So, I wasn't feeling well yesterday. Sorry about no chapter. As a result- I increased this chapter to 3000 words, as opposed to standard 2000. Chapters lengths will increase now, wink wink

Also Warning: Extremely Cute, Dark Scene Incoming

Enjoy!

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Another two trap plants later, the Shield Squad had at last arrived at the forest entrance. It looked the same as when Steel was here last, nothing hinting that it was the right way to go except from memory and Hunie's nose. She reported that their scents still lingered here, which allowed Steel to let out a sigh of relief.

"Okay men, take a breathe. We'll wait for the expedition members here."

Sighing in relief, the four members sat on the soft ground and rested their heads. Even fighting in turns, they had spent a good amount of time fighting to get here. Their stamina was full, but they still felt exhaustion and hunger. All six members opened their packs and took out their rations for a quick snack; bread and fruit. It wouldn't fill their bellies, but it would restore the satiety they needed to continue to the lair.

"Phew, that was hard work sir." James spoke up, "I've never bought so much in my life."

"Speak for your self man." Hawk commented, "This doesn't even compare to some of the battles I've been through."

Olaf chuckled, "Getting beaten by your wench from the red light district doesn't count."

The men all laughed at Hawk's blustering, while Hunie rolled her eyes and Nina tilted her head curiously.

"What's a red light district?" She asked innocently.

Steel and the men suddenly found the sky and grass to be quite interesting, paying close attention to the cloud shapes and folds in the leaves. Hunie leaned over and whispered into Nina's ear, who listened as her ears grew red. She covered her cheeks with her hands and blushed furiously.

"Oy Hunie, don't be corrupting the purity of the squad's idol now!" Olaf complained. Hawk and James nodded with him, giving Hunie an embarrassed look. Hunie tilted her head.

"Muu, what are you saying? I'm not corrupting anyone." She shook her head, "Hunie was just explaining a women's responsibilities to little one here."

Nina nodded, still blushing, "I understand, it's embarrassing, but if it's for the good of the squad, I'll take care of it." Nodding to herself, she stood up and put her fists together under her chin and activated her puppy eyes.

"Big brothers, please don't fight, little sister will protect you all."

"................"-men

(critical emotional damage)

They couldn't prevent the cuteness surging off their squad mate from overcoming their senses, and they collapsed onto the ground in awe.

"I can't take it, she's the mascot of the squad." James whispered.

"Forget the squad, she's liable to be the mascot of the whole guard." Hawk moaned.

Olaf didn't say anything, his eyes were rolled backwards and was twitching on the ground.

"Hunie." Steel moaned on the ground, "What in the world did you teach her?

She looked confused, " Eh? I just explained to her that it was her job to protect everyone, and that she had to pose like that when talking."

Steel shook his head, "Hunie, she's not a defensive type like I am, she'd be hurt if she tried that."

Nina gave him sad puppy dog eyes, "I can't protect anyone?" She asked sadly.

He shook his head quickly, "No no, I didn't mean it like that. While you can't protect with a shield, you can learn how to protect with a sword, er, dagger in your case." He watched her eyeing her dagger thoughtfully. He motioned for her to hit next to him, "Come here, I'll explain better."

He couldn't help but appreciate the irony of him teaching someone older than him. He cleared his throat as she sat with a inquisitive look.

"Now, their are two ways to protect." He explained, "Protect against threats by shielding, and protecting against threats by attacking. I can do the first with my shield here." He hefted his tower shield for emphasis, "However, I cannot seek out enemies to stop them before they attack, that's your job." She nodded, listening with rapt attention.

"Ettoo, so I'll seek out the enemies and take them out?" She asked cutely.

Steel nodded, "That's correct. That's your job, the protective assassin of the guard. I feel like you'll grow to be a splendid guard member if you perfect that." He smiled down at her, his words making her eyes wide.

She stood up and saluted, "I understand sir! This Private Nina will do her best to be the protective assassin of Rostwood! I will not let you down, sir!" Her eyes glowed in admiration, and something else that sent shivers down Steel's spine. He wasn't sure what it was.

