Chapter 49: Sharing Details
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As they walked away from the rest of the group, Asher noticed that Alissa's shoulders were shaking. 

Then, as if on cue, Alissa's laughter broke free. It started small, barely a whisper, then a giggle slipped out, but when Asher looked at her, puzzled, her laughter burst forth, full and unrestrained, making her look light and carefree.

Asher was caught off guard by her unexpected laughter. He stood there, watching her with curiosity as she continued to chuckle. Her laughter seemed out of place after their intense encounter, as he expected a scolding for another broken nose.

"What's so funny?" he asked, as he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Alissa, struggling to catch her breath amidst her laughter, managed to compose herself enough to explain. "It's just... the words you spoke to Livia. You basically threw Jolan's own words right back at his girlfriend. It was hilarious. I never imagined you'd turn his words against her like that."

"He had it coming," Asher responded, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'd love to see Jolan's face when Livia complains about our exchange to him."

Alissa nodded, wiping away tears of laughter. "Well, it was perfect."

Asher, feeling a bit more at ease, shrugged modestly. "Guess I've picked up a thing or two hanging around you and the others. But seriously, I couldn't let her walk all over us."

"That's true. You've definitely become more... assertive," Alissa observed, a playful grin on her face. "Looks like you are pulling your weight in the team. It suits you."

Asher chuckled, his acting skills helping him as she raised her observation. "Thanks, Alissa. And you don't need to worry about me. I've got this under control," he assured her, his voice carrying a hint of confidence.

Alissa gave him a quick nod, her eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and concern. "Yeah, you always say that," she responded, her tone light but carrying an underlying note of worry. "Just... be careful, okay? I know you're capable, but sometimes you dive into things headfirst."

Asher smiled, appreciating her concern that was due to the original being weak. "Don't worry, I'll be careful," Asher said, but Alissa raised her eyebrow at his words.

Sensing that he would get a lecture on being overconfident, he preemptively said, "Promise, I'll be careful." 

Alissa looked at his eyes for a moment but nodded her head at last as she turned to focus on their path.

Their footsteps matched rhythm as they continued in silence, each lost in thought. He broke the quiet, as he didn't want her to focus on him. "Speaking of the team, how's the recruitment going?"

Alissa paused, her mind switching gears to consider their strategy. "Hmm… Good, I guess," she began thoughtfully. "I've only asked one person so far, and he's on board. But trying to keep it under wraps makes it challenging to approach more people."

When Alissa talked about being careful not to alert anyone unnecessarily, Asher remembered the memories of Jolan from the Capsule and decided to share it. "Actually, that reminds me– Jolan is one of the men under the Whisperer contract."

Alissa's steps abruptly stopped, and she turned to him in surprise, "What?! Are you sure?" she demanded, her voice rising a little.

"Absolutely," Asher confirmed, stopping beside her.

"But how can you be so certain?"

He shrugged it off, blaming it on the Councilor, "Got it straight from the Councilor…"

Alissa couldn't hide her frustration hearing his words. Her voice increased as she nearly shouted, "What!?" 

The loud voice had attracted unwanted attention, causing passersby to glance their way.

Noticing the curious onlookers, Asher gave Alissa a look, reminding her of discretion.

Realizing her slip, Alissa quickly regained her composure, offering a dismissive wave to the people, downplaying their curiosity.

Once the onlookers had lost interest, she turned back to Asher, her voice lowered but still tinged with annoyance. "Why didn't she tell me?" she mumbled, slightly upset.

Seeing her like that, Asher sighed helplessly as he lightly flicked her on the head. "Isn't it because you've been keeping your meetings a secret from everyone?"

"Yeah, that must be it..." Alissa's shoulders slumped and her expression turned sad upon hearing his words.

To make her feel better, Asher quickly added, "And you didn't ask her, did you? I bet she would have told you if you had asked…" though probably for a price.

"She should have informed us about a spy among us, regardless," Alissa grumbled, the annoyance clear in her voice but somewhat tempered by Asher's efforts to console her.

"Yeah, you're probably right," Asher agreed, acknowledging her point. "Maybe it was because she knew he was from our Family..."

Alissa nodded, her expression thoughtful as she considered their situation, "Maybe…"

After pondering, Alissa's strategic mind kicked back in, her focus shifting to the broader picture. "Is there anyone else we need to watch out for?" she asked, her tone serious.

"As far as I'm aware, no one else," Asher replied. "Just keep your distance from anyone connected to Jolan."

Alissa's mood shifted slightly, showing a hint of annoyance. "You don't need to warn me about that. I know what I'm doing," she said firmly, making it clear she wasn't pleased with being told the obvious.

As Alissa showed her irritation, he simply offered a nonchalant shrug and resumed walking.

"Just make sure you're not putting yourself in danger," he said, not wanting her to pull out the same stunt as in the previous iteration. 

Hearing his words, Alissa blushed, touched by his concern, but soon controlled herself as they exited the building. 

As they continued their walk, Asher asked. "So, what's your plan now?"

Alissa glanced his way. "I'm heading to my office. There's a lot I need to sort out, especially now I know Jolan works for the Whisperer."

Asher nodded at her words but didn't add extra. Giving standard advice will get him the same reactions as earlier.

Silence fell between them for a short stretch until Alissa broke it. "What about you? Returning to Xinyue?"

"Yeah, going to ask for help like you suggested and also to discuss some skills," Asher explained casually, thinking ahead about other topics he'd like to cover with Xinyue, like the system and cultivation. He also has to ask about her ailment.

"Good, good," Alissa nodded, pointing ahead to the tall, imposing building that marked her destination. "Well, that's my stop. I've got to head in. Keep me posted if anything noteworthy happens."

"Okay," Asher acknowledged, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than usual.

Looking at her, Asher thought about her hiding secrets from him. He was sure there were many of the things that she didn't tell him. 'I will ask Alissa about the system later. Then there is also cultivation that I'm hiding from her.'

 

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