"It really is astounding. No matter how many times I measure your Power Level and Potential, it never ceases to amaze me. Including the raids you participated in while you were a student, this was only your tenth raid, right?
Your initial reading after you were first assessed was a little under 90,000, which means you've more than quintupled your Power Level and Potential across just ten raids," Remarked Charlotte in awe.
"Well, when you put it that way, yeah...I have gotten stronger at a pretty solid rate. But my progress will be a lot slower from here on out.
Ever since the effects of Devour and Drain slowed down, my Power Level's been increasing by around eight to ten thousand per raid," I sighed wistfully.
"That's still pretty amazing, especially when you factor in that no other Hunter can do that," She pointed out with a wry smile.
"Yeah, fair enough."
"Also, that rate of improvement is only while you're still taking on Mid Level Dungeons, no doubt you'll progress faster once you move on to High Level raids."
"Speaking of which, I've been thinking...it might be time I stop hiding my power. Like you said, since I'm limited to Mid Level Dungeons at the moment, there's a limit to how much and how fast I can improve. So, I think it's time to take the next step. What do you think?" I asked her.
"Actually, I'd been thinking that ever since your Power Level crossed 400,000. And especially after you got Enrage under control. So, yes, I agree. In fact, I'd say it's about time," She replied with a wry smile.
"Cool. I think that settles it, I'm going to stop keeping a low profile. So, how will it work? I assume I'll get re-assessed and my profile in the Union's registry will be updated?"
"Yes, that's certainly a part of what will happen. There will also be a lot of media attention. Aces are quite rare, after all, so you'll probably have to attend at least a few press conferences, answer some questions.
The same goes for me too. I'll probably get some criticism, maybe a reprimand from the chairs of the other branches of the Hunters Union as well," She chuckled sheepishly.
The Hunters Union was run by a council made up of the Chairs of each branch, known simply as the Hunters Union Council, or HUC for short, which includes her.
Only the collective HUC holds more authority than any of the individual chairs, there's no one above them when it comes to Hunter-related decisions.
"Wait, really? You'd actually get in trouble for helping me hide my powers?" I responded in surprise.
"Well, yes...technically speaking, this is something of a gray area, but definitely leaning more towards illegal than legal. I'll probably be able to get away with it, but the first month or two is going to be a bit rough."
"Crap...I'm sorry, I didn't know that."
"Oh, it's fine, I was well-aware that this would be an eventuality when I first made the offer to you," She shrugged indifferently.
Damn, I feel bad.
I mean, if I'm being honest, even if I'd known, I'd have still wanted to hide my powers and taken her up on her offer...still, I don't want to drag other people down for the sake of achieving my goals, I wish there'd been another way.
Maybe if I'd been more careful and conservative while I was in the Academy...it would've meant way slower progress though.
"Wait, what about everyone else who was in on it?" I inquired with a frown.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. Since I'm the one in charge, all the blame will fall to me. The others will be fine since they were only following my orders, I always intended on taking full responsibility, anyway. You don't have to worry about it, I'll be fine.
My goal in this little scheme was to help you get stronger faster and more easily, for the sake of our future. And I'd say we've made a lot of progress in accomplishing that. So, whatever happens, I have no regrets.
Anyway, what do you plan to do after? Will you join a Guild or continue working as a Freelance Hunter?
I know you were a bit apprehensive about the Guilds since you'll have a lot less freedom if you join one, but the tradeoff is that you get consistent access to much higher-ranked raids that I can offer you at the Union. Do you have a Guild in mind, if you plan on joining one?" She asked me.
"Yeah, I've got a friend at the Diva Guild, so that's an option. Haven't really decided, though," I replied with a shrug.
"Ah, you must mean Ariella Velle, the newest Ace and your former classmate at the Academy."
"Mhm, that's right. Besides everyone you're aware of, she's the only one who knows about my powers in detail. I got along well with her at the Academy, so I figured it'd be nice to get to work with her again."
"I see...we had her sign an NDA, along with everyone else who saw you in action during your final exam. She did have a bit of an unusual reaction, I didn't think much of it at the time, but hearing that she knew about you already, it makes sense now.
Hm, the Diva Guild, though, that's a tricky one. The few male Hunters who are contracted by them tend to struggle to fit in, many of them end up leaving," She warned me.
"I'm aware. But I don't mind a bit of confrontation," I grinned wryly.
"Well, if you think you can handle it, then I see no reason to discourage you."
"I mean, it's not like I've made a final decision yet, I'll put a bit more thought into it before deciding. So, when should we make the reveal? I'm good to do it whenever," I remarked, as she took a moment to mull it over.
Suddenly, her eyes widened slightly, a gleam appearing in them as a slight smirk spread out across her lips.
Uh...not sure I like that look, what is she upto?
"Do you mind waiting a month?"
"A month, huh? I guess that's fine, but why that long?"
"Well, since this is going to stir up some controversy anyway, we might as well put on a show and announce you to the world in style, don't you think?" She suggested eagerly.
"Hm...okay, I'm listening. Go on," I responded, my curiosity piqued.