Reincarnated as the Villainess's Unlucky Bodyguard

Chapter 74 Unleashed Flames

"Why do I feel like this just got worse?" I whispered, gripping my sword tighter.

[Because it did,] the system quipped. [Those glowing runes? A signal that they're about to beat you like a piñata. Do try not to die again. It's embarrassing.]

"Oh, gee, thanks!" I snapped, leaping back as the first golem swung its massive fist at me, narrowly missing my ribs.

The second golem, faster now, flanked me. Before I could recover, it sent another chunk of rock hurtling toward my head. I ducked instinctively, feeling the sharp wind as the projectile grazed past.

"Can you stop chucking boulders?!" I yelled. "It's getting old!"

[Fun fact: they don't care.]

I gritted my teeth and activated Inferno Burst, summoning flames to engulf my blade. The black fire roared to life, licking hungrily at the air. The first golem paused, almost as if it recognized the threat.

"That's right," I said, smirking. "You better be scared."

I slashed at its glowing rune, the flames searing through the stone like molten lava. The golem let out a deafening groan, stumbling back as cracks spread across its chest.

[Critical hit! Strength +1. Agility +1.]

"Finally, some progress!" I crowed.

But my celebration was short-lived. The second golem took advantage of my distraction, slamming its fist into the ground. A shockwave rippled out, knocking me off my feet.

"Stupid oversized paperweights!" I snarled, scrambling to stand.

[You're doing great!] the system chirped. [By the way, your chances of survival just dropped to 32%.]

"Less commentary, more helping!"

Instead, Liria's body began to change. Her frame elongated, her muscles growing stronger. Midnight-black scales crept along her skin, shimmering ominously. Her silver and black hair twisted like a living thing, and her heterochromatic eyes once sharp and human were now feral and glowing. Two massive horns sprouted from her head, crackling with dark energy. Her entire form radiated destruction.

Daena's breath hitched. This wasn't just a surge of power; it was something ancient, primal. Liria had lost control.

Without warning, Liria turned and let loose a torrent of black fire. The blast surged toward Daena, who barely managed to dodge, the flames carving deep gouges into the earth.

"So, it's come to this," Daena muttered, her violet eyes narrowing. She spread her wings, rising into the air to get a better vantage point. "If you want a fight, child, I'll give you one."

Liria roared a sound that shook the forest. She moved with terrifying speed, leaping high into the air and slashing at Daena with clawed hands. Daena summoned a barrier of shimmering purple energy, but the force of the blow shattered it like glass, sending her hurtling backward.

Daena landed gracefully, her tail lashing behind her as she steadied herself. "Alright, little one. Let's see how far you've come."

Liria lunged again, her movements feral and unpredictable. Each swing of her claws sent waves of destructive energy ripping through the terrain. Trees were uprooted, rocks turned to dust. Daena countered with precise blasts of her own magic, aiming to subdue rather than harm.

"Come back to me, Liria!" Daena shouted, dodging another deadly strike. She retaliated with a burst of violet chains, trying to bind Liria in place. But the chains melted upon contact with the black fire.

Liria responded with a guttural laugh that sent chills down Daena's spine. "Weak," Liria growled, her voice layered with something dark and otherworldly.

Daena narrowed her eyes. "I've had enough."

With a wave of her hand, Daena summoned a massive sigil in the sky. The symbol glowed with ancient power, pulsating with an intensity that made the ground tremble. From the sigil, dozens of radiant spears shot down, each one aimed with precision to pin Liria in place.

Liria fought back fiercely, her black flames burning through many of the spears. But one managed to pierce through the energy, striking her shoulder. Another hit her leg, forcing her to falter.

Daena seized the moment, diving forward with all her strength. She wrapped her arms around Liria, her wings folding over them both. "That's enough, child!" she bellowed, her voice resonating with authority.

Liria struggled violently, her claws scraping against Daena's armored skin. But as the spears continued to bind her, the dark energy began to wane. Slowly, the feral glow in her eyes dimmed, and the black flames sputtered out.

Daena held Liria tightly, whispering words of an ancient tongue. The darkness receded further, leaving Liria gasping and trembling in her arms.

When it was over, Daena looked down at her granddaughter, who had returned to her normal form, albeit exhausted and unconscious.