Chapter 12: Origins

Zhu Daqing was very patient as he spoke. “Do you remember when I told you about the origin of the Sequencers? Whether you believe it or not, it’s the truth. As for the first generation, they were the only ten humans who survived and mutated during the original experiment, and they founded the Elders' Council.”

“They used methods unknown to ordinary humans to achieve internal propagation of their race, gradually growing stronger. This process is called the Reception. The first Sequencers to undergo the Reception became the second generation. After that, the second generation’s reproductive functions became the same as humans. They interbred and gave rise to the next generation, the third, but according to our current data, there are no Sequencers more powerful than the third generation.”

“It’s worth noting that the newer the members of this race, the greater their potential for growth. However, positions within the race have never been determined by strength, but by the priority of one’s genetic sequence. Simply put, the ten Sequencers who make up the Elders' Council have the most optimal genetic sequences, and all other Sequencers are under their authority. That’s why the Elders’ Council has remained at the center of the Sequencers’ society for the past one hundred and thirty years.”

“The abilities of Sequencers are linked to the purity of their genetic sequence—the purer the sequence, the fewer abilities they possess, but their power to dominate is greater. Conversely, the more chaotic the sequence, the more abilities they have. Sequencers can acquire the genetic sequence of any living organism through touch. Their brains function like supercomputers, automatically identifying compatible genes for fusion, allowing them to change their appearance and acquire and amplify the abilities and traits of the beings they touch. This is something all Sequencers can do.”

“The second-generation Sequencers have even greater potential. Their genetic sequences aren’t spiral-shaped, but gear-shaped, with the number of teeth on the gear determining their potential. Normally, a second-generation Sequencer’s gear has between four and twelve teeth, which means they can simultaneously store four to twelve different genetic sequences for their own use.”

“The third generation is even more powerful. After analyzing a creature’s genetic sequence, they can select the most outstanding genes for modification, assembling themselves with these modified genes without altering their own genetic sequence, maximizing the advantages of both their own and the modified genes. At present, we’ve only discovered two third-generation Sequencers in the world, and both are working within our organization, Rebirth.”

“Wait a minute,” Zi Jin interjected, having noticed something. “Both of these tremendously powerful Sequencers are in your organization? Doesn’t the Elders’ Council mind? After all, they’re considered the greatest fighting force among all Sequencers.”

Zhu Daqing smiled slightly and continued, “That’s exactly why I can share so much information with you, information the average person could never access. Rebirth exists specifically to promote peace between humans and other races. In a sense, our purpose is to mediate and foster friendly relations between Sequencers and humanity. Otherwise, why do you think Sequencers have remained unknown for over a century?”

As Zi Jin fell silent in thought, Zhu Daqing seized the opportunity. “Let’s get back to your case. How much do you remember about the accident? Since you came back to life, have you noticed anything unusual?”

Zi Jin shook his head. “All I remember is that I was standing in the middle of the road, then everything spun, and the next thing I knew, I was conscious again in the hearse. As for when I got home... I remember a flood of information pouring into my mind, but nothing else happened. I suppose it was post-traumatic stress disorder. Nothing else stood out.”

Zhu Daqing seemed to latch onto a key point in Zi Jin’s words. “Post-traumatic stress disorder? I’m familiar with it, but compared to you, Wang Jinjun’s symptoms were more severe. From what we’ve learned, after witnessing your death, she became catatonic and kept repeating one thing—” Zhu Daqing took a bite of grilled meat, gesturing at Zi Jin with the skewer. “She said you couldn’t die. Her reaction was even more extreme than yours. I have to say, your bond is truly remarkable.”

With his mouth full of food, Zhu Daqing asked indistinctly, “Can you try to recall any specific information that flooded into your mind? Tell me, it might help us make progress on the case.”

Compared to Zhu Daqing, Zi Jin was still somewhat reserved. He hadn’t touched the food or wine on the table. He carefully recalled everything that happened that night. “Getting out of the hearse... returning home... comforting her to sleep... then I went back to bed to rest.” Suddenly, as if struck by a revelation, Zi Jin’s eyes widened in excitement as he turned to Zhu Daqing. “I remember now—it was the water bear!”