'There's something different about her, that's for sure,' Naruto thought to himself, as he watched her walk over near the sofa, while the Deputy Director stood up from his place.
"Mrs. Selner, please explain your abilities to Hunter Naruto Uzumaki," instructed the Deputy Director, as she took her seat gracefully.
"It's a bit hard to believe, isn't it?" she began, removing her hat and placing it on the table. "Every hunter at first had the same thoughts, but after experiencing it... you will have no choice but to cling onto it."
"Oh~?" Naruto's smile widened with playful interest, his head tilting slightly as he leaned forward slightly in his seat.
She smiled slightly, before continuing, "Every Awakened Hunters is set to a limit, which they can't exceed , unless they are Reawakened, it's impossible for any hunter to go higher in rank. But it's for the normal circumstances,"
"That Means, you can help hunters to exceed past that limit ?"
"Yes. I can raise it by helping them go through three stages."
"She is right." Deputy Director spoke up, "Though, after she uses this power, she have to take rest for a long time. So, it's a very few awakeners who can earn this benefits each year,"
She offered a slight smile before continuing, "Every Awakened Hunter has a set limit they cannot exceed unless they're Reawakened. Under normal circumstances, it's impossible for any hunter to advance beyond their rank," she explained with quiet confidence.
"So you're saying you can help hunters push past that limit~?" Naruto's voice carried its usual playful tone, though there was a hint of genuine curiosity beneath it.
"Yes. Through three distinct stages, I can help them achieve this."
"She's correct," the Deputy Director interjected, leaning forward slightly. "However, after using this ability, she requires extensive rest. As a result, only a select few awakeners can receive this benefit each year."
"Hmm~" Naruto twirled an imaginary lock of hair between his fingers. "And just how effective is this power-up of yours?"
Mrs. Selner met his gaze steadily, unfazed by his casual demeanor. "It varies from person to person. Those who successfully complete all three stages typically experience at least a 20% increase in their abilities." She paused meaningfully. "Some exceptional individuals have seen improvements of up to 30%."
'Now that's actually interesting,' Naruto thought to himself, as his mind calculated the implications. 'A 30% boost could be significant even for high-rank hunters. And if what she's saying is true...'
"Ah~ So I'm one of the chosen few for this special power-up session?" Naruto drawled playfully, his ever-present smile widening slightly.
"Yes," the Deputy Director nodded, "Consider it a small gift from Us."
"Should you choose to become a hunter of the United States," the Deputy Director leaned forward slightly, "we'll ensure you're first in line for this benefit. We can even arrange partnerships with any guild of your choosing."
"Now, now," Mrs. Selner interjected smoothly, her turquoise eyes twinkling. "There's no need to rush things. For today, we're here to help you open up your first 'Button.'"
"Hmm~?" Naruto's head tilted slightly, his expression carrying a hint of curiosity.
"As we said," Mrs. Selner replied with a gentle smile, "consider it a gift."
"She's right," the Deputy Director nodded, his expression expectant. "So, shall we proceed with unlocking your potential? Just consider this as a service, Mr. Hunter."
'By saying this is a gift, they're just trying to sugar-coat their little recruitment scheme. And that bit about not being able to let go once you experience it?' Naruto mused internally, his smile never wavering. 'How amusing~ Though I very much doubt it would affect me~'
"Very well then," Mrs. Selner spoke softly, reaching out to take Naruto's hand in both of hers. "Look into my eyes closely. That's the first step."
As Naruto met her gaze, she felt a spark of professional curiosity. 'I wonder where his limit lies...'
But in the next instant, her consciousness was overwhelmed. She found herself standing in what seemed like an endless expanse of brilliant light, information flooding her senses at an incomprehensible rate. Her body froze, unable to process the sheer volume of data rushing through her mind.
"W-what's happening...?" she managed to whisper, her voice trembling.
Naruto's eyes widened slightly behind his blindfold as he realized what was occurring. With lightning-quick reflexes, he attempted to restrict the flow of information from his Six Eyes to less than 1% of its usual output, but it was already too late.
Mrs. Selner's body went limp, consciousness fleeing from the overwhelming strain. Before she could hit the floor, Naruto's hand shot out, catching her gently.
"Oh my~" he murmured, his tone tinged with genuine concern. "That wasn't supposed to happen..."
The moment Mrs. Selner collapsed, the room erupted into chaos. Bodyguards instinctively drew their weapons, training them on Naruto, who seemed completely unfazed by the sudden hostility. With casual grace, he gently laid Mrs. Selner on the sofa, he placed his hand on her hand using healing energy as he addressed the damage that could have been fatal without his immediate intervention by lowering the amount of information that she perceived.
"Lower your weapons!" The Deputy Director's sharp command cut through the tension, his angry glare causing the guards to reluctantly stand down. "What happened to her?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Ah~ She tried to process a bit too much for her mind to handle," Naruto explained, with a hint of seriousnes in his voice. "But no worries~ I've taken care of any damage. She should be waking up right about..."
As if on cue, Mrs. Selner's eyes fluttered open, her consciousness returning steadily.
"See? Good as new~"
The Deputy Director bowed slightly, his expression genuinely apologetic. "I deeply apologize for this unfortunate incident, Mr. Hunter, and for our guards' hasty reaction."
"Maa~ No problem at all~" Naruto waved dismissively, watching as Mrs. Selner fully regained consciousness. Her body trembled noticeably, sweat beading on her forehead as she clutched her head, an unmistakable fear lingering in her wide eyes.
The Deputy Director knelt beside her, concern etched on his features. "Mrs. Selner, what's wrong? You're sweating profusely... are you feeling unwell?"
Her silence spoke volumes, prompting the Deputy Director to straighten up and turn to Naruto. "It seems she isn't feeling well at the moment. Perhaps we could arrange to continue this another time?"
"Of course, of course~" Naruto replied cheerfully, as if nothing unusual had occurred.
"Adam," the Deputy Director called out, "Please escort Hunter Naruto back home."
"Yes, understood," Adam responded promptly, stepping forward.
As they walked out of the room, Naruto cast one last glance at Mrs. Selner's trembling form.
After Naruto Left,
"Mrs. Selner, what happened?" The Deputy Director questioned with genuine concern etched across his features.
She tried to speak, her lips trembling as she struggled to form words. After several attempts, she managed to whisper, her voice barely audible:
"I... I couldn't... There was no end..." she gasped, her eyes still wide with shock. "Like staring into... infinity itself." She clutched the edge of the sofa, her knuckles turning white. "Whatever he is... he's beyond anything... I've ever..."
Her voice trailed off as she shook her head, unable to continue as the overwhelming experience still reverberated through her mind.
"Then... does that mean he is the same level as a National Level Hunter?" The Deputy Director asked, leaning forward slightly.
Mrs. Selner took a shaky breath, seeming to find some composure though her hands still trembled. "I... I don't know. I couldn't... it was too bright at first," she paused, struggling to put the experience into words. "Then suddenly everything went dark, like an endless void. For just a second, I couldn't see anything, and yet..." She stopped, shaking her head as if trying to clear her thoughts. Her voice grew quieter, almost reverent, "...No, that's not right. For that single moment, I could see everything. It's... it's beyond anything I've ever experienced."