Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

As they trudged back toward the cabin, Daena kept a firm, guiding hand on each girl's shoulder. She didn't say much, but the look on her face was enough to keep even Enara silent. Liria, on the other hand, had a mix of relief and dread swirling inside her. Relief because they were still in one piece—and dread because, if she knew her grandmother, there was a lecture coming that she wouldn't soon forget.

The cabin came into view, cozy as ever in the soft morning light, but the warm, welcoming sight did nothing to calm the nerves churning in Liria's stomach.

Once inside, Daena spun around, fixing Liria with a stare so sharp it could've sliced through steel. "Now," she began, arms crossed. "Care to explain what was going through that thick skull of yours?"

Liria managed a sheepish grin. "Uh… bonding exercise?"

"Bonding exercise?" Daena's eyebrows shot up, disbelief flashing across her face. "Fighting a Direhound isn't exactly what I'd call a 'bonding exercise,' Liria. And as for you, Enara—"

Enara straightened, trying and failing to look dignified. "I was just, um… testing her skills, you know? Making sure she was, uh, properly trained."

"Oh, please," Daena scoffed. "You two couldn't organize a proper tea party together, let alone take on a Direhound."

Liria shot a glare at Enara. "See? I told you this was a terrible idea!"

Enara scoffed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Oh, right, because you're just the queen of good ideas, aren't you?"

[Observation: Your interaction is highly unproductive. Redirect focus.]

Liria mentally sighed. "Thanks for the feedback, System."

Daena cleared her throat, and both girls snapped their mouths shut. "Liria, I don't know where you got the idea that wandering into the forest to fight monsters was a smart decision, but it ends now. That was reckless, and you're lucky you came back in one piece. I told you to be cautious, not charge at the first dangerous thing you saw!"

Liria shuffled her feet. "I mean… you also let me go…"

Daena's glare softened just a fraction, but she shook her head. "Letting you go to practice is not the same as telling you to get into life-or-death situations. You're supposed to be learning, not proving you can take on the world."

Liria sighed, nodding. "Understood, Grandma. No more monster hunts… without at least a battle plan."

Enara snickered, which only earned her an even harsher glare from Daena. "And as for you, Miss 'Demon Princess,' I don't care if you're royalty back home. Here, you follow the rules—or I'll make sure you spend every waking minute scrubbing the floors of this cabin. Understood?"

Enara swallowed, muttering a faint, "Yes, ma'am."

Liria tried to suppress a grin. It wasn't often she saw Enara looking properly humbled.

Just then, a familiar chime echoed in her mind.

[Congratulations, Liria. You have earned 580 experience points for your contribution to the Direhound encounter. Current total: 800/800.]

Liria's eyes widened, surprised. She could hardly believe she was actually rewarded for that mess of a battle. "Wait… I got experience for that? But I didn't even land the final blow."

[Correct. As you participated in the battle and demonstrated growth, you received a proportional amount of experience. However, due to lack of a decisive impact on the outcome, the reward was limited.]

Liria nodded to herself, a little relieved. "Okay, that makes sense."

The system chimed again, a little louder this time.

[Congratulations, Liria. You have reached Level 10.]

Liria's heart skipped a beat, excitement and nervousness surging through her. "Finally!"

[Note: Reaching Level 10 unlocks a significant evolution. Would you like to initiate the process now? Y/N]

Liria's eyes sparkled, her fingers practically itching to select "yes." But she forced herself to stay calm. She wasn't even sure what this evolution entailed or how it would affect her abilities. And the last thing she wanted was to make her grandmother even more suspicious by transforming in the middle of the cabin.

"Can I ask what this 'evolution' means, exactly?"

[Evolution at Level 10 signifies a substantial enhancement of core abilities, likely increasing physical and magical attributes significantly. It will also unlock one additional skill slot, unique to your evolutionary path.]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Oh, an extra skill slot?" Liria bit her lip, thinking. The temptation to evolve right away was powerful, but given how badly things had just gone in the forest, she figured a little caution couldn't hurt. She could wait a bit longer besides, she needed a real plan for how to use her new power effectively.

"Not right now, System," she replied. "I'll wait until I'm somewhere safer."

[Acknowledged. Evolution can be activated at your command.]

Liria sighed with satisfaction, finally feeling a sense of control over her situation. She'd reached Level 10, gained experience, and managed to learn a thing or two about teamwork although, she'd never admit that last part to Enara.

Daena watched her with a raised brow. "Something on your mind?"

Liria blinked, trying to act casual. "Nope! Just… mentally preparing myself for a good night's sleep. Last night was a lot."

Daena snorted. "Trust me, you've earned it. Both of you." She shot a stern look at Enara, who had been trying to sneak out of the conversation unnoticed.

"Got it," Enara said, rolling her eyes but with a hint of respect in her tone.

Daena let out a long breath, her serious expression softening. "Look, I know you're both young and eager to prove yourselves, but I don't want to see either of you putting your lives at risk like that again. Understood?"

They both nodded, mumbling their agreements.

"Good," Daena said. She patted Liria on the shoulder, her hand gentle but firm. "Now, get some rest. You'll need all the strength you can get for whatever wild idea you come up with next."

As Daena left the room, Liria collapsed onto her bed, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. She'd made it to Level 10, her evolution awaited, and miraculously she'd even survived a deadly encounter with a Direhound.

"Not too bad," she thought, smirking.

[Recommendation: Evolution is a significant milestone. Delaying it may impact your overall growth.]

Liria chuckled. "So pushy, aren't you? Don't worry, System. I'll evolve soon enough. But only when I'm ready."