Chapter Sixty-Two: Nightmare Difficulty Activated

Fang Nian wore a bewildered expression, but suddenly Duan Lenghan’s voice rang out. He hadn’t seen him at the banquet earlier; only now did he realize Duan Lenghan was already standing on the auction platform at the front.

Beside him, along with Duan Lenghan himself, stood Duan Rui and Xiao Xueluan, as well as an unfamiliar man and woman, and the War God of District 16, Guo Ji, whom Fang Nian had seen before.

Upon the stage, Duan Lenghan waved at Fang Nian. Fang Nian hesitated, but nevertheless made his way up.

Duan Lenghan cleared his throat and pointed to Fang Nian.

“I believe anyone who attended the afternoon’s forum lecture will recognize him. His name is Fang Nian, and he represents the Xia Family Hunting Ground. Many of you witnessed his problem-solving at the lecture this afternoon—I saw it as well. His abilities speak for themselves; he is indeed a talented young figure of District 16.”

Duan Lenghan’s praise made Fang Nian feel a little embarrassed—after all, he’d gained his position through surpassing Duan Rui, who happened to be Duan Lenghan’s granddaughter. Naturally, it was a bit awkward.

But Fang Nian understood well enough—Duan Lenghan’s public praise before such a crowd was clearly intended to help him, to build his prestige in District 16. With Duan Lenghan’s support, not only would his affairs with Tan Hong be more secure, but the Xia family would also benefit greatly.

Of course, Fang Nian was no fool. He knew Duan Lenghan was trying to win him over—there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and any favor received would have to be repaid in time. He would remember this kindness. Yet Fang Nian had not expected that even accepting this favor would not be easy.

“As everyone knows, outside the city walls of District 16, many of our compatriots still endure cold and hunger. Though this is now a world where the strong prey upon the weak, our sense of nationhood cannot be abandoned. That is why we have tonight’s charity banquet—to gather more donations to help those unfortunate souls.”

As he spoke, Duan Lenghan pressed a button on a remote. Instantly, a three-dimensional projection appeared: a speeding train racing along an icy track, cutting through an endless wasteland. The apocalyptic scene was deeply stirring.

“You’re all aware that the Hope Cup Hunting Tournament is about to begin. The once-every-four-years contest for a path to the artificial sun, ‘Hope,’ is about to commence. Though for our young people in District 16, that is still a distant dream, youth must have aspirations—for without dreams, what difference is there from a salted fish?”

“So, taking advantage of this charity banquet, I have specially brought out our Duan family’s newly developed E+ grade hunting ground, ‘Apocalypse Train,’ and assembled some of the finest young hunters of District 16.”

“Among them are Xiao Xueluan, the mechanical expert of the Xiao family; Xu Dong, the warrior of the Xu family; Jin Jinhui, the storyteller of the Jin family; my beloved granddaughter, the code-breaking prodigy Duan Rui; the Xia family’s remarkable son-in-law Fang Nian; and the district’s recognized War God, Guo Ji. Together they will form a hunting team and take on this hunting ground.”

As Duan Lenghan finished, the audience instantly erupted in excitement. The people on stage were virtually the elite hunting team of District 16’s younger generation—the hope of the district’s future. Now, seeing Duan Lenghan gather them to hunt together was naturally thrilling.

There would be food, learning, and a good show. For those already interested in hunting, excitement was inevitable.

Fang Nian did not blame Duan Lenghan for adding him to the team without notice. For him, this was an excellent opportunity. Only by establishing himself here would he have the standing to persuade others to cooperate with him—immensely beneficial for his future in District 16.

As for the Hope Cup Hunting Tournament, Fang Nian knew nothing—he’d never heard of it. But from Duan Lenghan’s words, the scale of the tournament was clearly far above that of District 16’s own hunting competitions. If he truly had the chance to participate, it would be quite the experience.

With this thought, Fang Nian’s worries dissipated and he smiled. Since he was here, he would make the best of it. All those on stage were the pride of District 16, their abilities universally acknowledged. If Fang Nian wanted to form his own hunting team, these people were the best candidates.

To win their allegiance, he would first have to earn their recognition in this hunt.

“Let’s just do it.”

…

Soon, the group was led to the preparation area behind the stage, each handed a hunting manual detailing the hunt’s background and the initial storyline.

This was Fang Nian’s first time participating in a team hunt, and the first time he’d seen a manual exclusive to team hunts. Quickly, a clear world background and relevant hunting ground information appeared before him.

The hunting ground was set in a ruined wasteland. The world had become uninhabitable due to natural disasters—over 99% of humanity had perished. Less than 1% survived, all of whom were placed aboard the only train capable of sustaining life.

To avoid the ravages of extreme cold and heat, the train had to speed ceaselessly from one end of the world to the other, surviving in the narrow gap between the two hazards. The train carried enough food and water to support human life for a hundred years; for humanity to continue, the train could only survive by endlessly circling the world.

As for the storyline and the roles each would play in the hunting ground, the manual gave no detailed explanation—only a reminder to hunters to protect themselves. After all, an E+ grade hunting ground was perilously close to the D grade, where casualties were possible.

Everyone was ready. Duan Lenghan found Fang Nian, smiling as he spoke.

“So, you don’t blame me, do you?”

Fang Nian smiled and waved his hand.

“I’m not stupid.”

Duan Lenghan burst out laughing, then lowered his voice.

“Once you’re inside, you’d better keep an eye on my precious granddaughter, or I won’t let you off easily.”

Fang Nian felt a black line rise in his mind, but still nodded. Duan Lenghan had treated him well—how could he act ungrateful?

Moments later, Fang Nian and the others felt their consciousness blur as their souls, under the machine’s effect, entered the darkness before the hunting ground. Fang Nian had experienced this many times before; it was now utterly familiar.

But just then, Fang Nian sensed an extremely dangerous black mist suddenly surge into the hunting ground. As it swept past him, a chill crept into his heart.

He frowned, a sense of foreboding rising within. With his last bit of clarity, he called for the system.

“Xi, was that it just now?”

Xi’s voice echoed in his mind.

“Yes. Its appearance is a special event. Nightmare difficulty task activated. Available for acceptance.”

Fang Nian’s heart jumped—trouble was coming again.