**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!)*