Chapter 4: Another New App?

The estate was quiet as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Velclair gardens. Ryuto lay in his crib, feigning sleep as the soft sounds of Nanny Elara's movements faded in the distance. The gentle hum of the nursery was comforting, but Ryuto's mind was racing. His plan was in motion.

For the past few days, he had been perfecting the art of manipulating his caregivers, learning exactly how to fuss just enough to get taken outside, without raising suspicion. Tonight would be no different. He needed the cover of darkness for what he had planned.

As the room grew darker, Ryuto stirred and let out a soft, perfectly timed whimper. It wasn't loud enough to be alarming, but it was just the right amount of discomfort to trigger a reaction. Within seconds, the door creaked open, and Elara stepped in.

"Aw, what's the matter, little one?" she cooed, bending down to check on him.

Ryuto let out another whimper, squirming slightly under the blanket. He gave her his best pitiful expression, a wide-eyed, pleading look that could melt even the coldest heart. He had perfected it over the past few days, and it worked like a charm.

"Oh, poor thing," Elara said softly, her concern evident. "Maybe some fresh air will do you good."

Hook, line, and sinker, Ryuto thought with a mental smirk.

Elara gently lifted him from the crib and carried him out of the nursery, cradling him as she made her way toward the gardens. The cool evening air hit Ryuto's face as they stepped outside, and he relaxed slightly. This was exactly what he needed, a chance to escape the confines of the estate and test his magic without any prying eyes.

The garden was bathed in moonlight, casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. The air was crisp, with the faint scent of roses lingering from the nearby bushes. It was quiet, peaceful even, with only the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets to break the silence.

Elara sat down on a stone bench near the edge of the garden, holding Ryuto in her lap. She rocked him gently, humming a soft lullaby as the night settled around them.

"This is nice, isn't it, Ryuto?" she whispered. "So calm and peaceful. Just what you need to sleep."

Ryuto, of course, had no intention of sleeping. He blinked up at her, his eyes wide and innocent as he listened to her hum. He needed her to let her guard down just enough so that when the time came, he could slip away unnoticed.

Sure enough, after a few minutes, Elara's humming began to slow. Her movements grew more relaxed, and Ryuto could tell that she was starting to nod off, lulled by the calm of the evening and the stillness of the garden.

Perfect, Ryuto thought. Time to make my move.

When Elara's head tilted slightly to the side and her breathing slowed, Ryuto seized the moment. With a practiced squirm, he slid out of her arms and onto the grass, landing softly on the cool ground. For a brief moment, he paused, making sure she was still asleep. When she didn't stir, he began crawling toward the deeper part of the garden, where the shadows were thick, and no one would notice a thing.

Ryuto crawled through the garden, his heart racing with excitement. This was it, his first real chance to practice magic. He knew the risks. His Mana was still wildly out of control, but he had to try. He couldn't keep relying on his wits alone; he needed power, and he needed to learn how to control it.

He finally reached a secluded area near a large oak tree, where the shadows were dense, and the estate was far enough away that no one would see him. Taking a deep breath, Ryuto sat up as best he could in his baby body and focused. The Stats App appeared in his mind as he quickly reviewed his attributes.

Stats:

- Strength: 4

- Agility: 3

- Mana: 9999

- Magic Control: 12

His Mana was absurdly high, as usual, but his Magic Control was still frustratingly low. He needed to be careful. One wrong move, and he could blow a hole in the garden, or worse, alert everyone to what he was doing. But Ryuto was nothing if not determined.

He raised one tiny hand, focusing all of his mental energy on a simple spell, a small flame, just enough to test his control. He pictured the flame in his mind, concentrating on keeping it small, contained.

"Just a little bit," he whispered to himself, his baby voice barely audible.

At first, nothing happened. The air around him remained still, and for a brief moment, Ryuto wondered if he'd fail. But then, slowly, he felt a familiar warmth gathering at his fingertips. A faint glow appeared, and with a spark of excitement, Ryuto watched as a tiny flame flickered to life in the palm of his hand.

It was small, barely enough to light a candle, but it was real. He had done it.

