DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C78: Levelling Up [1]
Chapter 78: Levelling Up [1]
As we made our way back toward the academy, we encountered a group of guards heading in the opposite direction, clearly responding to the sounds of the explosions that had echoed through the forest due to the assassin's self detonations.
"Excuse me," their leader called out as we approached. "Did you see or hear anything unusual in the forest? We received reports of loud explosions in this area."
My guards and I exchanged quick glances before responding with a calm tone.
"We heard some distant sounds while we were training," the senior guard replied smoothly, "but we didn't see anything specific. We decided it was best to head back when things got noisy."
"Nothing out of the ordinary from our perspective," I added. "Though we did hear what sounded like magical combat somewhere deeper in the forest."
The responding guards nodded, accepting our explanation without suspicion. They couldn't detain or interrogate members of House Blackwood without significant cause, and our story was plausible enough.
"Thank you for the information," their leader said respectfully. "Please be careful if you venture back into the forest today. We'll be conducting a thorough investigation of the area."
"Of course. Stay safe," my guard replied as we continued past them toward the academy.
As they disappeared into the forest behind us, I knew they would soon discover the aftermath of our battle - the crater from the final explosion, scattered remains of the assassins, and evidence of a significant magical confrontation.
But by then, we would be safely back at the academy, and any investigation would find only the remnants of a mysterious battle with no clear perpetrators.
The attack had failed, but it raised serious questions about who possessed both the resources and motivation to target House Blackwood so directly.
Back in my dormitory, I activated my communication crystal to contact my father. The events in the forest needed to be reported immediately.
"Adrian?" my father's voice came through, concern already evident. "You're calling earlier than usual."
"Father, we were attacked. Ten assassins, eight Elite-rank and two Transcendent-rank. They were specifically targeting me."
"Where are you? Are you OKAY!" My father's panicked voice immediately sounded.
"I'm fine father, I'm back at the dormitory of the academy. We have killed the assassins that tried to attack us, my guards have sustained light injuries but they should heal within the next few days with proper rest and some healing potions." I responded.
Silence stretched for several moments before my father's voice returned, tight with shock. "How did you survive? That force isn't easy to deal with, you should have been against impossible odds, even with your guards."
"I've grown stronger, Father. I'm at peak Elite-rank now, and my combat capabilities have developed significantly beyond what my rank suggests because of the sword you've given me."
Another pause, then an explosion of disbelief. "Peak Elite-rank? Already? Adrian, you've barely been at the academy for two days!"
I could hear the amazement and pride warring in his voice as he processed this information.
"At this rate of progression," he continued, his tone shifting to excitement, "you could reach Transcendent rank by the end of your first year. That's unprecedented development, even among the greatest prodigies in our kingdom's history."
His laughter echoed through the crystal, filled with paternal pride and genuine joy at my advancement.
However, his tone sobered quickly. "Despite my excitement about your progress, you must be extremely careful, son. This attack failed because of your unexpected strength, but future attempts won't underestimate you. Our enemies have revealed themselves openly now."
"Losing a force of two Transcendent beings and eight Elite-rank assassins isn't a blow they can easily absorb," he continued grimly. "They'll retaliate soon, and next time they'll come prepared for your true capabilities. I will send two more Transcendent guards to protect you, just in case."
I shook my head firmly. "Father, pulling two more Transcendent-rank guards from the estate would leave our home defenses vulnerable. Our enemies might use that as an opportunity to attack our family directly."
"Adrian, your safety is my primary concern. Besides, I'm a peak commander level knight, do you really think they can do anything to our estate with me there?" he replied, his voice strained with worry.
"Father, I know that they won't dare to attack the estate with you there. But...What if they lure you away through other means. Besides, I won't be venturing into dangerous areas anytime soon. I'll stay within the academy grounds where whoever attacked today would never dare to attack. The academy has its own Transcendent and Commander-rank instructors."
My father remained silent for several moments, clearly torn between his paternal instincts and the implications of weakening our estate's defences.
"Besides," I continued, "having four Transcendent guards following me around would draw unwanted attention. It would signal to everyone that House Blackwood considers me under serious threat, which could destabilize our political position."
"You make valid points," he admitted reluctantly. "But promise me you'll avoid unnecessary risks. No more forest expeditions that will put you in risk, I will speak to the guards to understand what had happened exactly."
"Agreed. I'll be cautious and stick to well-protected areas."
"Very well. But if the situation escalates further, I'm overriding your objections and sending additional protection regardless of the consequences."
I could hear the finality in his tone - this was a temporary compromise, not a permanent solution.
After hanging up with my father, I got up and made my way toward Section G where the training grounds were located.
I needed to become stronger, and the only method currently available was repeatedly using my skills to increase their levels. Higher-level skills became both more powerful and more mana-efficient, making each advancement crucial for survival.
Today's encounter had been fortunate, and I couldn't count on such luck in future confrontations against such enemies. My enemies had underestimated my power and protection significantly, allowing me to exploit their overconfidence. But after today's massacre, they would reassess their intelligence.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C79: Leveling Up [2]
Chapter 79: Leveling Up [2]
My enemies faced two possible conclusions: either I was significantly stronger than I appeared, which would prompt them to send overwhelming force in the next attempt, or my guards were more capable than they anticipated, leading them to plan around my protection.
Neither scenario favoured me in future encounters.
I needed to maximize my training efficiency while I had time. The academy's training facilities would allow me to push my abilities for now until things cooled down a little. Blood Control, my enhanced physique, and weapon techniques all required constant refinement.
The training grounds were less crowded during evening hours, giving me space to practice without attracting unwanted attention. I had learned today that my true capabilities needed to remain hidden until absolutely necessary.
...
Walking through the corridor, I bumped into Victor Castellane, also known as the Wiseman among the second year students.
He stopped me with a knowing smile. "Adrian, have you heard that Kyle has already broken your record?"
I shook my head. "I haven't heard that news yet."
There was no surprise in my mind, I had expected Kyle to improve at a similar rate. He was the protagonist, after all, and rapid development was practically guaranteed for someone in his position.
Victor's next words caught me slightly off guard. "Would you like to attempt breaking his record? Any instructor is allowed to oversee your attempt, it doesn't necessarily need to be your homeroom teacher."
I studied his face for a moment, noting the expression behind his friendly demeanour. This wasn't just a casual offer, Victor was testing something, though his exact motives remained unclear.
"Thanks, Instructor Victor, but I'm not ready to break the record yet. Maybe another time."
Victor nodded, though I caught a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "That's unfortunate."
"Perhaps when I'm better prepared."
"Of course. The opportunity remains open whenever you feel ready this week." He paused meaningfully.
With that comment, he continued down the corridor with his hands behind his back. I glanced at his retreating figure before turning away to enter one of the training rooms.
Inside the elite-rank training room I had rented for 1,000 points over two hours, I began practicing my secret art's first form—Null Strike—alongside my {Blood Enhancement} trait. Blood Enhancement was my lowest-level ability, making it the most efficient target for improvement since early-stage skills progressed more rapidly.
My secret art carried Overlord rank, even though I could currently only access its Elite-rank applications. The power was undeniable, and dedicated practice would strengthen both the technique and my overall swordsmanship foundation.
Each repetition of the Null Strike brought subtle improvements to my understanding. The movements became more fluid, the mana channelling more precise, and my grasp of the underlying principles deeper. The art seemed to teach me about swordsmanship on a fundamental level, revealing insights that went beyond mere technique memorization.
Blood Enhancement responded well to repeated activation cycles. I practiced controlling different levels of circulation enhancement, learning to modulate the intensity based on specific needs. Light enhancement for extended periods, moderate boost for general combat, and maximum amplification for critical moments when overwhelming force was necessary.
The training room's reinforced walls and magical barriers contained the effects of my practice, allowing me to push harder without concern for collateral damage. I alternated between solo sword forms and enhancement exercises, building muscle memory for seamless integration during actual combat.
After an hour of intensive practice, sweat covered my body despite my enhanced physique. The combination of physical exertion and mana expenditure was taxing, but I could feel measurable improvement in both abilities.
Time to continue pushing my limits while I had the opportunity.
