Kira leaned back in her chair, processing the conversation with Lillian and Evangelia. They had made their decision to join the game, and she couldn't help but feel a spark of interest. *So, they're really going for it,* Kira thought, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. *Interesting...*
As she tapped a few commands on her terminal, the door to the room opened, and Major Andrea stepped in, her posture as stiff as ever. Kira could already tell from the way Andrea walked that there was a shift in their plans.
"No, Kira," Andrea said, her voice commanding and cold. "You're not joining them. Aurora has other plans. Both of us are to join *that* player—Aliss. We will be assigned as her guards and protect Princess Anastasia."
Kira raised an eyebrow, trying to piece together what Andrea meant. "Princess Anastasia?" she repeated, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes," Andrea replied, her tone unwavering. "She is the young princess of England, and only we know about her. The public doesn't know, and even her own family doesn't know she exists. But in the game, she is a princess, the daughter of a king. When he dies, she will play a pivotal role in the game's events. And we will guard her until the one who will claim the throne—someone destined to lead the resistance against the demons—arrives."
Kira's expression hardened as she realized the full scope of their mission. "So, her family doesn't know about her? They won't even know if someone finds her body?"
"Correct," Andrea confirmed. "Her real body is of no importance—it looks like a commoner's, and no one will know about her, even if they find it. The critical issue is her role in the game. When her father, the king, dies in the game, she will inherit the throne. But she won't take the throne until someone steps in to lead the resistance against the demons. It's a delicate position."
Kira's mind raced. "So, we're not just guarding a princess. We're protecting someone who will play a crucial role in the game, one who will lead the fight against the demons and shape the fate of the world. And we need to keep her safe until the right person, the one destined to challenge the demons, arrives."
"Exactly," Andrea said, her voice steady. "We need to make sure no one, especially players from rival companies, find out about her true identity in the game. If they do, they'll try to manipulate her for their own gains, to control the future of the game. The key is to keep her hidden in plain sight. The princess may be a player in the game, but only we can ensure her safety and keep her identity secret."
Kira nodded, her determination growing. "Understood. We'll protect her and make sure no one takes advantage of her position. We'll do whatever it takes."
Andrea gave a small, approving nod. "Exactly. Our military skills will be our advantage. We'll use them to defend the princess and ensure that she can fulfill her role when the time comes. But no one must know who she really is, and we must keep her protected at all costs."
Kira stood, a determined gleam in her eyes. "We won't fail her. Let's get to work."
As the two women exchanged one final glance of understanding, the weight of their mission settled in. Their role was clear. They would protect Princess Anastasia at all costs, guarding her real identity and ensuring she was ready to face the challenges ahead when the right time came. The game had only just begun, but for them, the stakes were already higher than they ever could have imagined.
Kira and Major Andrea stood in the command center, their eyes scanning the array of security feeds and status reports. The atmosphere was intense, as the operation to secure the base and prepare for the mission was in full swing.
"Get the perimeter locked down. I want every access point covered," Major Andrea barked to the team. Her voice was sharp, commanding. "Set up surveillance, and ensure the defenses are active. I don't care if we have to double-check every corner—nothing gets through."
Kira, moving swiftly alongside her, added, "Patrols, keep your eyes peeled for anything unusual. This mission's importance goes beyond anything we've handled before. No mistakes."
As the orders were relayed, the security team scattered, executing the plan with military precision. The base was soon buzzing with activity, each operative focused on their task. Kira and Andrea exchanged a brief glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Their job was clear: protect Princess Anastasia, keep her safe from any threat, and make sure she remained oblivious to the truth of her situation.
After a few moments of silent coordination, Kira spoke again, this time quieter, "Everything's in place. We're ready to log in."
Andrea nodded, her mind already moving forward to the next phase of the mission. "Let's move out. We can't waste time. Let's make sure she believes she's just a princess. Her mind must stay intact, and we'll be her shadow—her protectors. The others will follow our lead."
---
The two women arrived in the game's virtual setting moments later, their avatars materializing in the grand castle of Anastasia's world. As they walked through the royal halls, they noticed the princess herself, unaware of the strange reality that surrounded her.
Anastasia, dressed in a lavish gown, stood in the royal gardens, staring out over the balcony. To her, it was all real. She was the daughter of the king, born to rule, surrounded by the luxuries and privileges of royal life. In her mind, this was her world, and she was fully confident in her place within it.
As Kira and Andrea approached, Anastasia turned toward them, her expression gentle yet regal. She smiled as they bowed, giving her the respect her title demanded.
"Your Highness," Andrea said, lowering her head slightly, her tone respectful but firm. "I am Major Andrea, and this is Kira, my trusted second. We are your personal guards, assigned to protect you, your Highness, and ensure your safety at all times."
Kira stepped forward with a gentle smile, her posture relaxed yet professional. "We are honored to serve you, Your Highness. As your guards, we are here to carry out your father's wishes and to defend you from any threat."
Anastasia's eyes sparkled with a quiet understanding, as if she were already aware of her station. "Thank you. I have heard of you both, and I trust in your abilities," she said with confidence. "The king has always ensured my safety, and now that I'm eighteen, I will finally receive my own squad to protect me."
Andrea nodded, speaking with conviction, "Yes, Your Highness. As a gift from your father for your eighteenth birthday, you have been given your own personal guard, which includes us. Four women will stand beside you, ready to protect you in any way possible."
Anastasia smiled at the thought of her personal guard. "Four women… I will never be alone with such capable warriors by my side."
