On this day, many countries on Blue Star experienced a heavy snowfall. When ordinary people woke up in the morning, drew their curtains, and saw a vast expanse of white snow, what they felt was not romance and purity, but a sense of dread, like an ominous sign. Many immediately picked up their phones to check for notifications from the Challenger App.
But disappointment crossed their faces. The message they desperately wanted to see hadn't arrived, even after sleeping. Someone posted on the forum:
[I couldn't sleep past 4 AM. Did I miss any news? Can someone tell me if Wei Huan and his team cleared the assessment and successfully reached the Tier 6 world?]
More replies quickly followed:
[Waking up at 4 AM? You've got guts. It's been 24 hours since yesterday, and I haven't dared to close my eyes. I take my phone even to the bathroom. How could you sleep?]
[No news. I'm so desperate, what should I do? If they don't clear it, I probably won't be able to live either. This damn world, hurry up and be destroyed!]
[WHY IS THERE NO NEWS!? WHY IS THERE NO NEWS!? WHY IS THERE NO NEWS!?]
The posts were filled with despair. Wei Huan's attempt to clear the Tier 6 world assessment touched the hearts of the entire world. With each victory Wei Huan achieved, many people had pinned the life and death of humanity on him. If Wei Huan fell, the backbone of countless people—their reason for living—would also fall.
This sentiment was not limited to Daxia; it was even more prevalent abroad. The desperate cries came from people in various countries, some already on the verge of collapse and potentially considering suicide. Therefore, people consistently posted in threads like this:
[Daxia Official Notice: Wei Huan and his team's beacons are all healthy. Everyone, please don't worry. Wei Huan is simply clearing the assessment. You must be patient and wait!]
This was done both to give confidence to Blue Star's human population and to reach out to them in this difficult time, to prevent negative emotions from spreading fearfully across the forum. Such statements could only prevent an immediate tragedy. If Wei Huan truly failed to clear the assessment or died in the Challenger World, humanity would face a disaster.
"This is terrifying. If that Daxia man succeeds this time, he will win the hearts of all ordinary people on Blue Star."
"Otherwise? Do you wish for him to fail? There's a limit to stupidity, alright!"
Such sentiments frequently surfaced among the upper echelons of certain countries. Even high-ranking officials in the Aosam country reprimanded subordinates who failed to grasp the situation. Global powers on Blue Star were indeed constantly engaged in conflict, still scheming and calculating for profit. But they were greedy, not idiots! Wei Huan had clearly raised the banner against the Dark Beast race, and everything was moving in a positive direction. At this moment, humanity's interests should align, and everyone should pray for Wei Huan's survival. As for the very, very few people who were blinded by hatred and fanatically willing to trade the lives of the whole world and their own for Wei Huan's death, there was nothing to be done.
The vast majority of people, however, held their phones constantly on this day, waiting and praying.
---
November 20th, 12:57 PM in the Challenger World.
Phones around the world seemed to ring simultaneously. Hands holding the devices trembled, followed by cheers erupting everywhere in the streets!
"Aaaah! It happened, it happened, it happened!!"
"Hahaha, good news! Incredible news!"
"Did you check your phone? Did you hear it? I'm so happy; I wasn't this happy getting married!"
"I love you, Wei Huan! Oh, God, woo-woo-woo..."
[Congratulations to Blue Star Humanity for completing the Tier 6 Highway Assessment. Congratulations to the Wei Huan War vehicle for killing the Final Boss and completing the ultimate challenge. Reward: One Gold Treasure Chest.]
[Congratulations to Blue Star Humanity for completing the Tier 6 Highway Assessment...]
[Congratulations...]
After three consecutive notification scrolls, another notification immediately followed:
[NOTICE! Blue Star Humanity has completed the Tier 6 Highway Assessment first. The Challenger World will open the battlefield—[The Lost World]—in 30 days. Both sides are requested to prepare.]
[NOTICE! Blue Star Humanity has completed the Tier 6 Highway Assessment first...]
[NOTICE...]
Then, there was new news:
[Congratulations to the Wei Huan War vehicle for completing the Tier 6 Highway Challenge first and winning the first place award. Reward: One Gold Treasure Chest.]
[Congratulations to the Wei Huan War vehicle...]
[Congratulations...]
Nine continuous messages, ringing every ten seconds, hard-CC'd (Crowd-Controlled) the entire population of Earth for a minute and a half. This was followed by rising waves of cheers and screams from all over the world. Some people were so excited they instantly knelt on the ground, kissing the earth and shedding tears of joy.