AlertYou have offered a new class to one of your subordinates, the Guardian Assassin. This class is temporary until approved by your captain, as he has final say over new positions in the guard. If rejected, the player will keep one random skill acquired from the class, and the class will be permanently locked to other players. You will be credited for the class either way.

You are the first player to ever propose a satisfactory new class that is being considered as a permanent class. Do you wan't this achievement to be known?YesNo

Steel blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected his pep talk to actually spawn a new class, well one with the possibility of being a new class. In fact, he had no idea it was possible for players to create classes. He decided to inquire about this.

He sent a quick message to the help center asking about class. A quick e-mail from an A.I. administrator informed him that most classes already existed, and many others had been rejected during the game making process. That being said, they had left the class limit open in case a player had an idea that was interesting and reasonable.

'Huh, guess my speech was more persuasive than I thought.' He thought to himself.

He clicked yes, and a system wide message went out.

The player Steel has created the first player designed class in Everlife. If successful, other players will be able to become this class and find out how to acquire it if the first player using it allows for the knowledge to spread.

The system informed him that he had received 50 fame and 5 leadership due to his actions, which made him very happy. A quick look to his left told him Nina had received the notification both the notification and the class change option. Her eyes were filled with wonder and awe as she read the tables in front of her, invisible to his eye. She pressed something, and a small shower of light fell on her. She turned to Steel and bowed low to him, her arm across her chest.

"I knew leader was brilliant, Leader Steel is the most amazing person in the whole world!"

Steel realized what was sparking in her eyes now, worship and devotion. No one had ever sent those feelings toward him, now wonder he was terribly uncomfortable.

"Er, Nina, a quick question." He said slowly, "What is your impression of me?"

Nina took a deep breathe, before blabbering Steel's ears off, "Leader Steel is the greatest man in the world! He helps everyone in need and doesn't ask for anything in return. Sir saved my cowardly, worthless life with no thought for sir's own, looking really handsome too. Captain Harkin told me with all sorts of stories of your exploits, and he's a great man already, so if your great in his eyes your great in everyone's eyes. Sir is smart and kind and a bastion force for justice. I'll follow you to hell and back sir, carrying you the entire time if possible."

At a loss, Steel's gaze wondered to James and Hawk, who were staring opened mouthed at Nina.

"Even when she's crazy, shes cute." Hawk managed to stammer before succumbing to cuteness overload. James nodded before following suit.

Skill Activated: InstinctYour actions obviously left a great impression on her mind when she was in a state of extreme shock and fear, being abandoned by her friends to die a horrible death. Her mind has thus fixated on you being the center of her sanity. Ignoring this may lead to death by her crazed hands. Encouraging this may lead to future jealousy and murder as a result. Instinct says to run, but it's already too late.

System MessageA patch has been created to fix a bug to prevent the realism of the game from traumatizing future players in similar situations. Thank you for your help- Management

'Son of a fracking biscuit.' Steel swore in his mind, 'Why the hell did you not fix this beforehand! Now I've got a cute crazed stalker with an assassin class on the verge of becoming unstable, and with my luck I'll be played for anything crazy she'll do in the real world."

He had to fix this immediately, there was no other option. Bad enough Hunie cut down on his fun time, this girl would slaughter it! He considered his options:

1. Kill her. Won't work, she'll respawn with a vengeance.

2. Persuade her. Crazy can't be changed.

3. Cure her. How the hell do I do that?

4. Ignore her. Crazy cannot be ignored

5. Give in to her. Craziness will grow worse.

6. Adjust slowly. Might work in long term.

He nodded, that's what he would have to do.

"Soldier!" He barked at Nina, who stood at rapt attention at his words, "I see you mean your words, your dedication and loyalty is admirable." She swelled with pride.

"However!" He raised his finger, "Are you really loyal? Like you, I have experienced betrayal before, and I fear you may leave my side someday."