"Yes!" Ryuto thought, a surge of pride swelling in his chest. "I'm finally starting to control it!"

But the excitement was short-lived. As he marveled at the flame, the familiar surge of overwhelming Mana began to rise within him. The flame flickered dangerously, growing larger than he had intended.

"No, no, no! Too much!" Ryuto panicked, trying to will the flame to shrink, but his Mana surged out of control. The flame sputtered, and in an instant, it flared up into a small burst of fire.

Ryuto yelped in surprise and quickly clapped his hands together, extinguishing the flame before it could spread. His heart pounded as he glanced around, hoping no one had seen the brief flash of light.

The garden remained quiet. No footsteps, no shouts. He had managed to avoid disaster, for now.

The Corruption Monitor

As Ryuto let out a sigh of relief, he noticed something strange. His smartphone, which had been tucked away in the blanket around him, began to vibrate softly. Confused, Ryuto pulled it out and stared at the screen.

A new icon had appeared, one that hadn't been there before. It was grayed out, just like the World App, but the name beneath it was legible enough to send a shiver down Ryuto's spine: Corruption Monitor.

"What the…?" he muttered, tapping on the icon. The app didn't open, but a small notification popped up:

Corruption Level: 5%

Tracking magical disturbances within range.

Ryuto blinked, his mind racing. Corruption? Magical disturbances? This was new. Whatever this app was, it seemed to be connected to the strange magical phenomenon happening in the village, the same one that Duke Alphonse had gone to investigate.

"Is this tied to what's been happening with the animals?" Ryuto wondered. "Or is it something bigger?"

Either way, the Corruption Monitor app was now in play, and Ryuto knew he needed to figure out what it meant. The app wasn't fully functional yet, but if he kept practicing magic, if he kept pushing himself, he had a feeling it would unlock.

And when it did, he'd be one step closer to understanding the mysteries surrounding his new life.

With the Corruption Monitor fresh in his mind, Ryuto knew he needed to return to the nursery before Elara woke up and realized he was missing. Carefully, he crawled back toward the stone bench where she slept, keeping to the shadows. The garden remained quiet, and soon enough, he was back in her arms, snuggled up as if he'd never left.

Elara stirred slightly, but she didn't wake. She simply adjusted him in her arms and continued to doze peacefully.

As Ryuto closed his eyes, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. He was finally making progress, learning to control his magic, discovering new aspects of his system, and unlocking the secrets of this world.

"This is only the beginning," he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Whatever this 'corruption' is, I'll figure it out. And when I do, nothing will stop me."

With that, Ryuto drifted off to sleep, his mind buzzing with plans for the future.

The next morning came quietly, the golden light of dawn filtering into the nursery as the household stirred awake. Ryuto, feigning the perfect image of a sleepy baby, blinked lazily as Nanny Elara gently lifted him from his crib. Her soft humming filled the room as she began her usual routine of preparing him for the day.

But Ryuto's mind was far from the peaceful atmosphere of the nursery. His thoughts were still buzzing with the events of the previous night, the Corruption Monitor app, the mysterious 5% corruption level, and his dangerously unstable Mana. His first attempt at casting magic had been both exhilarating and terrifying.

He had finally taken the first steps toward controlling his power, but the surge of Mana had nearly cost him. Still, the discovery of the Corruption Monitor app had piqued his curiosity. Whatever was happening in the village, the scorch marks, the strange magical disturbances, was somehow tied to the growing corruption this app was tracking.

But what exactly was corruption in this world? And more importantly, how was it connected to him?

After his usual morning bath and getting dressed in the finest baby clothes the Velclair family could provide, Ryuto was carried to the dining hall, where the family gathered for breakfast. As always, the table was set with an array of elaborate dishes, pastries, fruits, cheeses, and meats, all prepared to perfection by the estate's chefs.

Duke Alphonse sat at the head of the table, his stern face emotionless as he ate in silence. Edwin sat to his right, cutting into his food with the same cold efficiency he applied to everything in life. Across from them, Celeste was already smiling brightly, cooing at Ryuto as Elara carried him into the room and placed him in his high chair.

"Good morning, little Ryuto!" Celeste greeted him, her silver hair shimmering in the morning light. "Did you sleep well, darling?"