Wei Huan had won. Humanity had ushered in a genuine counterattack! Humanity had finally and completely stepped out of the darkness of despair! Thank God, and thank Wei Huan!
Just half an hour later, large numbers of petitioners appeared outside the government doors of several countries competitive with Daxia, primarily Aosam. They held signs, hoping their governments would further mend relations with Daxia, cooperate with them, and leverage the "east wind" of Wei Huan's success to lead humanity completely out of its predicament.
"We urge the government to take our proposal seriously! Force those who are stubbornly conservative, greedy, and corrupt old fossils to step down! This is a war concerning all humanity! Every one of us has the right to decide our own lives! We want to cooperate with Daxia! We want to cooperate with Wei Huan!"
No matter what the "big shots" who had controlled power in Aosam for hundreds of years were thinking, the general populace was completely overwhelmed by the news of Wei Huan entering the Tier 6 world. Wei Huan's strength was not simply that he successfully entered the Tier 6 world, but his high-profile, confident, and arrogant stance, acting as if the Final Boss was nothing to him. Only the strong had the right to be arrogant! And only the strong could lead humanity toward hope!
Under the impact of this series of good news, their trust and admiration for Wei Huan reached a fever pitch. If the country persisted in taking a stance against Daxia and Wei Huan, they would either change everything or leave this place and rush to the gardens of their dreams. This was public sentiment. To put it bluntly, it was a pure "cult of the strong"—following whoever was strongest. But the world had become this way; without the strong, they would only perish with the rest.
---
Inside the Aosam National Congress Hall, a group of elderly people, mostly in their seventies and eighties, with the youngest over 60, had been silent for a long time in the circular assembly hall. Outside, nearly 100,000 people were petitioning. The crowd stretched from the building to three blocks away, as if the entire city had gathered there. This was not the pre-Challenger World era of population explosion; a crowd of 100,000 people speaking out in a city now represented a vast majority of the public's will.
Aosam Congress members had rushed back upon hearing the news, arriving via private planes or cars from underground tunnels ten kilometers away. Almost everyone was gathered. Among them, one frail, dying old man, whose lower eyelids drooped to show the crimson flesh beneath, was the center of attention. He sat at the highest position.
About a week ago, he was part of the faction that was most determined to suppress Wei Huan. He held an extremely high position in Congress and had cultivated loyal support for many years. Furthermore, his family was immensely wealthy. Nearly one-fifth of Aosam's assets were controlled by his family, giving him control over almost one-fifth of the nation's power in the past. Even a newly elected president could not take office without his nod. Even now, after the Challenger World descended, he used his family's wealth and his power to rally a large number of Challengers, including his family's descendants, who entered the Challenger World to continue holding important posts and scouring for resources. Before Wei Huan appeared, even though he wasn't a Challenger, he remained one of the most powerful people in the country through his maneuvering.
But change came unexpectedly. To his surprise, the Necromancer from Daxia had grown to a point that he could no longer obscure. That wasn't the worst of it. The Necromancer not only killed his family's descendants and opposed his family's people at every turn, but people were now even advising him to let go of the fact that the Necromancer had killed 278 Aosam Challengers, urging him to be savvy and understand the times.
How could he reconcile himself to this? He was a member of the Hodgson family! The Hodgson family never bowed down. They were born superior, born to stand at the pinnacle of wealth and power, overlooking the masses and manipulating world affairs. What if it was Daxia? They were still denounced as Aosam's stumbling block and had been suppressed like dogs struggling to survive for hundreds of years in the past! So now, he was being asked to bow?
How was that possible? Hodgson, who had been proud his entire life, would never lower their noble heads.
"Enough, that's enough." Hodgson lowered his droopy eyes, lightly suppressing the eyes seeking his guidance. "It's just a bunch of ignorant people throwing a tantrum. As you've seen, Aosam, under our resolution, has always walked the right path, and this time is no exception. Didn't I propose and arrange for war vehicles to follow Wei Huan into the Tier 6 world? Have you forgotten? Humanity's success in clearing the Tier 6 highway didn't rely on Wei Huan alone; our war vehicles and those of our allies must have contributed even more. This is enough. We are the great Aosam Empire. Can you imagine us bowing to Daxia? What more do they want from us? The complex relationships between nations are not something ordinary people can comprehend. Very well, let it be. Have someone contact that Captain—what was his name? The one who went into the Tier 6 world with Wei Huan—oh, Captain Clay Weldon. He will be Aosam's hero. They just want a hero; we will give them one. It's simple. Now, let's discuss the next matter. Someone proposed that William State should merge with Kanda State. I'd like the proposer to speak next..."
