Chapter 15: Testing

In the early morning, as the first pale light crept across the eastern sky, Zi Jin’s room was already empty. On the dining table sat a steaming breakfast, and beneath the glass of milk lay a note that read:

Jin Jun, don’t worry about me. By the time you see this note, I will have already stepped into an entirely new world, the one contacted by that strange patrol officer a few days ago. I know you probably don’t want me to go, but everything that’s happened lately is connected to my origins. I have no choice but to find out the truth. Where are my parents? How have they been living? I have no idea. So please forgive my stubbornness. When I return, I’ll explain everything to you in person.

Zi Jin

Sichuan Sakura State Embassy, Xia City

Standing before the embassy doors, Zi Jin took a deep breath. Late last night, he’d finally dialed the number on the business card. The voice on the other end had been altered, impossible to tell if it was a man or a woman, and told him to wait for instructions at the embassy the next morning. At that moment, a trace of nervousness flickered in Zi Jin’s eyes, along with a fear of the unknown. But above all was the fierce resolve to protect Wang Jin Jun.

Suddenly, it felt as if someone had bumped into him. He nearly stumbled. Looking around, he saw only a scant few people scattered along the chilly street. Still puzzled, he was jostled again, this time from the front, and lost his balance, landing squarely on the ground.

“Ow… that hurts! Who’s crashing into me like this?” Zi Jin rubbed his backside, then his expression changed. He checked again—his wallet, usually tucked in his right back pocket, was gone! “What’s going on? Another strange encounter?” He got up, scratching his head and searching the area anxiously, sweat beading on his brow. That wallet held a week’s pay—losing it would be a disaster.

He searched for nearly ten minutes. Just as he was about to lose his temper, something drew his attention to the steps in front of the embassy. “What…? Why does this presence feel so familiar?” He stared at the steps, edging closer. As the first rays of sunrise lit the stone, his pupils contracted—he vaguely saw a small, thin figure perched on the steps. The body was transparent, but the way the light bent around it betrayed its outline. In its hands, it seemed to be holding something.

“Hee hee hee… Hahaha! This is killing me!” The creature was snickering softly, lost in its own amusement, oblivious to Zi Jin staring right at it. Instantly, Zi Jin realized—this must be a Sequent!

Zi Jin’s demeanor shifted at once. This could be the first Sequent he’d encountered since deciding to join the Reborn. The creature didn’t seem hostile, but he kept a close eye on it, wary that another animal-attack case might soon trouble Sichuan’s capital.

Just as Zi Jin was considering making a preemptive move, two crisp claps rang out behind him.

Clap! Clap! “Physical fitness, estimated at 6.5. Observation, 7. Sequence sensitivity, 8.5. On-the-spot adaptability, 5.” A delicate voice spoke. “Alright, Si, stop scaring the newcomer. Release your state, and come over.” Zi Jin turned to see a man and a woman standing not far behind him, though he hadn’t noticed them arrive.

He wasn’t foolish. He probed, “That creature over there—the Sequent—is one of yours?”

The two wore dark green uniforms with gray cloaks draped over their shoulders, standing quietly. After a long pause, the man finally withdrew his gaze from Zi Jin and spoke slowly, “A promising newcomer. I’m the contact from the phone call earlier; apologies for our approach, but my team wanted to assess you first. I hope you don’t mind.”

A slight smile appeared on the man’s face. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Li Jiajie, captain of the You Squad, under the Reborn Scouts. Second-generation Pheasant Sequence Sequent. You may call me by my code name: Phoenix Call.”

The woman beside Li Jiajie spoke softly, “Dai Yin, Second-generation Pheasant Sequence Sequent. Code name: Luan Bird.” Her tone was icy, and she had no intention of saying more.

Suddenly, another figure materialized before Zi Jin—a short boy, barely over five feet, with a face full of freckles, messy hair, two large front teeth, and eyes almost squeezed into slits—a memorable sight indeed.

“Ehehe! Me, me! I’m Si Guilong! The best scout in our team! Also a second-generation Sequent! My sequence is the Chameleon branch! You can call me Colorless! Hi there, newcomer! What’s your name? What can you do? I’m so curious, so curious!” As Si Guilong babbled, he began poking and prodding Zi Jin, his beady eyes sparkling, nearly drooling with excitement.

“This isn’t the place for formal introductions. Let’s go somewhere else—it’ll be more official,” Li Jiajie said with a smile, patting Zi Jin on the shoulder as he walked over.

“Pheasant branch—so, birds like chickens… and chameleon… a lizard?” Zi Jin muttered inwardly. Luckily, his biology knowledge was decent; otherwise, he might have thought this group was completely mad.

He looked over the three and cleared his throat. “I agree—we should talk elsewhere. It’s not proper to stand around in the street. But I want to choose the place; I need to verify your identities.”

A strange light flashed in Li Jiajie’s eyes. “Not bad, newcomer. Your counter-surveillance instinct is strong. We’ll go wherever you choose, and take our time.”

Zi Jin didn’t waste words. “Since you’re Sequents, you know how to access the Institute. Let’s talk in the Reborn Tower. I assume you have your own offices there.”

Li Jiajie chuckled. “No problem, this way.” The three turned toward the embassy. After flashing their credentials and exchanging a few words with the staff, they were allowed inside. Zi Jin hurried after them. As he passed, a security guard scanned his information on a portable device and gave him a meaningful look. “Kid, I’ve seen you twice now. Let me give you a word of advice—if you really join their squad, be careful. There aren’t many normal folks on that team.”

Zi Jin paused a moment, gave a quiet “Oh,” and followed them in.