"You're freaking insane, ain't you?"
The cow Umbral lady's sharp voice cut through the tension. She had dealt with plenty of freaks and weirdos during her time, but Elijah was clearly in a class of his own.
His unflinching demeanor and casual smirk made her bristle with equal parts irritation and unease.
Before Elijah could respond with his usual brand of flippant wit, another voice interrupted.
"No, he's not insane. At least, that hasn't been decided yet."
The room collectively turned towards the speaker, a young woman stepping forward from behind the cow Umbral.
Elijah's gaze locked on her immediately. She had long, elegant, pointed ears and crystal blue eyes that shimmered like a still lake under moonlight.
Her fair skin seemed to glow faintly, lending her an ethereal aura. Elijah's first thought was that Just like Taelia, her very existence felt like a rare blessing in this cursed, monstrous continent.
She bore a striking resemblance to Verayth, but where Verayth exuded a shadowy, intimidating presence, this woman seemed softer, gentler, almost approachable.
Elijah's signature grin spread across his face, a deliberate mix of charm and mischief.
"Well, hello there."
The woman didn't flinch, her eyes fixed firmly on his. There was something piercing in her gaze, as though she could see straight through his soul, Elijah knew he'd felt something similar just the other night.
"Hi Elijah". She said with an eerie smile.
The cow Umbral lady stiffened before stepping aside. Recognition flickered in her eyes as she realized who the newcomer was. This wasn't just any random stranger.
it was Sarah Elfin, the maid of none other than First Lieutenant Verayth and a member of the esteemed Vampire Elf race.
"She almost looks like Verayth..." Elijah mused before addressing his system. "Hey, Demon Lord Revival System, this is your cue to chip in with a random info dump."
[NOTICE]: The Vampire Elf race is exceedingly rare and possesses extraordinary longevity. They are biologically incapable of crossbreeding with other Umbral races, resulting in their reclusive and insular nature, also. The majority of their race is dominated by the female species.
"Well, that explains a lot."
Elijah nodded thoughtfully, his actions drawing curious glances from the three ladies.
"You're Sarah Elfin," Taelia said softly, her usually confident tone subdued. "Lady Verayth's companion."
Sarah gave Taelia a polite smile before turning her attention back to the cow Umbral.
"Complete Elijah's profile. I will personally escort him to retrieve his uniform and rifle."
The cow Umbral nodded with thinly veiled reluctance. It was clear she didn't want to risk offending Sarah Elfin.
Elijah, meanwhile, had no idea who Sarah was, but her calm authority and sharp presence made her intriguing. Besides, she was undeniably normal looking compared to the freaks of nature walking around, take the cow lady for example.
He shot a quick friendly smile in Taelia's direction before falling in step behind Sarah, almost too obediently.
Taelia watched them disappear from sight, her thoughts spinning. "Why would someone from the Vampire Elf race, rare and notoriously aloof, take an interest in a psycho like Elijah".
The walk was unexpectedly quiet. Sarah hummed a soft tune, her steps light and unhurried, while Elijah followed, his brow furrowed in thought.
He wasn't stupid, this world was brimming with monstrosities. Even those who appeared normal, like Taelia and Sarah, undoubtedly hid monstrous sides. He just hadn't figured out what they were yet.
Eventually, they reached a massive tent. Sarah bypassed a long queue with practiced ease, leading Elijah straight to the front.
Within minutes, they had secured a brown military uniform and a rifle with a bayonet affixed to it.
As they turned to leave, Elijah finally broke the silence. "Don't you guys have swords or blades around here? Even a dagger would do."
Sarah stopped abruptly and turned to face him. Her crystal blue eyes locked onto his, her lips curving into a faint smile that revealed the tips of her fangs.
"Don't you get tired of forcing it?" she asked softly. "We both know you're terrified of me, and, well, everyone around here, to be exact."
Elijah froze, his half-hearted smile faltering. The bustling tent around them seemed to fade into the background. For a moment, it felt as though the world had gone eerily silent.
Sarah's smile widened. "That's much better. You look far more like a Demon this way."
Her words sent a shiver down Elijah's spine. She wasn't wrong, he had been forcing that smile, using it as a shield against the chaos and terror of this unfamiliar world. But the fact that she had seen through him so easily was unsettling.
He took a deep breath, his demeanor shifting. His green eyes gleamed with a sharp, calculating light, the warmth and humor draining from his expression.
In an instant, he was no longer the grinning fool but the cold, methodical strategist he had been in his previous life.
Sarah's eyes sparkled with approval, as though she had been waiting for this transformation.
[NOTICE]: The Umbral Kin designated as Sarah Elfin has activated her bloodline ability.
"It's a good thing I asked the system to notify me if anything ability and supernatural powers related occur within my vicinity, Now I can adjust my words accordingly".
He met Sarah's gaze evenly. "Sarah, I'm not comfortable around people in general. It really has nothing to do with you in particular. In fact…" He hesitated for a second before continuing, his lips curling into a small, genuine smile. "I think you're kinda cute."
For a moment, Sarah stared at him, her expression unreadable. Then, to Elijah's astonishment, her cheeks flushed a deep red, her sharp demeanor faltering.
"Hmm… He's not lying. And… wait, did he just call me cute?... That's so inappropriate".
Sarah's flustered reaction was so unexpected that it left Elijah momentarily speechless.
But instead, he simply watched her, his own confusion mirrored in her wide, embarrassed eyes.
"What's wrong with her?".
[NOTICE] The Umbral Kin designated as Sarah Elfin is flustered as a result of your unexpected compliment.
Elijah raised a brow.
"I can see that much".