Outside the Congress Hall, the faces of the petitioning public showed no malice. The joy of Wei Huan clearing the assessment infected everyone. They gathered here, not because of any prior agitation or organization, but simply because when the good news arrived, they and most people around them spontaneously shared the same thought:
"Daxia and Wei Huan are the hope of humanity. We must cooperate to defeat the Dark Beast race and ensure humanity's continued prosperity."
This thought was not surprising. From the descent of the Challenger World to humanity's uprising and resistance, those who stood up and rushed to the front had already been incredibly hardworking and great. It was just... the staggering, difficult process made too many people anxious and nervous, living in constant fear that they would wake up one day and the Alliance Army would be utterly defeated on the battlefield. Such a hopeless life was excruciatingly difficult. Therefore, ordinary people desperately needed a guiding light, something to clearly tell them that they still had a future, that they could strive and live.
Their gathering at the Congress door was, of course, due to the frequent friction between Wei Huan and the Aosam pathfinders, news of which had spread to Blue Star. Even though Aosam's media continuously promoted Wei Huan's tyranny and brutality, the fact that he was humanity's hope was beyond doubt. So, they all hoped Aosam could put aside their hatred and their past prejudices against Daxia, re-establish their position, and genuinely cooperate with Daxia to complete the challenge.
---
Hodgson was currently furious in his office. Seeing the crowds gathered outside the door only angered him further. He had just arranged for someone to contact Clay Weldon, the Captain who had successfully entered the Tier 6 world with Wei Huan. But when he personally requested a meeting, he was refused, with only a small squad leader sent to reply. He was Hodgson!
The trembling squad leader knew nothing, only telling him that there were too many things to attend to after entering the Tier 6 world and that they couldn't leave the Challenger World. 'Damn it!' There were no mandatory time limits for returning to Blue Star, yet he dared to refuse his summons? Hodgson's face was gloomy. As he was figuring out how to profit from this matter, his office door was knocked open, and his aide brought in his good-for-nothing grandson.
Despite countless resources and protection, even being placed on the war vehicle of that woman, Aglis, he accomplished nothing. Every time he saw Hodgson, he only cried and complained about his grievances. He was his worst grandson. But he was family, and most importantly, the boy had been the best at pampering him since childhood, the least afraid of him among all the children. Despite his complaints, he also loved him the most.
Karl Hodgson was the Vice Captain on Aglis's war vehicle. After receiving the world notification in the Challenger World, he immediately left and found his grandfather, the Congressional leader. His past complaints and cries always received some response. This time, too, he wanted to complain about the City Lord and wanted Yake dead. It would be even better if Wei Huan could be humiliated and cry at his feet.
"Grandfather." Karl Hodgson entered the office, went straight to old Hodgson, knelt beside the old man as he did when he was a child, rested his head on his lap, and looked up at his grandfather, his backer, with boundless affection and grievance. "The City Lord of Peanut City let Yake go. They had him surrounded, but they let Wei Huan take him away. Yake is a wanted national traitor; those who let him go should be punished the same. Grandfather," Karl Hodgson held the old man's wrinkled hand, looking up devotedly at him. "Wei Huan cleared the assessment, and his prestige is even higher. I saw the people outside on my way here; he is threatening your position. But he is too strong; what if we can't kill him? Even that fool from Haisang Country, I spent so much effort cultivating him, but he returned injured and empty-handed, didn't even harm a hair on Wei Huan's head, and let him take the World Tree."
At this point, Karl Hodgson was crying out of grievance. "Grandfather, what should I do? We are Hodgsons."
Old Hodgson stroked Karl's head, like petting a dog, but he thoroughly enjoyed the young man's affection. His eyes were filled with indulgent helplessness. He said, "If I recall correctly, you have already made contact with people related to Wei Huan. His father is very happy to be in Aosam. Wei Huan doesn't like his father because his father doesn't only love him. You see that greedy stepmother and that ignorant child—if they were gone, his father would consider only his sole son wholeheartedly. And you, Karl, my child, you will be Mr. Wei Jinhong's best friend..."
Old Hodgson provided step-by-step guidance, not hesitating to teach his manipulative methods to the boy. Although Karl was disappointing, the old man loved him. He also told Karl Hodgson, "And those people you brought back from Daxia, don't waste their abilities. Wei Huan's war vehicle doesn't just have him. Take the famous chef, for example. I heard one of the people you rescued is very familiar with him. These are all potential avenues for infiltration. Oh, and by the way, that Criminal Sequence member seems to be constantly sponsoring an orphanage. Those children there are very lovely, and some of them are also striving in the Challenger World, aren't they?"
