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 1.19

“Phew…”

Using Spatial Mastery, I meticulously tracked every detail about Marina—her movements, stance, attacks—with zero margin for error, constantly choosing the optimal moves to counter her.

The sharp clang of swords echoed through the air, accompanied by the occasional scatter of sparks.

Despite my best efforts, my lack of combat experience compared to Marina was glaringly obvious. I was barely keeping up, relying on my exceptional ability to predict her moves.

“…Are you starting to get the hang of it?” Marina asked, her tone calm and composed.

“Yeah, a little. I’ve gotten used to mimicking what I’ve seen. The next step is refining it into a style that suits me…”

“Do you think incorporating magic would help?”

“Probably…”

Right now, we were engaged in close-quarters combat with minimal use of magic. Marina wasn’t using any spells, and aside from Spatial Mastery, I wasn’t relying on magic either.

“Ark-sama, feel free to use all the magic you want. I’ll restrict myself to close-combat spells only,” Marina offered as we paused briefly, creating some distance between us.

No matter how much I imitated Marina’s sword techniques or body movements, her raw physical abilities—strength, speed, and endurance—were leagues above mine. Without some concessions, there was no way I could fight her evenly.

“That would help. Thanks,” I said, appreciating her consideration.

My primary magic attribute is Space-Time, with Lightning as my secondary.

“O lightning, come forth!”

Purple lightning crackled and surged around me, enveloping my entire body in an electric aura.

“Then I shall…” Marina murmured, activating her own magic. “O flames, rise!”

Scarlet flames erupted around her, engulfing her in a blazing inferno as she prepared for battle.

“…Here I come,” I warned, taking a firm stance.

“I’m ready whenever you are,” Marina replied, her smile confident and steady.

Our battle transitioned from pure swordsmanship to an intense clash where swords and magic intertwined seamlessly.

“…Perhaps it’s really time for me to retire,” Shinneh muttered, watching us from the sidelines. “I can’t imagine keeping up with a fight like that anymore…”