Chapter 118: Evelise Is Becoming Human...

Sid grunted as he lifted another bucket of dripping clothes and began to hang them. His arms ached from the repetitive motion, but he kept going, determined to get it done. Evelise watched him from the shaded area near the pump. His movements were steady but slower now, his shoulders heavy with exhaustion.

"You’re going to wear yourself out at this rate."

"Nah. You stay there. I’ll finish it. Sunlight’s still too bright out here."

Evelise crossed her arms.

"Sid, I can help. You’ve been working since sunrise."

He glanced back at her.

"And you’ve been scrubbing for hours. Don’t push your luck, Evelise. The cloak’s good, but I’m not testing how long it can handle direct sunlight."

Evelise ignored him pulled the hood over her head, making sure it covered her fully, and stepped out into the light.

"See? I’m fine. Now stop complaining and hand me those clothes."

Sid exhaled sharply, clearly worried, but she was already walking toward him. Together, they began hanging the last few pieces side by side. He kept glancing at her, checking every few seconds to see if her skin was still safe under the shimmering cloak.

"Evelise, seriously—"

"I said I’m fine!"

She shot back, trying to sound confident.

They worked in silence after that, the air filled only with the rustling of fabric and the quiet chirping of distant birds. When Evelise reached for the last clothespin, her foot slipped on a damp patch of grass. She gasped as her balance gave out.

"Evelise!"

Sid shouted. Before she could hit the ground, Sid lunged forward, catching her in his arms. But as he pulled her close, the edge of her cloak slipped from her shoulder. A shaft of sunlight broke through the branches and touched her exposed skin. Sid’s heart pounded as panic surged through him.

"Damn it— hang on!"

He pulled the cloak back over her and dropped to his knees, shielding her with his own body as best he could. The sunlight shimmered against his back. Evelise blinked up at him, dazed but safe under the shade. Her eyes widened when she realized how close he was, his arms still around her.

"H-human..."

Evelise froze, her heart pounding as she stared up at Sid. His face was tense with worry, sweat dripping from his jaw and soaking the front of his shirt. His arms still held her tightly, one hand trembling slightly as he tried to keep the cloak in place. She had never seen him look so serious before. For a moment, she could only watch the way his chest rose and fell, the warmth of his breath brushing against her cheek. He looked down at her, eyes filled with concern.

"You okay? Does it hurt? Any burning? Tell me where it hurts!"

But she didn’t answer. Her gaze drifted lower— to the sweat glistening under his arms, the faint dark hair there, the way his body tensed as he hovered over her. He looked wild, raw, and alive, nothing like the rage baiter man she was used to. Her mouth opened slightly, but no words came out.

Sid noticed her expression and frowned, about to scoop her up and carry her back inside.

"You’re still in the sun, dummy, come on!"

He said, starting to pull her closer. But Evelise blinked, her brows furrowing in confusion. The sunlight still touched her skin—but there was no pain. No smoke. No dryness creeping across her flesh. She raised a trembling hand into the light, expecting it to burn... but it didn’t.

"Wait, I’m... fine?"

Sid froze mid motion, his eyes wide.

"What?"

She slowly stood up, letting the cloak fall away completely. The golden light washed over her face and arms, but her skin stayed smooth and unmarked. Evelise’s breath caught in her throat.

"Sid... it’s not hurting me. Look!"

He stared for a long second, then grinned from ear to ear.

"No way!"

Before either of them could think twice, Evelise spun in the open sunlight, laughing. The hem of her skirt fluttered as she twirled, her silver hair shining faintly under the warm light. Sid stood there stunned, then started jumping and pumping his fists like a little kid.

"You’re fine! Holy crap, you’re actually fine!"

Evelise couldn’t stop laughing. For the first time since her revival, she felt warm, truly warm and it didn’t hurt. Sid caught up beside her, still grinning as they both stood bathed in sunlight, laughing like children who had just broken a curse.

"You know what this means, right? It’s gotta be the heart— your violet heart. Maybe when it changed, it made you more... alive."

Evelise blinked, still catching her breath.

"Violet heart? But... that doesn’t make sense. A heart’s supposed to be red, not violet."

Sid chuckled, waving his hand dismissively.

"Nah, it’s not a real thing. More like a system animation— color coded progress or something. Don’t overthink it."

She crossed her arms, raising a brow.

"Hmph. Figures. Your ’system logic’ always sounds ridiculous."

"Hey, ridiculous or not, you’re standing in sunlight right now and not turning to ash. That’s progress."

Evelise smiled faintly, then glanced down at her hands again.

"If I can stand in the sun... then maybe..."

"Maybe what?"

She looked up at him, her eyes shining with a mix of hope and curiosity.

"Maybe I can eat again."

Sid blinked, realizing what she meant.

"You mean actual food?"

Evelise nodded slowly.

"It’s been so long since I’ve had anything... real. Do you think... it’s possible?"

Sid grinned, crossing his arms.

"Only one way to find out."

Evelise’s eyes brightened at the thought, her voice trembling with excitement.

"Then... let’s try it!"

Right on cue, the familiar chime echoed in the air:

[SYSTEM MESSAGE!]

[New Task Acquired!]

[Task 5: The Taste of Life]

[Objective: Prepare a meal and share it with Evelise to help her rediscover the sensation of taste.]

Without wasting another second, Evelise grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the cabin.

"Come on, let’s go find something! I want to eat real food again!"