**Chapter 2: The Division of Groups – Loyalty or Betrayal?**
The first challenge had ended, and the twenty humanoids now gathered in a clearing lit by blue torches. **Henrique Nakamura** reappeared in the center, his smile still as enigmatic as before.
— *Congratulations on surviving the first test!* — he announced, clapping his hands. — *But now it's time to form your alliances. Divide yourselves into TWO GROUPS of ten members each. And yes... you will choose your own leaders.*
The competitors exchanged calculating glances.
### **The Choice of Leaders**
Henrique held up two shining crystals.
— *The two most voted for by the participants themselves will be the leaders. They will have the power to choose their teams... but also the responsibility to guide them to victory or failure.*
A magical urn appeared, and each one deposited a fragment of energy with the name of their candidate. When the votes were counted, the chosen ones were:
1. **Hardy (Lion – Leadership)** – His imposing presence and commanding ability made him the obvious choice for many.
2. **Glenda (Fox – Agility)** – Her cunning and charisma won votes from those who preferred strategy to brute force.
Hardy looked at Glenda with disdain, while she returned it with a sharp smile.
— *Very well!* — Henry announced. — *Now, leaders, it's time to choose your teams. One at a time, alternately.*
### **The Formation of the Groups**
#### **Hardy's Group – "The Guardians of the Dawn"**
*(Focus: Strength, Honor and Loyalty)*
1. **Hardy (Leader – Lion)**
2. **Drew (Elephant – Strength)** – *"We need power on the battlefield."*
3. **Strong (Gorilla – Raw Power)** – *"No one can break our defense."*
4. **Grayrock (Golem – Durability)** – *"I will be your shield."*
5. **Belor (Wolf – Healing)** – *"Someone needs to keep this pack alive."*
6. **Katherine (Bird – Harmony)** – *"My voice will soothe your wounds."*
7. **Goldwine (Golden Eagle – Sight)** – *"I see what others cannot."*
8. **Malbeth (Owl – Strategy)** – *"Victory begins in the mind."*
9. **Ingemar (Sea Dragon – Water)** – *"Balance is essential."*
10. **Calley (Goat – Leap)** – *"I am quick and unpredictable!"*
#### **Glenda's Party – "The Shadows of Ambition"**
*(Focus: Intelligence, Adaptation, and Treachery)*
1. **Glenda (Leader – Fox)**
2. **Leerstrom (Cat – Camouflage)** – *"No one will see us coming."*
3. **Drake (Dragon – Fire)** – *"We will burn our enemies."*
4. **Mydrede (Serpent – Shadows)** – *"Darkness is our ally."*
5. **Cromdor (Crocodile – Combat)** – *"I do not forgive... and I do not forget."*
6. **Towerfall (Eagle – Wind)** – *"The wind blows in our favor."*
7. **Selise (Ant – Unity)** – *"Together, we are invincible."*
8. **Kroft (Boar – Endurance)** – *"Nothing can bring me down."*
9. **Greycastle (Bear – Wisdom)** – *"Knowledge is power."*
10. **Katun (Panther – Speed)** – *"Fast, silent... deadly."*
### **The Dynamics of Teams**
**Hardy** looked at his group with pride.
— *We are the light that will guide Alvannia! We will fight with honor and win with glory!*
Her companions raised their weapons or wings in agreement.
On the other side, **Glenda** gave a mischievous smile.
— *They rely too much on strength and loyalty... but us? We play dirty.*
**Leerstrom** chuckled softly.
— *Just the way I like it.*
### **The Next Challenge**
Henry raised his hands, and a portal opened behind him.
— *Your first challenges as groups will begin tomorrow. Get ready... because only one team will emerge in one piece. The other will see its first member ELIMINATED.*
Their eyes met, and the tension in the air was almost palpable.
**END OF CHAPTER 2**
*(Next: The Haunted Forest Challenge and the First Elimination!)*