After saying goodbye to Robert, Kairo made his way home. Night had fully fallen, and the streets were beginning to empty. When he arrived, his grandfather greeted him with a wide smile, relieved to see him safe and sound. Without wasting time, he asked Kairo to tell him every detail about the mission, eager to hear the adventures of his young grandson.
After telling him everything, his grandfather was surprised to learn that Kairo had completed two missions back to back without rest."So, your first mission was in Virelia and the second in Graviton, huh? When I was young, I once had to go to Virelia for an A-rank mission. Those were the days," said the grandfather, reminiscing fondly.
"The second mission was so tough we almost died, but don't worry, Grandpa, next time I'll be more careful," Kairo replied."Yes, you do need to be careful… but I'm so proud of how hard you're trying," his grandfather added with a warm smile.
Those words filled Kairo with joy."Really? I'll give it everything I've got. I don't want to stay a Rank F—I want to climb and go far.""I'm sure you'll do great. With time and effort, you'll go very far," his grandfather answered confidently.
Curious, Kairo asked,"When you started as a hero, what rank were you?""When I began, at your age, my base rank was A," his grandfather replied with a proud smile."Incredible... Sorry if I disappointed you for being just an F," Kairo said with a slight sigh."You haven't disappointed me at all. As a Rank F, you've completed two missions, even risking your life. There are those with higher ranks who wouldn't dare to do the same. Besides, I believe with all my heart that you'll go far," his grandfather affirmed with certainty."Thank you, Grandpa," Kairo said, hugging him tightly.
After that long conversation, in which he shared everything he had experienced in his first missions, Kairo felt a weight lift off his chest. He finally went to rest, with a clearer mind and a heart at ease.
The next morning, after a good night's sleep, Kairo was awakened by the sound of a call. He quickly answered: it was the Hero Council summoning him for a new mission.
Without wasting time, he got dressed and stepped out of his room."What's the rush, Kairo?" his grandfather asked, surprised."I've got a mission. They asked if I could be there in half an hour," Kairo replied while opening the fridge in search of something quick."They don't even give you a well-earned break? In my day, they weren't so demanding," his grandfather grumbled."I personally asked the President to notify me as soon as something came up," Kairo answered with a determined smile.
Breakfast was quick: a couple of energy bars and a juice box. There was no time for more. Kairo waved goodbye to his grandfather and rushed out the door.
The sky was still overcast from the night before, and the cool morning air refreshed his face as he made his way straight to the Hero Council Headquarters. Despite the accumulated fatigue, he felt a spark of excitement pounding in his chest. Maybe it was the adrenaline—or simply the desire to keep moving forward without stopping.
"I've already survived two missions… but I'm still just a Rank F. I can't stop here. I want to prove to myself that I can do this. I want to reach the top."
Status Update
Name: Kairo
Rank: F
Missions Completed: 2
When he arrived at the Headquarters, he noticed the atmosphere was more tense than usual. Some heroes were arguing in front of a large screen displaying maps and unstable energy readings.
A receptionist recognized him immediately and motioned him over."Kairo, the President is waiting for you in the meeting room."
When he entered, the President greeted him with a serious expression, though there was a faint glimmer of recognition in his eyes."Thanks for coming so quickly. I'm glad to see you're still moving without losing momentum," he said, looking him up and down. "Are you sure you're ready for another mission so soon?""I'm more than ready," Kairo replied firmly.
The President nodded, arms crossed."Good. This time, you'll be part of a larger team. Something big is going on… and we'll need you at one hundred percent.""I'm ready for whatever comes," Kairo answered with determination.
Just then, the door opened, and five more heroes walked into the room. Each one had an imposing presence, and their gazes reflected experience and resolve.
The President observed them for a moment, then gestured with his hand."Please, take a seat," he said in a firm but cordial tone. "It's time to discuss the mission you'll be taking on."