For the remaining hour, I focused on Blood Control training, pushing my abilities to their current limits. The training room's privacy was crucial, there was no surveillance to monitor students in their reserved spaces, ensuring complete confidentiality for sensitive skill development.
This isolation allowed me to practice Blood Control without concern about observers discovering this rare and potentially alarming ability.
I began experimenting with weapon formation using my own blood. Starting with simple shapes, I gradually worked toward more complex constructs. I was able to create one or two spears of blood without any issue, but controlling them and manoeuvring them around was an issue. Thus, I decided to work on controlling multiple objects in the air at the same time.
I experimented with different kinds of weapons. After spears came maces, requiring me to concentrate the blood into denser formations at the striking end while keeping the handle appropriately balanced. The weight distribution was tricky, but practice improved my control over density variations.
Swords were slightly tricky to make as creating a proper blade edge while maintaining structural integrity throughout the entire weapon tested my manipulation skills. The blood needed to be compressed and hardened differently for the cutting surface versus the tang and grip areas.
Shields didn't present a big challenge to create. I simply had to think about the surface area coverage, balance and defensive positioning. I practiced forming both small bucklers for deflection and larger tower shields for stronger protection.
Each weapon type taught me different aspects of blood manipulation, compression techniques, engineering principles, and the relationship between form and function. The blood responded to my mental commands with increasing responsiveness as my understanding deepened.
By the session's end, I had improved rapidly. I could cycle between different weapon configurations, adapting my arsenal to different combat scenarios. The versatility of Blood Control was becoming apparent, limited only by my imagination and understanding of physics.
The two-hour training session had significantly advanced my practical application of multiple abilities.
Unfortunately, I was still unable to level up any of my traits, but the training wasn't for naught. Despite the visible progression, I could feel it and I was certainly satisfied with the result.
[Student Adrian Blackwood, your training session is over, please head out within the next minute. Any delay might result in a point penalty, or persecution.] A robotic voice sounded within the room.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C80: Failure [1]
Chapter 80: Failure [1]
The next day arrived, and once again I stood in the training facilities with Instructor Sylvia Ashworth, who showed no surprise at my request.
I was asking to break Kyle Morrison's new record. He had surpassed my previous score by exactly 100 points, bringing the current record to 9,802 points.
Sylvia didn't question my decision or suggest I reconsider. She simply observed in thoughtful silence, clearly anticipating another demonstration of my rapidly developing capabilities.
Unlike my previous attempt, another instructor had come to witness this record-breaking moment. Victor Castellane stood at the side with his hands clasped behind his back, that knowing smile never leaving his face as he prepared to observe my performance.
I threw him a quick glance before focusing entirely on the training dummy. Activating my Blood Control trait, I felt the familiar surge of blood circulation flooding my system with supernatural power. Every muscle fiber responded with increased strength and speed.
Taking a deep breath, I burst toward the target with explosive velocity. My enhanced physique carried me forward with tremendous momentum as the training sword cut through the air through a perfect arc.
The impact resonated through the training hall like thunder.
Boom!
[9,822]
The number appeared on the display, showing I had broken Kyle's record by twenty points.
Shocked murmurs erupted from the students who had gathered to watch. Their conversations carried clearly through the training space.
"How is Adrian improving so rapidly, day after day?" one student whispered in disbelief.
"There are really two monsters in the academy at the same time," another replied, shaking his head.
"We thought we were elite students," a third voice added with obvious demoralization. "But watching how quickly Adrian advances his power... maybe we're not elite at all."
"I've been training for years to reach my current level," someone else said quietly. "He's improving faster in weeks than most of us do in months."
The psychological impact was evident - my consistent record-breaking was forcing other students to question their own capabilities and standing within the academy's hierarchy.
Victor Castellane's smile had grown even wider as he observed both my performance and the crowd's reaction.
I approached Sylvia, who let out a long sigh before speaking.
"You two are absolute monsters," she said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I wonder how the headmaster is going to react to this constant record-breaking phenomenon. Nothing like this has ever happened at this rate before in the academy's history."
She paused, studying my face with those sharp blue eyes. "The administration is going to have to start questioning whether our measurement systems are even adequate for students like you and Kyle."
"Is that a problem?" I asked.
"Not a problem, exactly. More like an unprecedented situation that no one knows how to handle properly." She gestured toward the display still showing my score. "Most students spend their entire academy career trying to break a single record. You've now done it twice in a matter of days."
Victor Castellane stepped forward with obvious satisfaction. "Perhaps it's time the academy adapted its systems to accommodate exceptional talent."
Sylvia shot him a pointed look. "Either way, Adrian, your bonus points will be credited within the next few hours."
I nodded, thanking her before leaving the training facility with Instructor Victor still inside.
As I exited, Elen caught up to me.
"Adrian," she said with a mix of admiration and frustration, "I have to admit, I'm somewhat jealous of how easily you gain points. Breaking records seems effortless for you."
I smiled at her honest admission. "With hard work, everything is possible, Elen. Besides, combat records aren't the only way to earn recognition. I heard there are also records in the additional modules that start in a few days."
Her eyes immediately brightened at this news, and I could see her motivation returning. "You're right! I completely forgot about module records."
"You bought those alchemy materials already, didn't you? You should start experimenting with them before the official classes begin. Getting a head start could give you a significant advantage."
Elen nodded eagerly. "Indeed, that was the initial plan, to familiarize myself with the basic techniques and maybe even develop some unique approaches before everyone else starts. But after purchasing them, I started having anxiety over these items. I'm worried that I only understand the theory in the book and wouldn't be able to implement it, leading to the waste of these items without actual learning."
"Hmm...Do you want my take on this?"
Once again Elen nodded eagerly like a chicken pecking on food. "Yes, please."
"Well, I believe that your water manipulation gives you natural advantages in alchemy that other students don't have. So, it's actually easier for you to concoct potions because of your knowledge about liquid density, the volume and various other forces that affect liquids.
As for your anxiety, let's suppose that you do fail. Is it really considered failure? I don't believe so."
"How could failing not be considered failure...Adrian, that doesn't make sense." Elen looked at me with a puzzled look as if my words were contradictory.
I looked at Elen for a moment, before repeating a phrase that has stuck with me for my two lives. A phrase by my late father from earth, a phrase that I truly resonated with.
"Elen... success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. But failure? Failure breeds passion. Passion fuels persistence. Persistence shapes resilience. And resilience... resilience forges true success.
So don't be disheartened by failure. Instead, take it as your personal teacher, it might be harsh, yes, but it's honest. Every misstep is a lesson, every setback is a chance to grow. The more you fail, the more you learn, and the more you learn, the closer you come to mastery."
Elen's face contorted slightly, caught between disbelief and wonder, as though my words had struck deeper than she had expected. She lowered her gaze for a moment, her thoughts clearly unravelling, wrestling with the meaning I had laid before her.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C81: Failure [2]
Chapter 81: Failure [2]
Silence lingered in the air for a few moments, until at last her lips curved into a beautiful smile that showcased her glistening white teeth.
It was the kind of smile that did not simply lift her cheeks but seemed to rekindle something within her.
I could see that she had regained confidence in herself. Elen looked at me with renewed resolve, as if envisioning countless possibilities opening before her, each one a challenge to be met, a barrier to be broken.
In that moment, I knew she would step into the alchemy module not as a student burdened by doubt, but as a seeker ready to embrace every triumph, every failure, and every lesson the path had to offer.
This was exactly what made Elen different from other students, the way she absorbed advice was something that was special in her. She didn't find ways to disprove your words, rather she contemplated and worked upon it.
Elen drew in a quiet breath, steadying herself before speaking.
"Adrian..." she said, her voice almost a whisper at first, then stronger, carried by conviction. "Thank you. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear that. I thought my failures meant I wasn't good enough, that maybe I wasn't cut out for this at all. But now... now I see it differently."
Her eyes glistened, not with weakness, but with determination. "You've reminded me that failure isn't the end. It's just part of the journey. I won't run from it anymore."
For a moment, her gaze softened, gratitude clear in every word that followed. "Truly, Adrian... thank you."
Emmet's voice cut through the emotional moment for Elen bluntly. "You done with the motivational speech? Why don't you come and spar with me, Blackwood."
