A Couple's Peculiar Situation

Gazing into Elsa's gorgeous shy smile and her eyes that were full of affection was almost breathtaking to Asher. In just a few short days, she really had gradually become more lovely than ever before.

Asher could still recall, before these few days, Elsa would've immediately fled if she would've given him a peck on the cheek. But now, she is coming around to being more openly affectionate.

And Asher had to say he really was grateful for this Mana Room.

Without any limitations, along with total privacy, they could continually hang out together. From these small hangouts, Asher would smoothly get closer to Elsa in any way he can.

Moreover, during these sessions, Asher would take small liberties in being closely intimate in a manner that won't make Elsa nervous. From holding her hand, cuddling her, or giving affectionate hugs.

It all cultivated to a point where Elsa started naturally feeling comfortable in skin-to-skin contact with him.

Though Asher wasn't entirely sure on what to call it, but nowadays, when getting close to Elsa, he could feel a slight yet unfathomable sensation run through his body.

Asher wasn't sure how to identify this sensation; it almost felt like another form of energy within his body. Furthermore, he could also just feel this sensation course through Elsa's body. And this also helped her in getting comfortable with him.

Although, no matter how gradually comfortable Elsa got, she never left her complete embarrassment.

And truthfully, Asher could never get tired of those shy smiles or blushing faces. Those kinds of expressions just made Elsa all the more cuter than she already is.

Soon enough, though, Asher was starting to think he could take the next steps to progress to the next stage of their relationship.

But that was a thought for later.

Asher focused on the present now, and his mind began to recall the special event they had for today. His expression turned a bit wry as he began to say,

"Right, right, today is a huge step for you. Still….I should've expected you would choose a place like the Burning Night Pits."

Asher got the intended effect of his comment when Elsa had cutely scrutinized her gaze on him.

She narrowed her eyes on Asher's teasing face and spoke in a chiding tone. "Expected of me, hm? Is this another one of your implying jokes?"

If there was one thing Elsa could say Asher has her beat on, it is teasing bantering. Throughout these days, she gradually realized she would never be able to catch up to Asher's pace. After all, for someone so socially inept for most of her life, her social experience could never match Asher.

Towards Elsa's scrutinizing look, Asher knew the most efficient manner to deal with this. He kept up his soft smile as he gave a gentle squeeze on Elsa's hand.

It was like Asher's squeezing touch caused a flow of warmth to flow through Elsa's body, causing her gaze to inevitably soften.

Asher had then continued on to say, "No, no, I'm actually serious this time. I've heard about this place before but never looked too deeply into it. As far as I know, that place is where a lot of intense fights go down. And I'm interested in seeing how stronger cultivators fight."

Elsa nodded as her expression turned more serious as well.

"Naturally, as we progress in cultivation, we will learn more about this place. Truthfully, I too only hold limited information about this place. But I have the means to safely get into this place. Moreover, we'll need to be completely undercover so we can actually be out in the open with each other."

"That fact that we have to hide sure does make everything more convenient. But, I can't help but have some suspicions about this place. I mean....I've heard things can get pretty brutal over there." Asher had wondered out loud.

Elsa's tone turned more lecturing. She began to explain to Asher, "As far I know, this organization is potentially shady. But I can confirm it will be safe so as long we don't do anything odd. Furthermore, I've also heard this organization is rumored to be backed by even the Mayor Forces."

A mild look of surprise swirled in Asher's eyes. To be backed by the Mayor Forces essentially means their reach ranged over the whole Pearlcrest City!

And they were going to a place like this for their date.

At this point, Asher had to ask a question that's been rummaging in his mind for a while now.

"Such a place has that much of a broad reach….and we're going to it. Say, Elsa, I know you don't really like discussing your family. But, are you sure they won't worry about you going out in the evening or them potentially finding out about us?"

Elsa didn't immediately answer. Her brows began to furrow as she fell into deep contemplation.

Elsa also never wants to lie to a person she has high feelings for. But with her family's complicated situation, she was deciding on how much she should tell.

At the same time Asher patiently waited for Elsa's response, Yuki began to speak out to him.

'Hmmm….this little girl….yea, you know what, Asher? I think we'll need to take the mission to change your friends and our talents very soon.'