Ryuto gave her a wide, innocent smile in return, making a few gurgling sounds to complete the act. Celeste's affection points ticked upward, though he didn't need the Dating Sim App to tell him that she was utterly smitten with her baby brother.

The small, polite chatter around the table quickly resumed. Celeste spoke animatedly about her plans for the day, while Edwin remained mostly quiet, only responding to their father's occasional remarks. But Ryuto could sense an underlying tension in the room, something was off.

Duke Alphonse's expression was more serious than usual, his brow slightly furrowed as if something weighed on his mind. It wasn't just his normal cold demeanor. There was a sharpness in his gaze, a calculating edge that hinted at something troubling him.

"Is it because of the village?" Ryuto wondered, glancing at his father as best as his baby body would allow. "Did he find something when he investigated the attacks?"

The thought sent a ripple of excitement through him. If Duke Alphonse had uncovered something related to the corruption, it could give Ryuto the clues he needed to unlock the Corruption Monitor app fully. But getting that information would be difficult, especially when he couldn't exactly ask questions without blowing his cover as an innocent baby.

Still, Ryuto's keen eyes took in every detail, every shift in body language. Information was his greatest weapon right now, and he intended to gather as much of it as possible.

As breakfast continued, Ryuto noticed that Edwin had been unusually quiet. His older brother barely spoke a word, his gaze occasionally drifting toward Ryuto with a strange intensity. Ryuto knew that Edwin had never been particularly fond of him, Edwin's obsession with strength and discipline made him see Ryuto as nothing more than a weak infant. But this was different.

There was something in Edwin's eyes, a flicker of suspicion that sent a chill down Ryuto's spine. Had Edwin noticed something last night? Had he sensed the surge of magic? Ryuto had been careful, but Edwin was no fool. He might not know the full extent of what Ryuto was capable of, but he was sharp enough to notice when something was off.

After a few minutes of silence, Edwin finally spoke, his voice cool and measured as he addressed Duke Alphonse.

"Father, have you learned anything more about the attacks in the village?" he asked, his tone deliberately casual.

Duke Alphonse paused for a moment, his knife and fork stilling as he looked at Edwin. "The investigation is ongoing," he replied, his deep voice carrying an air of authority. "But it is clear that these attacks are not the work of ordinary animals. There is something… unnatural at play."

Ryuto's heart skipped a beat. Unnatural. That had to be related to magic, and if it was, then the corruption Ryuto had seen on the app might be linked to these disturbances.

"What do you mean by unnatural?" Celeste asked, her brow furrowing with concern.

Duke Alphonse's eyes darkened, and he set down his utensils, leaning back in his chair. "The scorch marks we found on the animals were not caused by fire, nor any conventional weapon. There is a magical force behind this, though we have not yet determined its source."

Ryuto's mind raced. If it wasn't fire and it wasn't a weapon, then what was causing it? He thought back to his own failed spell, how his Mana had surged uncontrollably and nearly resulted in an explosion. Could the magical disturbances in the village be caused by someone, or something, experiencing the same problem?

"Could it be…" Edwin began, glancing briefly at Ryuto before continuing. "Could it be rogue magic?"

Duke Alphonse's eyes narrowed. "It's possible. But if that is the case, then we are dealing with a sorcerer or creature capable of wielding dangerous levels of Mana. We'll need to approach this carefully."

The conversation shifted away from the topic of the village after that, but Ryuto's thoughts were consumed by the implications. A magical disturbance, rogue Mana, and now the Corruption Monitor app tracking it all. Something big was happening, and Ryuto was in the middle of it, whether he wanted to be or not.

Later that day, after the tension of breakfast had faded, Ryuto found himself back in the garden with Elara. This time, there were no nighttime escapes or secret spellcasting attempts, just a quiet stroll through the estate's grounds as Elara carried him in her arms, cooing softly about the flowers and the fresh air.

But Ryuto's mind was far from the peaceful setting. He couldn't stop thinking about what Duke Alphonse had said. The attacks, the corruption, and now the possibility of a rogue sorcerer. If there was someone, or something, out there with unstable Mana, it could explain the rising corruption levels. And if Ryuto wanted to figure out what was going on, he'd need to get more control over his own magic.

