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

After my request, I took a step back to give him adequate space in the training area.

Without hesitation, Kojiro drew his sword in one fluid motion, the steel singing softly as it left its sheath. The blade gleamed under the room's magical lighting, and I immediately noticed the perfect balance he maintained even while holding the weapon.

He began with basic foundational forms, but executed them with such precision that they transformed into something extraordinary. His footwork flowed seamlessly from stance to stance. Forward thrust transitions, lateral movements, defensive positions, each step calculated and purposeful. The way he distributed his weight spoke of experience, every muscle working in perfect coordination.

Kojiro moved through cutting patterns next, his blade tracing clean arcs through the air. Horizontal cuts, vertical slashes, diagonal strikes, each movement demonstrated textbook technique elevated by impressive execution. There was no wasted motion, no unnecessary flourishes, just pure efficiency married to deadly grace.

His defensive demonstrations were equally impressive. Parrying motions, counter-attack sequences, and evasive maneuvers all flowed together like a deadly dance. The blade seemed to move with its own intelligence under his guidance, always positioned exactly where it needed to be.

What struck me most was his breathing control. Throughout the entire display, Kojiro's breathing remained steady and controlled, synchronized with his movements in a way that spoke of true mastery. This wasn't just physical technique, it was the embodiment of martial philosophy.

I watched in genuine surprise, my estimation of his abilities climbing steadily. If I had to rank his swordsmanship skill, it would be closer to that of our Transcendent-rank guards back at the estate. Despite being only at the peak of Elite rank in terms of raw power, his foundation was extraordinary - the kind of technical mastery that typically took decades to develop.

"Impressive," I murmured, realizing I had acquired far more than just muscle in this summoned warrior.

"Kojiro, do you think you can improve further? Perhaps even reach Transcendent rank?" I asked, genuinely curious about his growth potential. Just thinking about a summoned warrior that had incredible potential made my body course with energy.

Kojiro paused for a moment, his dark eyes growing contemplative as he considered the question. His hand unconsciously moved to rest on his sword hilt while he pondered.

"I can, but it will be difficult," he finally replied, his voice carrying the weight of honest self-assessment. "I am almost at my maximum potential, which I believe is Transcendent rank. To break through that barrier, I believe I need to kill a Transcendent-rank being. Only by overcoming such a challenge can I transcend my current limitations."

I looked at Kojiro for a moment, processing his words before a smile broke across my face. "That's not bad at all."

The news was significant. If Kojiro could reach Transcendent rank, combined with my two existing Transcendent guards outside the academy, I would effectively command three Transcendent-level warriors. Coupled with my own growing abilities, we might even have a chance to face a Commander-rank awakener if the situation demanded it.

A plan began forming in my mind. When night approached, I would sneak out of the academy and summon Kojiro again. Then I would lead him to where my guards were currently stationed and instruct them to help facilitate his breakthrough to Transcendent rank. They had the experience and strength necessary to provide him with the challenge he needed.

I wasn't particularly worried about their safety during this endeavour. The recent attack on me in the forest had been carefully planned, and I didn't believe our enemies would strike again without gathering more intelligence first. Sending troops blindly without proper information wasn't exactly a smart tactical decision, especially after their previous failure.

The risk seemed manageable, and the potential reward of having Kojiro reach Transcendent rank was too valuable to pass up. Three Transcendent guards would significantly strengthen our defensive capabilities for whatever challenges lay ahead.

With several hours remaining until nightfall, I decided to make productive use of the time. I focused my will and unsummoned Kojiro, watching as he dissolved back into the card with the same flash of light that had brought him forth. The training room felt notably emptier without his imposing presence.

Tucking the card safely away in my storage ring, I left my dormitory and made my way toward the academy's training facilities. The corridors were busier now as students moved between their various afternoon activities and optional modules.

On my way there, I encountered Kyle walking with his usual entourage. He offered me a brief nod of acknowledgment as we passed, which I returned with equal courtesy. Seraphina was beside him, along with several other students who seemed drawn to the protagonist's natural charisma like moths to a flame. It was exactly what I'd expected from the novel's dynamics, Kyle effortlessly attracting followers and admirers wherever he went.

Not that I particularly cared about his growing social circle. I had my own priorities, and right now, getting stronger took precedence over.

I continued toward the training facilities and approached the booking station.

[-1,000 Points]

The deduction of another thousand points wasn't much, I still had 339,000 points left and the investment would certainly be worthwhile. I needed practical combat experience, and I had the perfect sparring partner waiting in my storage.

Once inside the secured training room, I took out Kojiro's card once again before activating it. The familiar flash of light brought him back into existence, his imposing figure appearing with the same calmness as before.

"Kojiro, I want to spar with you," I announced, moving toward the weapon rack mounted on the training room wall. "We're of similar strength in terms of rank, and your experience and skill will be valuable for improving my battle instincts and combat techniques."

I selected two practice swords from the rack, solid, well-balanced weapons with deliberately dulled edges designed to prevent serious injury while still delivering meaningful impact. The academy took training seriously, but they weren't about to let students accidentally maim each other during practice sessions.