I looked at Emmet for a moment before smiling. I wasn't offended by his sarcastic interruption. The fact that Emmet was talking to us so casually meant he was beginning to recognize us as people worth his time, even if we weren't considered friends yet. This informal interaction was progress.
"I'll have to pass this time, Emmet. Another time, though."
Emmet clicked his tongue in disappointment, the sharp sound expressing his frustration at my refusal. His eyes showed he'd been looking forward to testing himself against me again after our previous match.
"Fine," he said with obvious reluctance. "But don't keep me waiting too long, Blackwood."
"I won't."
Elen watched this exchange with curious interest, clearly trying to understand the dynamic between Emmet and me. The competitive tension was obvious, but so was the underlying respect.
"I'll hold you to that promise," Emmet added before walking away, his hands already returning to his pockets.
With Elen by my side, I made my way toward the private rooms where students could practice blacksmithing, alchemy, and other specialized fields.
Elen's excitement was obvious as we walked. "I want to book a room too. I'm actually looking forward to learning through trial and error now."
We approached the booking station, and I scanned my card first. "One blacksmithing room for two hours, please."
[-1,000 Points]
Elen stepped forward next, though I noticed her hesitation when she saw the price display. "One alchemy room for two hours."
[-1,000 Points]
She winced slightly as the points were deducted from her account. "These rooms are expensive, but I suppose it's worth it for proper learning facilities."
"The academy charges premium rates because the rooms are equipped with magical grade equipment, think of it as an investment in your skills." I explained.
"You're right," she said, her determination to improve overcoming her concern about the cost. "I need to stop thinking short-term about expenses. If I can develop my alchemy abilities, the long-term benefits will far outweigh the initial point investment."
"Exactly. Plus, once the official modules start, you'll already have hands-on experience that other students lack."
Elen nodded firmly. "I'm going to make every minute of this practice session count. No more hesitation, no more fear of making mistakes."
"That's the spirit. I'll see you in a couple hours?"
"Definitely."
We headed toward our respective practice rooms, both eager to push our skills to new levels.
Inside the blacksmithing room, I focused on creating stronger arrows to compensate for the damage limitations my crossbow had shown against Elite-rank opponents. The standard bolts simply weren't penetrating deeply enough to be effective.
I began by selecting higher-grade steel and incorporating thin strands of Mithril into the arrow shafts. This combination would provide superior durability while maintaining the lightweight properties essential for proper flight. The arrowheads required special attention, I forged them with a diamond-shaped cross-section to maximize penetration while adding small Orichalcum inlays to channel mana directly into the impact point.
Testing the completed arrows against my own skin by rubbing them and testing their sharpness proved that they were indeed much better than the previous ones. Still, it needed real time testing, but that would have to wait.
These new arrows meant that the crossbow would be more devastating against normal Elite-rank opponents. The resource cost was higher than before but it made sense, the improved lethality justified the expense.
With stronger ammunition ready, I turned my attention to upgrading the crossbow itself. Rather than crafting an entirely new weapon, I retrieved my previous prototype and began handling the modifications to withstand the increased stress these powerful arrows would generate.
I reinforced the bow stave with additional Mithril bands, preventing structural failure under higher tension loads. The string mechanism received Orichalcum wire reinforcement throughout its length, allowing it to channel more mana without degrading. Most importantly, I redesigned the trigger assembly to better distribute the explosive force generated by the enhanced arrows.
The adaptive bolt groove system required recalibration as well. The new arrows had different weight distributions and dimensional specifications that the mechanism needed to accommodate. I spent considerable time adjusting the Resonite sensors and memory alloy components to ensure proper fitting.
After two hours of intensive work, I had transformed the crossbow into a weapon capable of threatening elite-rank opponents.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C82: Success or Failure
Chapter 82: Success or Failure
After leaving the blacksmithing room, I saw Elen leaving the adjacent room with an excited look on her face.
"Adrian! Oh my god, you were right. Although I have failed the first few times, I learned from the mistakes I made and I was finally able to make a mortal grade potion...Although It was more expensive to make it than to actually to buy it from the store, haha." Elen scratched the side of her head.
Looking at this scene unfold, I couldn't help but smile at Elen's infectious enthusiasm. The pride radiating from her was well-deserved after what must have been hours of frustrating attempts before finally succeeding.
I laughed at her admission about the cost exceeding the potion's value. "That's the beauty of learning, isn't it? The first attempts are always expensive lessons, but each failure teaches you something invaluable."
Elen's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm despite her slight embarrassment. "Exactly! I made so many mistakes in the beginning - wrong proportions, improper heating temperatures, even mixing incompatible ingredients. But each failure showed me exactly what not to do next time."
"Well, congratulations, Elen," I said, genuinely pleased for her achievement. "Making your first successful potion is always a milestone, regardless of the cost. The experience and knowledge you gained from those failed attempts is invaluable."
She beamed at my words, her earlier embarrassment about the expense clearly forgotten in the excitement of success. "Indeed, you were absolutely right about failure being a teacher. Each mistake showed me exactly what I was doing wrong - timing the heat, measuring proportions, understanding how my water manipulation could enhance the mixing process."
"What type of mortal grade potion did you manage to create?" I asked, curious about her first successful brew.
"A basic healing potion," she replied, pulling out a small vial filled with a soft, glowing green liquid. "It's not particularly potent, but it's properly stabilized and should provide minor wound healing to Noble-rank awakeners. The magical resonance feels right, unlike my earlier attempts that felt... off."
I examined the potion briefly, noting the consistent color and gentle luminescence that indicated proper magical binding. "The clarity is impressive for a first success. Your water manipulation clearly gives you an advantage in controlling liquid consistency."
Elen nodded eagerly. "That's exactly what I discovered! I can sense the density changes during the brewing process and adjust accordingly. It's like having an internal guide for when the mixture is reaching the right state."
"Have you considered experimenting with water-based enhancement potions next?" I suggested. "Given your natural affinity, you might find unique applications that other alchemists overlook."
Her eyes lit up with new possibilities. "I hadn't thought of that! Most standard recipes don't account for elemental manipulation during the brewing process. I could potentially develop variations that are more potent or efficient."
"Exactly. Innovation often comes from applying your unique strengths to traditional methods."
As we walked toward the exit together, I could see Elen's mind already racing with new experimental ideas, her earlier anxiety about failure completely replaced by excited determination to push her skills further.
"And what about you?" Elen asked, her curious gaze shifting to me as we continued walking. "How did your blacksmithing session go? I imagine it must have been quite different from alchemy."
"It went alright," I replied with a modest shrug. "I learned a few things about working with different materials and managed to create an arrow. Nothing too spectacular, but it was good practice."
Her eyebrows raised with genuine interest. "Oh really? Can I see it? I've never actually seen a handcrafted arrow before. Most of the ones we use in training are mass-produced academy equipment."
I paused for a moment, then withdrew one of the arrows I had crafted during my session from my storage ring. The arrow gleamed subtly in the corridor lighting.
"Here," I said, holding it out for her inspection. "I experimented with incorporating some Mithril strands into the shaft for durability while keeping it lightweight."
Elen's eyes widened as she carefully took the arrow, immediately noticing its unusual weight distribution. "This is... incredibly light," she murmured, turning it over in her hands with obvious fascination. "But it feels incredibly sturdy too. The balance is perfect."
She examined the arrowhead more closely, noting the diamond-shaped cross-section and the subtle golden inlays. "Are these Orichalcum traces in the tip? Adrian, this isn't just 'alright' work - this looks like professional craftsmanship. The precision of these inlays alone would take most beginners months to achieve."
"I had some good materials to work with," I said, deflecting her praise while watching her continued examination of the arrow with growing appreciation for her keen eye.
Elen continued to examine the arrow with evident admiration. "The way you've woven the Mithril through the shaft... it's not just functional, it's actually beautiful. Although, I don't really understand much about blacksmithing, I can tell that you've done a really good job."
Elen then brought her index finger to the sharp pointy tip. I immediately grabbed her hand. "Stop. You will hurt yourself, it's really sharp."
"Oh...Thank you," Elen nodded her head shyly before pulling her hand away.
Somewhat embarrassed by what had just transpired, Elen handed the arrow back to me. I noticed her expression had shifted slightly. While still appreciative, there was a hint of deflation in her posture, a subtle comparison she was making between her single healing potion and the strong arrow in my hands.