As Elara sat down by the fountain, Ryuto glanced around the garden, making sure no one was nearby. He couldn't afford to be reckless, but he needed to test something. Carefully, he pulled out his smartphone, making sure it was hidden from Elara's view.

The Corruption Monitor app still showed a 5% corruption level, but there were no other details. It was frustratingly vague, but Ryuto knew that the key to unlocking it was tied to the magic around him.

"I need more information," he thought, swiping through the Stats App to check his progress. His Magic Control had barely improved, but his recent practice was helping. He just needed more time, more chances to experiment without getting caught.

Elara hummed softly beside him, completely unaware of the dangerous game Ryuto was playing. He glanced up at her, his innocent baby face masking the storm of thoughts brewing beneath the surface.

"This world is full of secrets," Ryuto thought, his gaze shifting to the distant village on the horizon. "And I'm going to uncover all of them. No matter what it takes."

The garden had grown quieter as the sun descended toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the estate. Ryuto was still nestled in Nanny Elara's arms, though his thoughts were far from the peaceful scene around him. The conversation at breakfast had revealed more than he expected. Whatever was attacking the village was unnatural, magical, and potentially dangerous, exactly the kind of mystery that could help Ryuto understand more about this world's magic and the role corruption played.

But there was another problem brewing: Edwin's suspicion. His brother's cold glances were becoming more frequent, more pointed. Edwin was sharp, and Ryuto knew that any more slip-ups could lead to unwanted attention. He needed to be more careful, especially if he was going to continue sneaking out at night to practice his magic.

Still, there was no turning back now. Ryuto had tasted what it was like to wield magic, however poorly controlled, and he wasn't going to stop.

"One step at a time," he reminded himself. "First, I get better at controlling my Mana. Then, I unlock that Corruption Monitor and figure out what's happening in the village."

As if on cue, Elara stood up from the bench and began to carry him back inside. "It's getting late, little one. Time to get you back to bed," she said softly, unaware of the gears turning in Ryuto's head.

He let her carry him without protest, but inside, he was already planning his next move. Tonight would be another night of secret magic practice, and with any luck, he would get closer to unlocking the mysteries behind the Corruption Monitor.

That night, after the estate had fallen into a comfortable quiet, Ryuto lay awake in his crib, listening for the telltale sounds of Elara settling into sleep. Once the soft rustle of her movements faded away and the room was still, Ryuto carefully wiggled free from his blanket and pulled out his smartphone.

He checked the Corruption Monitor app again, hoping for some new information, but the screen remained unchanged: 5% Corruption and the same cryptic message about tracking magical disturbances. Ryuto frowned in frustration.

"There's got to be more to this. If I can trigger it again, maybe it will reveal more."

With that in mind, he moved forward with his plan. Just like the previous night, he let out a soft whimper, ensuring it was just loud enough to stir Elara but not so much as to raise suspicion. Sure enough, after a few moments, the nursery door creaked open, and Elara peeked inside.

"Hmm? Awake again, Ryuto?" she whispered, coming over to his crib.

Ryuto let out a small, pitiful sound, wiggling slightly as if he were uncomfortable. Elara smiled softly and lifted him from the crib, holding him close as she rocked him gently.

"There, there. Let's get you some fresh air, hmm?"

Just like clockwork, Ryuto thought smugly as she carried him back out into the garden.

The night air was cool, and the garden was as serene as it had been the night before. As Elara hummed and slowly began to nod off on her favorite bench, Ryuto felt the familiar thrill of excitement rising within him. This time, he was determined to push his magic a little further, enough to unlock more of the Corruption Monitor and possibly figure out what was happening in the village.

Once Elara's breathing slowed and her grip loosened, Ryuto carefully slid out of her arms and onto the soft grass. He crawled a short distance away, making sure to stay within the cover of the garden's large oak trees. He didn't need much space, just enough to practice in secret.

