Reincarnated as the Villainess's Unlucky Bodyguard

Chapter 44 First Bell at Abyssal Hall

Liria stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of her new uniform. The dark gray jacket, with its silver trim and high collar, fit snugly, emphasizing her lean build. The military-inspired design gave her an edge that felt both intimidating and practical.

[Looking sharp,] the system quipped. [Though you might want to wipe that sleep out of your eyes before you face the world.]

Thanks for the support, Liria thought sarcastically, rubbing her eyes.

A knock on the door interrupted her final adjustments. Enara's impatient voice filtered through. "Liria! Are you ready, or should I leave you here to fend off Milara's next ambush?"

Liria opened the door to find Enara already dressed in her uniform, which was similar to hers but had a more refined, tailored look befitting a demon princess. Her raven-black hair was tied back in a simple braid, and her midnight eyes gleamed with a mix of excitement and mischief.

"You look decent," Enara said, scanning Liria from head to toe. "For a bodyguard."

"Thanks," Liria said dryly. "You look... overly confident."

"As I should," Enara replied, smirking. "Let's go. The carriage is waiting."

The demon academy, known as Abyssal Hall, came into view as the carriage rounded a bend in the mountain path. Liria leaned forward, her heterochromatic eyes widening slightly.

The school was an architectural masterpiece carved into the side of a massive obsidian cliff. Towering spires jutted toward the sky, their black and crimson surfaces glinting ominously in the sunlight. The main building, shaped like a coiled serpent, wrapped around a central courtyard where students were already gathering. At the heart of the courtyard stood a massive statue of a demon holding a flaming sword, its gaze both inspiring and terrifying.

[Historical Note: Abyssal Hall was founded 800 years ago to train the future leaders and warriors of the demon realm. Only the most talented or the most well-connected can gain admission.]

Of course, Liria thought. Because nothing says "prestigious" like a giant flaming sword statue.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Enara said, catching Liria's expression. "This is where the best of the best are made."

"And where you dragged me against my will," Liria muttered.

Enara rolled her eyes. "Stop complaining. You're here to protect me, remember?"

The carriage came to a stop, and a footman opened the door. As Liria and Enara stepped out, the courtyard fell eerily silent. Every pair of eyes turned toward them.

Whispers began spreading through the crowd like wildfire.

"Who's that with the princess?"

"Is she a new student? She doesn't look like a demon..."

"What's with her eyes? And that hair!"

Liria felt a muscle twitch in her jaw as she met the stares head-on. Her mismatched eyes and dual-colored hair were apparently more shocking than she'd anticipated.

[Social Observation: You've made quite an entrance.]

Not helping, Liria thought, keeping her face neutral.

Enara, on the other hand, looked thoroughly amused. "They're not used to anyone outshining me," she said with a smirk. "Try not to enjoy it too much."

"I'll do my best," Liria said flatly.

A tall boy with sharp features and curling crimson horns approached, flanked by a small group of equally well-dressed students. His uniform bore a gold insignia on the chest, marking him as someone important.

"Princess Enara," he said smoothly, bowing. His tone was polite, but his eyes flickered with curiosity and something else as they landed on Liria. "And who is this... unusual companion?"

"My bodyguard," Enara said, her voice cold and dismissive. "Liria Silverthorn."

The boy's brow arched. "A bodyguard? How... unconventional."

"It suits me," Enara replied, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Now, if you'll excuse us."

She grabbed Liria's arm and steered her toward the main building, leaving the boy and his entourage staring after them.

"Friendly bunch," Liria muttered as they walked.

"They're vultures," Enara said. "Get used to it."

Noted.

Theron stepped into the circle, drawing a wickedly curved blade from the sheath at his side. He smirked at Liria, clearly expecting an easy victory.

Kael gestured to a rack of weapons nearby. "Choose your weapon."

Liria walked over and selected a simple training sword. Its weight felt solid in her hand, a familiar comfort. She turned to face Theron, who was twirling his blade theatrically.

"Try not to embarrass yourself," Theron said, his tone dripping with condescension.

"Same to you," Liria replied, her voice calm.

Kael raised his hand. "Begin!"

Theron lunged immediately, his blade flashing toward Liria in a sweeping arc. She sidestepped smoothly, letting his attack pass harmlessly.

The crowd jeered, some shouting advice to Theron.

"Focus," Kael barked.

Theron growled, his movements becoming more aggressive. He launched a flurry of strikes, each one faster than the last, but Liria parried them with practiced ease. Her expression remained neutral, her body relaxed.

"You're quick," Theron admitted, though his tone was begrudging. "But let's see how you handle this!"

He shifted his stance, channeling magic into his blade. Flames erupted along its edge, the heat making the air shimmer.

The crowd gasped, and a few students cheered.

[Elemental enhancement detected. Suggest neutralizing his focus.]

Liria tightened her grip on her sword. Theron charged again, his fiery blade cutting through the air. This time, she didn't back away. Instead, she stepped inside his guard, her movements swift and precise.

With a twist of her wrist, she deflected his strike and drove her elbow into his chest. The impact sent him stumbling back, the flames on his blade flickering.

Before he could recover, Liria pressed her advantage. She knocked his sword aside and swept his legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.

The arena fell silent.

Liria pointed her training sword at Theron's throat, her heterochromatic eyes locked on his. "Yield," she said evenly.

Theron glared up at her, his pride clearly wounded. After a tense moment, he muttered, "I yield."

Kael's booming laughter broke the silence. "Well done, Silverthorn. It seems you're not just here to stand in the princess's shadow."

Liria stepped back, lowering her sword. She could feel the weight of the stares around her, but this time, they carried a different energy.

[Victory: Confidence levels among peers recalibrated. Keep it up, and you might survive this term.]

As Liria returned to Enara's side, the princess looked at her with a mixture of amusement and approval.

"Not bad," Enara said. "I might even be impressed."

"You're welcome," Liria replied, slipping the training sword back onto the rack.

The rest of the class continued with various drills and sparring matches, but the focus kept drifting back to Liria.

By the time the session ended, she was both physically and mentally drained. But as they left the arena, Enara smirked at her.

"Congratulations," Enara said. "You're officially the most talked-about student at Abyssal Hall."

"Great," Liria muttered. "Exactly what I wanted."

[Progress Achieved: Social hierarchy shifted. Expect future challenges.]

Liria sighed. This is going to be a long year.