Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

I tightened my grip on my sword, sizing up the three hulking stone golems advancing toward me. They moved with an eerie, deliberate pace, their jagged limbs grinding against each other with every step. Each one was about twice my height and had glowing runes carved into its chest, pulsing with energy.

[Combat update! Opponent details:

Animated Stone Golems - Level 10

Health: 5000/5000

Weakness: Precision strikes to their cores. Strength: Crushing your skull like a grape.]

"Thanks for that," I muttered sarcastically.

[No problem! Reminder: You're currently alone, underprepared, and terrible at dodging.]

"Shut up."

The first golem lunged, its massive stone arm swinging toward me like a battering ram. I dove to the side, rolling to avoid the impact. The ground shook as its fist slammed down, leaving a crater where I'd been standing.

"Missed me!" I taunted, scrambling to my feet.

[Agility +1.]

"Finally, some appreciation for my pain," I grumbled, narrowly ducking as another golem hurled a boulder at my head.

"Is this supposed to be training or a death sentence?"

From the edge of the arena, Daena smirked. "Training is a death sentence if you're weak. Prove me wrong."

"Oh, I'll prove you wrong," I muttered, channeling magic into my hand. "Time for some fireworks."

I launched a Fireball at the nearest golem. The fiery orb hit its chest, and for a brief, glorious moment, the runes on its torso flickered. Then the golem shook off the flames like they were a light drizzle.

"Okay, not my best plan," I admitted, backpedaling as it advanced on me.

"Try aiming for the core," Daena called out, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

[Hint: Aim for the core. You know, the thing glowing like a neon bullseye. Maybe try that instead of flailing?]

"Everyone's a critic," I muttered.

Switching tactics, I activated Earth Sense. The vibrations in the ground became clearer, and I could feel the golems' every move before they made it. It wasn't perfect, but it gave me enough warning to dodge the second golem's punch.

"Not today, Rocky!" I shouted, sidestepping its attack.

I raised my sword and dashed forward, aiming for the glowing rune on its chest. With a grunt, I swung, and the blade connected with a satisfying clang. Cracks spiderwebbed across the rune, and the golem staggered.

[Strength +1. Intelligence +1.]

"See? I'm learning," I said smugly.

[Miracles do happen.]

The third golem decided it didn't like my attitude and stomped toward me, its massive foot shaking the ground with each step. I tried to dodge, but my foot caught on a stray rock, and I went down hard.

"Smooth," Ananara called from the sidelines. "Real smooth."

"I'd like to see you do better!" I snapped, scrambling to my feet.

"Not my job, thankfully," he replied, adjusting his leafy top like a smug little crown.

Another punch came my way, and I barely raised an Earth Wall in time. The golem's fist smashed into the barrier, cracking it but not breaking through.

[Endurance +1.]

"Ha! Take that!" I shouted.

The golem didn't respond, but its glowing chest pulsed ominously.

"Why do I feel like it's about to—"

Before I could finish, the golem's rune flared, and it released a shockwave that sent me flying backward. I hit the ground with a groan, my health bar dropping slightly.

[Health: 1800/2000.]

"Great. Now they're angry."

I pushed myself up, summoning magic into both hands. "Fine. You want to play rough? Let's play rough."

I unleashed Ember Swipe, a fiery slash that cut through the air and hit the second golem square in the chest. Its rune flickered again, and this time the cracks deepened.

[Magic +1. Fireball upgraded to Level 5.]

"Progress!" I shouted triumphantly.

The first golem, however, wasn't impressed. It charged, and I barely had time to summon another Earth Wall. The barrier shattered under its assault, but it gave me just enough time to roll out of the way.

"You're really earning your keep today," the system chimed.

"Not the time!" I snapped, spinning to block the third golem's punch with my sword. The impact rattled my arms, but I held my ground.

[Strength +1. Swordsmanship upgraded to Level 5.]

"Alright, big guy," I said through gritted teeth. "Let's see how you like this."

I poured magic into my sword, the blade glowing red-hot. With a yell, I slashed at the golem's core, and this time, the rune shattered completely. The golem froze, cracks spreading across its body before it crumbled into a pile of rubble.

"One down," I panted. "Two to go."

[Experience gained: 300/4000.]

The remaining golems didn't seem pleased about their companion's demise. They advanced in unison, their runes glowing brighter.

"Uh, Daena?" I called out. "A little help?"

Her smirk widened. "This is your fight, not mine."

"Of course it is," I muttered, readying my sword again.

The first golem raised both arms, preparing to slam them down. I braced myself, sweat dripping down my face. My heart thundered in my chest as the massive stone limbs cast a shadow over me, the ground trembling beneath its weight.

"System," I muttered in my head, "any brilliant ideas?"

[Sure! Duck.]

The golem's arms descended like falling boulders. I dove to the side, feeling the whoosh of air as they smashed into the ground where I'd been standing. A shockwave rippled out, throwing me off balance and sending me sprawling.

"Okay, maybe less sarcasm and more helpful advice!" I hissed, scrambling to my feet.

[Helpful advice? Don't die. You're welcome.]

"Useless tin can!"

The second golem joined the fray, its glowing rune flaring ominously as it pulled back one arm. I barely had time to leap before it launched a rock the size of a carriage wheel at me. The projectile whizzed past, grazing my shoulder and slamming into a nearby boulder, reducing it to dust.

[Health: 1750/2000.]

"Great! Now I'm bruised and annoyed!"

The first golem wasn't letting up. It pivoted with surprising speed for something made of rock, its rune pulsing with power as it wound up for another strike.

I activated Earth Sense again, feeling the vibrations of their movements through the ground. With barely a second to spare, I sidestepped the first golem's swing, the impact sending cracks spiderwebbing across the earth.

"Two against one is hardly fair!" I shouted, though my voice lacked conviction.

[Fairness is overrated. Also, you picked this fight.]

As I prepared to counterattack, the runes on both golems suddenly glowed brighter, their movements becoming faster and more aggressive.

"Why do I feel like this just got worse?" I whispered, gripping my sword tighter.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om