My vision blurred with shock as the maid tightened her grip on my fragile neck, barely holding her rage. 

"If the Baron hadn’t ordered me to keep you alive, I have already twisted your neck." 

Her wrathful expression shook me to the core. I had encountered many adults in my previous life, but there was something disturbingly vile about her. After a moment she finally losses her grip and stormed outside while shouting.

"You’ll starve for two whole days, you filthy creature." 

I listened to her vanishing footsteps, but even after she was well beyond the room, I could still hear her—every stomp down the corridor, the hiss of her curses, and even her heartbeats.

"Wait... how can I hear that clearly?"

Confusingly, I sat up, scanning the room, and felt the world sharpen around me. Every corner, every faint crack in the walls, and each little bug all came into startling clarity. Not only that, but my hearing stretched out too, and I can hear everything, to the edge of the hallway.

Then I noticed my hands. Moments before, I could barely clench my tiny fingers, but now they responded effortlessly. A shaky breath escaped me as I called for the only one who might have answers. 

"Aster. What… What’s happening to me?"

And the reply to my question came quickly with a slight scoff.

Finally noticing the upgrade, are you?

"Upgrade?”

I blinked, flexing my fingers smoothly.

“Is this because of the...‘modification’ you mentioned?" 

Yes, congratulations on your first wild card jump.

“What exactly did the modification change?”

I asked with an excitement. 

Let me show you.

Aster said, and before I could respond, a transparent screen appeared in my line of sight, displaying rows of words just like those of the systems. 

Status: Genetic Modification, Phase one activated (Survival Mode) 

Physical Abilities: Level-I 
-Enhanced Strength
-Rapid Regeneration
-Enhanced Senses 
-Toxic Resistance 
-Environmental Adaptation 
-Heightened intelligence 

Skills: locked until further modification 

My mind spun as I read through the list. Enhanced strength, toxic resistance, even... rapid regeneration? 

"This is... incredible,” I muttered. 

Yes, yes, revel in the wonder.

Aster replied, sounding particularly proud.

Your perception, reflexes, and physical strength have all been enhanced.

My brain whirled with possibilities. If this was only the beginning, what would happen next? 

Aster answered before I could ask.

Survive a bit longer, and we’ll reach a whole new level. But for now, try to rest. Your body’s still adjusting to the enhancements.

I leaned back, letting the new clarity of his senses wash over me. I was given a second chance with something truly unique.

"Okay, but what’s the range of my senses right now?"  

Right now? Roughly 500 meters. You can detect everything within that radius with impressive precision.

“And how many of these modifications phases are there?”

I asked further hoping for good news but instead, Aster went quiet before finally muttering,

I... don’t know.

“You don’t know?” 

Some of my data is locked and It will unlock as you level up. 

“For someone who scoffed at being compared to 'systems,’ you’re awfully similar to them.”

I’m stuck with an infantile pest; otherwise, none of my data would be restricted.

"Nice way to deflect your own shortcomings." I replied back suppressing my smirk.

Just grow up and level up. The faster you progress, the sooner I can access my full capabilities.

I could clearly hear the annoyance in his voice. Finally, my chance had arrived to get back at him, and I couldn’t help but flash a cheeky grin.

"So, you're nothing more than one of those leveling systems, huh?" 

"You—" 

I leaned back in my crib, relishing his flustered silence.

"So there’s something our genius can’t do. Don’t worry, my brilliant partner; this baby will quickly grow up to remove your restrictions. You can thank me later for being so amazing."

                                                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------

I thought I’d grow stronger in no time. But here I am, stuck in this rundown room for six long months. My days were a cycle of boredom and bare survival: sleep, choke down two servings of terrible milk, endure Aster’s constant ego, and fall asleep again. 

Amid the exhausting days, I had managed to strengthen myself slowly. The modification had boosted my physical strength to match that of a one-year-old. At the end of my second month, I managed to roll over successfully; by the third month, I was crawling; and finally, by the fourth month, I could sit without any support. Now, I was working on standing. I gripped the edge of the cradle as I pushed my legs with all my might to stand up.

"I can finally stand," I thought proudly.

"And soon, I’ll start talking too. I must be some kind of genius—standing and talking at only half a year old."

But my happiness was short, of course, that jerk Aster had to interrupt.

Genius, my foot. Even after the modification, you're progressing at a snail’s pace. And why are you so proud about 'speaking' when you can’t even get a single word, right?

"Twat becouse I am coruntly mwssng my th,” I replied, trying to defend myself. (Which was supposed to mean: *That's because I'm currently missing my teeth!*)

Aster sighed dramatically.

An idiot will always be an idiot.

I rolled my eyes. If only I could land a good punch, but unfortunately, he was part of me now. Before I could think of a comeback, I heard footsteps approaching. The sound was different; it wasn’t the maid who usually came in to feed me. Quickly, I lay down and stuck my fingers in my mouth, trying to look as innocent as possible.

As I shifted my gaze toward the door, I noticed an old maid entering the room, followed closely by a little girl, perhaps eight or ten years old. The old woman glanced around the corridor before stepping inside and quickly closing the door. As she was locking the door, the girl rushed toward me and loomed over me with curious intensity.

Her bright golden eyes sparkled like jewels, and her long, golden silky hair flowed around her like a halo, giving her an ethereal beauty. I couldn’t help but wonder why this fairy is here, but in the next moment she shocked me with her weirdly action as she started opening my upper button.

“What is this fairy doing?”

I thought as a mix of confusion and frustration bubbling inside me. I tried to stop her by wriggling my small body, but she gently held me and spoke.

“Let me examine you, baby.”

Hearing her voice, I couldn't help but think how sweet it sounds, as if it belonged to a fairy.

Warning: Your heartbeat is rising.

“Stop interfering, Jerk,”

I shot back, and before I could curse him more, the fairy flipped me onto my stomach.

“Young lady!” the maid exclaimed and quickly picked me into her arms.

“Baby is frail; you should treat him gently!”

"Young lady? Is she the daughter of that old man? But how could he have given birth to this fairy?”

I echoed internally.

A fairy? It feels like you’re falling in love.

Aster teased.

“Shut up, jerk. You don’t know anything about beauty. A gentleman should always acknowledge beauty.”

Gentleman? And you?

Aster shot back.

You’re just a baby, naked in front of two ladies.

Aster's words finally made me realize my predicament. I was completely naked, stripped by the girl. In frustration, I flailed my arms in the air and shouted, feeling utterly embarrassed.

“There, there,” the old maid patted me gently.

“Why is he shouting? Is he sick?” the girl asked, concern etched across her delicate features.

Even her worried expression was beautiful, and a wave of warmth washed over me.

Stop drooling, idiot. She can be your enemy.

“There’s no way a fairy could be my enemy,” I retorted.

Ah, how can you fall in love in this condition?

“This is not love.”

I replied with a sigh.

“He’s alright, my lady. Would you like to hold him?” the maid asked.

“Can I?” The girl’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Hmm, here,” the maid gently shifted me into the girl’s arms, supporting her as she cradled me.

“He is so handsome, just like Father. Right, Alice?” 

“Yes, my lady. The young master is as handsome as the late count,” maid replied with a tone tinged with sadness.

Confusion washed over me. What were they talking about? Father? The count? Before I could dwell deeper into their conversation, a revelation hit me like a thunderbolt.

“If only Mother and Father were still alive,” the girl tears up and hug me tightly.

“Young lady, you must be strong for your little brother.” 

“That’s right! I promised Mom, I would protect him,” the girl declared and her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she looked at me.

“Just hold on a bit longer, my baby brother. I will definitely free you soon.”