Daily Rewards! Transmigrating into a novel as a side-character!

I left the courtyard and darted out. There were slum kids and men throughout the area who looked at me with strange gazes, some of these men even had clearly malicious intent, obviously wanting to rob what appeared to be a well-dressed noble.

Before I could get into a useless, time-wasting fight with them, I increased my speed dramatically and became a blur streaking through the narrow streets.

Immediately, those with ill intentions backed away in fear and gulped audibly, clearly recognizing that they would have committed the worst mistake of their lives if they had approached me.

I continued making my way toward the forest at a higher speed.

Within about five minutes of pursuit, I felt like I was in Kael's vicinity. During my journey, I had tried to think of ways I could use to approach him safely.

I couldn't reveal that I knew him from the orphanage, that would immediately put him on guard and potentially trigger a violent defensive response. I needed a plausible way to introduce myself that wouldn't seem threatening to a traumatized child who had just awakened dangerous powers.

The approach would be crucial. Kael was likely in a highly unstable emotional state, probably terrified of what he'd done and expecting punishment or rejection from anyone who discovered his actions. If I handled this wrong, he might attack me or flee deeper into dangerous territory.

I slowed my pace as I drew closer to his location, at the current difference of power between us, I didn't even need to use my silent predator aspect to mask my presence from Kael. I needed to observe his current state before deciding how to make contact.

Through the trees ahead, I could sense his general direction

I spent a few minutes searching the vicinity, since my skill didn't allow me to pinpoint his exact location. I hoped the trait would improve to provide more precise location data at higher levels, but for now it was sufficient, since my target was a kid that has barely awakened.

Finally, I found him.

Kael was sitting inside a large tree that had a hollow cavity big enough to shelter a small person. He looked incredibly frustrated and devastated about what had transpired.

I could hear him muttering various things to himself in a broken voice.

"It's their fault... T-They forced me to do it. He beat me until I was almost dead... I'm not a monster, they are," Kael whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

"M-My life is ruined... I can't return to the city anymore. Martha has probably reported me already..."

I watched him with an unconsciously soft expression. His situation was truly a heart-breaking sight to behold. I found myself blaming my own inaction for allowing the situation to deteriorate to this point. I could have certainly intervened when I first visited the orphanage weeks ago.

His silver hair was dishevelled and dirty, his small frame hunched over in the hollow tree trunk. Despite his newly awakened powers, he looked like exactly what he was - a scared, traumatized teenager who had lashed out in desperation and now faced the terrible consequences of that moment.

The weight of what he'd done was clearly crushing him. This was the pivotal moment that would determine whether he became the vengeful Winter Beast of the original timeline, or something entirely different.

I needed to approach this very carefully. One wrong word could push him further down the dark path, while the right approach might save both Kael and countless future victims whilst also benefitting him. I watched him from a concealed position for nearly an hour, considering multiple approaches but finding none that would create the powerful, meaningful first impression I wanted.

Then I heard a soft grumbling sound from the north, it was barely audible, but my senses picked it up clearly.

A koala-like beast emerged. Its claws gleamed wickedly sharp, though the creature was only Noble rank with a Common-grade bloodline. If Kael had developed any real control over his newly awakened ice powers, he should be able to handle it easily, especially considering his bloodline was rumoured to be Legendary rank like Seraphina's.

I held back, ready to intervene if necessary but curious to see how this would unfold.

Kael spotted the approaching beast and immediately stood up, his cold eyes betraying the trembling in his hands. This was clearly his first encounter with a magical creature, and I could see the mixture of rage, fear, and desperation building within him, demanding release.

He activated his ice manipulation trait, forming an icicle identical to the one that had killed Tommy. The projectile materialized with jagged, uneven edges, a clear sign of his inexperience and lack of control.

Kael launched the ice spear toward the koala, but his aim was completely off. The icicle sailed wide, striking a tree trunk several feet away from his target.

This confirmed my suspicion that Tommy's death had been accidental rather than deliberate. Kael's control over his abilities was so poor that he couldn't hit a slow-moving target at close range. The fatal strike at the orphanage had been a tragic result of uncontrolled power rather than murderous intent.

The koala, now aware of the threat that Kael possessed, began advancing more aggressively towards him.

Kael's eyes widened in terror as the beast charged at him. He immediately stumbled backward and formed another icicle, hurling it desperately at the approaching creature. The koala easily dodged the poorly aimed projectile.

Panic started to set in his currently fragile mind. Kael formed yet another ice spear, but the koala had closed the distance significantly. His third attempt finally connected, though it struck the beast's shoulder rather than any vital area, hardly a debilitating blow.

Still, despite being none threatening, it had hurt the koala which groaned in pain and irritation.

The koala started clawing at the embedded ice fragment. Blood began flowing from the wound as it worked to dislodge the projectile. During this brief respite, Kael had gained some distance by running frantically through the trees.

I repositioned myself as well, following their movement while getting closer to the action. The koala, now wounded and thoroughly enraged, resumed its pursuit with more aggression.