"Thank you," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It really is impressive craftsmanship."
Sensing her mood change, I carefully returned the arrow to my storage pouch before addressing what I suspected she was thinking. "I should mention, I've had practice before, so this isn't my first time working with a forge or these materials."
Her head snapped up, surprise replacing the earlier disappointment. "Really? You have prior blacksmithing experience?"
"Yes, I've had some experience. In fact, this is also my second time entering these rooms, so I'm also familiar with the equipment and everything, which makes it easier."
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C83: Elite Warrior Card
Chapter 83: Elite Warrior Card
As we continued walking through the academy corridors, I felt the familiar notification chime in my mind that indicated my daily reward had become available.
[Daily Login Available!]
[Would you like to claim your daily reward?][Yes | No]
I pressed yes without hesitation, curious to see what today's reward had to offer.
[Congratulations! You have received x1 Elite Warrior Card]
[Elite Warrior Card]
[Details: Upon using this card, you would be able to summon a warrior at the peak of Elite-rank. This warrior would be able to reside in this card whenever you will for him to do so. There is no duration or cooldown for the summoning. The warrior is prone to damage, and death.]
Reading through the card's description, my eyes widened ever so slightly. This reward was certainly one of a kind, I would have never thought that I would receive a peak Elite-rank awakener as a reward. The implications were staggering. A loyal warrior with no summoning restrictions could be invaluable for dangerous situations or even just as backup.
I didn't rush into using the card immediately. The main reason was because I was currently in the academy corridors with Elen beside me. Suddenly summoning an Elite-rank warrior would raise far too many questions that I didn't need to answer.
However, once I returned to my dorm, I was most definitely going to test it out. I needed to understand the full scope of this warrior's capabilities and limitations. Would he have his own personality? Could he grow stronger through experience? Would he retain memories between summons? These were crucial details that would determine how useful this gift would actually prove to be.
"You seem lost in thought," Elen observed, glancing at me with mild curiosity as we walked. "Thinking about your next blacksmithing project already?"
"Something like that," I replied with a slight smile, carefully tucking the card away in my storage while maintaining our casual conversation pace. "There are always new possibilities to consider."
After hanging out with Elen for a little longer, discussing various academy topics and sharing observations about the academy so far.
I eventually found a natural break in our conversation, "I should probably head back to my dormitory," I said, glancing toward the residential wing. "I have some things I need to take care of before tomorrow's classes."
"Of course," Elen replied with understanding. "I should probably review my alchemy notes anyway and plan my next experiments. Thank you for the encouragement earlier, Adrian. It really helped."
"Anytime, good luck, see you."
We parted ways at the corridor junction, and I made my way toward the dormitory section. The anticipation of testing the Elite Warrior Card had been building since I received it, and now I finally had the privacy needed to explore this unprecedented reward.
Once inside my room, I closed the blinds and took out the card from my system space. Looking at it properly for the first time, it was truly magnificent. The word 'Elite' shone in silver light across the surface, while the card itself was pitch black, giving it a really cool aesthetic that I couldn't dismiss. The contrast was striking and somehow conveyed both power and mystery.
I walked toward the training section of my room since it offered more space for whatever might happen next. Taking a deep breath, I focused my will on activating the card.
The card disappeared from my hands instantly, followed by a blinding flash of light that forced me to squeeze my eyes shut and shield my face with my arm.
When I opened them again, a warrior stood before me. He was imposing at two meters tall, with a thick black beard and long black hair that fell past his shoulders. A sword hung at his side, and his entire presence radiated the power I associated with peak Elite-rank awakeners.
Surprisingly this warrior came with a full set. Whether it was his well-maintained Armor, or sword. "I must say, the system really did not hold back with you." I muttered to myself as I looked at him.
The warrior's dark eyes met mine calmly, waiting for instruction patiently.
"What's your name?" I asked, curious about the extent of his identity and memories.
The warrior's response was immediate and matter-of-fact. "I do not have one."
His voice was deep and steady, carrying the confidence of someone comfortable with combat but lacking any personal attachment or individual history. It was both fascinating and slightly unsettling - here was a being with all the skills and power of an Elite-rank awakener, yet he existed without the basic foundation of identity that came with having a name.
I considered this for a moment, realizing that naming him would likely be an important step in establishing our working relationship. The name that came to mind felt appropriate given his obvious mastery with the blade.
"Then I'll call you Kojiro," I decided, watching for his reaction.
The warrior nodded once in acceptance, as if the name had always been his.
"The name comes from Sasaki Kojiro, a legendary swordsman from... a distant land," I explained, drawing from my memories of Earth's history. "He was renowned for his incredible skill with the blade and his technique called the 'Swallow Cut' - a strike so precise it could supposedly cut down a bird in flight. Kojiro was known for his patience, discipline, and unwavering dedication to perfecting his swordsmanship. He spent years honing his craft in solitude, developing techniques that made him one of the most feared duellists of his era."
I studied the newly named warrior's reaction. "Given your bearing and the way you carry yourself, it seemed fitting. You have the presence of someone who has dedicated their life to mastering the sword."
Kojiro's expression remained composed, but there was a subtle change in his posture. The slight straightening that suggested the name and its meaning had resonated with him on some level.
"So...Kojiro, can you show me your swordsmanship? I would like to see you perform."
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C84: Sasaki Kojiro
Chapter 84: Sasaki Kojiro
After my request, I took a step back to give him adequate space in the training area.
Without hesitation, Kojiro drew his sword in one fluid motion, the steel singing softly as it left its sheath. The blade gleamed under the room's magical lighting, and I immediately noticed the perfect balance he maintained even while holding the weapon.
He began with basic foundational forms, but executed them with such precision that they transformed into something extraordinary. His footwork flowed seamlessly from stance to stance. Forward thrust transitions, lateral movements, defensive positions, each step calculated and purposeful. The way he distributed his weight spoke of experience, every muscle working in perfect coordination.
Kojiro moved through cutting patterns next, his blade tracing clean arcs through the air. Horizontal cuts, vertical slashes, diagonal strikes, each movement demonstrated textbook technique elevated by impressive execution. There was no wasted motion, no unnecessary flourishes, just pure efficiency married to deadly grace.
His defensive demonstrations were equally impressive. Parrying motions, counter-attack sequences, and evasive maneuvers all flowed together like a deadly dance. The blade seemed to move with its own intelligence under his guidance, always positioned exactly where it needed to be.
What struck me most was his breathing control. Throughout the entire display, Kojiro's breathing remained steady and controlled, synchronized with his movements in a way that spoke of true mastery. This wasn't just physical technique, it was the embodiment of martial philosophy.
I watched in genuine surprise, my estimation of his abilities climbing steadily. If I had to rank his swordsmanship skill, it would be closer to that of our Transcendent-rank guards back at the estate. Despite being only at the peak of Elite rank in terms of raw power, his foundation was extraordinary - the kind of technical mastery that typically took decades to develop.
"Impressive," I murmured, realizing I had acquired far more than just muscle in this summoned warrior.
"Kojiro, do you think you can improve further? Perhaps even reach Transcendent rank?" I asked, genuinely curious about his growth potential. Just thinking about a summoned warrior that had incredible potential made my body course with energy.
Kojiro paused for a moment, his dark eyes growing contemplative as he considered the question. His hand unconsciously moved to rest on his sword hilt while he pondered.
"I can, but it will be difficult," he finally replied, his voice carrying the weight of honest self-assessment. "I am almost at my maximum potential, which I believe is Transcendent rank. To break through that barrier, I believe I need to kill a Transcendent-rank being. Only by overcoming such a challenge can I transcend my current limitations."
I looked at Kojiro for a moment, processing his words before a smile broke across my face. "That's not bad at all."
The news was significant. If Kojiro could reach Transcendent rank, combined with my two existing Transcendent guards outside the academy, I would effectively command three Transcendent-level warriors. Coupled with my own growing abilities, we might even have a chance to face a Commander-rank awakener if the situation demanded it.
A plan began forming in my mind. When night approached, I would sneak out of the academy and summon Kojiro again. Then I would lead him to where my guards were currently stationed and instruct them to help facilitate his breakthrough to Transcendent rank. They had the experience and strength necessary to provide him with the challenge he needed.
