Volume One, Chapter Five: The Sequencer

“Give an explanation? For what? Surviving this ordeal is already more than enough. If they're not satisfied, let them investigate it themselves.”

Yue Shan’s face grew grim at these words.

They might be Awakened, but all that meant was a few special abilities above the ordinary. They weren’t superheroes from the movies. Investigating mysterious incidents was important, but wasn’t their own survival just as crucial?

He wasn’t afraid of death, but in a city of over a million souls, only eleven Guardians remained. If eight of them all met with disaster this time, who would be left to handle the next mystery? He was responsible not only for his team, but for every citizen of Haicheng.

Yet there were always people who treated the Awakened like beasts of burden.

Their search had yielded little, but at least they’d managed to save one person. It wasn’t a complete loss.

Haicheng Military Base.

“He’s awake, Captain—this kid’s awake!”

A voice filled with delight rang out.

Montage slowly opened his eyes to the blinding glare of white fluorescent lights. Instantly, a rugged, stubbled face loomed into view, startling him so badly he nearly tumbled off the bed.

“You’re awake? Any discomfort?”

Yue Shan offered what he thought was a friendly smile.

“Where is this? Wasn’t I eaten by a monster?” Montage feigned confusion, as if just regaining consciousness.

“You were lucky. When we arrived, we found you on the ground—that’s how you escaped with your life,” Yue Shan explained with a smile.

“So you saved me?” Montage put on a grateful expression.

“In a manner of speaking…” Yue Shan recalled the events—had it not been for Wang Meng’s teleportation, this boy would likely have perished in the jaws of those spiders.

As they spoke, an elderly man in a white lab coat approached.

“Elder Jiang!”

Everyone nearby rose to their feet in respect as soon as they saw him. His authority was evident.

“He’s the one you rescued?” Elder Jiang asked with a kindly smile, his eyes resting on Montage.

“Yes, when we arrived, the ground was littered with bodies—he was the only survivor,” Yue Shan said gravely.

“My boy, can you tell me what happened to you?” Elder Jiang’s voice was gentle.

“I only remember walking home when a thick fog suddenly arose. Then a faceless monster appeared, and after that, I remember nothing,” Montage replied, half-truthful, half-deceptive.

“I see. You must have encountered a Faceless One. To survive a mysterious event like that, you’re not just an ordinary person, are you?” Wisdom flashed in Elder Jiang’s clouded eyes.

“What do you mean? I’m not sure I understand,” Montage felt a jolt of fear inside.

The matter of the Myriad Demon Tree was too outlandish, unlike traditional Sequence Awakened. He was worried that revealing too much would bring unnecessary trouble, so he played dumb.

“You’re a Sequent too, aren’t you? Don’t worry, I mean you no harm. On the contrary, if you’re willing to join us, you’ll receive some unexpected benefits,” Elder Jiang said, not deceived for a moment by a young man’s innocence.

He knew everyone had their secrets. But there was one thing he needed to confirm: would this youth pose a threat to society, to Haicheng?

The powers of Sequents were varied and strange; sometimes, a careless act could endanger ordinary people. It had happened before. So a basic record was necessary—at least to know what ability the person wielded.

“Join you? But I don’t even know who you are…”

“After the collapse of national fortune, the world’s spiritual energy revived, awakening incredible powers in certain gifted people. We call them Awakened, or some say Supernatural Sequents—just like us,” Elder Jiang explained slowly.

“When the Dragon Pillars of China were destroyed, the world changed. Roads between cities were lost in the mists. Some Sequents used their powers to do evil, ruling like tyrants. For nearly a century, the people suffered through darkness and chaos. Order has only been restored in recent years. Who do you think made that possible?” Elder Jiang asked.

“Was it you?” Montage looked at Elder Jiang and the others in shock.

“That’s right! We are the official organization of China, the Guardians of China, sworn to protect her—though we may die, we do so without regret.”

If Montage had heard such words before, he would have scoffed. In these times, survival alone was a struggle—who would sacrifice themselves for some lofty ideal?

But hearing it from Elder Jiang, he sensed a rare sincerity. After all, Yue Shan and his team had risked their lives investigating a mysterious event and, by accident, saved him.

It was the truth.

“There’s an old saying: ‘When poor, keep your virtue to yourself; when affluent, help the world.’ If you truly are a Sequent, I sincerely invite you to join us and help protect Haicheng,” Elder Jiang said earnestly.

“Elder Jiang, it’s not that I don’t want to join, but…”

“There’s no need for you to answer now. Take your time—when I return, you can give me your reply,” Elder Jiang said, waving his hand before turning to leave.

As soon as Elder Jiang departed, a crowd gathered around Montage.

“If you join us, you’ll enjoy elite treatment—not only a generous monthly salary, but you and your family can move into the inner city,” Sun Yueyue urged.

“I’ve seen your records. The college entrance exam is coming up, right? If you join, I can pull some strings and get you a special admission to university,” Yue Shan added.

“Our line of work is dangerous, but unless there’s an incident, the day-to-day is relaxed. Do whatever you like; no one will restrict you,” another said.

“As long as you don’t do anything harmful to the nation, even if you make small mistakes, we can help you clear them up,” the group chimed in, each adding their own persuasion.

To be honest, Montage was tempted by these benefits. If he joined them, his family could move into the inner city, never having to worry about their livelihood again.

But his situation was special. He was not a Sequent in the usual sense. Could he really trust these people with the truth?

As he hesitated, a commotion of hurried footsteps sounded from outside. A group of people soon swept in.

At their head was a rotund, balding man with a Mediterranean hairline. Though he stood at less than one meter sixty, he carried himself as if he were the main character of the story, exuding a powerful aura of authority.

“Captain Yue, what were the results of your investigation? Did you discover why the mists advanced ahead of schedule?” the balding man inquired with a genial smile.

“No. Something happened midway, so we returned early,” Yue Shan replied coldly, the smile vanishing from his face at the sight of the man.

“What could possibly make you abandon the mission and turn back? You’re not just making excuses, are you?” mocked an assistant behind the balding man.

Sun Dehong, however, appeared unperturbed, still smiling at everyone.

“Sun Dehong, keep your dog in check—if he wants to bite, he’d better think twice about his target. This is Bureau 507!” Wang Meng’s face darkened as he spoke.