11 : A Toddler’s Struggles & Growing Bonds
Time is a strange thing.
One moment, I was a newborn barely able to move, and now… I could walk. I could run—well, sort of. My tiny legs still wobbled, and my body felt frustratingly weak, but I had grown. I wasn't just a baby anymore.
I was three years old.
And yet…
"Mommy, I wanna twain mana!"
…No matter how serious I tried to sound, my words still came out like that.
Seraphina's crimson red eyes sparkled as she beamed at me. "Oh, my little star is so clever!"
Even Aldric, my cold-looking but secretly doting father, let out a low chuckle as he ruffled my hair. "What a promising young heir."
I puffed out my cheeks. No, listen to me! I'm not just some cute baby—I'm talking about something important here!
But it was useless.
At this rate, even if I said, "Father, I shall master the elements and reshape the laws of the world," they would probably just coo and pinch my cheeks.
…This was my fate as a three-year-old.
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[ SYSTEM INTERFACE ]
──────────────────────────────
[Name]: Averis Ravenshade
[Age]: 3 Years Old
[Title]: Heir to House Ravenshade
[Attributes]:
Strength: 2
Agility: 2
Endurance: 2
Magic: 2
Mana: ? (Unmeasurable)
Spirit Energy: 100
──────────────────────────────
My stats had improved slightly over the years.
But my Mana stat? Still unknown.
It was infuriating. Every time I tried to grasp my mana, it felt like trying to hold water in my hands—always slipping away, never fully under my control.
And to make matters worse…
"Hmph. Still weak, little one."
A chilling, familiar voice echoed in my mind.
---
The Frost Raven's Mockery
Perched by the window, the Frost Raven tilted its head, its sharp blue eyes filled with quiet amusement.
Ever since our bond deepened, the spirit had been with me constantly. Watching. Judging. Mocking.
"I'm nawt weak!" I declared, my tiny hands balling into fists. "Avewis is stwong!"
…But my words came out in a high-pitched squeak.
The Frost Raven was silent for a moment. Then—
"…Kahaha."
It was laughing.
The proud, ancient spirit that once reigned over frost and wind… was laughing at me.
I clenched my fists tighter. My face heated up in frustration. And before I knew it—
"Guuu—Gaaaah!"
A string of angry baby noises burst from my lips.
The raven snorted. "How terrifying. Your power truly knows no bounds."
I glared. One day, I will be strong enough to make you regret these insults!
---
Walking, Running, and… Falling
Despite my growing strength, my legs still weren't entirely steady.
"Young master, careful—!"
Too late.
I had tried to run—tried—but my foot caught on the carpet, and I tripped forward.
For a brief moment, I braced for impact.
But instead of hitting the ground, I found myself caught in the warm, familiar embrace of my caretaker.
She sighed in relief. "You're always pushing yourself too hard," she scolded gently, hugging me close.
I pouted. It's not my fault my body is still small…!
Still, despite my frustrations, I couldn't deny it felt nice being held like this.
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Family Moments & The Curse of Cuteness
That evening, my mother scooped me into her arms, her long golden - blonde hair cascading like a waterfall as she smiled down at me.
"My little star, how was your day?"
I crossed my arms. "I twied mana twaining… but Waven kept being mean."
Seraphina gasped, turning toward the empty air where the Frost Raven sat. "How dare you bully my precious baby!"
The Frost Raven, who she couldn't even see, let out a scoffing noise. "Hmph."
My father chuckled from behind his book. "At least it's training you properly."
I frowned. "But he keeps cawwing me weak!"
Aldric smirked. "Well, are you strong?"
I opened my mouth—then closed it.
"…Nyo."
"Then train harder."
I pouted even more. Ugh. He has a point, but still!
---
A Small Step Forward
That night, as I lay in bed, the system flickered before me once more.
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 screen.
It wasn't much.
But it was progress.
I clenched my tiny fists under the blankets. One day, I will stand on my own. One day, I will speak properly. One day, I will master my power.
For now…
I yawned, snuggling into my pillow as my caretaker's soft humming filled the air.
…For now, I could rest.
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End of Chapter 11
Note:Also the 0.1+ stats don't add up until they become 1.