Chereads / exceeding my limits / Chapter 7 - admission

Chapter 7 - admission

At the São Paulo Guild headquarters, the directors are gathered in a modern conference room. The large table is filled with reports and charts about the increase in the number of candidates. The discussion is in full swing.

**Director A**: (looking at a chart) This year's numbers are impressive. We have over 7,000 candidates signing up for the tests. That's a considerable increase compared to last year.

**Director B**: (frowning) This increase is positive, but it also means that the competition will be even more intense. We need to ensure that our infrastructure is prepared to handle this volume.

**Director C**: (analyzing the data) I agree. And considering the increase, we also need to review our selection criteria. We can't risk losing good talent due to flaws in our evaluation.

**Director A**: (nodding) Moreover, the pressure to maintain our positive image has never been higher. With the recent incident involving the locals' complaints about Mioca, we need to strengthen our reputation and show that we are the best guild to be in.

**Director B**: (thoughtful) Well yes, but this is not something to worry too much about. After all, we've always handled everything well.

**Director C**: (picking up a folder) I have some proposals for marketing campaigns that could help. We could focus on promoting the guild through social media and public events. Showcasing our hunters in action and highlighting our success can attract more qualified candidates.

**Director A**: (enthusiastically) That sounds like an excellent idea. If we do this effectively, we can not only attract more candidates but also improve the public perception of our guild.

**Director B**: (taking notes) This will be good to attract talented individuals.

**Director C**: (confidently) The other guilds have no chance against ours.

**Director B**: (ending the meeting) I agree. But I hope this year we at least get an S-Class.

At the assessment venue:

**Presenter**: (with an excited smile) Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to the official start of the assessments to become hunters of the São Paulo Guild! This year, we have a record number of registrations, and we are excited to begin!

The audience applauds and murmurs in excitement.

**Presenter**: (continuing) To ensure everyone has the best possible experience, we will conduct a series of tests to assess your skills and potential. The tests will include physical challenges, intelligence tests, and other abilities. Remember, we are looking for the best to represent our guild!

The candidates exchange anxious glances, some talking about what they expect from the tests.

**Candidate 1**: (whispering to another candidate) I heard the challenges are going to be really tough. We'll need all our skills.

**Candidate 2**: (nervous) Yeah, I hope I'm prepared. This is the chance of a lifetime.

Meanwhile, Zeki, Bia, and Gustavo are talking in a corner of the hall. They are visibly excited and eager to start.

**Bia**: (enthusiastically) Man, I'm so excited! I'll get a good salary if I do well, so don't mess this up for me, Gustavo, okay?

**Gustavo**: (confidently) So that's why you were so eager to come, huh?

**Zeki**: (calmly) I'm heading to the physical tests now. Our rooms are different, so I'm off.

**Bia**: (smiling) All right, good luck.

**Gustavo**: (looking at Zeki) You can tell his confidence is through the roof.

Zeki arrives at the physical test room and notices that most of the candidates are muscular adults. He feels a bit out of place but stays calm. The adults start whispering among themselves, underestimating the young newcomer.

**Adult 1**: (whispering) The guild is starting to accept teenagers. I doubt they're taking this seriously.

**Adult 2**: (agreeing) Yeah, but what can you do? They're younger than us, so they end up being more valued.

**Adult 1**: (laughing) No matter how many inexperienced youngsters come to become hunters, it just increases my chances of standing out.

Zeki sits down, staring at the floor but hears everything.

**Zeki**: (thinking) They could at least learn to whisper better.

A physical exam official enters the room and grabs everyone's attention.

**Official**: All right, everyone is here. Let's start the tests. First will be the weightlifting, then the side run, punch measurement, and finally the race. Remember, no methods other than physical strength are allowed.

The candidates start thinking it won't be that hard to pass the tests. Everyone gets into position for the weightlifting.

**Official**: Let's start with the weightlifting. Show us what you've got!

The candidates begin lifting weights. One of the adults lifts 500kg, impressing many in the room.

**Adult 3**: (proudly) See that? 500kg. I doubt anyone here can surpass that.

When it's Zeki's turn, he positions himself and prepares. With concentration and strength, he lifts 8 tons with ease, leaving everyone speechless.

**Adult 1**: (shocked) Wow, the kid lifted 8 tons!

**Adult 2**: (impressed) How did he do that? He doesn't even look that strong.

Zeki puts the weight back on the ground and prepares for the next test, ignoring the murmurs of amazement around him.

**Official**: Excellent, Zeki. Now, let's move on to the side run.

In the side run, Zeki demonstrates surprising agility, moving quickly and precisely between the obstacles. He finishes the course considerably faster than most adults.

**Adult 1**: (murmuring) This kid is fast, huh? I'm starting to think I underestimated him.

**Adult 2**: (admitting) Yeah, I think we spoke too soon.

Next, everyone prepares for the punch measurement. The candidates line up and give it their best, but Zeki once again stands out, with a powerful punch that scores high on the meter.

**Official**: Very good, Zeki. Impressive strength and precision. Now, let's move on to the race.

Zeki gets ready for the final race. When the signal is given, he takes off with impressive speed, maintaining a steady pace and overtaking several adults.

At the end of the tests, Zeki is panting but satisfied. He looks around and sees the surprised and admiring faces of the other candidates.

**Adult 3**: (admitting) I have to hand it to him. He's better than us. We barely lifted 200kg.

**Adult 1**: (accepting) Yeah, I'm throwing in the towel. Famous obliterated.

Zeki remains calm, knowing that there is still much to be done but feeling satisfied for proving his worth.

**Zeki**: (thinking) I wonder how the others are doing.

In the room where Gustavo and Bia are, the candidates continue to show off and compete for the highest weight lift.

**Candidate 4**: (lifting 300kg) This is easy! 300kg, folks!

**Candidate 5**: (lifting 400kg) Now that's more like it! Let's see if anyone can beat this.

Gustavo approaches the weights with a smug smile. He grabs a bar with 6 tons and lifts it with one arm, smiling and showing off to the other candidates.

**Gustavo**: (smiling) You guys are so weak! Can't even lift this? 6 tons is child's play for me!

The official is surprised by the display of strength.

**Official**: (astonished) Gustavo, congratulations! You lifted the most weight in this room.

Gustavo feels like the best, looking around with an arrogant smile.

**Gustavo**: (full of himself) See, Bia? I'm awesome! I'm almost sure Zeki didn't even lift 1kg with those chicken arms.

**Bia**: (focused) Gustavo, I don't have time for your comments. I'm trying to lift this weight here.

**Gustavo**: (teasing) So, Bia? I thought you were stronger than this.

**Bia**: (sparking with anger) If you want, I can show you what I think!

**Gustavo**: (laughing nervously) Relax, it was just a joke.

At that moment, a girl surprises everyone by lifting an incredible 10 tons.

**Official**: Wow, we really have strong people this year!

Isadora Wexford, with a sarcastic smile, approaches Gustavo.

**Isadora**: (sarcastically smiling) Listen here, punk, you better lower your ego. This isn't child's play. If that's what you think, there's an elementary school nearby.

Gustavo's face starts to turn red with anger.

**Gustavo**: (growling) Listen here, fish tail! You only beat me because I took it easy.

**Isadora**: (taunting) Then show me, tough guy.

Gustavo starts picking up several weights and places them on the bar, lifting 18 tons with some difficulty.

**Isadora**: (ironically) Wow, I'm impressed. I judged you wrong. But I still think you should consider my opinion about the elementary school.

Isadora then adds more weight to the bar, reaching an incredible 20 tons with some difficulty.

**Bia