Kira added, "And we will not falter in our duty, Your Highness. The final member of your squad will arrive in two days, completing your team. For now, we are here to ensure your safety and to support you."
Anastasia looked pleased by the news but seemed to give it little thought, accustomed to being surrounded by people who served her. "I appreciate your loyalty and commitment. I feel safe knowing that you are here, guarding me."
Kira and Andrea exchanged a brief look. This was the role they had been assigned—to be her unseen protectors, ensuring she remained in the dark about her true identity and the nature of the world she inhabited. They would follow their orders to the letter, playing their parts in this complex web of deception, guarding the princess from any external threats while keeping her mind secure.
"Your Highness," Andrea said, standing a little straighter, "we will be with you every step of the way. Nothing will harm you as long as we're here."
Kira nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "We'll be watching from the shadows, Your Highness. Your safety is our top priority."
As the princess nodded, seemingly content with the arrangements, Kira and Andrea's minds turned to the task ahead: staying vigilant, maintaining their cover, and ensuring no one uncovered the truth about Anastasia's role in the game. With the impending arrival of the fourth member of their squad in two days, their mission was just beginning, and they knew it would only get more complicated from here.
---
As the virtual world carried on around them, Kira couldn't help but feel the weight of their responsibility. Protecting the princess wasn't just about security—it was about preserving the delicate balance of power in the game and ensuring that Anastasia could fulfill her role when the time came. They would need to move carefully, orchestrating every action to avoid the attention of other players who might seek to manipulate the game's events.
*We'll make sure she stays safe,* Kira thought, her gaze firm. *No one can touch her while we're here.*
And so, the game began, with Kira and Andrea in the shadows, ready to defend the princess at all costs. Their mission was clear: protect the heir to the throne, keep her safe, and ensure that when the time came, she would be ready to play her part in the grand scheme of things.
Got it! Here's a revision with the correct context:
---
**Chapter: The Calm Before the Storm**
The war room hummed with activity as Aliss sat, absorbing the gravity of her new role. Major Andrea and Kira were deep in conversation about the logistics of protecting the princess. The room, filled with the soft glow of holographic displays and strategic maps, seemed to pulse with anticipation. It was hard for Aliss to believe this was all real — the princess, the mission, the world she was now a part of.
"Welcome to the team, Aliss," Major Andrea said, breaking her thoughts. "You're here for a reason. We're glad to have you."
Aliss nodded, but her mind was still processing everything. She was a part of something much larger than she had imagined.
Kira, quieter than usual, leaned in to speak. "We're still waiting for the final member. Any idea who's coming tomorrow?"
Aliss thought for a moment, unsure of how to respond. She had heard so many rumors and stories, but the weight of it all was sinking in. It wasn't just about being a bodyguard to the princess — it was about something far more dangerous. "I guess we'll see when they show up," she replied.
Kira shot her a look of quiet understanding. "I don't know who it will be either, but we need someone strong. We need a team that can protect the princess no matter what. This is serious."
Before Aliss could respond, she hesitated, then decided to bring up something that had been bothering her. "Did you hear about that thief, DeeDee? She stole something from a museum in France again. I read about it online. She's got this reputation for stealing stuff and then just returning it, but it still seems strange, right?"
Major Andrea's expression darkened for a moment, but she quickly masked it. Kira shifted in her seat, and there was a brief silence before Major Andrea spoke.
"She's just a common thief. Doesn't concern us," Andrea said, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. "It's not relevant here. Focus on what's in front of us."
Aliss raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "But is she just a thief? Doesn't she cause more problems than that? I mean, if she's stealing things..."
Andrea cut her off, her tone becoming more serious. "She's not part of this world, Aliss. She's in the real world, and she won't be involved in the game. We've got enough to worry about here. Let's leave it at that."
Kira, clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was heading, spoke up. "What Major means is that we shouldn't waste time on her. She's not in the game, and she's not a threat here. She's just a nuisance in the real world, and it's better that way."
But Aliss was still curious. "But if she's still causing trouble, isn't that something we should think about? I mean, what if she comes after something important?"
Andrea's expression hardened, her gaze unwavering as she leaned in. "We focus on the princess and this game, Aliss. If she's involved in anything here, we'll deal with it. But right now, we don't have the luxury of worrying about her. Our job is to protect the princess from what's coming, and that's it."
There was a brief silence in the room as everyone absorbed the weight of their roles. Aliss nodded, but a question still lingered in her mind. She wasn't fully convinced that DeeDee was just a distraction, but she knew she had to put it aside for the moment. There were bigger problems to focus on.
"I understand," Aliss said quietly, trying to push the nagging thought aside.
Kira glanced at her, her face softer now. "Don't worry about it, Aliss. Focus on what's in front of you. We've got a job to do."
Major Andrea, clearly satisfied with the conversation, stood up and walked to the holographic map in the center of the room. "We need to make sure everything is ready for when the princess arrives. Our priority is to keep her safe, no matter who or what comes after her. Let's stay focused."
As the team prepared for the princess's arrival, Aliss couldn't help but wonder about DeeDee. It seemed like just another piece of the puzzle — a puzzle she still didn't fully understand.
The door opened, and in walked the princess, her presence commanding attention and respect. The team quickly stood at attention, ready to fulfill their duty.
Major Andrea spoke, her tone calm but firm. "Let's focus on what's important. The princess is here, and our job is to protect her. We deal with the rest later."
Aliss nodded, but in the back of her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that something larger, something more dangerous, was lurking just out of sight.
For now, though, they had a job to do. And it started with keeping the princess safe.