I wasn't particularly worried about their safety during this endeavour. The recent attack on me in the forest had been carefully planned, and I didn't believe our enemies would strike again without gathering more intelligence first. Sending troops blindly without proper information wasn't exactly a smart tactical decision, especially after their previous failure.
The risk seemed manageable, and the potential reward of having Kojiro reach Transcendent rank was too valuable to pass up. Three Transcendent guards would significantly strengthen our defensive capabilities for whatever challenges lay ahead.
With several hours remaining until nightfall, I decided to make productive use of the time. I focused my will and unsummoned Kojiro, watching as he dissolved back into the card with the same flash of light that had brought him forth. The training room felt notably emptier without his imposing presence.
Tucking the card safely away in my storage ring, I left my dormitory and made my way toward the academy's training facilities. The corridors were busier now as students moved between their various afternoon activities and optional modules.
On my way there, I encountered Kyle walking with his usual entourage. He offered me a brief nod of acknowledgment as we passed, which I returned with equal courtesy. Seraphina was beside him, along with several other students who seemed drawn to the protagonist's natural charisma like moths to a flame. It was exactly what I'd expected from the novel's dynamics, Kyle effortlessly attracting followers and admirers wherever he went.
Not that I particularly cared about his growing social circle. I had my own priorities, and right now, getting stronger took precedence over.
I continued toward the training facilities and approached the booking station.
[-1,000 Points]
The deduction of another thousand points wasn't much, I still had 339,000 points left and the investment would certainly be worthwhile. I needed practical combat experience, and I had the perfect sparring partner waiting in my storage.
Once inside the secured training room, I took out Kojiro's card once again before activating it. The familiar flash of light brought him back into existence, his imposing figure appearing with the same calmness as before.
"Kojiro, I want to spar with you," I announced, moving toward the weapon rack mounted on the training room wall. "We're of similar strength in terms of rank, and your experience and skill will be valuable for improving my battle instincts and combat techniques."
I selected two practice swords from the rack, solid, well-balanced weapons with deliberately dulled edges designed to prevent serious injury while still delivering meaningful impact. The academy took training seriously, but they weren't about to let students accidentally maim each other during practice sessions.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C85: Sparring Kojiro
Chapter 85: Sparring Kojiro
I tossed one of the swords to Kojiro, who caught it effortlessly and gave it a few experimental swings to test its weight and balance. His expression remained composed, but I could see him mentally adjusting to the weapon's characteristics.
"These swords are dulled for safety," I explained, settling into a ready stance with my own practice blade. "They'll still hurt on impact, but they won't cause lasting damage. Don't hold back, I need to understand where my skills truly stand against someone with your level of expertise."
Kojiro nodded once, his grip shifting slightly on the sword's handle as he adopted a defensive stance. "Understood. I will provide the challenge you seek."
...
The moment we both settled into our stances, I could feel the intensity radiating from Kojiro. His dark eyes assessed my stance.
I decided to start without using any of my bloodline abilities, no Blood Control, no secret techniques, just pure swordsmanship enhanced only by the passive boost from my {Supernatural Physique} trait that I couldn't simply switch off.
Clang!
Kojiro moved first, his blade cutting through the air in a horizontal arc aimed at my midsection. I brought my sword up to parry, the impact sending vibrations up my arms as steel met steel.
Clash! Scrape!
He immediately followed with a vertical strike, forcing me to sidestep and counter with a thrust toward his shoulder. Kojiro deflected it effortlessly, his blade sliding along mine with a metallic screech before he pivoted into a diagonal cut.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The rapid exchange of blows filled the training room with the harsh music of combat. Every time I thought I'd found an opening, Kojiro was already moving to close it, his footwork carrying him smoothly from attack to defence and back again.
Thud!
His pommel struck my ribs as he closed distance, forcing me to stumble backward. The dulled blade followed immediately, catching me across the shoulder with enough force to make me grunt in pain.
Whoosh! Clang!
I swung to create space, but Kojiro ducked under my wild cut and swept his blade in a low arc that caught my thigh. Even through the dulled edge, the impact sent a sharp jolt of pain up my leg.
Clash! Scrape! Thunk!
My attempts to press an offensive were dismantled. Every combination I tried, Kojiro had already anticipated. His blade seemed to be everywhere at once - parrying my strikes, deflecting my thrusts, and finding gaps in my defence that I didn't even know existed.
Smack!
The flat of his blade caught me across the back as I overextended on a lunge, sending me stumbling forward. I managed to turn it into a roll, coming up with my sword raised defensively.
Clang! Clang! Scriiing!
But Kojiro was relentless. His blade work was poetry in motion - flowing combinations that transitioned seamlessly from one technique to the next. Where I had to think about my next move, his responses were instinctive, it seemed.
Thwack!
Another pommel strike, this time to my solar plexus, drove the air from my lungs. I doubled over, gasping, as Kojiro's blade pressed against my neck in a killing position.
"We should stop," Kojiro said, his voice steady despite the intense exchange. "You will only get injured. This serves no purpose."
I straightened slowly, wiping blood from a cut on my cheek where his cross guard had caught me during one exchange. My ribs ached, my shoulder throbbed, and my leg felt like it had been hit with a hammer.
"No," I said firmly, raising my sword again despite the pain. "Continue."
Kojiro looked at me in silence for a moment before nodding. "Very well."
Clang!
I launched myself forward with renewed determination, but the result was the same. Kojiro's superior technique and experience overwhelmed my raw enthusiasm.
Clash! Scrape! Thud!
His blade work was like watching a master craftsman at work. Every movement had purpose, every strike was precisely calculated. He could have ended the fight a dozen times over, but instead he was teaching me through pain, showing me exactly where my weaknesses lay.
Whoosh! Clang! Crack!
Another devastating combination left me reeling. A feint high followed by a low cut that I barely managed to block, then a lightning-fast reversal that caught me in the ribs again.
Thunk!
I hit the training room wall, my sword arm trembling from the constant impacts. Kojiro approached with measured steps, his blade held in a perfect guard position.
"You fight with heart," he observed, "but technique requires more than determination. Your foundation still needs more work, even though it's really good for your age."
I pushed myself off the wall, sweat mixing with the blood from various small cuts. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, but I'd learned more about my limitations in this battle than in hours of solo practice.
"We are taking a five minute break, then we will resume," I announced, my breathing somewhat laboured from the intense exchange.
Kojiro nodded his head before taking a seat on the floor cross-legged, closing his eyes in what appeared to be a meditative state. His breathing was also slightly laboured, showing a few signs of exertion from the vigorous sparring session we'd just completed.
I activated my Blood Control trait, feeling the familiar sensation as I directed my own blood flow to accelerate healing in the injured areas. The ache in my ribs began to subside as I encouraged better circulation and cellular repair. It wasn't miraculous healing, but it would help with the minor damage I'd sustained.
I also retrieved one of the mortal-grade healing potions from my storage and drank it quickly. The effects weren't particularly potent, but they were sufficient for the light injuries I'd sustained. The warm sensation spread through my body as the potion's magic worked to mend cuts and reduce inflammation.
Five minutes passed, and I felt significantly better, not perfect, but back in fighting condition. This time, I decided to up the ante a bit. It wasn't exactly enjoyable getting beaten down twice in a row without at least making Kojiro work for his victories.
I stood up, rolling my shoulders and testing my sword arm's range of motion. Time to see how he handled a more serious challenge.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C86: Sparring Kojiro [2]
Chapter 86: Sparring Kojiro [2]
"Ready?" I smiled as I got into my stance once again, this time activating my Blood Control trait to enhance my overall strength, reflexes, and vitality. I could feel the familiar surge as my bloodline ability coursed through my system, strengthening every muscle fibber and sharpening my reaction time.
Kojiro nodded his head, settling back into his defensive posture with the same calm and composed expression as before.
Bam!
I charged at him without warning, closing the distance in a blur of motion that was significantly faster than my previous attempts. Our swords met with tremendous force, the impact reverberating through the training room.
CLANG!
I could see Kojiro's eyes widen in surprise as my enhanced strike pushed him back several meters. His feet slid across the floor as he absorbed the unexpected power behind my attack, clearly recalibrating his assessment of my capabilities.
Whoosh! Clash!