Sitting up as best as his baby body allowed, Ryuto raised his small hands again, focusing on the same spell as before, a tiny flame. His Mana was still overwhelming, but he was determined to control it this time. He took a deep breath and concentrated, imagining the flame in his palm, keeping it small, manageable.

At first, nothing happened. The air around him remained still, but Ryuto didn't give up. He pushed harder, reaching deeper into the well of Mana that surged within him. Finally, a faint glow appeared, flickering at his fingertips.

"There it is," Ryuto thought, a surge of pride rising within him.

The flame flickered to life in his hand, a small, controlled glow that illuminated the area around him. It was tiny, but it was stable, more stable than the wild surge from the night before. Ryuto grinned to himself, reveling in the small victory.

But then, just as he began to relax, the flame flickered dangerously again. His Mana was starting to surge once more, and Ryuto could feel the power slipping out of his control.

"Damn it! Not again!" he cursed silently, clenching his fist to extinguish the flame before it could grow out of control.

The flame sputtered and went out, leaving Ryuto in the dark once more. His heart pounded as he glanced around, but the garden remained quiet. No explosions this time, just a close call.

But as he caught his breath, something strange happened.

Ryuto's smartphone buzzed softly in his hand, the familiar glow of the Corruption Monitor app catching his attention. He quickly swiped it open, and to his surprise, the screen had changed.

Corruption Level: 10%

Magical disturbance detected.

Source nearby.

Ryuto's eyes widened. 10%? The corruption level had increased, and now the app was detecting something nearby. But what could it be? Was there another source of unstable magic in the area?

Suddenly, the garden didn't feel so quiet anymore.

A soft rustling sound echoed from the trees nearby, followed by a low, almost unnatural growl. Ryuto's heart skipped a beat, and he froze, his tiny body tense as he scanned the shadows.

What the hell was that?

The growl came again, louder this time, and Ryuto's eyes darted toward the source of the sound. In the distance, just beyond the edge of the garden, something moved, a shadowy figure, large and hulking, with glowing eyes that pierced through the darkness.

"Oh no."

The creature, whatever it was, emerged from the shadows, its form vaguely wolf-like but twisted, unnatural. Its fur was charred and smoking in places, and its eyes glowed with a malevolent light. Ryuto's breath caught in his throat as the Corruption Monitor buzzed again, flashing a warning.

Warning: Corruption spike detected. Threat level high.

Ryuto stared at the creature, his mind racing. This wasn't just a normal animal. It was corrupted, possibly by the same magic that was attacking the village.

"This is bad. Really bad."

Before he could react, the creature's head snapped toward him, its glowing eyes locking onto his small form. A deep, guttural growl rumbled from its throat as it began to move toward him, its twisted body stalking through the grass with unnatural speed.

Ryuto's heart pounded in his chest. He couldn't fight this thing, not yet, not in this body. But he couldn't run either. What was he supposed to do?

Just as the creature lunged, a sudden flash of light illuminated the garden, and Ryuto felt a surge of Mana that wasn't his own. The creature let out a pained howl, recoiling as a bolt of magic struck it square in the chest.

"Stay away from him!" a voice shouted.

Ryuto blinked in shock as Celeste appeared, her hand raised and glowing with the remnants of a spell. Her eyes blazed with determination as she stood between Ryuto and the corrupted creature, her usual gentle demeanor replaced with fierce protectiveness.

The creature snarled, but Celeste didn't waver. She raised her hand again, preparing another spell, and with a burst of light, she unleashed a powerful blast of magic that sent the creature flying back into the shadows.

The garden fell silent once more, the creature retreating into the darkness.

Celeste quickly turned to Ryuto, rushing over to him and scooping him up into her arms. "Are you alright, Ryuto?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.

Ryuto, still stunned by what had just happened, gave a small gurgle in response. His mind was reeling. Celeste had just saved him, used magic to protect him, and the corruption he had been tracking was more dangerous than he'd realized.

As Celeste cradled him close and hurried back toward the estate, Ryuto couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. Relief, confusion, and above all, a burning desire to know more.

The Corruption Monitor had spiked to 10%, and now he had seen firsthand what that corruption could do. The village attacks, the strange magical disturbances, it was all connected. And Ryuto was right in the middle of it.

