At the São Paulo Guild headquarters, inside a conference room where the future of thousands was decided, the discussion was heated. Charts and reports covered the table.
"This year's numbers are impressive," said Director A, pointing at a pie chart. "Over 7,000 candidates. A significant increase."
"Positive, but it also means fiercer competition," Director B noted, frowning. "Our infrastructure needs to be prepared."
"I agree," added Director C. "And we need to review our selection criteria. We can't risk losing talent due to evaluation flaws."
"Furthermore," continued Director A, "the pressure to maintain our image has never been higher. With the recent Mioca incident and residents' complaints, we need to prove we are the best guild."
"Well, yes, but it's nothing to worry about too much," Director B said confidently. "We've always handled things well."
"I have some marketing proposals," Director C said, picking up a folder. "Focus on social media, public events. Show our hunters in action."
"Excellent idea," Director A said enthusiastically. "We can attract more candidates and improve public perception."
"That will help bring in talented individuals," Director B added, taking notes.
"Other guilds don't stand a chance against us," declared Director C.
"I agree," Director B concluded. "But hopefully this year, we'll finally get an S-class."
At the evaluation site, the atmosphere was electric.
"Good afternoon, everyone!" the presenter's voice echoed through the hall. "Welcome to the official start of the evaluations to become hunters of the São Paulo Guild! This year, we have a record number of applicants, and we're excited to begin!"
The crowd applauded.
"To ensure the best experience, we'll have a series of tests: physical challenges, intelligence tests, and other skills. Remember—we're looking for the best!"
In a corner, Zeki, Bia, and Gustavo were talking.
"Man, I'm so excited!" Bia exclaimed. "If I do well, I'll earn a good salary, so don't mess this up for me, Gustavo, okay?"
"So that's why you were so eager to come, huh?" he teased.
"I'm heading to the physical tests now," Zeki said calmly. "Our rooms are different, so I'll go ahead."
"Alright, good luck," Bia smiled.
"Man, his confidence is through the roof," Gustavo commented, watching Zeki walk away.
Zeki arrived at the physical testing room and immediately felt out of place. Most candidates were muscular adults who looked at him with disdain.
"The guild is starting to accept teenagers now," one whispered. "I doubt they're taking this seriously."
"Yeah, but what can you do? Younger ones tend to get more attention."
"Doesn't matter how many inexperienced kids show up. Just increases my chances of standing out," another laughed.
Zeki sat down, staring at the floor, but he heard everything.
They could at least learn how to whisper properly.
An official entered.
"Alright, everyone's here. Let's begin. First, weightlifting, then lateral sprint, punch measurement, and finally endurance running. Remember—no methods other than physical strength are allowed."
One of the adults lifted 500 kg, impressing the room.
"Did you see that? No one's beating that."
When it was Zeki's turn, he stepped forward. With focus, he lifted 8 tons with unsettling ease.
Silence filled the room.
"No way… the kid lifted 8 tons!"
"How did he do that? He doesn't even look that strong!"
Zeki set the weight down, ignoring the murmurs.
"Excellent, Zeki," said the official. "Now, lateral sprint."
He displayed incredible agility, finishing far faster than most.
"That kid is fast… I underestimated him," one adult muttered.
In the punch test, his strike was powerful and precise, scoring extremely high. In the final run, he dashed forward, overtaking multiple competitors. By the end, he was breathing heavily—but satisfied—under the surprised and impressed gazes of others.
"I have to admit… he's better than us."
"Completely outclassed."
I wonder how the others are doing, Zeki thought
In Bia and Gustavo's room, the competition was just as intense.
"This is easy! 300 kg, guys!"
"Now that's more like it! Let's see someone beat that!"
Gustavo stepped forward with a confident grin. He grabbed a bar loaded with 6 tons and lifted it with one arm.
"You guys are weak! Six tons is child's play for me!"
"Gustavo, congratulations! That's the highest weight in this room," the official said, stunned.
"See, Bia? I'm amazing!" he bragged. "I'm pretty sure Zeki didn't even lift 1 kg with those chicken arms."
"Gustavo, I don't have time for your comments. I'm trying to lift this," Bia replied, focused.
"What's wrong, Bia? Thought you were stronger than that."
"If you want, I can show you what I think!" she snapped, sparks of irritation in her eyes.
"Relax, it was just a joke," he laughed nervously.
At that moment, a girl shocked everyone by lifting an incredible 10 tons.
Isadora Wexford, with a sarcastic smile, approached Gustavo.
"Listen, kid, you'd better calm down. This isn't a playground. If that's what you think, there's an elementary school nearby."
Gustavo's face turned red with anger. "Listen here, fish-tail! You only beat me because I went easy."
"Then show me, tough guy."
Gustavo began stacking more weights onto the bar, lifting 18 tons with some effort.
"Wow, I'm impressed," Isadora said sarcastically. "I misjudged you. But I still think you should consider my advice about school."
She then added even more weight, reaching an incredible 20 tons—also with difficulty.
Bia, watching the clash, felt a surge of irritation and determination. She stepped toward the bar, ignoring the stares, and prepared herself.