Chapter 17: Intelligence and Missions

Zi Jin also stood up, gripping Li Jiajie’s hand firmly and said, “Thank you, Captain. I’m still not familiar with how our organization operates. Could you explain it to me in detail?”

Li Jiajie nodded without hesitation and smiled. “Alright. Now that you’re officially part of Rebirth, it’s my duty as captain to let you in on these matters.

Rebirth is a vast and secretive organization. Since its founding, we have always worked to maintain the relationship between Sequence Users and humanity. In the early days, many ordinary people witnessed Sequence Users using their abilities, but without exception, our organization resolved these incidents—either by recruiting talent or offering compensation—ensuring these secrets never leaked and caused societal chaos.

That’s how Rebirth gradually gained the trust of governments worldwide and grew into a global organization. Of course, conflicts between Sequence Users and humans, and societal disruptions, happen often, so we’ve established several departments to handle emergencies.

The departments of Rebirth you know so far are the Reconnaissance Division and the Laboratory Division, correct?” Zi Jin nodded.

Li Jiajie continued, “There are seven departments in Rebirth, ranked from lowest to highest: Containment Division, Reconnaissance Division, Data Division, Laboratory Division, Emergency Division, Administration Division, and the Supreme Council.

Generally, our team interacts with only the Containment, Data, and Laboratory Divisions. Our main work is to investigate and resolve various cases. If special circumstances arise in a case—such as personnel changes or dangerous individuals apprehended—we coordinate with the Containment Division. If anomalies are detected or battles occur, all data is reported to the Data Division. When we encounter genetic ability issues during operations, we consult the Laboratory Division upon returning to our branch.

By the way, here’s your work badge.” The girl beside them, Dai Yin, interjected abruptly, tossing a badge over.

Zi Jin hurriedly caught it and examined it closely. The badge resembled the one he’d seen on Zhu Daqing, but the fiery red border was replaced by a deep green that seemed to emit a cold aura under the light. On the back was a character for Shu, and beneath it, small letters read: “Branch Twelve You Division.”

Receiving the badge marked Zi Jin’s official entry into Rebirth.

“Well, I’ve introduced the main job functions. Now let’s discuss something else.” Li Jiajie gestured to Dai Yin, who pulled up a file from her portable micro-terminal and enlarged it above the coffee table.

“This is our team’s latest mission. SER level. The materials contain a detailed report—see for yourself.” Li Jiajie waved his hand in the air, and the entire holographic screen rotated toward Zi Jin.

“Sequence User Archive Case 24,433, provisionally named the Desolate Village Case. It occurred on June 11, 2049. The patrol point near Wangshi Village received a report from the village about missing residents. But when patrols arrived and verified numbers and identities, nothing was found amiss. The villagers continued to report disappearances for the same reasons, but repeated patrols found nothing and eventually abandoned the investigation.

The latest report’s call record showed the informant was panicked; after a scream, the call was cut off. When patrols arrived, all residents of Wangshi Village had vanished. The case became a cold case, suspected to involve Sequence Users. Its danger level was evaluated as DIF/SER√/NIM/UNP/INV.”

“Captain, what does this danger rating mean?” Zi Jin stared at the line on the screen.

Li Jiajie replied, “It’s Rebirth’s classification for case difficulty, based on a comprehensive assessment of all factors. In simple terms: Difficult, Dangerous, Nightmare, Unpredictable, and Unassessable. The danger level is based on the public’s ability to protect themselves. Our mission is at the dangerous level—it’s a good fit for you to join us. I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Zi Jin pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. “I recall Wangshi Village is several hundred kilometers from Shu City, the most economically developed area in the southwest, correct? Captain, could you tell me the regional distribution of the last fifty closed cases in Summer Country?”

Dai Yin manipulated her terminal, and the information Zi Jin requested appeared on the holographic screen.

“Of the fifty cases, sixteen were serious injury cases, and thirty-four were minor incidents like theft and hit-and-run, spanning fifteen years. These sixteen serious cases occurred consecutively, with evidence at each scene proving Sequence User involvement. They happened in major economic centers nationwide, clearly indicating a connection.

In this current mission, however, the case lacks the obvious characteristics of those consecutive serious cases. It can be ruled out—it’s simply a routine peacekeeping operation.

Also, Captain, I’ve noticed some discrepancies in the report.”

Listening to Zi Jin, Li Jiajie nodded. “Ask whatever you need.”

Zi Jin continued, “The report says patrols received multiple reports from villagers about disappearances, but found nothing unusual at the scene—no signs of abduction or coercion. Therefore, I believe Sequence Users are involved, and I already have a hypothesis.”

Li Jiajie’s gaze sharpened, surprised at Zi Jin’s swift deduction. He asked curiously, “What’s your hypothesis? Let’s hear it.”

“It’s possible that this Sequence User—or perhaps a group—possesses the ability to control humans.”