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

The next day, I woke up and checked my daily reward screen. There were still some hours left before my next reward became available.

On my way through the academy corridors, students from various years looked at me and whispered among themselves.

"Look, it's Adrian Blackwood, he is one of the most promising students among the first years," one second-year student said to his companion.

"I can't believe he broke the record only for it to be shattered the very next lesson," another replied with obvious sympathy.

"That's so unfortunate," a third voice chimed in. "He didn't even have time to celebrate his achievement."

"I heard the new record holder nearly scored 10,000 points," someone else added with a mixture of awe and envy.

"Man, I'd be devastated if that happened to me. Finally accomplishing something amazing only to have it overshadowed immediately."

Some students looked at me with pity, others with curiosity about how I was handling the situation. A few seemed almost smug, enjoying the drama of watching someone's moment of glory get eclipsed so quickly.

I wasn't worried about their reactions. In fact, a smile formed on my face as I processed what this meant.

It seems like Kyle is even stronger than he was in the novel... interesting.

When I had broken the record, I had deliberately chosen a score that exceeded Kyle's performance from his lesson in the original timeline. The novel had explicitly stated that Kyle hadn't held back during his demonstration, which meant this version of Kyle was already surpassing his original capabilities.

Even though he was the main character, I wasn't going to let him claim the semester reward without a fight. The record wasn't just for a single lesson, it was tracked throughout the entire first semester. Kyle and I would be competing for some time before our records were officially finalized and that particular competition closed.

Today's lesson with Instructor Sylvia focused on footwork fundamentals, the foundation of all combat movement. She had arranged coloured markers across the training floor in basic and complex patterns, creating obstacle courses that would test our agility, balance, and spatial awareness.

"Proper footwork separates competent fighters from exceptional ones," Sylvia explained as we gathered around the training area. "Raw power means nothing if you can't position yourself effectively or maintain balance under pressure."

She demonstrated several basic patterns, lateral movement, forward advances, defensive retreats, and pivoting techniques. Her movements were fluid and graceful, each step calculated to maintain optimal positioning while conserving energy.

"Your assignment is to navigate these courses while maintaining good form eventually making it part of your muscle memory. Don't worry about the speed, it will come naturally once your muscle memory develops proper technique," she instructed before allowing us to start practising whilst she watched from the side-lines.

Students began attempting the courses one by one. Most struggled with the transitions between different movements, their steps becoming clumsy or hesitant when switching from lateral movement to pivoting manoeuvres.

Whilst they were considered 'elite', it wasn't because of their skills, but because of their potential. Sure, they had some skill, but it wasn't enough with what Instructor Sylvia was testing them with. This was the reason they were coming here after all, to learn. Had they been taught everything before they entered the academy, then what would have been the use of the academy?

When my turn came, I stepped onto the marked course with confidence. The foundational knowledge from the Sky's Secret Sword Art had improved more than just my swordsmanship, it had enhanced my understanding of positioning, balance, and efficient movement patterns.

I began with the basic lateral movement sequence, my feet finding the optimal placement points instinctively. The agility and dexterity from my {Supernatural Physique} Trait combined with the knowledge I'd absorbed created seamless execution.

The basic obstacles was completed like a breeze.

Moving into the more complex patterns, I maintained perfect form while transitioning between different movement types. My footwork remained light and controlled, each step serving a specific purpose in maintaining good positioning.

The advanced sequence required rapid direction changes while maintaining defensive postures to defend sudden attacks. I flowed through the movements without hesitation, my body allowing me to adjust instantly to each new requirement the obstacle created to challenge me.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see that sylvia watched my performance with growing interest. My record breaking feat of strength from the previous day had made her lay her eyes on me, she no longer believed that I was someone with limited training experience.

When I completed the full course sequence, the training hall had grown noticeably quieter. Other students had stopped their own practice to watch my own demonstration to try and comprehended something that would help them tackle the course better.

"Where did you learn footwork like that? That was incredible, your transitions were flawless." Elen once I finished. Not to be smug, but I could see that she admired my footwork.

"I learnt it from my father."

Elen showed a look of understanding before nodding her head. "That makes sense, the duke is one of the strongest awakeners in the city."

Marcus Ironhold, who had been working through his own obstacles, had also paused to study my technique with a calm expression.

Emmet Cole's reaction was more complex. While he clearly respected the skill I'd displayed, I could see the competitive fire burning in his eyes. He was already mentally planning how to improve his own performance to match or overcome what he'd witnessed.

And for the first time since I've entered the academy, I heard Marcus's voice.

Marcus looked at me and with a measure tone he said. "Your fundamentals are solid. Your weight distribution and balance control are particularly impressive."

"Thanks, yours is impressive too." I nodded my head curtly.

Without continuing the conversation, he simply left and trained through the obstacle himself. It seemed like Marcus was a man with few words, and he spoke his mind when he had something to say.

Sylvia approached with a thoughtful expression.

"Adrian, that demonstration was well done," she said. "Your footwork integration with combat positioning was remarkable. Your assignment will be more challenging than the rest. Wait for me after this lesson ends, I need to speak to you."

I nodded my head and said. "Alright, Instructor Sylvia."

Instructor Sylvia then returned back to giving pointers to the other students, including Elen that was highly motivated by my own performance. Still, motivation wasn't enough to overcome the obstacles, and she failed many times.

Her movements became increasingly erratic as she tried to force improvements through sheer willpower rather than proper technique. I could see her face reddening with embarrassment as other students moved past her in their practice.

When she missed a particularly simple pivot transition for the third consecutive time, her shoulders sagged in defeat and her eyes were starting to glisten. Noticing that she was on the verge of crying from embarrassment, I decided to step in and help her a little.

I approached her position on the course. "Elen, mind if I make a suggestion?"

She looked up at me with a mixture of gratitude and hope. "I'm making a complete fool of myself, aren't I? This looked so easy when you done it."

"You're overthinking the transitions. Watch your foot placement, you're trying to move too quickly between positions instead of letting each step flow naturally into the next."

I demonstrated the pivot sequence at quarter speed, emphasizing how each foot placement created the foundation for the subsequent movement.

"The key is maintaining your centre of gravity. Don't rush the transition, let your body find its balance point before initiating the next movement."

Elen nodded, wiping away her frustration. "It makes more sense when you break it down like that."

"Just like Instructor Sylvia said, speed comes with practice. Focus on accuracy first."

She attempted the sequence again, this time following my advice about pacing and balance. While still imperfect, her execution showed marked improvement.

"Much better. Your foundation is decent, just keep practising."

Whilst I advised Elen on how to tackle the obstacle, I felt other students stop their practise just to listen and learn. However, that didn't stop me from helping Elen out.

The time of the lesson passed by quickly, as my classmates started to get the hang of things, especially after my explanations and Sylvia's own pointers.