Isadora wiped 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. Registrations stay open for a short period, which is why we have these 10 days."
She looked at the three of them seriously.
"Hundreds of Rank D hunters will participate. This is not a friendly event. You'll fight each other, showcase your skills in combat and speed trials, and the best have a chance to be promoted directly to Rank B. It's not guaranteed. After all, even if you win, there's no guarantee the judges will approve it, especially if they've been 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 facing me. You might be strong, but the tournament is cruel."
Gustavo frowned, clearly irritated.
"Hey, what did you mean by that?!"
Before the argument could escalate, 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 trained 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 pest, you like 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 looked visibly annoyed and opened his mouth to respond, but Zeki placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down, Gustavo. It's a smart strategy. In her place, I'd try the same. No need to get mad about it," Zeki said in a calm tone.
Gustavo grumbled, still bothered, but eventually relaxed a bit 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, but I doubt that will happen. After all, since you're Rank 2 of Class D, that only leaves me, just one position below you, and Rank D 1 as the ones who might have a chance of defeating 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 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 excitedly, 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, deep in thought. The Rank D Challenge was approaching, and with it, not only the chance to rise in rank… but also confrontations that could change everything