Chương 45: Maybe Execute the Plan

"As Alpha standard Awakeners, we are bound to die here," she said, devoid of all hope.

"There is a famous saying: 'No one enters the Maw and returns.'""Can you explain in a little more detail how this Maw trial works?" Arthur asked. He wanted to clearly understand its mechanics; only then could he plan accordingly. Currently, his ultimate goal was to reach the center labyrinth and exit this trial. To achieve that, he first needed to understand how things worked in the interim.

"I do not know much. I guess nobody knows much about the Maw, because it is not similar to the Dungeons and Gates that appear at random locations. Since the Event from a few centuries ago, humanity and the Awakeners have done extensive research, gathering information on how Dungeons and Gates operate. However, a few other phenomena descended upon this world, and one of them is called the Maw," Susanne explained based on the knowledge she possessed.

"However, there are very few details humanity could gather regarding these phenomena, as they do not widely occur on a regular basis. Even if a Maw trial appeared, the people sent to such a place were bound to perish. Due to this, humanity possesses very limited knowledge about these kinds of phenomena," she finished. Arthur fell into deep thought. Ever since he had learned about the awakened world, certain concepts were fixed as common knowledge.

The mechanics of Dungeons and Gates were the primary source of livelihood upon which the world operated. Hence, he was shocked when he heard of a new phenomenon that was similar to Dungeons and Gates. This meant the trial must also follow a concept similar to the other phenomena. For example, if a Dungeon were to appear at a random location, people could enter and fight the beasts and monsters residing within to claim their resources. If the monsters proved too strong, the Awakeners possessed the option to escape.

However, if a Gate were to appear, it was an entirely different matter. If Awakeners were to enter, they would have to reclaim ownership of the territory by defeating the previous rulers. If they were unable to achieve victory, they did not possess the luxury of escaping the Gate like they could with Dungeons. They would not be able to escape unless they defeated the rulers. Following a similar concept, the Maw could be placed in the same category as Gates.

They would have to defeat the Omega standard monster residing at the center labyrinth. However, there was a twist. In the case of Gates, Awakeners knew the standard of monsters that resided within them in advance. Inside a Maw, however, one had to fight through every standard of monster in order to successfully exit the trial. For an Alpha standard Awakener who currently possessed two Core points, escaping this trial would be a pipe dream. Just as Susanne had said, they were doomed.

"What the girl said is true. Even considering rumors, there are very few cases where people successfully completed the trial and exited alive. Furthermore, considering how everyone who came here is a Utility Awakener or a low-standard combat Awakener, we will all die here," the man standing at the front of the crowd said. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Hearing his words, everyone began to sob, as there was nobody who could fight the monsters.

They had simply gone to the Solomon Valley to collect herbs and roots, yet now they were stuck in this dangerous trial. How could this happen to them? They were Utility Awakeners, not powerful combat Awakeners.

"Susanne, tell me more about this Maw. Tell me everything you know. As for the others, I want you all to list out what you know about this trial," Arthur said firmly.

"Yeah, and what are you going to do with that? I suppose you intend to fight the Omega monster?" a young man's voice suddenly rang out. This man appeared to be in his early twenties; he had silver hair and blue eyes. Around him stood a few people of the same age, along with a few middle-aged Awakeners. Arthur looked toward these people and could clearly sense the enmity coming from their group.

Observing this party, it was evident they were combat Awakeners with an evolved standard of at least two to three Core layers. However, the question was, why were they in this place? It was not as if they had come to the Solomon Valley to hunt monsters. Arthur stared for a moment, not saying anything in response to the youth's comment. He had a lot on his mind and his shoulders. Since he had not died from the vines, this was his chance to see his family again.

Furthermore, the System Quest's deadline was tightening around his neck day by day. Hence, he did not have the luxury to entertain these people. Arthur moved slowly, attempting to stand up. After drinking water, he started to feel better. With Coburn's support, he stood up and slowly moved his legs.

"Now, tell me everything you all know about this trial," Arthur announced once more. The group's faces turned grim when Arthur completely ignored the young man. The youth quickly signaled a middle-aged man who wielded a broadsword. Following the signal, the middle-aged man walked toward the group and Arthur.

"Kid, did you not hear the question that was asked?" The middle-aged man unstrapped the sword from his back. Swish! He executed a casual slash that whistled through the empty air. He continued to walk forward, his eyes locked onto Arthur. Arthur, however, did not know what was happening. What had he done to make these people angry?

"Victor, what is the meaning of this action?" one of the women in the crowd suddenly asked, looking at the silver-haired youth.

"What do you think I am doing? I am punishing a guy who disrespected me, Victor Pleasence," the young man proudly declared.

'Victor Pleasence,' Arthur muttered. He had never heard anything about that name, and the family name did not ring a bell. While he was pondering, the middle-aged man was already a few feet away with a mocking smile on his face. Arthur could not gauge the man's strength. If he were to guess based on the man's age and demeanor, the man must have at least evolved into a [Theta] standard. Equating this to his Skeleton, the man must possess Master status.

"What do you want to know from me?" Arthur suddenly asked, looking at the silver-haired youth. Victor was surprised by Arthur's sudden question. The middle-aged man turned his head toward Victor for further instructions. They had expected Arthur to act haughtily and refuse to answer. However, upon being directly asked by Arthur, Victor's words became stuck in his throat.

"Tell me, what do you plan to do with this information?" Victor asked again.

"I do not have any plan currently. I may construct a plan once I gather more details." Arthur genuinely did not have a plan at this moment. He needed to gather more details; only after that would he be able to form a plan.

"What can you do with your strength, even after you have a plan?" Victor asked as he started to laugh, looking at his subordinates.

"I do not know. Maybe execute the plan," Arthur said. Suddenly, the laughter died down.