**Chapter 14: The Third Challenge – The Bullet Storm**
The sun was high, but the mood was heavy. **Henrique Nakamura** appeared at the center of the stage, with an enigmatic smile and a new challenge in mind.
— *Welcome to the third challenge of *Heroes of Alvannia*! Today, you will face the **Bullet Storm** – a test of agility, discipline, and endurance. But be careful: the bullets are made of rubber, but they can pierce even stone and cause excruciating pain for three days.*
The contestants exchanged nervous glances, but no one backed down.
---
### **The Challenge Rules**
Henrique raised his hands, and an obstacle course appeared behind him, with rubber bullets flying in all directions.
1. **Reach the Finish Line**: The group that crosses the line first wins immunity in the next elimination.
2. **Stop at Thunder**: When a thunderclap echoes, everyone must stop immediately.
3. **Follow Green Light**: Only when a green light flashes on the ground, you may proceed.
4. **Consequences**: If anyone moves before or after the time, a rubber bullet will pierce their skin, causing pain for three days.
— *And remember* — Henry added, with a mischievous smile. — *The scars may be permanent.*
---
### **The Preparation**
**Hardy** gathered the **Guardians of the Dawn**:
— *Stay focused and disciplined. Katherine, use your voice to guide the group. Grayrock, you will be our shield. Calley, stay calm and follow the rules.*
**Glenda** smiled at the **Shadows of Ambition**:
— *We play dirty, but we play to win. Leerstrom, you and Katun go first. Drake, burn any bullets that get too close. And remember... don't trust anything you hear.*
---
### **The Challenge Begins**
The two groups entered the obstacle course, where rubber bullets flew in all directions.
#### **The Guardians of the Dawn**
- **Grayrock** blocked several bullets with his stone barrier, but one pierced his arm, leaving a red mark.
- **Katherine** sang a soft melody, keeping the group calm.
- **Calley** jumped over a bullet that grazed by, but a second hit her in the leg, making her scream in pain.
- **Hardy** led the group with determination, but a bullet almost hit him in the face.
#### **The Shadows of Ambition**
- **Leerstrom** and **Katun** advanced quickly, dodging the bullets with agility.
- **Drake** burned several bullets with his fire, but one pierced his shoulder, leaving him irritated.
- **Glenda** led the group with cunning, but an illusion of **Hardy** almost fooled her.
---
### **The Climax**
A thunder echoed, and everyone stopped immediately. The silence was broken by the sound of a bullet piercing the skin of **Ingemar**, who had moved before the green light.
**Ingemar** (screaming in pain): *"I didn't move! This was a trap!"*
**Henrique** appeared, smiling:
— *The forest doesn't lie, **Ingemar**. You paid the price.*
When the green light flashed, the groups continued, but the **Shadows** reached the finish line first.
---
### **The Victory**
**Henrique** announced:
— *The **Shadows of Ambition** are the winners! Congratulations! You have won immunity from the next elimination.*
The **Guardians** fell silent, knowing the consequences would be severe.
---
### **The Consequences**
The losing group was taken to a clearing, where **Henrique** raised his hands.
— *The forest chose your scars. They will be permanent, a reminder of their defeat.*
A bright light enveloped each member of the **Guardians**, and scars appeared on their bodies:
- **Hardy**: A bullet mark on the chest.
- **Drew**: A scar on the arm.
- **Calley**: A mark on the leg.
**Calley** looked at the scar, muttering:
— *I won't forget this.*
**END OF CHAPTER 14**
*(Next: The Final Elimination – Who Will Be Next to Go?)*