This time, I pressed the advantage immediately. My enhanced reflexes allowed me to flow seamlessly from the initial strike into a series of rapid combinations. Where before I had been reactive and defensive, now I was the aggressor.
Clang! Clang! Scriiing!
Kojiro parried with difficulty, his blade work still technically superior but now struggling to keep pace with my new speed and strength. Each of my strikes carried enough force to jar his arms, disrupting the perfect form he'd maintained so effortlessly before.
Thud! Clash!
I feinted high then swept low, my blade catching his leg guard and nearly taking him off balance. Kojiro stumbled slightly, the first time I'd seen him lose his perfect composure during our entire encounter.
Whoosh! Clang! Scrape!
My vitality meant I could maintain this aggressive pace without the fatigue that had plagued me earlier. Each breath came easily, each movement flowed into the next with fluidity.
CLASH!
A powerful overhead strike drove Kojiro's guard down, opening his defence for a split second. I immediately capitalized with a thrust toward his chest, forcing him to twist awkwardly to avoid the blow.
Clang! Thunk!
For the first time in our sparring, I managed to land a solid hit that hurt Kojiro. My pommel struck his shoulder as he overcommitted to a parry, the impact causing him to wince and step back.
Slash! Clang! Scriiing!
Kojiro attempted to regain control with a series of precise cuts, but my enhanced reflexes allowed me to not just parry but counter-attack in the same motion. The rhythm of combat had shifted decisively in my favour.
Thwack! Clash!
Another successful strike, this time the flat of my blade catching his ribs as he failed to fully evade my attack.
Whoosh! CLANG! Crack!
I pressed forward relentlessly, each strike faster and stronger than what my body should naturally be capable of. Kojiro was being overwhelmed by my raw enhanced ability.
Thud!
A shoulder check sent him stumbling backward as I closed distance. My strength made the impact far more devastating than it should have been, disrupting his balance and opening his guard.
Clang! Scrape! Thunk!
I capitalized immediately with a combination that drove him further back. Where before every exchange had favoured Kojiro's superior skill, now my enhanced physical capabilities were evening the playing field.
CLASH!
Our blades locked, and for the first time, I felt Kojiro struggling against my strength. His arms trembled slightly as he tried to push back against my force.
Scriiing! Thwack!
I broke the lock and immediately followed with a strike that caught his sword arm, causing him to grunt in pain and adjust his grip.
Clang! Clang! Whoosh!
Kojiro was now clearly on the defensive, his movements more reactive than proactive. His technique remained strong, but he was being forced to respond to my attacks rather than dictating the pace of combat.
Thud! Clash!
Another successful hit landed on his torso, the dulled blade still carrying enough force to make him stagger. I could see in his eyes that he was struggling now, his earlier confidence replaced by focused concentration as he adapted to this new dynamic.
The tables had turned completely. My Second Order trait had transformed me from an outmatched student into a formidable opponent who could challenge even his superior technique through sheer physical capability.
I ended the battle shortly after with a decisive combination that left Kojiro's guard completely broken. I smirked before looking at him, noticing that he no longer regarded me with the same assessment as before. There was a new respect in his dark eyes, a recognition that I was more than just a normal student.
"What do you think?" I asked with a triumphant smile spreading across my face. After being thoroughly beaten for minutes on end, it felt incredibly satisfying to repay him in kind.
Kojiro straightened slowly, rolling his shoulder where I'd landed several solid hits. "You are strong... really strong. But your swordsmanship still needs more refining, though I can see it improving even as we fought. You are genuinely talented. That enhancement technique you used must be really powerful."
I smiled at his honest assessment. It seemed like Kojiro wasn't simply a yes-man who would flatter me regardless of reality. Rather, he appeared to be both loyal and truthful, exactly the kind of subordinate I needed.
"Alright, how about this," I proposed, lowering my sword. "I won't use my enhancement technique, and I want you to use your strongest attack against me."
Kojiro looked at me with obvious concern before responding carefully. "I will hurt you."
"You won't. Try it," I replied confidently.
He looked conflicted, clearly torn between following my orders and his reluctance to potentially injure me. After a long moment, he nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but let me rest for a few minutes first."
I nodded in agreement before adding, "I will help you recover. Don't fight it."
I activated my Blood Control trait once again, but this time directed it toward Kojiro. I carefully enhanced his circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reached his muscles more efficiently while helping to clear metabolic waste that had built up during our intense sparring.
Kojiro's eyes widened slightly as he felt the effects, his breathing becoming deeper and more relaxed as his body recovered at an accelerated rate.
Ten minutes later, Kojiro stood refreshed and ready, his posture indicating he was prepared to demonstrate the full extent of his capabilities.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C87: Secret Art.
Chapter 87: Secret Art.
I smiled before holding my sword in a defensive position, my stance relaxed but ready. "I'm ready whenever you are."
Kojiro's entire demeanour shifted as he prepared for his ultimate technique. His eyes focused with laser-like intensity, and his breathing slowed to a calm, measured rhythm. The air around him seemed to thicken as his aura flared rapidly, waves of Elite-rank power radiating outward like heat from a forge.
The very atmosphere in the training room vibrated with the build-up of his concentrated energy. His sword began to emit a low, resonant hum as he channelled his full power into the blade.
I stood calmly ten meters away, watching as Kojiro's preparation reached its crescendo. His muscles coiled like springs ready to unleash devastating force.
WHOOOOSH!
Suddenly, Kojiro exploded forward with blinding speed. He launched himself across the distance separating us in a mere second. His sword trailed streaks of concentrated aura as it cut through the air.
SHRIIIIING!
The blade sang with lethal intent as it descended toward me in a perfect arc, every ounce of his skill, experience, and power focused into a single, devastating strike. The sound was like lightning splitting the sky.
'Null Strike!' I thought to myself, activating the secret technique at the precise moment of impact.
WOOOOM!
An invisible force erupted from my position, creating a sphere of absolute negation around me.
CLANG-SILENCE
Kojiro's sword met the invisible barrier and simply... stopped. Not deflected, not blocked, but it was completely negated. The devastating attack that should have cleaved through steel and stone simply ceased to exist the moment it entered the technique's radius.
THUD!
Kojiro's momentum carried him forward, but his attack had been so thoroughly nullified that he stumbled past me, his sword hanging uselessly in his grasp. The silence that followed was deafening after the explosive build-up.
His eyes widened in absolute shock as he spun around to face me, his breathing ragged not from exertion but from sheer disbelief.
"How?" he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper. "What kind of technique is this? I've never seen such a thing... it's impossible!"
The awe in his voice was unmistakable. Here was a warrior who had likely witnessed countless techniques and abilities throughout his existence, yet my Null Strike had left him completely speechless.
Clatter
His sword trembled slightly in his grip as he stared at me with newfound reverence. The attack that represented the pinnacle of his abilities had been dismissed as if it never existed.
"That wasn't deflection or evasion," he continued, his mind struggling to comprehend what had occurred. "You didn't counter my technique...you simply... erased it. How is such a technique even possible?"
The training room fell into stunned silence as Kojiro processed the implications of what he'd just witnessed.
"This is the stance of a secret art... a powerful one," I responded, keeping my expression carefully neutral.
Kojiro nodded his head in shock, still processing what he'd witnessed. "Where did you find it? Where can I get such a secret art?"
I looked at him with a wry smile. "I got it from... a friend. As for getting such an art, you can't just find it anywhere. Everyone keeps these things to themselves, but if I find one, I will gift it to you. Don't worry."
"Thank you," Kojiro looked at me with a genuinely grateful expression, bowing his head respectfully.
"You are welcome."
My thoughts drifted to Carmilla and the Overlord-rank secret art she had given me. I wondered how she could have known that I would eventually return to save her when I gained sufficient power. What if I simply forgot about her entirely? What if I decided she wasn't worth the risk?
"ARGH!!!"
A terrible, agonizing pain suddenly erupted in my chest, radiating outward from my heart like molten metal coursing through my veins. The pain was so intense it felt like my heart was being crushed in an iron vice while simultaneously being set ablaze.
Thud!
I clutched desperately at my chest, my sword clattering to the floor as my legs gave out beneath me. The world spun violently as waves of unbearable agony washed over me.
