Chapter Forty-Five: The Hunters' Growth

Inside the Hunter's Hunting Room at the Exhibition Center, the hunters were gradually emerging from the illusions of the hunting ground. All thirty or so participants sat in their chairs with unfocused gazes, motionless, as if lost in contemplation.

Li Jian from District 12 was the first to snap out of it, glancing at Xiao Xueluan beside him, who wore the same bewildered expression. He asked suspiciously, "Xueluan, did you notice anything different during this hunt?"

Xiao Xueluan nodded. "Yes, it was different. Though I could still control my thoughts during the hunt, the sense of immersion was much stronger this time. It felt nothing like previous hunts... How should I put it? It was as if I'd forgotten my real identity, my mind completely absorbed into the role within the hunting ground."

At that moment, Han Jue from District 10 also emerged from his stupor. "Xueluan is right, this hunting ground was truly unusual. Besides the mysterious immersion, I found that this hunt benefited me greatly. My physical abilities have improved, and my growth seems much faster than before."

Xiao Xueluan nodded in agreement, having felt the same—like he'd undergone a genuine trial, one remarkably real. "Indeed, I must say, this 'Class Three, Grade Twelve' is impressive. I was completely engrossed in the role, and my perspective was changed by that Teacher Fang. I lost, but I admit defeat wholeheartedly."

Though Li Jian had lost all three rounds, this time the sense of defeat was the least. "No doubt about it, I accept it. In fact, I feel some respect for the creator of this hunting ground. Not only did they convey the energy that our world needs through this theme, but they also cleverly used prison room numbers and food distribution to probe the flaws of human nature."

Han Jue nodded in agreement, just as he was about to stand, a wave of weakness struck him, nearly making him stumble. With a wry smile, he said, "I'm really useless now—my legs are so weak I can barely stand. But as you both said, I do feel my physical state has improved. And the food design was truly remarkable. Think about it: if we could control our desires, resist those evil thoughts we usually dare not defy, then the food would be enough for everyone."

"Human desires are truly terrifying. This hunt has taught me so much; there is always someone stronger, always another mountain beyond. Sometimes, we really ought to get out and see the world more. While our District 10 has some powerful hunting ground architects, and their hunting grounds are of higher levels, compared to this one, they seem rather conventional."

Upon hearing Han Jue's words, the other hunters who had regained their senses, besides Li Jian and Xiao Xueluan, voiced their agreement, bursting into hearty laughter.

Then Han Jue remembered something and asked Li Jian and Xiao Xueluan, "By the way, who were you in 'Class Three, Grade Twelve'?"

Li Jian smiled sheepishly.

"Xiao Yin."

Everyone laughed, and only then did they notice Xiao Xueluan's face was turning red.

"Class president Douzi."

Han Jue stared at the two, recalling their glances and smiles in 'Class Three, Grade Twelve,' and nearly laughed aloud. A boy nearby, having just taken a sip of water, couldn't help but spray it out.

No one had expected that these two, usually so passionate and highly regarded in their respective districts, had such a gentle side.

"Han Jue, you laugh at us—who were you?"

Han Jue grinned, tilting his head high. "Lin Jun."

Hearing this, nearly all the students cast admiring looks at him. Indeed, Lin Jun, as the leader in 'Class Three, Grade Twelve,' had shone brilliantly. Though he ultimately lost, Lin Jun had left a deep impression, being the only one who had a spectacular confrontation with Fang Nian in the hunting ground. Applause broke out, the best affirmation for Han Jue.

Unlike previous hunting grounds, no one seemed eager to leave after awakening; some gathered to discuss their experiences.

"Who were you in the hunt? I played a police officer—not much presence."

"Haha, I was impressive. Lin Jun's father, Lin Wei—how about that?"

"That's nothing, I was the main villain—the PR manager of the talent agency. Honestly, if I'd considered things a bit more, Teacher Fang wouldn't have caught me."

"Stop bragging. I was right next to you. You were so scared when the students analyzed the situation you nearly wet yourself, still pretending."

"Ha, you saw through me!"

...

The atmosphere was exceptionally lively; failure seemed unimportant to them now. Compared to defeat, they cared more about their growth during the hunt.

Just then, a woman's shrill scream suddenly rang out, drawing everyone's attention.

Han Jue and the others reacted fastest, quickly moving toward the source. When they saw what lay before them, their pupils widened several times.

"Fang Jie? What's happened to him?"

Fang Jie, though returned from the hunting ground, was in a bizarre state. He was still breathing, but blood was streaming from all his orifices, his body stiff as a corpse. His gaze was vacant, filled with terror and disbelief, as if he'd seen something truly horrifying.

Han Jue stood frozen, staring hard at Fang Jie, and after a long moment, spoke gravely. "It seems his brain suffered considerable trauma in the hunting ground. Judging by the signs, the mysterious sponge body has been damaged, which explains his condition."

Xiao Xueluan frowned, his eyes fixed on Fang Jie, perplexed. "How could this happen? I heard the committee rated 'Class Three, Grade Twelve' as E+, and though this hunting ground's difficulty was infinitely close to those rules, there was still a significant gap. How could he end up like this?"

Li Jian checked Fang Jie's breathing, confirmed he was alive, and instructed staff to fetch the committee's judges. After settling these matters, he said calmly, "We may have encountered a master this time—the hunting ground might not be as simple as we imagined. Especially that Teacher Fang—don't you think there's something odd about him?"

Hearing Li Jian's words, Xiao Xueluan snapped back and thought carefully. "Yes, now that you mention it, Teacher Fang was indeed unusual. His way of thinking and problem-solving didn't resemble an architect's AI design. Rather than an NPC, he seemed more like a hunter—one at a level far above ours."

Han Jue agreed, but was still puzzled. "If Teacher Fang was a hunter, then who is he? Compared to the three of us, Fang Jie is the strongest. In terms of hunting skills, he's definitely above us—could he be Teacher Fang?"

Xiao Xueluan shook his head. "No, I've interacted with Fang Jie; though he's capable, he's not at that level. Look at his state now—he couldn't possibly be that shape-shifting teacher. I think the teacher is someone else entirely, and Fang Jie's role is not ordinary."

With that, the three gradually fell into silence, their thoughts drifting back to the hunting ground of 'Class Three, Grade Twelve'...