hairs, and a distinct white band crosses its brow, which gives the spider its name. Males have a large black V-shaped mark on the carapace (which may appear reddish under strong LED light), while females lack this mark, tend to be darker, and are larger. The white-browed huntsman spider is nocturnal and prefers to roam in dimly lit places.

However, the setae and silk residue found at the scene tested to be over three times stronger than that of ordinary white-browed huntsman spiders, raising the probability that a second-generation Sequence Entity perpetrated the crime to 83%.

There were two victims in this case: Ji Li, male, 37, a regular maglev truck driver whose main duty before the incident was transporting semi-finished products from his employer, Lightway Biopharmaceutical Group, to a processing plant. For unknown reasons, he crashed into the second victim, Zi Jin, sustaining only minor injuries. After investigation, Ji Li has been escorted safely home and placed under twenty-four-hour protection until the case is solved.

Zi Jin, male, 25, a volunteer at a welfare institution, was crossing the street when the out-of-control maglev truck struck him. Due to the truck’s immense weight and considerable speed, he was declared dead on the scene from massive lacerations, multiple fractures, and cardiac failure caused by rib fragments puncturing the heart. However, signs of life were detected in his body while being transported for burial, frightening the staff into abandoning the vehicle and fleeing. To prevent leaks concerning the Sequence Entity incident, all personnel present have been reassured and sworn to secrecy. The deceased, Zi Jin, made a full recovery the following day. It is now reasonably suspected that he is a Sequence Entity of unknown rank and ability. Since he is connected to multiple Sequence Entity cases, his family has been placed under round-the-clock protection at his request, and he is cooperating with the investigation.

Sequence Crime File, Case Sixteen: The crime is suspected to be the work of a Sequence Entity. The crime scene was the rental apartment of the previous victim, Zi Jin. The victim in this case was Zi Jin’s landlord, found dead with no vital signs. There were four fatal, lacerating claw marks on his back, penetrating the internal organs, raising reasonable suspicion that a Sequence Entity was responsible. Forensic analysis revealed hair fragments containing DNA sequences matching both human and brown bear, found in the victim’s wound. This case is linked to Zi Jin, and two possibilities cannot be ruled out: a serial perpetrator or premeditated revenge by Zi Jin.

Clues are scarce; no further speculation at this time.

Zi Jin closed the file in his hand, eyes shut, carefully savoring every detail he had just read: Sequence Entities, first generation, second generation, huntsman spider, brown bear—each seemed intimately connected to him, yet he could not discern the true purpose behind these events. He turned to Zhu Daqing. “So these are all from your internal investigation. Frankly, I don’t see any useful information here. Don’t tell me you brought me in just to show me these.”

Zhu Daqing paused, then burst out laughing. “You’re sharper than you look. Fine, I’ll be direct.”

He suddenly grew serious. “The world isn’t as beautiful as you imagine. All its darkness and ugliness hide within everyone’s shadow. The Rebirth Organization was created to confront this darkness, dedicated to peace between Sequence Entities and humans. Sequence Entities are a new race, always hiding among humans. And just like us, some long for peace and an end to conflict, while others plot in secret to overthrow humanity. Our Rebirth Organization, supported by every government worldwide, has grown to prevent any clash between the two species.”

He took a swig of beer and continued, “Recently, there’s been unrest among the Sequence Entities—infighting at first, then Sequence Entity cases started appearing all over the country, what you know as animal attack cases. This has already seriously threatened peace between humans and Sequence Entities. If ordinary people learned of their existence, panic would only escalate. So, you understand why I sought you out, don’t you?”

The answer was already forming in Zi Jin’s eyes. He replied, “Because I’m the first repeat victim across these cases.”

“To be exact, there are two of you—you and your girlfriend,” Zhu Daqing added. “Frankly, I don’t fully understand why you’ve ended up at two crime scenes—once as a victim. Maybe it’s coincidence, but then again—” Here Zhu Daqing fixed his gaze on Zi Jin, enunciating each word, “Your existence—and your girlfriend’s—are highly significant to the Sequence Entities. In fact, you yourselves might be Sequence Entities.”

“This is just a hypothesis. Our department can’t afford to overlook any possibility in cases like these. We need you both to undergo genetic testing to confirm your identities. Don’t worry, even if you are Sequence Entities, as long as you haven’t committed any crimes, you can go on living as humans.”

Zi Jin sensed there was more to Zhu Daqing’s words and pressed on, “In your files, you mention first and second generations. Is there a third? And what traits do Sequence Entities have? If you’re going to explain, do it all at once.”