Asher didn't show any outward expression, but his attention was briefly put on Yuki. A small surge of concern began to swell in his mind, and he asked Yuki then,

'What? What do you mean? You sense something from Elsa?'

'You can say it like that. Truthfully, I just feel a great sense of trouble coming from that girl. And that trouble could potentially be knocking on our doorsteps soon. So no matter what, you must be prepared.'

Yuki's tone gained a rare serious edge that already told Asher the severity of their situations.

Only more concerns started to sprawl in Asher's mind. With how strong Elsa is now, he dreaded to think how strong her family is.

Honestly, Elsa's hidden powerful family caused greater pressure on Asher's mind than what the Kane Gang could ever achieve.

But, at the same time, Asher wasn't discouraged at all.

Even barring his prowess, Asher realized he has an ace up his sleeve to become a dangerous force even if his System's soul can't quickly grow.

'I already faced death once, Yuki. I'm prepared to face it countless times more. Plus, our Ghostly abilities will give us an edge that nobody can see coming.'

Determination filled Asher's mind, overshadowing his concerns and doubts.

'Hm! Hehe~! It's good that you remember our true abilities!...Oh? It seems like that little girl is done thinking.'

Yuki's voice got Asher to refocus his attention back on Elsa.

A dawning light had swirled within her eyes, and she shot a look straight into Asher's eyes. After thinking several things over, Elsa had finally made up her mind.

She began to explain in a calm tone that had no hints of lie within it.

"About my family….if it was before the Potential Assembly, it would be tough for us to casually meet up. But, at least for now, I can use the excuse of trading pointers with my fellow Ranking Students. My family is….controlling. My parents specifically always want to know my general moves."

Elsa's expression appeared to be calm, but Asher could feel the slight tension within her hands. Subconsciously while talking about her family, she began to grip Asher's hand just a little bit tighter.

Without saying anything, Asher pulled Elsa closer to him, letting her rest on his shoulder.

Elsa's calm expression turned a notch brighter, and she continued to speak. "But, no matter how controlling they are, they still are in awe and slightly wary of my talent. The Sky Tier level talent isn't something anybody could take lightly throughout the whole city."

Asher only curiously raises his eyebrows. He began to recall the various Tiers of power and quickly realized where Elsa stands.

Instead of becoming awe or shock, Asher simply spoke in a praising tone. "Sky Tier Talent….so you're only a step above me. That's incredible."

If Asher's Peak Stage Earth Tier talent was considered a legend. Then Elsa's Sky Tier Talent was considered a legend among!

Such information wasn't readily available to everyone, keeping it a huge secret for the day it should be revealed.

But, such a shocking secret was so casually said by Elsa without even a second thought. Elsa nodded at Asher, telling him then,

"My family also has some awareness of your Peak Stage Earith Tier talent. Though, they don't know your face. In any case, we have leeway with our relationship. But we must be careful to hiddenly preserve it until it's safe to come out with."

There wasn't any sense of discontent rising within Asher from being told they must keep their relationship a secret. From the first day he proposed dating Elsa, he knew what he was getting into.

However, while Asher knew his mental state was perfectly fine, he could actually sense a slight mix of pessimistic emotions from Elsa.

When he's closely connected to Elsa like this, Asher didn't precisely know how he could do it, but he could feel if she would have a shift in moods.

So instead of giving some equally serious, determined reply, Asher wrapped one of his arms around Elsa's shoulder, pulling her close to his broad chest.

Elsa didn't reject leaning into Asher's warm chest, only feeling a slight sense of embarrassment. She had then stared up to Asher's face only to see a soft, soothing smile.

That kind of warm smile truly made any feeling of discontent she felt before quickly melt away.

Asher didn't break eye contact with Elsa, and he began telling her, "I'll admit, hearing about how overbearing your family does cause some pressure for me. But, this is just another obstacle for I….for us to overcome. Now then, let's relax just a bit more until we have to go."

"Fufu~. You truly have a glib tongue." Elsa leaked a lovely little giggle and snuggled closer into Asher's chest.

Spending their time like this improves their relationship and gives Asher's mental state serene ease he didn't even know he needed.

Like this, they would spend the remainder of their time until it was Balreth Academy's closing time.