Isadora cleared the digital board with a gesture and switched the slide. A new image appeared: the official symbol of the Rank D Challenge.
"Now, what really matters to us," she said, tapping the marker against her palm. "The Rank D tournament happens every two years. It's the biggest event for Rank D hunters in all of Brazil. Registration stays open for a short period, which is why we only have these 10 days."
She looked at the three of them seriously.
"Hundreds of Rank D fighters will participate. It's not a friendly event. You'll fight each other, showcase your abilities in combat and speed trials, and the best have a chance to be promoted directly to Rank B. It's not guaranteed. Even if you win, there's no certainty the judges will approve it—especially if they're bought."
Gustavo, who was leaning forward with shining eyes, couldn't stay quiet:
"And will I get a chance to fight Zeki in there?"
Isadora gave a half-smile, almost mocking.
"I have no idea. It depends on the bracket. But honestly… I wouldn't be surprised if you, Gustavo, get eliminated before even facing me. You might be strong, but the tournament is brutal."
Gustavo frowned, clearly irritated.
"Hey, what do you mean by that?!"
Before things escalated, Isadora raised her hand.
"Relax. Look… as a thank you for helping me against Chapo's gang, I can train with you. Right here. I have a training room in the mansion's basement. State-of-the-art equipment, force fields—everything we need."
Gustavo got excited for half a second, then stepped back, crossing his arms.
"Wait… aren't we enemies in the tournament? Shouldn't we be training separately?"
Zeki, who had been quiet until then, nodded.
"That makes sense. Besides, my training is different. My psychic abilities require a type of control that can't be developed the same way as brute strength or physical enhancement."
Isadora observed the three of them for a moment. She realized she wouldn't convince them easily. She sighed and shrugged.
"Alright. I'll drop the idea. It was a sincere offer… most of the time."
Gustavo narrowed his eyes.
"Most of the time? So you were trying to take advantage, right? I knew it, you little brat—you love taking advantage!" Gustavo shouted.
Isadora didn't deny it. Instead, she smiled confidently.
"Of course. It's a tournament. Everyone wants an advantage. Do you see a halo over my head?" she said, pointing above her head.
Gustavo was visibly annoyed and opened his mouth to reply, but Zeki placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down, Gustavo. It's a smart strategy. In her position, I'd do the same. No need to get mad about it," Zeki said in a calm tone.
Gustavo grumbled, still bothered, but eventually relaxed a little at Zeki's words.
Isadora looked at the three of them, especially at Zeki, with a different glint in her eyes.
"Well… I hope to see you in the finals. Especially you, Zeki. It would be a shame if you got eliminated early, though I doubt that'll happen. After all, if you're Rank 2 of Class D, then only me—since I'm just one position below you—and Rank D number 1 might stand a chance against you. The rest, I don't even consider."
She gave a challenging smile.
After a few more minutes of conversation, the group decided to leave. Isadora walked them to the mansion's door. The driver was already waiting to take each of them home.
"Don't forget," she said before they parted. "Ten days. Train hard. And don't hesitate to message me if you change your mind about training," she added with a smile.
Bia waved enthusiastically, Gustavo still muttering under his breath, and Zeki simply nodded, calm as always.
As the car drove out through the mansion gates, Zeki looked out the window, thoughtful. The Rank D Challenge was approaching, and with it, not only the chance to rise in rank… but also confrontations that could change everything.