Final answer:
The story of 'Ready Player One' unfolds in the distant future, featuring a treasure hunt known as The Hunt in the virtual reality universe of the OASIS, with the ultimate goal of finding a hidden feature called an 'Easter egg'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The events of Ready Player One take place in the distant future, specifically the year 2045. This futuristic setting influences the language, atmosphere, and social circumstances portrayed in the novel, providing a backdrop for exploring advanced technology and societal issues. The Hunt refers to a treasure hunt within the OASIS, which is a meticulously designed contest laid out by the creator of the OASIS, James Halliday, to find an 'Easter egg' that he has hidden somewhere in this vast virtual universe.
The OASIS itself is a comprehensive virtual reality universe where individuals can engage in a variety of activities, from schooling to entertainment to professional work. It represents an escape from the bleak, real-world dystopia in which the story's characters live.
An 'Easter egg' within the context of the novel is a hidden feature in a game or software, which in the case of the OASIS, is the ultimate prize of The Hunt and promises immense fortune and control over the OASIS to whoever discovers it first.