She gasped, "No sir! I would never do that, never!"

"Didn't your friends say that to you at some point? Didn't it seem like they would be with you forever?" He pressed. She looked away, clearly uncomfortable, then nodded sadly.

"You understand then."

She nodded, her head hanging in depression.

"I have a way to prevent that however." He said, watching her head shoot up in amazement, "It requires you to submit to my will while I use a skill on you, do you except?"

Hunie broke in, clearly alarmed, "Master! What are you doing? I smell something bad, you're going to do something bad! Hunie won't let you!" She focused her energy for a fight, but not before Steel grabbed her and whispered in her ear.

"Hunie, let me do this, I have no choice." He whispered smoothly, "She is clearly in need of help, help only I can give her. If not, she'll go on a rampage, do you understand? This is all for her benefit." He slowly rubbed ears, relaxing her as he spoke.

"Muu, well, okay then." She said reluctantly, backing off just as a dagger buried itself where she had been leaning previously. The two looked over to see Nina holding another dagger, her face furious,

"Stupid jealous maid! Stop trying to corrupt sir!" She yelled at Hunie, preparing to throw it.

"Soldier, desist!" Steel barked, causing Nina to freeze up, "Hunie were was worried for your well being, and you attack her with daggers? You shame me."

Nina sulked as she put the dagger away, but apologized to Hunie, who nodded and whispered to Steel, "Hurry up already!"

Steel held out his shield and activated "Dark Bind". He had learned the spell at the same time as Earth Armor, but hadn't had a chance to use it yet. He focused it on his shield, activating one of his special skills, "Dominate".

To you wish to activate Dominate on player Nina? This has a 1% chance of success on players, and failure will result in hostile action unless freely excepted.

Steel hit yes, and the shield shot a beam of darkness out to Nina, covering her in a cocoon of darkness.

Player Nina has excepted your domination.You have gained a slaveBecause your new slave is a player, you cannot affect her thoughts with your words. She is required to obey every action given to her, and is unable to take any action against you. She take still perform actions as long as they are not forbidden to her. Commands do not carry over to Cybercity or the Real world. If severe mental damage is sustained due to your actions, you may be held accountable in a court of law and punishment administered. Have fun with your slave.

'This game really does have 100% realism.' He thought, 'Good thing I don't have too many bad things in mind for her.'

The cocoon of darkness disappeared, revealing a kneeling Nina.

"Your slave awaits her commands." She said, an eager twinge in her voice.

You feel eyes watching you

Sighing at the notification, Steel brushed it aside.

"Get up Private Nina." He ordered, waiting for her to obey before continuing, "I have only a few orders for you at this time, understand." She nodded.

"1. Do not reveal your slave status to anyone. 2. Treat me the same as before except in private situations. 3. Do not attack anyone I have peaceful relationships with. 4. Get help." He stated bluntly.

Nina tilted her head, "Help? What do you mean Master?" The 3 squad mates were unconscious, so this counted as being private.

"Your no use to me right now with your current mental state." Steel replied flatly, "I cannot afford to trust you with too much freedom until you seek out a shrink to heal your mind, both in game and out of game, do you understand?"

"I don't want too!" She began rolling around on the ground, "Don't wanna, don't wanna."

"Obey." Steel commanded, freezing her tantrum.

"Ye...yes sir." She said mournfully.

He patted her head and smiled at her.

"When we're done with this mission, go get some help, and I promise we'll play together again, okay?" At his kind tone, she began crying and hugging him as her bottled up feelings began spilling out of her. He motioned to Hunie, who joined in the hug as the little girl cried herself to sleep in the soft grass. He sat her down with the other squad members, her cute snores inciting a grin on his face.

"Master, are you sure she'll be alright?" Hunie asked hesitantly.

"I'm not sure Hunie." He said, "But I hope so. We don't need another me wondering around the world."

"That's for sure." Hunie nodded, "One Master is enough for Hunie." He punched her affectionately, joining the members of his squad in the grass, waiting for the rest of the expedition team to catch up.

