I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

"Don't talk nonsense," interrupted a slightly older explorer nearby. "It's especially important to stay calm in times like this."

However, just as he finished speaking, a figure suddenly appeared around the corner, startling many people and causing them to instinctively step back. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when they saw it was the boy who had suggested splitting up. He made a "hush" gesture to everyone and pointed ahead, "We've found something interesting..."

Led by the little boy, the expedition slowly entered a much larger hall. The walls were carved with exquisite and intricate patterns, clearly not artworks found anywhere else. "Is this... an altar?" Arya muttered to herself, gazing at the massive stone platform in the center.

At this moment, the red-haired girl suddenly ran over from the other side and told everyone in a hurried tone: "There are written records over there! They may contain information about the origin and purpose of this maze."

Upon hearing this, many people immediately crowded over to try to read the inscription. "It mentions something about a 'trial ground' and how to break the seal and open the door to another world!" Finally, someone with some knowledge of ancient languages ​​deciphered the main points.

"The path to another world? Could it be referring to... that legendary place?" Thrall's eyes flashed with a strange light. "If we can really find that place, then everything will be solved..."

At that moment, the entire space suddenly began to shake again. This time, the earthquake was much stronger than before, making it almost impossible to stand. "Look over there!" someone exclaimed.

Looking in the direction indicated, they saw a massive stone slab slowly descending from above, blocking all hope of returning to their original path. "What the hell is this place trying to do?" the crowd erupted in complaints.

"Calm down, guys," Carol shouted, trying to quiet everyone down. "At least we know we must move on now—complete the so-called 'trial' according to the record, otherwise we may never leave here."

Arya took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. "That's right. Since there's no way back, we'll just have to give it our all." With that, she took a determined step towards her next target...

As time passed, after overcoming numerous difficulties and solving one puzzle after another, the expedition team finally stood in front of a heavy and ancient wooden door - it was believed that as long as they passed through this door, they would be able to truly unlock the secrets of the entire maze. The little boy stepped forward and gently touched the door knocker, only to find that it opened automatically.

After the creaking sound, dazzling light poured in from the other end. "Looks like this is the place we're looking for!" the red-haired girl shouted happily.

But just as everyone was about to rejoice, a chill suddenly descended upon their hearts—for through the open gate came into view groups of fierce-looking, well-equipped soldiers, clearly the ones guarding this place. "Who's there?!" the leading general demanded sharply, pointing his sword in his hand. "Anyone who trespasses into this holy land will be killed!"

The air suddenly became thick with the smell of gunpowder, and the situation between the two sides became precarious. Arya looked back at her companions with a wry smile, "Looks like we'll have to go through another tough battle before we can return home..."

"Hey, what are you afraid of? We've come this far. Do you really plan to go back empty-handed?" Carol offered a lighthearted smile, attempting to ease the pent-up emotions in everyone's hearts. "And I believe we can handle this with our strength!"

Upon hearing this, a wave of agreement echoed around them. Everyone was trying to adjust their mindsets to meet the upcoming challenge. "Yes, we will definitely win!" the red-haired girl shouted, her voice full of confidence and determination.

Meanwhile, the general outside the door was also rapidly gathering his troops, seemingly unwilling to give the other side any breathing space. Faced with this situation, Arya shook her head and sighed, "Well, it seems this isn't over yet..."

The story paused at this moment, leaving endless reverie for future journeys... As Arya finished her words, the general outside waved his hand, and dozens of fully armed soldiers immediately rushed into this mysterious space. Their armor reflected a cold light in the dim firelight, and the swords in their hands flashed with murderous intent.

Carol coughed softly, breaking the silence. "Since we're here, get ready!" His voice was firm. "Everyone, draw your weapons!"

The rest of the team reacted quickly. The red-haired girl gripped her longbow tightly, while the boy drew a short sword from his back. The entire group instantly felt tense.

"How dare you, a bunch of ignorant people, trespass on holy ground!" The general's voice was deep and powerful. He scanned the crowd fiercely before finally fixing his gaze on the little boy. "Especially you. How dare a child like you participate in such a dangerous operation?"

Faced with such questioning, the little boy appeared remarkably calm: "I came here of my own free will. We have no ill intentions. We just want to explore the secrets hidden in this legend."

Hearing this, there was some discussion among the crowd.

"What a courageous child," a middle-aged woman couldn't help but sigh. "He's so determined at this age. He's sure to achieve great things in the future."

Another explorer added: "That's right, and don't look at his young age, he solved many problems for us along the way."

The general narrowed his eyes slightly, obviously moved, but he quickly put away his expression and became stern again: "Even so, this is not a place you can visit casually! According to the rules..." Before he finished speaking, the whole room suddenly shook violently again.

The sudden change caught everyone off guard. Even the enemy general, who had been so tough, stumbled back a few steps. "What's going on?" he asked, frowning.

Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, Carol shouted, "It seems this place doesn't want a fight! We should put down our weapons and talk."

Arya nodded in agreement and stepped forward. "Sir, please listen to me—our goal is to find the portal to another world and some key to solving the problem."