The Genius and Calamity of the Villainous Noble: A Brilliant Prodigy Unaware of Their Reincarnation as the Game's Antagonist Defies the Scenario and Dominates with Talent and Hard Work - Chapter 1.16

In the end, with my limited ability to sense presences, I couldn’t find Marina.

“Ark-sama! So this is where you were!”

As I wandered aimlessly, Marina appeared, calling out to me. She was carrying an enormous backpack, stuffed to the brim and pressing against her back.

“I was trying to follow you, but I couldn’t find you… Sorry about that.”

“Oh, I’m sorry as well… I’ve developed a habit of blending my presence with my surroundings,” she explained apologetically.

“That’s really impressive… I couldn’t detect you at all.”

“I’m honored by your praise,” Marina said with a graceful bow.

“Well then, it’s time for training! I’ll make sure you’re strong enough to defeat the Chaos Dragon. Let’s get started right away!”

As Marina energetically began to stride forward, I stopped her.

“Ah, before that, we’re heading south. I don’t want to do the training here.”

I couldn’t afford to waste time with unnecessary delays. I needed to earn the title of Dragon Slayer and return to the Reinhardt estate as quickly as possible.

“Understood!”

Marina nodded enthusiastically.

“Is there anything we need to prepare or bring along?”

“Not really. I have trading companies under my control in the south, so they’ll handle everything. Even my weapon has already been sent ahead.”

“I see. That’s convenient… So, another journey through the skies?”

“Yep, that’s the plan.”

After returning to the Reinhardt territory from the capital, I was now preparing to head south—completely opposite to the northern region of the Reinhardt estate.

What a demanding life I lead… It’s all thanks to Father dumping impossible tasks on me. I’ll never forgive him for this.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay with the strain of flight magic and your remaining mana? If necessary, I can carry you the rest of the way…”

“No, I’m fine. My mana pool is decent, you know,” I said confidently.

With my innate genius practically maxed out, my total mana capacity—which largely depends on natural talent—was something I could confidently boast about.

“Alright, let’s head out then,” Marina said, preparing for the journey.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

Without any farewells, Marina and I leapt out of the corridor window, taking flight. Together, we left the Reinhardt estate behind.