"From crawling to standing, and now even trying to walk. If we didn’t stop him, he’d probably get himself hurt."
The girls buzzed excitedly nearby, completely ignored by John and Elina, who were smiling ear to ear. Elina was torn between worry and pride. Watching me struggle and fall made her heart ache—but seeing me refuse to give up filled her with joy.
Every time I fell, I disappointed no one.
Because every single time, I found a way to get back on my feet—without anyone’s help.
Luckily, no one thought my achievement was anything monstrous. If they had, I would have been scared out of my mind—terrified that my anxiety and worries would show through.
Even with my constant attempts, I was far from easing my family’s surprise and concern.
After confirming that my balance was steady enough, I took a deep breath and finally decided to move—slowly and carefully—in my mother’s direction.
The moment I took my first step toward her, a sudden notification appeared before my eyes, glowing with system text.
[Cursed One has achieved Agility]
[Agility is now available]
[Points can now be added to Agility]
I froze, staring at the notification in confusion.
[Attributes]
Mana: 18
Strength: 15
Perception: 15
Vitality: 15
Agility: 00
Mana Sensitivity: Null
{Attribute Points: 285}
’How did I suddenly achieve Agility? Is it because I can walk now?
That has to be it... if nothing else.’
Even after nine months, I knew I was still a complete novice when it came to this mysterious system. Overthinking it wouldn’t help me right now.
As tempting as it was to experiment with Agility immediately, I could feel the intense gazes of my mother and the rest of the family fixed on me. Acting strangely now would only raise suspicion.
Once I was sure no one noticed my momentary pause, I took my second step. It was slow, clumsy, and unsteady, but with the help of the floor beneath me, my staggering body finally came within reach of everyone.
"Come to Mommy, my little boy," Elina said warmly, kneeling down with her arms spread wide.
"You made Mommy proud. I’ll reward you with something delicious."
I looked at her—and at the rest of my family—then let out a playful babbling sound.
’Are you sure?’
That was what I thought inwardly.
With my arms spread wide, I took step after step toward her. At the very last moment, I shouted loudly before falling into her embrace.
"Mama!"
The moment I landed in her arms, the entire family erupted with joy. They could hardly believe what they had just heard or witnessed.
Not only had I learned how to walk—but I had also spoken my first word.
Everyone stared at me with wide eyes, stunned.
I quickly scanned my surroundings from within Elina’s embrace, just in case anyone was watching me too closely. Before I could even think about opening the system, John scooped me up into the air, laughing with a huge grin on his face.
The girls cheered excitedly, immediately arguing over who should be the first to carry me.
Just like that, the day slipped by. By the time things finally calmed down, I had eaten my fill of Elina’s soup and was thoroughly exhausted.
Bulp.
With little effort, the system panel appeared before my slightly foggy eyes.
[Host Attributes]
Level :4
Name: Ragna Ringwood
Title: Cursed One
Race: Unknown
Exp: 500 / 12,000
HP: 100 / 100
[Attributes]
Mana: 18
Strength: 15
Perception: 15
Vitality: 15
Agility: 15
Mana Sensitivity: Null
{Attribute Points: 285}
’As expected... no special rewards for unlocking Agility,’ I thought, feeling a bit disappointed.
Over the past few months, I had noticed something strange—the system’s point rewards had been decreasing. The daily tasks were still the same, but progress had become slower and more difficult.
It all started after a certain notification appeared once I completed a daily task.
[Warning!]
[Your stats have been compromised!]
[Cursed One attributes will now start at the lowest possible level until certain requirements are completed!]
When I first saw it, I was completely stunned. I nearly choked in surprise while feeding, unsure whether to laugh or cry as I stared at the message.
I knew exactly who—or what—had placed these restrictions on my powers.
And I hated it.