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

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.