At the agreed location, a small park with wooden benches and a few scattered trees, Bia and Isadora waited. Bia was sitting on one of the benches, restless, while Isadora stood with an elegant posture and an air of restrained impatience. The morning sun was beginning to warm up, and the hum of the city served as a soundtrack to their wait.
"They're taking too long," Bia commented, checking the time on her phone. "Do you think something happened?"
Isadora shrugged, without taking her eyes off the horizon. "Don't worry. Like you said, they're dealing with Rank C criminals—they can handle it. Unless your brother somehow found a way to start a fight with Zeki or something." A faint smile played on her lips. "But tell me, Bia, what did you think of the Rank D Challenge?"
Bia put her phone away, clearly energized by the topic. "Oh, I loved it! Fighting and speed? That's totally my thing! And a chance to rank up and earn more money… my mom would love that!"
"Money is always a good motivator," Isadora agreed, turning toward her. "But it's not just that. It's an opportunity to show what we're capable of. To prove we're not just insignificant 'Rank Ds.' What do you think about the trials? Combat and speed. You're good at speed, right?"
"Yeah, speed is my strong point!" Bia replied excitedly. "But fighting… I'm not as strong as Gustavo or Zeki. What about you? Your physical enhancement ability must be perfect for this, right?"
Isadora smiled, a confident gleam in her eyes. "Let's just say it is. The trials were practically designed for me. And for Zeki too, with his telekinesis. But Gustavo… he's more brute force. He'll have to work on his speed."
"He'll manage," Bia defended her brother. "He's stubborn. But speaking of Zeki and Gustavo, did you get their contact info?"
Isadora nodded, picking up her phone. "Yes. I asked the guild receptionist. She hesitated a bit, but with a little 'persuasion,' she gave in. I already have both of yours. And Zeki's too." She showed the phone screen, where Zeki's and Gustavo's contacts were saved.
"Wow, you're fast!" Bia exclaimed, impressed. "But why did you want Zeki's contact?"
"Curiosity," Isadora replied with an enigmatic smile. "He's different. And intelligent. It's always good to have contacts like that. And now, with the challenge, we can help each other. What do you think?"
"I think it's a great idea!" Bia agreed, excited by the idea of having Isadora as an ally.
At that moment, Zeki and Gustavo appeared, walking at a slower pace than usual. Gustavo was muttering something inaudible, gesturing with his hands, while Zeki simply nodded occasionally, his expression calm and unchanged. Gustavo's frustration was almost palpable.
"...and the guild still sends a message saying we need to be more 'efficient'!" Gustavo complained, unaware they were being watched. "How are we supposed to be efficient if some vulture steals our mission?"
"Yeah," Zeki agreed, without arguing, simply listening to his friend's rant.
Bia and Isadora spotted them. "They're coming!" Bia exclaimed, waving.
Gustavo and Zeki approached. "Hey, girls!" Gustavo said, trying—and failing—to hide his anger. "How are you?"
"We're fine," Bia replied, looking at her brother with concern. "But you guys… what happened?"
Gustavo didn't wait for Zeki to answer. He started telling the story of the mission, in his own way, with plenty of details about the injustice and Mitigal's arrogance. Zeki, beside him, simply nodded, confirming the facts without adding comments.
Isadora listened with an unchanged expression. When Gustavo finished, she simply shrugged. "I'm not surprised. That's how things work in the guild for Rank Ds, especially newcomers who aren't famous. We're invisible to them—unless we do something spectacular that can't be ignored. Mitigal is just a predator who knows how the system works."
Zeki and Gustavo exchanged glances. The cold clarity of Isadora's analysis hit them. She wasn't just validating their frustration—she was explaining the harsh reality they were only beginning to understand.
"So… that's how things are?" Gustavo asked, his voice lower now, anger replaced by a hint of disillusionment.
"Unfortunately, yes," Isadora replied. "But that doesn't mean we have to accept it. The Rank D Challenge is our chance to change that. To show them we're more than just 'statistics.'"
She then turned to Zeki and Gustavo, a welcoming smile on her lips. "How about coming to my house? We can talk more about the challenge, plan some strategies. And you can get to know me a little better."
Bia, who had been listening closely, got excited. "Really? That's awesome! I'd love to meet your parents!"
Isadora hesitated for a moment, her smile faltering ever so slightly. "Ah… my parents… they're a bit busy. Maybe another time. But you're all welcome. We can talk in private."
Bia, though a little disappointed, accepted. "Oh, okay then. But I want to see your house!"
Zeki, however, felt a chill. His eyes scanned the group. Everyone is in the tournament, so why is she so interested in inviting us to her house? And why the hesitation about her parents? A trace of suspicion began to form in his mind. Isadora's proposal, though seemingly friendly, felt like it had a hidden layer.
Isadora noticed Zeki's gaze, and an even more enigmatic smile appeared on her lips. She took out her phone and made a call. "Driver? Come pick me up. I have guests." She hung up without further explanation and looked at the three of them, her eyes gleaming with mysterious anticipation. "So, shall we go?"