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

If Kyle wanted to compete for records, then we'd compete. If circumstances brought me into conflict or cooperation with any of the so-called main characters, I'd handle those situations based on my own judgment and goals.

The realization was oddly freeing. I threw another punch at Emmet with renewed vigor, no longer fighting as someone trying to avoid changing a predetermined story, but as someone determined to forge his own path forward.

Emmet grinned through his exhaustion as he blocked my strike, clearly appreciating the increased intensity. This was what real growth felt like - not careful adherence to someone else's script, but the courage to write your own.

After my fight ended with Emmet, we shook hands. Emmet did not stay for idle talk, and simply left the platform.

I didn't wait out either, making my way to Elen who looked at me with an excited expression.

After my fight ended with Emmet, we shook hands firmly. He didn't linger for idle conversation and simply left the platform, which was exactly what I'd expected from his straightforward personality.

I didn't wait around either, making my way directly to Elen, who looked at me with barely contained excitement.

"Adrian, that was incredible!" she exclaimed, her blue eyes bright with enthusiasm. "The way you matched his fire techniques with pure physical prowess, I've never seen anything like it. Your defence was brilliant, and when you absorbed those direct hits without flinching... it was like watching a completely different level of combat. I had always thought that you were more of an attacking based awakener, but after watching this fight, you are really an all rounded fighter."

She paused to catch her breath before continuing. "I could see you were not at your peak power too, you didn't have a sword with you. That level of power without your main weapon while still putting on such an impressive display takes real skill. Emmet's no pushover either, his fire bloodline is really cool, those tricks of his have really given me ideas on how I should use my own bloodline."

As Elen continued her analysis of the match, I heard a voice approach from behind.

"Excuse me."

I turned to see Kyle Morrison walking toward us, with Seraphina standing beside him like a silent statue. Her expression was carefully neutral, revealing nothing of whatever thoughts might be running through her mind.

"I'm Kyle Morrison," he said, extending his hand in greeting.

His tone was respectful but competitive. "That was an impressive sparring match, so I thought that I had to introduce myself."

I shook his hand with a normal, measured grip. "Adrian Blackwood. Nice to meet you, Kyle."

Seraphina remained motionless beside Kyle, neither speaking nor making any gesture of acknowledgment. I didn't bother addressing her directly, our previous relationship was concluded, and I felt no need to force awkward pleasantries neither did I want to.

We were never close anyway, the only thing that made us ever get in contact was the arrangement with our fathers and that has already been demolished.

"I heard you broke my record, I have to admit, I'm intrigued by the competition." Kyle continued, his dark eyes studying my face with obvious curiosity.

"Records are meant to be broken. Otherwise, they would have never existed in the first place, neither given any importance, no?"

Kyle nodded, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Indeed it does. I look forward to seeing how this semester plays out."

The conversation was polite but charged with the awareness that we were now direct rivals for the academy's top position.

Before excusing himself, Kyle said, "Let's meet up sometime, for some coffee or food."

I nodded my head and replied, "I'm kind of busy recently. I'll let you know when I'm free."

I didn't want to get too close to this guy. I didn't particularly like him. Just because he was the main character didn't mean I had to become his babysitter, friend, or ally. At most, we could become acquaintances who maintained polite but distant relations. As long as his goals didn't go against mine, then we were on the same page, but if they did...then I will put myself first.

Kyle seemed to understand the subtext and nodded before departing with Seraphina trailing behind him like a silent shadow.

Watching Kyle leave, Elen turned toward me with obvious interest. "He's so handsome, isn't he? I wonder if he has a girlfriend. Aah...those black eyes...they are like the void, so deep."

I scoffed inwardly, not at her first observation of his handsomeness, but at the question she posed. As the protagonist, I knew his halo was practically invincible when it came to attracting romantic interests. His ability to collect admirers was as effortless as breathing.

Wondering if he had a girlfriend was amusing, especially knowing that this guy would eventually accumulate romantic partners like they were collectible Pokémon.

I kept this thought to myself and shrugged casually. "Who knows? Maybe you can ask him directly? He seemed like a nice guy, I'm sure he wouldn't be harsh to you."

She shook her head, suddenly bashful. "I can't... I'm too shy for something like that."

"Well, if you're genuinely interested, you could always find opportunities to interact with him naturally. You're both Elite-class students, so your paths will cross during joint exercises and competitions."

Elen nodded thoughtfully, though her cheeks remained slightly flushed at the suggestion.

I decided to redirect the conversation away from Kyle's romantic prospects. "Speaking of which, what was that thing you wanted to show me earlier? Before the sparring match interrupted our plans."

Her eyes immediately brightened as she remembered her original purpose. "Oh right! I wanted to show you a really cool shop outside the campus."

"Oh? You were looking for shops outside the campus? Why?"

Elen smirked before saying. "You forgot already? You've told me that we should keep our points until at least the next payment, to check if there is any hidden agendas. So, I decided to look for shops that took golden coins instead."