Sid rubbed his eyes, but still couldn’t see anything. The faint outlines that usually guided him were gone. He frowned, muttering under his breath,

"Don’t tell me the system just gave up too."

Evelise tilted her head, her ears twitching at his frustrated look.

"What now? Don’t tell me you don’t know how to make a bed?"

"You’re right. My system’s not showing anything. Guess this is beyond my current skill set. The notebook only covered carpentry. Tailoring? Nothing. I don’t even have a recipe for that."

Evelise groaned loudly, her tail flicking in annoyance.

"So? Does that sound like my problem? Then think! Act! You’re not going to survive if you rely on that glowing book for every little thing. It’s the apocalypse— you figure things out yourself!"

He rubbed the back of his neck, letting her words sink in. She wasn’t wrong.

"Yeah... yeah, you’ve got a point. Giving up isn’t my style, but being lazy kinda is. Still..."

His expression brightened as an idea formed.

"If recipes are what limit me, then I just need to find one for tailoring. Simple as that."

He turned toward Evelise with a grin that made her raise an eyebrow.

"Alright, your majesty. I’ll fix your bed, but first, I’m going on a little scavenger hunt. And who knows? Maybe I’ll even bring back some luxury sheets, just for your royal taste."

"Hmph. You talk big, human. Just make sure you don’t get eaten while you’re at it."

Sid hurried over to the storage box, checking what supplies he had left.

"Let’s see... hammer, saw, sewing kit— all good. A few planks and nails from dismantling the furniture too. But not enough for the sheets, pillow, or mattress. Whew, those ingredients are getting more complicated. Looks like I’ll need to scavenge outside again."

Sid grabbed his jacket and slipped it on, adjusting the collar before strapping his bag over his shoulder. He tucked a few tools into his belt pouch, checking each one with a quick pat. As he reached for his shotgun, he paused mid-motion, glancing back toward the cabin.

"If Evelise’s staying here alone... she doesn’t have anything to defend herself if something attacks. Might as well leave this for her, just in case."

He set the shotgun down by the door, his expression softening before straightening again. The late afternoon sun spilled through the cracks in the cabin walls, painting the floor with faint gold lines. Sid glanced out the window, still enough daylight left to scavenge.

"Alright, this shouldn’t take long. Just need to find that violet light, grab the recipe, and install it in my brain. Easy trip... hopefully."

He checked his HUD. His stamina bar was halfway drained after all that carpentry, and if he was heading out again, he needed it full.

"Need to replenish first. And no more energy drink— I know how that ends. Come on, be my salvation! Inventory: Water Bottle. Inventory: Energy Bar."

The two items materialized in his hands. Without hesitation, Sid tore them open and downed both in seconds, feeling the warmth rush to his chest as his stamina bar filled completely.

He exhaled and stretched, rolling his shoulders as his energy returned.

"Perfect. Back to full power. Now let’s see if I can bring back that recipe before the sun burns out."

But just as he reached for the door handle, Evelise suddenly stepped in front of him, blocking the exit. Her eyes were sharp, her arms crossed tightly.

"I’m coming with you."

Evelise declared flatly. Sid blinked, caught off guard.

"You’re serious? But as a princess, shouldn’t you stay inside and wait for your loyal servant to bring you what you want?"

Evelise huffed, flicking her silvery hair over her shoulder.

"Stop calling me princess! And don’t act like you have a choice, human. I don’t need your permission to step outside. I can handle myself just fine."

Before he could protest, she stepped past him and pushed open the door. The moment her body crossed the threshold, the sunlight hit her skin directly. In an instant, the smug look on her face faltered. Her movements slowed, her body stiffened, and a faint hiss escaped her lips. The light made her pale skin shimmer, then crackle faintly, as if drying out. Her knees trembled before she collapsed with a sharp gasp.

"What?"

"Evelise!"

Sid shouted, rushing forward. He caught her before she hit the ground, her body surprisingly heavy and cold in his arms. Her breathing was shallow, and her crimson eyes flickered weakly as if struggling to focus.

"What... what’s happening to me?"

She whispered, her voice cracking. Her lips were dry, her throat rasping like she could barely speak.

"Why does it feel like my body’s... burning? I can’t move..."

Sid didn’t hesitate. He lifted her easily, carrying her back inside. The moment they crossed the doorway, her body loosened, and she took in a shaky breath. He set her down gently on the nearest chair and crouched in front of her, scanning her face. He muttered, half to himself.

"Just as I thought... My hunch was right."

Evelise blinked weakly.

"Wh... what are you talking about?"

Sid remembered last night, when she had vomited after drinking water and spilled out the beans she tried to eat. What he had observed then was now confirmed. The way the sunlight seemed to drain her strength made it undeniable.

"Even if I brought you back, it’s still only partial. You’re not completely human again, Evelise. The sunlight... it’s weakening you because your body’s still undead. Same reason you can’t eat normal food without feeling sick. To you, it’s poison."

Her eyes widened slightly, her expression softening in disbelief. She looked down at her hands, watching the faint red marks left by the sunlight fade away. Her lips trembled as she whispered,

"I... of course I knew that. My skin’s still green, the food I once loved tastes foul, and now the sunlight I used to bathe in— it’s become my kryptonite."