Chapter 48: Generous Rewards

After winning the championship at the Hunting Tournament, the Xia family soared to new heights. Riding the popularity of "Class Three, Grade Twelve," they released three themed hunting grounds in quick succession, each becoming a sensation. This sparked a wave of hunting fever throughout District 16, cementing their place as the undisputed victors. The crisis that once loomed over the Xia family vanished amid this rapid ascent. The power dynamics of District 16 returned to a three-way balance, and in less than two months, the Xia family had exemplified what it meant to turn the tide against all odds and flourish in adversity.

Of course, much of the Xia family's success was owed to Fang Nian. Besides "Class Three, Grade Twelve," he was the one who patched the flaws in many other hunting grounds. Overnight, Fang Nian went from a mere member of the development team to a research consultant.

As for Fang Nian's relationship with Xia Moyan, it too advanced rapidly. Except for sleeping apart, the two spent nearly every waking moment together. To outsiders, they seemed the model couple, but only Fang Nian knew the hardship in his heart—whenever Xia Moyan saw him, she bombarded him with questions about hunting or hunting ground construction, never touching on matters of the heart. How could that not be frustrating?

One clear morning, Fang Nian and Xia Moyan had planned to go to the research center together, but a sudden incident at the North District hunting ground forced Xia Moyan to attend to it alone. Fang Nian, for once, found himself with a rare moment of solitude.

Lying alone on the wooden bed in the courtyard, staring at the bleak, lightless sky, Fang Nian's thoughts were tangled and complex. Since the Hunting Tournament, he had not opened the system interface, nor claimed his task rewards. Not because he didn't want them, but after what happened at the previous hunting ground, he felt a hint of unease—the system had sent him a warning sign.

It felt as if he were playing a game, and now the beginner's protection period had ended. All benefits had faded away, and what lay ahead was the true challenge.

With a wry smile, Fang Nian acknowledged that hiding was futile—he wasn't afraid, either. If he wanted greater success, he had to face what came. His mindset was nearly adjusted; it was time to move forward again.

With that resolve, Fang Nian finally opened the system interface after such a long time, first clicking into the task list.

Mundane difficulty: None.

Ordinary difficulty: None.

Hell difficulty: Use "Invasion" to enter an F+ or higher self-designed hunting ground, attempt to communicate with it, with hunter clearance rate not exceeding 5%. (Special task reward, completed, reward available for claim.)

Nightmare difficulty: Temporarily unavailable.

Fang Nian saw that the upgraded Hell difficulty task was already completed.

"Special task reward…"

Fang Nian wasted no time and clicked to claim it. A flash of white light passed, a familiar sensation flooded him, and a stream of information surfaced in his mind.

"Hunter Story Archivist profession unlocked (beginner). Physical level advanced. Five senses level advanced. Hunter profession level advanced. Hunting Ground Architect level advanced (beginner). Acquired core thinking skill for Story Archivist profession: 'Logical Thinking,' stage one. Hunting Ground Architect type unlocked: Extreme Escape. Architect hunting ground template unlocked: 'Secretive Escape Camp' (available at beginner level)."

"Special task reward: one Demon Key (can initiate Demon Trial tasks). Acquired Demon Eye, enables identification of hunter identity during Demon Trials (usable once per hunt)."

Fang Nian licked his dry lips, feeling a surge of excitement.

"These rewards are indeed generous. Hard work pays off well."

He then opened the system interface, and was delighted to see more changes.

Host: Fang Nian

Physical level: E (possessing an E-level body surpasses ordinary people; can lift over 200 pounds with one hand, increased resilience, ordinary sharp objects cannot pierce skin—such as durians or CPUs. Speed also increased; can use five senses to dodge objects flying at 100-200 meters per second. Friendly reminder: Do not blindly dodge bullets, as it could end very badly.)

Five senses level: Overall rating E (Vision E-, Smell E, Taste E, Hearing E, Touch E.) Five senses exceed normal human standards; please use them wisely.

Sixth sense: None

Profession: Soul Hunter (beginner), Hunting Ground Architect (beginner)

Hunter professions: Warrior (beginner), Story Archivist (beginner), Mechanic (not unlocked), Codebreaker (not unlocked).

Hunting Ground Architect types: Human Nature Exploration, Fear Suggestion, Extreme Escape.

Skills: "Clarity Technique," "Qi Chapter of Muscle Transformation Sutra," stage 35; Eye Power "Insight"; Warrior technique "Frenzied Blade," stage 14; "Invasion" (secret); "Logical Thinking" (core thinking), stage 13.

Items: None

Achievements: None

Hunting ground clearance records: "Buried Alive" A+, "Doomed ID" S.

Self-designed hunting ground: "Class Three, Grade Twelve" E+ (over 70% participation).

Owned hunting ground templates: "Terrifying Platform" (Human Nature template) (completed).

Hunting ground templates:

"Mirage" (Mind-bending template): Under the butterfly effect, the hunter’s life trajectory undergoes unpredictable changes. Want to return to the original path and complete your mission? Impossible. As the architect, can you break the hunter’s mind? Can the endless loop shatter the last psychological defense? (Available at beginner level, Hope Coins required.)

"Secretive Escape Camp" (Extreme Escape): Song of ice and fire, maze of form and illusion, carrying life and dignity. Trapping escapees within the hunting ground is your sole objective; for hunters, only puzzle-solving and courage are the keys to survival. (Available at beginner level, Hope Coins required.)

System tasks: Complete system-issued tasks to earn corresponding rewards, which can be used to improve physical qualities, unlock more professions, and obtain more architect templates.

Destiny Lottery Box: Contains astonishing rewards, but also abyssal demons—enter with caution.

Other functions: Pending update.

After reviewing the interface, Fang Nian felt the changes in his body. Beyond the delight of enhanced physical strength, the leap in his five senses was almost transformative—the information transmitted by hearing, vision, and smell nearly drove him mad.

Having survived so many hunts, Fang Nian knew well how important his five senses were—they could often save his life.

The advancement in "Qi Chapter of Muscle Transformation Sutra," stage 35, let Fang Nian experience the meaning of inner strength.

"With my current physique, even if I entered the UFC, I probably wouldn't be outmatched."

Then, Fang Nian focused his thoughts on "Logical Thinking" (core thinking), stage 13, fully engaging his mind to sense the changes in logical reasoning.

A moment later, Fang Nian let out an exclamation.

"Damn, this is incredible."