While Adrian's group are wandering the labyrinth…
The punitive force that the allied kingdoms of the central continent has already formed outside of the fallen capital of the empire. They are mainly consisted of players and some foot soldiers from each of the kingdoms in the central continent.
The allied kingdoms army pushed for the players or what they call cursed children to be the main force this time. The heads of the kingdoms are basically promising the players a reward despite not liking them. They may not like the players because of their constant revival but they hate the other races more for their prejudice.
The one who actually suggested to use the cursed children or players are the kings and nobles of each kingdom. They knew that the cursed children will be the perfect test subjects. The kings and nobles of each kingdom wanted to know how powerful this dark god could be.