Rely on Helmid to protect you from Devilbolt

You'd read in Helmid's dossier that she possessed "invulnerability." Her husband, Mattieu Fastner, had described it as near invincibility, granted ever since she was first marked as a saintess. Now, that trait of hers would be put to the test, as she rushed to the front of your party for the sake of defending you from a hail of Devilbolts. The trails of flame closed in, as she raised her sword. She looked as though she was preparing to cut the heads from a hydra, with too many snakes to possibly target.

"Stand behind me, Sir Lavender! And remain there until the flames cease!" Helmid ordered you, slicing through the first bolt of black fire.

You knew she was taking a huge risk, bearing the full **** of this previously unseen magic. There was no telling if her invulnerability was actually up to the task of protecting her from this attack. Protected somewhat from the wind now, you looked out from behind Helmid's shoulders, hoping to find a line of sight to attack Nil.

"No!" Helmid growled, raising her sword to block another of the snaking black flames as it barely missed your head. "Do not risk yourself! Trust in me and the purpose Geod has given me! Neither of us will fall to this opponent!"

You wanted to believe that, but even as Helmid managed to slash through another Geodbolt, you saw more of them slip past her sword and begin to slam into her body. You couldn't see the effect fully, with her facing front and you watching from behind, but it was clear that it was all she could do to steel her feet and avoid falling backward due to the brutal wind-tunnel. Black flames began to lick at her green-and-red surcoat and break away at the links of her chainmail armor. She switched her stance to hold the blade straight in front of her body, no longer able to move her arms in time with each snake, but minimizing the damage to critical areas.

"Such spirit! I guess antiques like you remain in circulation for a reason, hmmmm?" Nil laughed, still spinning her parasol to launch more Devilbolts. "I could play with you for a long, long time, it seems."

"Forgive me, Sir Lavender... I can't... Advance... An inch!" the saintess spoke through clenched teeth. You could feel her body shaking and see that her upper arms and legs were now practically wreathed in black flames. "I can... I can only hold... this position...! But as long as you are safe...!"

It was amazing to see how much Helmid was willing to sacrifice for you, despite your short acquaintance. The only way you could repay her was to obey her instructions, clinging tightly to her back, and waiting for some kind of opening in Nil Riiche's onslaught.