The next day morning the sun was peeking in, light entering Zeki's room. He stretched in bed, allready renewed and completely recovered from the previous day, but also with a strange feeling of satisfaction. The confrontation with that Serpent and the Spider, and the defeat of the Three-Eyed Monster, had been exhausting. He had tested his limits and, in a way,
With a yawn, Zeki reached out and grabbed his phone from the nightstand. The screen lit up, revealing some notifications. Among the usual messages and news, an icon from the Titan Guild blinked, indicating a new communication. Curious, he tapped the notification.
The screen opened to an official guild announcement, with a bold title that caught his attention:
Rank D Challenge: An Opportunity for the Strongest!
Zeki began to read, his eyes scanning the words carefully:
The Titan Guild, in collaboration with the main guilds of Brazil, is pleased to announce the "Rank D Challenge." This exclusive event aims to identify and promote emerging talents among D-Class hunters/heroes (whichever you prefer), offering a unique opportunity to rise from Rank D to B and gain recognition. Participants will be evaluated in a series of tests that will assess their combat skills and speed, with special focus. Currently, 129 D-Class hunters from all guilds have agreed to participate. The competition will be a unique moment, and only the fittest will have the chance to advance to B-Class. The Titan Guild and other participating guilds are not responsible for any incidents or injuries that may occur during the challenge. Participation is voluntary and risks are the sole responsibility of the participant. Registrations are open for a limited time. Don't miss this chance to prove your worth!
The competition will take place in 10 days.
Zeki reread the last part, the one about the guild's non-liability, with a slight frown. For rich guilds like them not wanting to take responsibility, well, it's on us so I won't complain. After all, I don't know if I'm at the level of a B-Rank. I've seen videos of their fights, they really are strong. It's not for nothing that there is a clear difference between D and B Rank, a big one. Nevertheless, the opportunity to rise to B-Rank was tempting, even if not guaranteed. He thought about the conversation with his parents, the expectation they had, and his own ambition. He tapped the registration button. The screen confirmed: "Registration successful."
Meanwhile, in a house, Gustavo and Bia were sitting on the sofa, Gustavo's phone in his hands. He was reading the same notification, his eyes wide with excitement.
"Bia, did you see this?!" Gustavo exclaimed, shaking the phone. "Damn, Bia, it's a tournament for us to beat everyone up! It's our chance! Fight to get stronger! This is so me!"
Bia, who was distracted with a game on her own phone, looked up. "Rank D Challenge? Ah, I saw the notification. Seems cool but... 'not responsible for anything' — look, I don't want our mom spending money when we come out all broken from there."
"Haa, don't matter, it's a golden opportunity! Imagine us ranking up, earning more money, and buying a bunch of stuff! We could even buy a better house for mom!" Gustavo dreamed aloud, his eyes shining.
Bia pondered. The idea of a better salary and a more comfortable life for their mother was a strong incentive. Besides, the adrenaline of a competition always attracted her. "Hmm, you have a point. And I'm good at speed, I can do well. But what about the fighting part? You know I'm not as strong as you or Zeki and Isadora."
"Relax, trust your big brother, I'll give you some tips! And we can train together! It'll be awesome!" Gustavo was already standing, gesturing enthusiastically.
Bia smiled, caught up in her brother's enthusiasm. "Okay, okay! You convinced me. But if we get hurt, it's your fault, and you better tell mom it was your fault!"
"Deal!" Gustavo celebrated, already tapping the registration button. "Registration done! Now just train and crush everyone!"
In her residence, Isadora was in front of the mirror, applying a vibrant shade of lipstick. Her phone was on the vanity, the screen displaying her registration confirmation for the Rank D Challenge. She had already read the announcement and, without hesitating, accepted the challenge.
"D-Class, Rank 3..." she murmured to herself, looking at her reflection. "That's going to change. My father will see. And those idiots in the guild too. Combat and speed? Perfect. It's my chance to show I'm the best, no matter what they say."
She finished her makeup, a confident smile adorning her lips. The Rank D Challenge was not just a competition; it was a statement. And Isadora Wexford was ready to make it. The competition was about to begin, and the paths of Zeki, Gustavo, Bia, and Isadora...