"Hey... Are you okay" Kojiro's voice reached me, but it sounded muffled and distant, as if he were shouting from the bottom of a well. I could feel his strong hands trying to support me, but my body had become completely unresponsive.
Crash!
I hit the training room floor hard, my vision blurring as tears of pain streamed down my face. Every heartbeat sent fresh spikes of torment through my entire body. It felt like I was dying, like something was literally tearing my soul apart from the inside.
Kojiro's worried face appeared above me, his mouth moving frantically, but his words were completely drowned out by the roaring in my ears. The pain was beyond anything I'd ever experienced, beyond what I thought was humanly possible to endure.
Darkness slowly engulfed my vision like thick smoke, creeping in from the edges until everything went black. My last coherent thought was terror at losing consciousness in such a vulnerable state.
"Hahh!"
I woke up gasping for air, my entire body drenched in cold sweat and my heart hammering against my ribs like a caged animal. Panic immediately seized me as the memory of that excruciating pain flooded back.
I looked around frantically, searching for Kojiro with urgency. If the academy had discovered his existence while I was unconscious... if I'd been out for hours and someone had found us...
Relief washed over me as I spotted him kneeling beside me, his dark eyes filled with concern.
"Are you okay?" he asked immediately, his eyes scanning my body for any problems.
I nodded shakily. "How long have I been knocked out for?"
"...About a minute."
"Oh... I see, thank god." I sighed in profound relief, my racing heart finally beginning to slow.
"Just what happened there..." I thought to myself, still shaken by the inexplicable attack.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C88: Carmilla
Chapter 88: Carmilla
The pain I felt couldn't be a coincidence. The moment I had contemplated forgetting about fulfilling my promise to Carmilla, agony had nearly killed me. That level of precise timing was impossible to attribute to chance.
My mind raced back to that fateful encounter in that realm, specifically to the moment she had fed me her blood.
"Could it be..."
A grim smile formed on my face as the pieces fell into place. Carmilla hadn't trusted me. No, of course she hadn't. Someone at her level of power and experience knew exactly what she was doing when she had fed me her blood.
She had planted a damn safeguard directly into my heart through her blood.
The realization was both infuriating and grudgingly impressive. If I so much as entertained thoughts of breaking my promise to rescue her, I would receive this agonizing warning. And if my suspicions were correct, attempting to actually abandon her might result in death itself.
Carmilla had effectively turned my own cardiovascular system into a magical contract enforcement mechanism. Every drop of her blood now flowing through my veins served as a constant reminder of my obligation to her.
The cunning of it was diabolical. She hadn't relied on my honour, my gratitude, or my word as a fellow vampire. Instead, she had created a biological imperative that made betraying her literally painful, possibly fatal.
"Brilliant," I muttered under my breath, equal parts annoyed and impressed by her foresight.
Carmilla's POV
In an unknown realm that existed between dimensions, where shadows writhed with malevolent life and the very air hummed with power, I remained bound by chains forged from materials that predated most civilizations.
These shackles had held me for countless years, their metal drinking in my strength and preventing any attempt at escape. Yet even here, in this prison designed specifically to contain beings of my magnitude, I maintained certain... connections.
My eyes fluttered open as a familiar sensation rippled through the mystical bond I had so carefully established with an interesting, cute, little new-born vampire. The blood I had given to that young vampire was more than a powerup, it was a tether, a window into his very soul.
A smile broke across my face, revealing my canines that gleamed like polished ivory in the realm's perpetual twilight.
"How do you like my gift... hehe."
The new-born had just discovered the true nature of our arrangement. I knew that he was intelligent enough to grasp the implications quickly. Otherwise, I would have never allowed him to touch me, let alone drink my blood, directly from my neck
My laughter echoed through the empty realm. After so many years of imprisonment, it felt delicious to know that my liberation was only a matter of time under that new-born. With his talent, he should be able to rise high.
The blood contract I had woven into his very essence would ensure his compliance. Betray me, and face agony.
"Don't take too long...it's lonely out here, hehe." I whispered into the void.
***
"Are you sure you are okay?" Kojiro asked me for the third time, his concern evident in his dark eyes.
"I'm fine, Kojiro. Also, I will unsummon you for now. I will summon you back some time later, okay? I want you to meet a few people," I said, still feeling the lingering effects of that mysterious pain but determined to proceed with my plans.
Kojiro nodded respectfully. "Alright."
With that, I focused my will and unsummoned him, watching as he dissolved back into the card with the familiar flash of light. I then left the training room, abandoning the remaining five minutes of my rental time. The few points worth of time didn't matter compared to what I needed to accomplish.
Making my way outside the academy grounds, I spotted one of my guards stationed at his designated patrol point. My personal guards were named Lex and Lux, brothers who had been cultivated by my family from a young age. They were no longer young men, now in their late twenties, but their loyalty to the Blackwood house was absolute.
"Take me to your house. I need to talk to you both," I said to Lex, who immediately straightened at my approach.
"Yes, young master," he replied without hesitation.
They led me through the nearby residential district to their shared dwelling, which wasn't far from the academy's perimeter. Entering inside, I was reminded of my father's generous treatment of his servants. The house was genuinely luxurious, spacious rooms, quality furnishings, and magical amenities that reflected their status as Transcendent-rank awakeners in service to a ducal house.
When we arrived in the main living area, I discretely retrieved Kojiro's card from my storage and activated it without warning.
Flash!
The familiar burst of light filled the room as Kojiro materialized in his combat gear, his imposing two-meter frame suddenly occupying the center of the space.
Both Lex and Lux were immediately on high alert, their hands moving instinctively to their weapons as someone had just appeared randomly inside their secure residence without any warning or detection.
"Be careful, young master!" Lex shouted, his sword already half-drawn as both brothers moved to protective positions around me.
Lux's body blazed with Transcendent-rank power as he prepared to engage what appeared to be an intruder. "How did he get past our detection wards?"
"Stop! He's with me. I want you to meet him," I said quickly, raising my hands to prevent an unnecessary confrontation.
Both of my guards looked visibly shocked and confused. They could clearly sense that Kojiro was at the peak of Elite-rank, yet he had appeared as if he had simply materialized from thin air. Their faces showed the bewilderment of experienced warriors encountering something completely outside their understanding.
I could see the questions forming in their minds, but I had no intention of explaining the card's mechanics. They knew better than to press for details when I chose not to elaborate on family secrets.
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C89: Lex and Lux
Chapter 89: Lex and Lux
"Lex, Lux, this is Kojiro," I began, gesturing toward the imposing warrior who stood at attention in their living room. "He's an Elite-rank swordsman under my command, and I have a specific task that requires your assistance."
Both brothers remained alert but relaxed their combat stances, though their eyes never left Kojiro as they assessed this unexpected newcomer.
"I want you to accompany him on a hunt for a Transcendent-rank beast," I continued, watching their expressions carefully. "However, your role is purely protective. You should only intervene if something goes catastrophically wrong. The actual combat must be handled by Kojiro himself - he needs to defeat a Transcendent-rank opponent to break through to that level himself."
Lex and Lux exchanged troubled glances, their internal conflict obvious. As my personal guards, their primary duty was protecting me, not babysitting other warriors on potentially dangerous missions.
"Young master," Lux said carefully, "our orders are to ensure your safety above all else. Leaving you unprotected while we escort someone else goes against our responsibilities."
"I understand your concerns," I replied, anticipating this objection. "But I can promise you that I will remain within the capital during your absence. The academy grounds are among the safest places in the kingdom, and I won't venture beyond the city limits."
Both guards sighed in reluctance, clearly torn between their duty and my direct orders. After a long moment of consideration, they nodded their acceptance.
"We will do as you command," Lex said finally. "However, we must inform Duke Blackwood of this arrangement. He needs to know about any changes to your security detail."
"That's perfectly fine," I assured them. "I can convince my father of the necessity once he understands the situation."
"Then, if everything goes well, we can set out this evening," Lux added. "There are several known Transcendent beast territories within a few hours travel from here."
Before they departed, I decided to significantly improve Kojiro's chances of success. I retrieved several of my Enhanced-rank items from storage and presented them to him.
"Take these," I said, offering the Swift Step Boots first. "These will increase your agility by five percent and provide better mobility during combat."
