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

The measurement display continued climbing, numbers flashing higher than any first-year student should achieve. Whatever training regimen he'd undergone, it had produced results that defied normal progression of strength.

This wasn't just improvement, this was a complete metamorphosis of ability that raised questions I wasn't sure I wanted answered... unless he hadn't actually improved so dramatically overnight, but had been concealing his true strength all along.

The number finally stopped climbing, and the result made my brow furrow deeply.

[9,702]

The score was undeniably high, and Adrian had certainly broken the record, proving my scepticism about his attempt completely wrong. But that wasn't what occupied my thoughts. Adrian had surpassed the previous record by exactly one point. It was almost absurd, was this intentional, or had he barely managed to break through the record?

His unwavering confidence before the attempt strongly suggested the former. No student would approach such a challenging task with that level of certainty unless they possessed complete control over their capabilities.

Believing the former came with its own complexity. To be able to achieve 9,702 points by choice is something that made me shiver slightly, not because of his strength, but because of his potential. Just what was his actual maximum output? The control needed to exceed the record by the smallest possible margin indicated a level of power and control that was frankly unsettling for a new student.

Hence, the thought was discarded from my head. He must've tried his hardest, it seemed like it anyways.

I had witnessed many talented students throughout my career as a student and teacher, but none who displayed this power. Adrian Blackwood was gathering my curiosity and interest rapidly.

Before my eyes, Adrian returned the sword back to the racks with some heavy breathing.

My eyes narrowed at the scene, was he faking it, or was it truly his strongest attack...I couldn't tell. But, time sure would.

…

After successfully achieving the number I had targeted, I began faking labored breathing. Of course, simply breathing rapidly wouldn't fool Sylvia without the physiological markers of true exertion.

I had deliberately slowed my blood circulation using my Blood Control trait, mimicking the genuine feeling of exhaustion and oxygen debt that came from pushing one's limits to the maximum.

"Adrian… that was... This is going to be an interesting year," Sylvia finally said, a knowing smile crossing her face.

"Thank you, Instructor. About my 50,000 bonus points, when will I receive them?"

"You'll receive it shortly. You're amassing quite the collection of points, aren't you? I must say, you are most definitely the richest student in the academy."

I smiled before replying, "I don't dare say that."

The other students who had witnessed the demonstration were murmuring among themselves, clearly trying to process what they'd just seen. Marcus Ironhold nodded approvingly, recognizing the skill behind the performance, while Emmet Cole's competitive fire burned even brighter in his eyes.

Sylvia made notes, recording the new record. "I'll submit this immediately. The academy will want to update their records quickly."

…

[Kyle Morisson's POV]

Seraphina and I were still catching our breath after the agility course when she turned to me with the focused expression she always wore during class.

"Your maneuvers during the obstacle section were impressive," she said, adjusting the battle axe strapped to her back. "The way you used your fire wings to change direction, It was good."

"Your ground positioning was solid too," I replied, wiping the sweat from my forehead. "When you transitioned between defensive stances while maintaining forward momentum, that takes real skill."

We had partnered for several exercises today, and despite our different fighting styles, we worked well together. Seraphina's Valkyrie bloodline made her a natural close-combat specialist.

"The course was more entertaining than I expected," she admitted, a rare hint of satisfaction in her voice. "Though we should practice the coordination drills more. My axe work needs refinement when working alongside others."

"Agreed. I need to work on my agility abit more. It's a weakness of mine."

Before Seraphina could respond, I heard familiar footsteps approaching. Professor Victor Castellane walked toward us with his usual faint smile, though something in his expression suggested he had specific business with me.

"Kyle, Seraphina," he greeted us both with a respectful nod. "Impressive work during today's exercises. Your coordination is improving rapidly."

"Thank you, Professor," Seraphina replied formally, though I caught her studying Victor's face with that analytical look she used when something seemed off.

"Kyle, I need to speak with you privately for a moment," Victor continued, his tone remaining pleasant but carrying an undercurrent I couldn't quite identify.

Seraphina glanced between us before saying, "I should head back anyway. See you later."

After she walked away, Victor's expression grew more serious. "Kyle, I have some news regarding your combat record."

"What kind of news?"

"Your attack record has been broken. A student from the second Elite class scored 9,702 points earlier today."

The words hit me like a physical blow. "Broken? But I just set that record yesterday."

"Indeed. The student who broke it is Adrian Blackwood from House Blackwood. The previous record holder."

I stared at Victor, trying to process this information. Adrian Blackwood - I'd heard about him, mostly unflattering rumors about his previous behavior and lack of serious training.

"Are you certain? That's…" I trailed off, calculating the implications.

"Quite certain. The measurement was verified by Professor Sylvia Ashworth herself." Victor paused, studying my reaction carefully. "How does this make you feel, Kyle?"

"Frustrated," I admitted honestly. "I thought I had established a clear lead."

Victor nodded approvingly. "That frustration is valuable. It means that you have passion, and passion is good." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Tell me, Kyle, are you familiar with the academy's record-breaking policies?"

"The basic ones, I suppose. Break someone's record, you receive bonus points."

"There's more to it than that. Students can attempt to reclaim records twice per week. The bonuses for breaking records can accumulate quite substantially if one is… strategic about the timing."

Something in his tone made me pay closer attention. "What do you mean?"

"Simply that the point system has nuances that diligent students can learn to navigate effectively. The monthly bonuses for holding records are substantial, but the breaking bonuses can be even more lucrative if managed properly."

I frowned, trying to understand what he was suggesting. "You're saying I should focus on breaking records rather than just holding them?"

"I'm saying that understanding all aspects of the academy's systems can provide advantages that pure combat ability alone cannot." Victor's smile returned. "Of course, you would need the strength to consistently break records. Not every student possesses such capabilities."

Before I could ask more questions, I heard Seraphina's voice calling my name. She was walking back toward us with a concerned expression.

"Kyle, I just heard something from the other students. Did someone really break your record already?"

Her shock was evident despite her attempt to maintain composure. Seraphina rarely showed surprise, but this news had clearly caught her off guard.

"Apparently so," I replied, still processing the information myself.

"Who?" she asked directly, she didn't seem to know.

"Adrian Blackwood."

Seraphina's eyes widened slightly before her expression hardened. "Adrian!?"

With a firm nod, I affirmed it. "yes, do you know anything about him?"