**Synopsis of "Heroes of Alvannia: The Battle for Survival"**

In a kingdom where glory and death dance on a thin line, **Heroes of Alvannia** is a dangerous tournament that attracts the most fearless warriors from across the land. Challenged to fight to the death, the competitors not only test their skills in epic battles, but also face the emotional storms of joy, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.

At the center of this fierce struggle is **Hardy Nakamura**, a young warrior determined to prove his worth and protect those he loves. Joining him are rivals and allies who will challenge his own loyalties, including the cunning **Glenda**, the ruthless **Leerstrom**, and the fierce **Calley**. In a landscape filled with traps, illusions, and supernatural creatures, every step could be fatal.

**Chapter 23: Surprise Vote – The Hated Shield** 


The sun had barely risen when **Henrique Nakamura** gathered the contestants with an announcement that left everyone silent: 


— *Today we will have an **elimination vote**, but with a **new rule**: the contestant most **hated** by the public **cannot be eliminated**! He is essential to keep the game... interesting.* 


The eyes immediately turned to **Leerstrom**, who smiled proudly. 


— *In addition,* — Henrique continued, — *if the holder of the **Captain's Armband** (in this case, **Katherine**) wants, he can **take someone's place** in the vote. But, if he does so, he will automatically be **eliminated** in the place of the chosen person.* 


#### **1.  Pre-Vote – Alliances in Crisis** 


**Glenda** (to the Shadows, whispering): *"We have to get rid of **Hardy**. He's the heart of the Guardians."* 


**Drake** (looking at **Katherine**): *"If she tries to save anyone, she's out."* 


**Hardy** (to the Guardians): *"They'll target me or **Ingemar**. We need to protect our team.* 


— *Vote for who should be **eliminated**. Remember: **Leerstrom** is immune, and **Katherine** can sacrifice herself.* 


- **Hardy**: 4 votes (Shadows +  **Strong**, who still holds a grudge) 


- **Ingemar**: 2 votes (because of his romance with **Katun**) 


- **Belor**: 1 vote (from **Leerstrom**, for fun) 


— *With the majority of votes, **Hardy** is—* 


**Katherine** interrupted, holding up the **Captain's Armband**: 


**Hardy** (shouting): *"NO, KATHERINE!"* 


**Drake** (fists on fire): *"You can't do that!"* 


**Henrique** (smiling): *"Rules are rules.  **Katherine** is... **eliminated**.* 


**Katherine** handed the armband to **Hardy** and walked towards the **Return Portal**, but not before looking at **Drake**. 


**Drake** (whispering, just to her): *"Why did you do this?"* 


**Katherine** (smiling): *"Because I **don't** play dirty... but you already knew that."* 


And then, she disappeared into the portal. 


- **Calley** (kicking a rock): *"NOW I'M GONNA HAVE TO KILL EVERYONE ALONE?!"* 


- **Ingemar** (to **Katun**, accusing): *"Did you vote for Hardy?"* 


- **Katun** (without answering, looking at the ground) 


- **Grayrock** (to **Towerfall**): *"Rock is... sad."* 


**Leerstrom** (laughing): *"That was *delightfully* dramatic."* 


**Henrique** ended the day with a warning: 


— *Tomorrow, a new challenge will begin.  And this time, **there will be no mercy**.* 


*(Next: The Fury Challenge – Revenge in Flames!)* 


**Note:** *Katherine sacrificed herself for Hardy, Drake is furious and Leerstrom laughs at it all. The tables have turned... and revenge will be inevitable.* 💔🔥


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