** Chapter 7: The First Test - The Chalice of Decisions **
The light in the center of the ** underground island ** was a pale reflex of anxious faces. Those who had survived the initial torment of choices, forged ties, and subtle intrigue were now facing the first challenge of the tournament. ** Henrique Nakamura **, the master of ceremonies who seemed to know all the secrets of the players, spoke before them as a friendly but disturbing shadow. The smile on his face was more cruel than generous, as if he already knew who would fall first in the monstrous gear of the competition.
-"Welcome, survivors of the world, broken alliances and fragile ties ... Let's see if they are ready for the true test of spirit and mind. Today, you will face the challenge we call ** chalice of decisions **. This test is not physical, not strategic, but it is deeply psychological. The weak, the hasty and the fools will find the poison inevitable."
The competitors exchanged glances. The mansion of the winners and the defeated cabin separated the two leaders, but now, in the Arena, they were all at the same level. The air buzzed between the candlestick lightweight candy, while Henry continued, with an almost theatrical glow in his eyes.
-"You have before you ** ten chalices **, all filled with crystal clear water. Nine of them are nothing but life, as pure as the ocean of this underground world. But one ... one contains a poison. A poison as powerful that will corrode them out, like sharp teeth of a predator that can not see each other. Challenges that will come will not have these kindness.
Henry has made a dramatic gesture, indicating that now leaders should name their groups, such as the rite of identity and strength.
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### ** The names of the groups **
** Hardy Nakamura **, leader of the mansion group, rose as an authority headlight. He knew his name should instigate confidence, but also carry the weight of the fight that awaited them. His tone was firm as a mountain.
- "My group will be called **" Ancestral Light. "** Because, even in the deepest shadows, those with pure hearts will find the way to victory. Our strength is our union, our morals and our determination. We are the light that will not be turned off."
His group greeted him with discreet agreement, although some eyes carry doubts.
** Calley **, leader of the cabin, was another story. The ferocity in his eyes and the determination that made her growl internally translated into her aggressive tone.
- "We will be the **" hunters of chaos. "** We are not victims in this tournament, we are not the forgotten. We hunt, we fight, survive. May chaos be our wings ... and our weapons."
Upon hearing the name, his group erupted in murmurs of satisfaction. It was bold, it was provocative. But would it be enough?
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### ** The challenge starts **
The two groups positioned themselves around the tables, where the chalices gleamed like mirrors. The transparent crystal seemed harmless, but everyone knew that the monster was hiding in one of the ten.
Henry, almost savoring the anguish of competitors, added a layer of tension.
-"You should not just drink. You should choose. ** Observe **, feel, trust more than what the eyes say. He who does not understand this will not understand life. Remember ... confidence, or your absence, can be mortal."
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### ** The groups decide **
** Ancestral Luz Group (Led by Hardy) **
Hardy looked at the chalices, analyzing the situation as he would with any physical battle. He started organizing his team by order of courage. Irene was the first to offer, her tranquility serving as a contrast to the restless environment.
** Irene Dellis (Drinking First) **: Your delicate fingers involved the chalice. He closed his eyes and, without hesitation, drank everything. When he opened his eyes, he became apparent that he had chosen life. The rows sighed relieved.
** Francis Castro ** hesitated, almost trembling.
- "If I choose wrong, that ... it ends with me, right?"
Hardy calmed him with a confident gesture.
- "Just drink. I'll be here."
Francis drank and also avoided the poison. But among them, ** George Ruth ** began to sweat, knowing that the chance to get the wrong chalice was quickly approaching.
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** Group Hunters of Chaos (led by Calley) **
Calley was the first to drink, without blinking.
- "I am the leader, and leaders must show that they are not afraid."
The water was clean, but its actions inflamed its subsequent choices.
** TowerFall ** chose without drama. But ** Leerstrom ** approached a poisonous smile, raised his chalice, and seemed almost playing.
- "Maybe ... I'm immune to poison." He drank slowly, without haste or concern.
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### ** A wrong choice **
The suspense took over when ** Apex Predatori ** took the last cup of the hunter table. The liquid seemed different, but it was too late. He swallowed everything ... and then the screams began.
His body began to bend, convulsing as the doctors ran to stabilize it. A purple -colored foam appeared in his mouth as Henry watched, the unchanged smile. He murmured:
- "And that's how we learn the price of choice."
In the other group, ** Grayrock ** also took a suspicious cup. Golem looked tough, but the poison began to slow it as if his stone skin were dissolving. He fell to his knees, emitting a deep and suffered sound.
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### ** The climax of the test **
Henry approached, with his sharp and cruel tone.
- "Congratulations. You have tasted the spark of courage ... or tragedy. Apex and Grayrock survive today because doctors were available. But in the next challenge, there will be no doctors. Only lives and feudal decisions."
With this, the test ended, but the tension between the groups increased. The initial formation had only been a prelude to the true hell to come.
** End of Chapter 7 **
*(Next: the first deadly challenge - the maze of blades)*
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** NOTE: ***The chalice of decisions is just a test, but there are already collisions and trauma. How will groups deal with the next challenge, where each decision can be your last?*