Resolution Ascension (II)

"Woooow~ it's beautiful!"

"Oh..."

The sight surprised me so much that I couldn't help but be speechless, to the point that my mouth dropped open and stayed that way for a few seconds.

Here, in the midst of these gray mountain ranges, at the end of the narrow road, what awaited us was a beautiful landscape. Green plains with an overly green grass covering the whole place, several trees retouching up the surroundings indicating that life flourishes even in such extreme and remote places, a few animals were feeding on the flora, and high hills acted as a sort of oval fence separating the environment where we were from the harsh weather outside, protecting and isolating the area as if generating its own ecosystem.

I look out and can only contemplate clouds until the view is over, this is reminiscent of being on a simple island in a blue ocean. Above us the sky is clear, the sun can be seen smoothly near the horizon in the west and strangely its brightness is not disturbing.

Maybe this is-

"It's like an oasis in the middle of the desert!" shouted Maria with a smile. "Although more accurately we are in the middle of a valley at the top of the mountains, that's even weirder and more exciting!"

"It's like you say, who would have thought there would be such a site"

She took off her luggage and started jumping around overflowing with happiness, I left my backpack on the ground and started walking around observing in more detail.

Some trees had fruit on them, juicier and tastier than I had ever tasted. Tiredness and hunger may have worked against me, but that didn't take away from the fact that it was delicious.

Water emanated from one of the hills making a puddle where several people could enter to bathe, this was the freshest water that could be found, literally spring water.

It really is like paradise.

I'm surprised that there is no trace of civilization. No houses, settlements, antennae or anything that would indicate that there have been humans here before. While getting here on foot is almost impossible, I find it suspicious.

Before the day of the Apocalypse it would be simple to detect this site by satellite, surely someone would be crazy enough to come in a helicopter. Despite that there's nothing... maybe it wasn't worth it to come all the way out here?

Maria continues to dance for joy on the grass while I sit down under a tree to rest.

Such tranquility makes me forget all my worries and want to close my eyes and enjoy the gentle breeze.

This is a perfect place.

No needs, no problems, no wars.

Yes, it is the most beautiful thing I have seen in this new world full of misfortune and suffering.

Maybe, just maybe, we could finish this journey and live the 2 of us here in peace.

"Who are you?"

"Huh?"

A voice sounded out of nowhere and brought me out of my utopian dreams, I was so relaxed that I didn't notice its presence.

I stood up quickly and looked for the source of the sound.

"How could you get to this place? Did you make it through the holy barrier?"

I looked in his direction. A gentleman of apparent age was slowly approaching our position. He had a large white beard that stood out from his long gray robes, reminding me a bit of Lavos's... although his gaze reflected no malice whatsoever.

Could this be the guy he's been looking for? A harmless old man like this? I doubt it very much.

"Do you live here?" Maria asked unscrupulously.

Even she didn't have any fear when she saw him or the need to hide behind me, she doesn't seem to feel anything strange like when she first saw Lavos. They may not be related after all.

However... What did he say? Barrier? What is he talking about? I didn't see anything like that. From the expression she put on she hasn't noticed either.

"Sorry for barging in without permission, we were struck by the beauty of the place" I added.

I would like to confirm his intentions before giving her information about us, I can't rule out the fact that he's in such an inaccessible place, it's suspicious.

"Yes, that's right! How can it be so beautiful? It's incredible! Have you been taking care of it?" she added.

I don't know if she understood my plan, but it's a good diversion.

"It wasn't me miss, it wasn't necessary. This is one of the small blessings the gods have bestowed upon us, you could say it's a miracle" the man's voice was serene and confident. Every word showed wisdom and absolute confidence. "It is perfect to be considered the new Eden"

"Eden?" Maria and I wondered in unison.

"There are several names that allude to the reign of the heavens on our earthly plane. This space has been blessed as the new birthplace of the human race. After the demonic creatures sow destruction in the world and wipe out everything, it will be the end of an epoch and the beginning of a new one"

After he finished his speech there were a few seconds of silence.

I had too many doubts in my mind, though for some reason I couldn't put any of them into words.

The hairs on my arms suddenly stood up, then I felt hands hugging me from behind, it seems I'm not the only one who feels uncomfortable by the peculiar comment.

I put those feelings behind me, I need to stand strong in front of her to protect her.

I concentrate on telling her a crucial question, one that will determine the fate of this contact.

"You... are you Dars?"

Depending on his answer we may be in the worst case scenario. I prepare to draw my katana if necessary.

"Dars? It's been many years since I've heard that guy's name. Is something wrong with him?"

"So you know him, that means you're from that tribe too"

"Indeed, I was once part of it. Until I was kicked out for discovering and trying to spread the truth"

"The truth?"

Now I can tell the reason for those strange feelings I had before. It was enough for me to see how the gentleman's calm voice slowly transformed into something more and more... twisted.