Chapter 18: Departure
“To manipulate humans... The abilities of Sequence Users are incredibly diverse, and so far, we haven’t encountered a case like this in any of the incidents we’ve handled. Regardless, let’s get ready. Zi Jin, Dai Yin will take you to receive the necessary equipment and supplies. Dai Yin, upload the information to everyone’s micro-terminal—study it carefully these next few days. We leave in two days. Xiao Si, check the devices; report to me once you’ve finished calibrating them. That’s all—meeting adjourned.” Li Jiajie rubbed his brow as he issued orders, one after another. The two didn’t hesitate, heading out of the office to begin their tasks.
“Come on,” Dai Yin said, standing at the doorway and signaling Zi Jin to follow.
In the hallway, Zi Jin trailed behind Dai Yin, unable to suppress his curiosity. “Are all of us going on this mission?”
Although Dai Yin appeared to be a cold and aloof young woman, she patiently explained, “The danger level for this case has been rated SER, but the captain wants to take you, the newcomer, so just in case, we’ll all go together. Normally, Si Guilong and I could handle this kind of mission ourselves.”
She suddenly stopped, her beautiful eyes locking onto Zi Jin’s as she spoke slowly, “All field operatives must be able to handle DIF-level cases independently. I don’t know what the captain and the higher-ups are thinking, letting an inexperienced rookie risk his life. But listen, newcomer,”
Dai Yin paused, her tone softening to something entirely different from before, murmuring, “You’re someone Phoenix Song has chosen, and you’re a member of the Youzhi Squad. I don’t want to see you die, so do your best to adapt and grow in the coming cases. Only then can you stay here.”
Zi Jin nodded solemnly. He knew he had entered a world utterly unlike the one he’d known. He wasn’t sure if he was ready, but the resolve within him—to protect those he cared about, to unravel the mystery of his origins—gave him clarity for the path ahead.
At the end of the corridor, Dai Yin entered Zi Jin’s biometric data into the information screen on the door, data gathered during the inspection at the Rebirth Tower. She turned to Zi Jin and said, “This will be your room from now on. The supplies you’ll need for daily life will be replenished by colleagues from the Containment Department, and once Si Guilong finishes calibrating your field equipment, it’ll be delivered to you. Take these two days to get familiar with everything.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” Dai Yin added, “you can go home these two days. Make sure to take your work ID, and let your family know you’re safe. You can tell them about the Rebirth Organization’s existence, but the missions we carry out are top-secret. Don’t let any information slip—remember that.”
After Dai Yin left, Zi Jin only briefly familiarized himself with his new surroundings before leaving the Rebirth Tower. Half an hour later, he stood at his own doorstep.
Just as Zi Jin lingered, uncertain how to explain everything to Wang Jinjun, the door to their rented apartment suddenly burst open. A delicate silhouette collided into Zi Jin’s body.
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“Ouch!”
The girl looked up, her eyes wide with worry. “Zi Jin! Where did you go? The note on the table—you wrote that, didn’t you? What happened? Tell me!”
Zi Jin gently rubbed Wang Jinjun’s head, his voice indulgent. “Sorry, Jinjun, I scared you. Go inside first, and I’ll explain everything.”
Inside the apartment:
“So you’re saying that strange man brought you into some so-called Rebirth Organization, and in two days, you’ll be sent out on a mission?” After much effort, Zi Jin finally managed to explain the whole story to Wang Jinjun.
“I volunteered,” Zi Jin replied calmly. “Don’t you think everything we’ve experienced these past few days is strange? I want to find out who’s behind it all. I’m worried the person pulling the strings might do something I’d regret—to you.”
“Besides, after what I’ve seen and heard, and after the examination at the Rebirth Laboratory, I really want to know what’s wrong with my body. It might be connected to my parents.”
“Your parents?!” Wang Jinjun exclaimed in surprise. “Did they explain how you came back to life that night? That would also explain how Hao’s death wasn’t caused by ordinary means.”
“I’m curious—if you’re a Sequence User, what does Rebirth Organization want from you?”
Zi Jin shook his head. “I don’t know. For now, there’s no downside. I’ve already come into contact with this bizarre world, and there’s no turning back. I feel like someone is already watching us. So all I can do is find myself a strong backer—then I won’t worry as much about your safety.”
Wang Jinjun listened, nodding as if she understood. Her worldview had been thoroughly shaken by Zi Jin’s words, but she was resilient and quickly accepted his identity as a Sequence User.
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“No matter what you become, I’ll always stay by your side. Whether you’re human or a Sequence User—it doesn’t matter. But if you ever change your heart, I’ll be the first to bite you!” As she spoke, she playfully started biting Zi Jin’s arm, her sparkling canine teeth leaving neat rows of marks, making Zi Jin grimace in pain.
After their playful scuffle, Wang Jinjun asked, “What kind of mission are you going on this time?”
“I can’t say—it’s confidential,” Zi Jin shook his head. “But I promise you, I’ll come back alive, find my parents, and let them witness me marrying you!”
A blush rose on Wang Jinjun’s cheeks. She scoffed, “You’re so good with words—just makes you proud, huh? Since you’re leaving, I’ll reluctantly cook you a farewell meal!”
All day, their apartment was filled with laughter and joy.
Two days later, at the Rebirth Tower.
The four members of the Youzhi Squad assembled, ready to depart for their destination—Wangshi Village.