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Chapter 7 - 7

**Chapter 6: The First Elimination – Farewell to a Hero** 

Night fell over the **Guardians of Dawn** camp, but there was no celebration. The losing group was immersed in their humiliating tasks: cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes, and preparing food for the **Shadows of Ambition**, who laughed and teased as they savored the dishes made by their rivals. 

**Henrique Nakamura** appeared in the center of the camp, his impeccable attire contrasting with the heavy atmosphere. 

— *Guardians of Dawn, defeat has consequences. Today, one of you will be eliminated and will leave Alvannia forever.* 

The group members exchanged tense glances. 

### **The Elimination Process** 

Henrique held up a magic mirror that reflected the faces of the competitors. 

— *Each of you will secretly vote for who you believe to be the weakest or least committed to the group. The one who receives the most votes will be eliminated.* 

One by one, the Guardians cast their votes in the magic urn. The mood was one of distrust and sadness. 

### **The Votes Revealed** 

1. **Hardy** voted for **Calley** – *"She's fast-paced, but she doesn't take it seriously enough."* 

2. **Drew** voted for **Malbeth** – *"She knows too much and she doesn't share it."* 

3. **Strong** voted for **Goldwine** – *"She's always hiding something."* 

4. **Grayrock** voted for **Calley** – *"She doesn't play by the rules."* 

5. **Belor** voted for **Malbeth** – *"She's too dangerous to trust."* 

6. **Katherine** voted for **Goldwine** – *"She scares me."* 

7. **Goldwine** voted for **Malbeth** – *"She's a traitor."* 

8. **Malbeth** voted for **Goldwine** – *"She sees things that shouldn't."* 

9. **Ingemar** voted for **Calley** – *"She's reckless."* 

10. **Calley** voted for **Malbeth** – *"She's cold and calculating."* 

### **The Result** 

Henrique opened the ballot box and revealed the votes: 

- **Malbeth**: 4 votes 

- **Calley**: 3 votes 

- **Goldwine**: 2 votes 

— *Malbeth, the Owl of Strategy, you've been eliminated.* 

The group fell silent. **Malbeth** didn't seem surprised; her golden eyes shone with resignation. 

— *I knew this would happen. You fear knowledge... and it will be your downfall.* 

She turned to **Hardy**, handing him a small parchment. 

— *Read this when you are in danger. It may save you.* 

### **The Farewell** 

Malbeth walked to the **Return Portal**, where Henry was waiting for her. 

— *Malbeth, you were a formidable competitor. Alvannia will never forget your wisdom.* 

She smiled for the first time, looking at **Leerstrom** (who was watching from a distance, intrigued). 

— *Beware of shadows... they lie.* 

And then, she disappeared into the portal, leaving behind a shaken group and a curious rival. 

### **Reactions** 

- **Hardy** was thoughtful, holding the parchment. 

- **Glenda** laughed softly, whispering to **Leerstrom**: *"One less thing to worry about."* 

- **Katherine** cried quietly, feeling the weight of elimination. 

- **Goldwine** looked relieved, but still suspicious. 

**END OF CHAPTER 6** 

*(Next: The Secret of the Scroll and the Next Challenge!)*

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