Next came the Mana Flow Bracelet, its silver surface gleaming with embedded micro-crystals. "This will boost your total mana capacity, giving you more energy to work with during extended fights."
The Razor Edge Sword was the most significant upgrade. "This blade possesses supernatural sharpness that can cut through steel like butter. It's far superior to your current Mortal-rank weapon."
Finally, I produced the Typhoon Pendant, its rare-rank aura immediately apparent to everyone present. "This creates devastating whirlwind attacks. It's currently fully charged and blood-bound to me, but I'm temporarily transferring usage rights to you, take care of it."
Kojiro looked incredibly grateful as he equipped each item, his overall combat effectiveness increasing substantially. "With these enhancements, I stand a much better chance against a Transcendent-rank opponent, my lord."
The preparation was complete. Tonight, Kojiro would face his greatest challenge yet.
On the way back to the academy, my communication crystal began to ring with the familiar resonance that indicated an incoming call from my father. I had expected this conversation would happen sooner rather than later.
I channeled a small amount of mana into the crystal, establishing the connection. "Father."
"Adrian," came Duke Blackwood's authoritative voice through the magical link. "Lex just contacted me about some rather unusual arrangements you've made. Care to explain why you're sending my Transcendent guards on a babysitting mission?"
I had anticipated his resistance and was prepared with my reasoning. "I'm sure you've heard about the prototype weapon I've been developing from Lex and Lux."
There was a brief pause before he responded. "Indeed, I have. I haven't spoken to you about it yet because I figured I would wait for you to bring it up yourself."
I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "Yes, father. I wanted the prototype to be significantly improved before sending it to you. And I'm almost finished with the current iteration. So I won't be leaving the city anytime soon - you can trust me on that. If Kojiro could break through to Transcendent rank, I would actually have even better personal security."
"This Kojiro," my father's tone became more serious, "tell me about his origins. Where did you find him, and how can you be certain of his loyalty?"
"I've known him for some time now, and he has proven himself trustworthy on multiple occasions," I replied carefully, keeping my explanation vague but confident. "His skills are exceptional, and his dedication is absolute."
Another pause stretched across the connection as my father considered my words.
"Alright," he said finally, though I could hear the reservation in his voice. "We will see how this arrangement works out. But Adrian - if anything seems amiss, you contact me immediately."
"Of course, father. How is Kael doing?" I asked, shifting the conversation to the Winter Beast's progress.
"He's doing remarkably well, his strength is improving rapidly, and his physical development has been quite dramatic. He's growing at an impressive rate, both in height and muscle mass. The healers are amazed by his transformation."
I smiled at the news, though I wasn't particularly surprised by this development. Kael had only appeared short and frail because of years of severe malnutrition while living as a street orphan. Once that underlying issue was addressed with proper food, medical care, and the resources of a ducal household, his true potential was finally being realized.
The awakening process had likely accelerated his physical development even further. When someone awakened their bloodline, their body underwent significant changes to accommodate their new abilities. In Kael's case, this meant his stunted growth was being rapidly corrected as his enhanced physiology caught up to where it should have been all along.
It was satisfying to know that bringing him into our family had been the right decision.
"That's excellent news, father. I'm glad to hear he's adapting well to his new circumstances."
"Indeed. Your instincts about him were correct, Adrian. He shows great promise, based on my estimates he should become Intune with his body in about four days. By that time he would have learnt all the basics, and he would be ready to enter the academy."
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DAILY REWARDS! TRANSMIGRATING INTO A NOVEL AS A SIDE-CHARACTER!C90: Class Examination [1]
Chapter 90: Class Examination [1]
After speaking to my father, I was confident that Kojiro would soon be making his way to the wilderness to hunt a Transcendent-rank beast and achieve his breakthrough. The preparations were in motion, and my guards would ensure his safety while allowing him the combat experience he needed.
Before heading back to the academy, I decided to make another visit to the materials shop where Elen and I had purchased our crafting supplies. My mind was buzzing with different kinds of project ideas and to implement them, I needed to have resources.
The same merchant greeted me with obvious enthusiasm when he saw me return so soon. This time, I purchased a much more extensive collection of materials - additional Mithril for structural components, more Orichalcum wire for magical conductivity, and various alloy samples for experimentation.
The total came to nearly a thousand golden coins, a substantial investment that would have bankrupted most students but didn't even make a dent in my family's resources. These materials would allow me to pursue multiple ambitious projects simultaneously rather than being limited by supply constraints.
On the way back to the academy, I continued practicing with my Blood Enhancement trait, focusing on maintaining the enhancement for longer periods and achieving more precise control over the effect. The constant practice during my walks finally paid dividends.
[Your Blood Enhancement trait has reached level 2]
A smile erupted across my face as the notification appeared. This was exactly the kind of progress I needed to see. The enhanced version would provide even greater physical improvements and likely consume less mana to maintain.
But even this advancement wasn't enough. I needed to level up all of my traits if I wanted to survive what was coming. I couldn't afford to remain a sitting duck, hiding safely within the academy's protective barriers while threats gathered beyond its walls.
I wanted to be more proactive in my approach to gaining strength, and that meant actively seeking out combat opportunities to kill beasts and gain soul power. Only by accumulating enough soul power could I advance to the next rank and truly begin to matter in this world's power structure.
Elite-rank awakeners were considered cannon fodder at best when real battles occurred. Only by reaching Transcendent rank would I have meaningful influence and the ability to protect myself and those I cared about. The path forward was clear.
I spent the rest of the day immersed in training, alternating between practicing my various abilities and working on blacksmithing techniques. The repetitive routine was becoming mind-numbing. My life had been remarkably boring lately, consisting of nothing but endless training sessions.
It was a stark contrast to my previous life on Earth, where there had been countless entertaining diversions, reading web novels, playing video games, watching movies, socializing without the constant threat of assassination. Here, every moment was focused on survival and strength acquisition.
I cursed my family's enemies under my breath, vowing silently to make them regret forcing me into this prison-like existence within the academy walls. The next time they attacked, I would be ready. I would tear them apart before they could even consider their self-destruction tactics. Now that I understood their methods, I wouldn't give them the opportunity to reach that desperate stage.
The next day arrived with an unusual sense of anticipation in the air.
Unlike the previous routine days, today marked a significant new Chapter in my academic career. When I entered the classroom, Instructor Sylvia's expression was more serious than usual, and there was an energy among the students that suggested something important was about to happen.
"Good morning everyone," Sylvia announced, her voice cutting through the morning chatter. "I will get straight to the point as we don't have much time. Today will be your first entry into the academy's beast training ground. This will be a class examination, and like we've said before, during class examinations, you will be tested as a whole group rather than as individual students."
The atmosphere in the room shifted immediately. Students sat up straighter, their casual morning demeanour replaced by focused expressions.
"The examination will be held against other classrooms," Sylvia continued, "and I say this with complete seriousness, you should not underestimate any of them. Winning this examination will not only provide you with the points you all desperately want, but will also allow the highest contributing student of the winning classroom to gain the swap card."
Confused murmurs rippled through the class. Several students exchanged puzzled glances before someone finally voiced the question on everyone's mind.
"Swap card? What's that?" Kyle asked from his position near the front of the classroom.
Instructor Sylvia's expression grew even more grave as she prepared to explain. "The swap card is exactly what it sounds like, a card that essentially allows its user to swap places with any student in the Elite class. Which means, if another class wins this tournament, they will have the ability to replace one of you. The selected student will be demoted from Elite class status and take the winner's place in their original classroom."
The implications hit the room like a thunderbolt. Murmurs spread rapidly across the classroom as students began to grasp the true stakes of this examination. This wasn't just about points or academic rankings - this was about maintaining their privileged position in the academy's most prestigious class.
"Wait," Elen said, her voice tight with concern, "you mean we could actually lose our spots in Elite class?"
"Precisely," Sylvia confirmed. "Elite class positions are not guaranteed. They must be earned and maintained through consistent performance. This examination system ensures that only the most capable students remain in advanced programs."
The casual confidence that had characterized most of my classmates evaporated instantly. Everyone understood that the competition had just become deadly serious - not just against beasts, but against their fellow students who were hungry to claim their positions.
I felt a grim smile tugging at my lips. Finally, something interesting was about to happen.
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