**Chapter 24: Every Man for Himself – The Game Has Changed**
The sun rose over Alvannia, and **Henrique Nakamura** appeared with a smile that put everyone on alert.
— *Good morning, competitors! New rules, new game. From today on... **it's every man for himself**!*
A shock ran through the group.
— *But...* — he continued, raising a finger, — *secret alliances** are still allowed. If two or more competitors want to join forces to reach the final or semi-final, the game allows it. Just remember: in the end, only **one** can win.*
Their gazes met, calculating.
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### **The Warning Before the Challenge**
Henrique added:
— *Tomorrow, after the challenge, we will have the **public vote** to decide who is the most **loved** and the most **hated**. But be careful:*
1. **Armband of the Hated**:
— *If someone becomes **more despicable** than the current holder (**Leerstrom**), the armband will pass to that person.*
2. **Power of the Hated**:
— *If the public votes **en masse** for the current hated, he will be **eliminated on the spot**, without the right to defend himself.*
**Leerstrom** (smiling, but with a sharp look): *"Deliciously risky."*
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### **The New Challenge: The Hunt for the Fragments**
**Henry** explained:
— *In the center of the black forest, there are **three fragments of power**. You must collect them, but be careful: each fragment can only be carried by **one person**. Whoever gathers them gains **immunity** in the next vote and the right to **choose two rivals** to face punishment.*
— *But there's a catch...* — he added, — *the fragments **burn** whoever touches them. The longer you hold them, the more pain you'll feel.*
**Calley** (growling): *"Great. More pain. Just what I needed."*
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### **Secret Strategies and Alliances**
#### **1. Drake x Hardy – The Dark Deal**
**Drake** met **Hardy** in secret.
**Drake** (serious): *"We need the shards. Katherine... she wouldn't have wanted us to destroy each other."*
**Hardy** (glaring at him): *"You're suggesting an alliance? After everything?"*
**Drake** (smiling): *"Only until the semifinals. After that... we kill each other at will."*
#### **2. Katun x Ingemar – Romance in Danger**
**Katun** pulled **Ingemar** into the bushes.
**Katun**: *"If we get a shard together, I'll give you half."*
**Ingemar** (suspicious): *"Why are you helping me?"*
**Katun** (kissing him quickly): *"Because I *like* you, idiot."*
#### **3. Leerstrom vs. Glenda – Betrayal Guaranteed**
**Leerstrom** (to **Glenda**): *"Let's pretend to help the others... and then take the shards."*
**Glenda** (smiling): *"You're so predictable... I love it."*
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### **The Challenge Begins**
The competitors scattered into the forest, where:
- **Calley** found the **first shard**, but screamed as she held it. Her skin was smoking.
- **Drake** and **Hardy** worked together to isolate the **second shard**, but **Leerstrom** showed up to sabotage them.
- **Ingemar** and **Katun** ran toward the **third shard**, but **Grayrock** appeared like a wall between them.
**Grayrock**: *"Stone does not betray. But stone does not let pass."*
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### **The Climax**
**Henry** appeared when the three fragments were collected:
— *It seems we have our winners! But... only **one** can have them all. What will you choose?*
**Calley**, **Drake**, and **Ingemar** looked at each other, each holding their smoking fragment.
**END OF CHAPTER 24**
*(Next: Fragments of Discord – Alliances Shatter!)*
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**Note:** *Fragile alliances, burning fragments, and a game where no one is safe. Who will betray who first? The public vote could change everything!* 🔥💔