Indeed, if they couldn't kill or stop Wei Huan's growth, they would change him step by step. Starting with the people around him was often the simplest way, a trick that had always worked in the past. After all, who could refuse a timely helping hand? They weren't trying to make the person betray their country; they just wanted to use this method to maintain the balance between countries, and between the strong and the state, weren't they?
Karl Hodgson left the Congress Hall via a secret passage. The moment he got into the car, his tear-stained face turned arrogant and reckless. He told the person next to him, "Contact Eileen and tell her to bring her people to my yacht. Serving that woman every day, thinking she's some kind of goddess or celestial being! She's just lucky! I am the most powerful heir of the Hodgson family's future. What is she?"
After this burst of complaint, Karl Hodgson's car drove through the city streets. He saw the citizens who were as happy as if it were a festival. Thinking that all this joy came from that guy named Wei Huan, he felt a sourness as if he had bitten into a large lemon. 'Why is it never me who gets the good luck? They're just a bunch of guys who got lucky on the beginner highway. Why do they get so much love from people?'
'I really want to take his place.' 'Or see him suffer...' Hmm, speaking of which, that man on his war vehicle seems to be only a Sequence 4 Dancer. Even as a dual-profession driver, he has almost no combat power. 'I wonder if Wei Huan would still be so happy if that man weren't around?'
Just as Karl Hodgson was thinking this, his eyelashes suddenly twitched, and a sense of crisis surged into his heart. Looking at the unknown narrow alley the car had turned into, Karl Hodgson frowned. "Didn't I say to go to the seaside?"
His secretary looked left and right, then confirmed, "The main road is blocked by petitioners. We were forced to take a detour. We'll be out of here quickly..."
But before he could finish, a flash of light cut directly towards Karl Hodgson's neck. Fortunately, Karl Hodgson sensed the danger in advance and quickly jumped away, but a spurt of blood still erupted from his neck.
"You!?"
Before he could utter any more challenging words, Karl Hodgson couldn't even tell if the secretary who had been with him for over ten years was still the same person. Driven by the constant, nerve-wracking alarm, he smashed through the window and fled.
'Shatter!'
Glass and the car door flew out simultaneously. Karl Hodgson transformed into a giant bear with gray mane in mid-air, landing heavily on the ground.
'Pfft!'
Blood spurted from his neck again like an arrow.
"Roar! Roar! Roar!" Karl Hodgson roared in fury, then flipped over, preparing to spread his wings and fly. But his "secretary" and his "driver" also leaped out right behind him, joined by five figures jumping down from the rooftop. Karl Hodgson's eyes widened in disbelief. Someone wanted him dead! No, no! He was a Hodgson!
...
Three minutes later, a red cloud floated over and stopped on the rooftop of the alley building. As the red cloud dissipated, Aglis looked at the pool of blood on the ground, raised an eyebrow, and finally said, "Did he die?"
Then, Aglis vigilantly glanced in one direction. With a flip, the red cloud spun once, and she was gone.
Karl Hodgson was dead.
Old Hodgson nearly suffered a heart attack when he received the news. "Investigate! Investigate it for me!" He slammed his cane, roaring as tears burst forth. This was his favorite grandson. He would find the murderer and slice off every piece of their flesh!
When everyone left after receiving their orders, leaving the old man alone in the room, the grief on his face slowly turned sinister. Someone had finally made a move against the Hodgsons. This was a terrible warning, the scene he feared most. The deterrence of the Hodgson family was weakening. The descent of the Challenger World was gradually reshuffling the world's power structure. Damn it! How can I ensure the Hodgsons remain forever great?
Old Hodgson's cold gaze finally settled on his phone. He resented not being a Challenger, resented the sudden descent of the Challenger World; it was this damn era that changed everything! It trampled his dignity and his face into the ground!
But... if he didn't change quickly, the Hodgson family would probably be finished. Since things had come to this, it seemed he needed to pay more attention to this Wei Huan. The malice quickly disappeared from Hodgson's face. Choosing to align with a person whom ordinary people worldwide hailed as hope might not be a bad thing. He was skilled at manipulating power, so he could continue doing so within the new power structure.
"Come in." The Congressional Leader's long-closed door reopened. Old Hodgson, his emotions now stable, looked at the entering aide and asked, "Arrange for someone to investigate the cause of Karl's death, but I have a new, more important task for you now. Contact Daxia and tell them it was my suggestion: ask them to host a World Peace Alliance Conference. Aosam will fully support the conference's convening. We only hope that Mr. Wei Huan, our hero, can be among those chairing the meeting…"