"This is bigger than I thought," he realized, his small hands gripping Celeste's sleeve. "But if I can unlock the full potential of my system, I'll be ready for whatever comes next."

As Celeste carried Ryuto back toward the estate, her steps hurried, Ryuto's mind buzzed with all that had just unfolded. The corrupted creature, the spike in the Corruption Monitor, and the fact that Celeste had saved him with powerful magic, it was more than he had bargained for. He was no longer just playing with unstable Mana in a quiet garden. He was entangled in something far more dangerous.

But as shaken as he was, Ryuto couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This world was more complicated, and deadly, than he had imagined. Whatever was happening with the corruption, he was in the thick of it. And while his baby form limited him for now, Ryuto had never been more certain that this was exactly where he wanted to be.

They reached the estate quickly, the tall stone walls looming in the dim light of evening. Celeste, still visibly shaken, hurried into the nursery and laid Ryuto gently in his crib, fussing over him with concern.

"There, you're safe now, little one," she whispered, brushing a lock of dark hair from his forehead. "I don't know what that creature was, but it won't come near you again. I'll make sure of it."

Ryuto, still playing the part of the helpless baby, gazed up at her with wide eyes, making a soft cooing sound. Inside, though, his thoughts were anything but innocent. Celeste had protected him, used her own magic to fight off the corruption. It was clear she was far more capable than her doting personality let on. And that was something Ryuto could use.

As Celeste bent down to kiss his forehead and bid him goodnight, Ryuto's mind was already racing through the implications of what he had seen.

"She's stronger than I thought. If I can keep her on my side, I'll have access to more than just affection points, I'll have real protection until I can handle things myself."

Celeste lingered for a moment longer before turning and leaving the room, her footsteps soft as she disappeared down the hall.

Once the room was quiet and he was alone again, Ryuto pulled out his smartphone, his hands still shaking slightly from the encounter with the corrupted creature. He opened the Corruption Monitor app, half-expecting the screen to show the same cryptic message, but this time, the display had changed.

Corruption Level: 15%

Magical disturbance spreading. Threat level rising.

Source unclear.

Monitor activated.

Ryuto stared at the screen, his heart racing. The corruption level had risen again, this time to 15%, and the app was now actively monitoring the disturbances. But there was still no clear answer as to what was causing the corruption, or why it seemed to be growing so quickly.

"This isn't just random attacks," Ryuto thought, his mind piecing together the clues. "Something is out there, something powerful enough to corrupt the land and the creatures near it. And it's getting stronger."

The fact that the Corruption Monitor was now actively tracking the disturbances meant one thing: Ryuto was tied to this somehow. His magic, his system, and the corruption were all connected. But how? And why?

He couldn't deny the thrill of it all. His old life as a NEET was long behind him, and now, he had a world full of magic and mystery at his fingertips. But with that power came danger, and Ryuto wasn't naïve enough to think he could handle it alone, yet.

As Ryuto closed the Corruption Monitor app, he glanced back at the Stats App. His Magic Control was still low, but he had made progress. If he was going to survive in this world, if he was going to unravel the mysteries of the corruption and protect himself from whatever was out there, he needed more than just control over his Mana. He needed knowledge, allies, and the strength to face whatever threat was lurking in the shadows.

He stared up at the dark ceiling of the nursery, his tiny fists clenching in determination.

"This world is mine for the taking. But first, I need to unlock the full potential of my system. The Corruption Monitor, the World App… they're all connected. And when I figure it out, I'll be unstoppable."

His heart raced with excitement as a plan began to form. He would continue to play the role of the innocent baby, building the trust and affection of those around him. Celeste, Elara, and even Edwin, all of them had a part to play in his rise to power.

But Ryuto wasn't just looking at his immediate surroundings anymore. No, he was thinking bigger. The corruption was spreading, and it wasn't just a problem for the village or his family. It was a threat to the entire world. And if Ryuto could figure out how to stop it, or better yet, control it, then nothing could stand in his way.

He closed his eyes, a slow smile spreading across his face as he drifted into sleep. The night had been a close call, but it had also opened doors he hadn't expected. And with those doors came endless possibilities.