Chapter 149: Dilemma


    ( The real world )


    Leo was in a good mood after the second round was over as he sensed a shift in global opinion regarding him after his ster performance.


    Criticism of him being a fake ranker was remarkably reduced, while wild theories that he wasn''t a real yer but a system NPC gained momentum.


    He couldn''t help but smile by himself looking at his progress. Feeling as if maybe if he kept this up, he could really dispel all doubts regarding his identity.


    "Someone is in a good mood today-" Amanda said, as she caught Leo smiling silly to himself as a deep blush appeared on Leo''s face when he heard her voice.


    "What were you thinking about? Were you thinking about how beautiful I look this morning?" Amanda teased flirtily as Leo was left red faced as he gazed at Amanda suggestively running her finger up her long legs.


    "Uh? That- no-" he said, gathering his thoughts as he wiped the silly smile off his face.


    "Pfft, so cute," Amanda said, throwing her arms around Leo''s neck and giving him a peck on his cheek.


    As if he wasn''t flustered already, Leo turned tomato red after this, as while the closeness between himself and Amanda seemed to have increased over the days, he wasn''t used to her randomly touching him.


    "I''m also very happy today, like very very happy….. ask me why?" Amanda said, as Leo looked into her eyes and asked "Why?"


    "I''ve finally forged a great dagger set! 12 daggers of pristine quality, hand crafted by yours truly for you!" Amanda said as she did a small twirl as if trying to say ''Ta da''


    "Oh?" Leo said surprised as Amanda excitedly nodded her head.


    "Yes! It''s a return gift for you! Although I''m not as talented as you to draw a painting in real life, I can make good items within the game, so I''ve made this for you because you told me you use daggers" Amanda said, as Leo''s face brightened for a moment.


    He had only once fleetingly mentioned that he used daggers as a primary choice of weapon, however, Amanda not only remembered his choice, but she also forged a set for him!


    Leo couldn''t help but feel touched by this gesture, as it was small things like these that really showed him that Amanda truly cared for him and thought about him even when he was not around her.


    "Thankyou-" he said earnestly as Amanda''s bright smile became even brighter.


    "You''re in the capital right? Well I''m visiting Stronghaven soon because I have to buy supplies, I''ll give you the set then" Amanda said cheerfully, as Leo nodded his head in excitement, forgettingpletely that he could not do so.


    "You know, I thought you''re a weirdo for choosing daggers as your primary weapon, but then I saw The Boss using it today in a video on the global forums.


    The number one yer uses daggers? Can you believe that-


    Immediately made me think of you, haha, I guess you''re both weirdos" Amanda said jokingly, however, Leo stiffened up at this joke.


    It was only now that he realized that he could not ept Amanda''s gift even though he wanted to, because it couldpromise his hidden identity.


    If Amanda saw him in a global forum video, using daggers gifted by her, his identity would bepromised instantly which would lead to Leo losing his life.


    "Anyways, where are we meeting? It can be a fun outing... some may call it a date" Amanda said sheepishly as she giggled to herself, however, Leo was not listening to her speak anymore.


    Afraid of the consequences of his identity being revealed, Leo went into self contemtion mode as hepletely zoned out of the conversation he was having with Amanda.


    "Leo….Leo? Leo-" a male voice eventually said, zapping Leo out of his stupor as when Leo regained his focus he found himself staring at Luke.


    "What are you and Amanda doing man, we are gettingte for work.


    Look at the damn time, what were you two doing not getting ready? Come on now…. Hurry!" Luke said in an angry tone as he was disappointed in the love birds.


    Thankfully, his entry saved Leo''s ass from having an awkward conversation with Amanda, however, the inevitable had only been dyed and not avoided as if not today, then Amanda was going to pose this question to him again tomorrow and Leo would be required to reply.


    Eventually, he had to meet either Luke or Amanda within the game or share his gaming ID with them as he could not keep avoiding that question forever.


    This conversation with Amanda today while heartwarming, reminded Leo that he had to remain an actor within the game as well as outside in real life as the almighty bracelet was listening to everything he said.


    While within the game he could fool the global forums into thinking he was a bigshot, his biggest challenge was not within the game, but in hiding his identity from the people closest to him as lying to Amanda or Luke and breaking their trust was something that Leo was not keen on doing.


    "Alright I''m ready, your turn Leo-" Amanda said,ing out of the bathroom as she winked at Leo and apologized to Luke for the dy.


    As Leo got ready for the days work, he took a deep break and calmed his nerves trying to search for a creative solution to this problem.


    He knew this day was going toe eventually and the only way he saw himself getting out of it was by creating a fake gaming identity, but he wasn''t sure on how he might pull it off.


    ''Damn it, now aside from clearing the third round, I also need to focus on my meeting with Amanda? When will I ever catch a break?'' Leo wondered, as he changed into work robes and headed out alongside Luke and Amanda to report for duty.


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