10: Stubbornness of a Weak Baby

Morning came as it always did. Soft light streamed into the nursery, gentle and warm, as I blinked awake beneath the silk canopy of my crib. My body, wrapped snugly in blankets, felt as weak and small as ever.

But I wasn't just any baby. I was someone who had lived a previous life.

Even if my limbs were frail and my movements sluggish, my mind remained sharp.

I exhaled slowly, stretching my fingers. Another day. Another step forward.

For the past few days, I had been secretly training my mana control. My attempts were slow, frustrating, and often met with failure, but I refused to give up.

Closing my eyes, I began circulating my mana, focusing on stabilizing the flow. It was unsteady—far from perfect—but it was better than before.

Just as I started making progress, an all-too-familiar voice echoed in my mind.

"Struggling again, little one?"

I twitched.

That voice. That annoying, ever-so-condescending voice.

The frozen raven spirit had returned.

Not now, I thought, trying to maintain focus.

But the raven wasn't done.

"Your control is still weak. Pitifully so."

I froze.

Then, without thinking—

"…Guu! Gaaah!"

A sharp, angry baby noise burst from my lips.

The raven paused, then let out what could only be described as an amused chuckle. "Are you… growling at me?"

My face burned in humiliation. No, I'm not! That was just—!

But before I could even mentally explain myself, the raven continued. "Hah. Truly, you are still a child. Weak, impatient, and utterly helpless."

That was it.

"…Guuu! Mnnn! Gyaaah!"

I furrowed my brows and let out an entire stream of angry baby noises, frustration boiling over.

The raven hummed in amusement. "Adorable."

I nearly lost it right then and there.

---

Crawling is Harder Than It Looks

After my humiliating loss against the raven, my caretaker lifted me out of my crib with a bright smile.

"Oh my, you're already awake, young master~"

I huffed but allowed myself to be carried to the cushioned play area.

"You're working so hard lately. I think it's time we practice crawling again."

…Crawling.

I pursed my lips. My body was still weak, but if I wanted to walk soon, I had to start somewhere.

Taking a deep breath, I placed my hands on the soft mat and pushed forward.

For a few precious seconds, I was moving! I was actually—

Thud.

I collapsed onto my face.

Silence filled the air.

"…Guu…"

I stayed still, trying to process my failure, when a soft chuckle rang above me.

"My, my~ You're quite determined, aren't you?" My caretaker's voice was warm, filled with fond amusement. She lifted me into her arms, gently patting my back. "No need to rush, young master. You'll be walking soon enough."

I scowled. Soon enough? That's not soon enough!

But all that came out was another disgruntled, involuntary baby noise.

She only giggled, completely misunderstanding my frustration.

"…Mnn."

I gave up.

---

Progress, No Matter How Small

The day passed with the usual routine—feedings, naps, and failed crawling attempts. But the most important part came at night.

As I lay in my crib, exhausted but determined, a familiar blue light flickered in my vision.

Ding!

[System Notification]

Daily Growth Milestone Achieved!

Physical Development: +0.1 Strength, +0.1 Agility

Mana Control Progress: Slight improvement in stability

Bonus: +10 System Points

I stared at the notification.

It wasn't much.

But it was something.

A small step. A slow, frustrating step.

But I would keep going.

Even if I had to make a few more angry baby noises along the way.

---

End of Chapter 10