A notice popped up in front of him:

Your actions have been judged by the gods. They have decided that while chaotic, your actions were taken for the good of your fellow player. The dark gods have taken an increased interest in your fate. Be wise with future moral choices.

'The dark gods huh? Wonder who they are." Steel mused to himself, reading the notice, "Not that it matters to me who watches. My will is mine alone."

Still, Steel watched over his squad until the expedition team approached.

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Once the rest of the guard neared them, Steel woke up the other members of the squad, who yawned and stretched their limbs. Nina looked over at him and blushed, but gave him a grateful smile. It seemed like she had healed a little bit already.

Sergeant Hamilton approached the group as the expedition took a break from the march. He surveyed the group with his steely gaze before nodding.

"Good job Shield Scout Squad." He said, "You mission was a success, no expedition member died during the grassland trek. Feel free to rest in a carriage while we go take on the wolf lair."

The squad members began cheering, but stopped when Steel held out his hand.

"Sorry sir, but my orders were to bring the expedition team to the lair unharmed, as well as participate as part of the raid. We will escort the men to the lair sir." Steel said evenly.

A sneer appeared on Hamilton's face, one that showed contempt and arrogance. "You obey me, Scout. I am the commanding officer on this trip, and your services are no longer required. You weaklings will stay back and let real guards do their jobs, understood?"

Gnashing his teeth, Scout saluted, "Yes sir, understood. Lets go men." He led his squad toward the wagons, but not before Hamilton interrupted him.

"Leave the beastman, her talents are required for the expedition."

Steel paused, not turning around, "Sir, what need of you of Hunie?"

Steel could hear the intentions drip off Hamilton's tone, "Obviously we need her talents to lead us to the wolf lair. Shes the only useful one in your group anyway, she deserves to be with my lead squad, the best of the best. We will take good care of her."

Desperately working to control himself, Steel answered, "That order is impossible sir. She stares with us."

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and was forcefully turned to face Hamilton's red face.

"I gave you a command scout, give me your squad member!"

Steel smirked at him, "She is not a squad member sir, she is my personal servant and not part of the guard, thus being you have no control over her. Superior officers cannot commandeer the belongings of a subordinate without express permission of the ranking officer."

Seeing his threats would be for naught, Hamilton bustled off in a rage, yelling for everyone to get up and go.

"Master, I recognize some of the rude guy's squad." Hunie piped up.

Steel took a close look at the so called lead squad. Yes, two of them were quite familiar, in fact, Steel had knocked them out a few days ago! The assholes were smirking in his direction as they left with the rest of the expedition group.

"I guess that's why he doesn't like me" Steel commented, "Is squad must be the racists of the guards."

Hawk nodded, "They are sir. They are the some of the strongest in the guard, but all their attitudes stink. Hamilton himself is a brilliant warrior and tactician, which is rumored to be the only reason why Captain Harkin puts up with him. Also, rumor has it he has some connections with powerful people in the kingdom."

Hunie snorted, "He doesn't scare me, the stupid fool is relying on the maps we outlined. Annoying guys like him I used to eat everyday."

Steel coughed, "She meant that figuratively of course." This placated the questioning glances the squad were giving Hunie, who had the decency to blush.

The quest notification popped up, indicting the progress:

Quest UpdatedSave the expedition force and lead them safely to the lairDifficulty: HardRequirementsLeadership mistakes has put the men at risk. Save the remanents of the expedition and lead the men safely in.Total members: 90/90RewardParticipation in the expedition fight

Choice of loot once finished

Pay by commission for each wolf killed

Rank elevation

Squad Members

???Failure to meet agreement will result in loss of intimacy with the Guard and may gain the "Karma Dog" permanent title. Failure to save members will result in lower fighting ability at the lair, which may cause a mission failure, and the eventual destruction of Rostwood

Steel shot up, "Frac! Get your stuff together guys! We have an emergency!"

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30 chapters guys! Please rate so I can know how to improve and what I should continue :)