"First, let's get things straight."
Nevigne spoke while walking, Fidelis tailed behind her. Her index finger was habitually raised and her tone was authoritative and clear.
"It's too late to save the world now, both of us know that. The world has moved on. The few groups of people that thrive have also adapted to this way of living." She paused for a moment. "But I want to change that. If I can't bring back the real Eden, I can at least restore its former life. It's self serving, and probably pointless, but if Eden could start again, perhaps my regrets will fade" she stated, her gaze fixed on the entrance of a giant forest ahead.
"It is pointless," Fidelis said. "There are countless, beautiful planets in this galaxy alone. Most of the powerful humans of Eden had already fled and carried on living on different planets. If all you want is to see thriving civilizations and a world full of life, you can simply leave Eden."
Nevigne sighed and shook her head. "No. It has to be this world, Fidelis." She then threw him a glance. "That's why you're still here."
Fidelis tucked his hands inside the pockets of his dark coat. "That's not entirely wrong, but I simply have nowhere left to go. And I do not have the desire to start anew in another world."
"That makes the both of us," Nevigne responded. "You've been waiting for a chance to receive your punishment, haven't you, fallen angel of punishment?
Fidelis's usually relaxed face turned somewhat serious, almost resentful, for a brief moment. He then asked with his gaze fixed on the road: "What's your plan?"
They trekked the lifeless landscape of the southern country, or a place that used to be a country. The trees, plants and rivers that once occupied this land were now replaced by massive, life-harvesting machines that had stopped operating ages ago. But in the distance, there was a forest of gigantic petrified trees.
"As you may have already guessed, my plan is to buy back the life force this planet has lost due to the passing of time and the scavengers," Nevigne said while absentmindedly inspecting the orb in her staff. "But no matter how heavy the price is, life is never easily bought. The celestial guardian will not trust someone like me. I need a mediator to stand between me and the makers of life and the only being the guardians find worth listening to..." she looked at him, "is the last angel, a direct creation of god. Fidelis, you are the perfect negotiator for me."
Fidelis remained silent and listened, already knowing what was coming next.
"I will give up my existence to buy back the life force of this planet, something an angel like you is prohibited from doing," the elf added. "But of course, my existence now is nowhere near enough value in exchange."
Fidelis finally spoke. "Therefore, you need to learn to forgive yourself first, in such a way that you no longer want to sacrifice yourself. A bit paradoxical, isn't it?"
After a moment of silence, Nevigne replied. "That's right. To hold weight, I need to value my life equal to that of the world I wanted to save."
Fidelis laughed. "At this rate, it'll take us an eternity to succeed."
Nevigne glared at him, disappointed at his bitter humor. "I am not that depressed..."
***
Nevigne and Fidelis reached the rock forest after some time. The vintage sun was already peeking on the landscape when they took their first step inside the maze of stone trunks, which was convenient because entering the petrified forest in the darkness was a mistake not even the greatest fool would commit.
The two had finished discussing their plans, and their next destination. Nevigne had thought about this for a while. In fact, she thought about it for a very long time. The first step to adding value to her own existence was reclaiming her old self. Now, they were on their way to free a human settlement from a tyrannical alien slaver.
"Still, I would not expect that one of the strongest beings on this planet was once a college professor," Fidelis stated with a serious face.
Nevigne wanted to free those people and educate them. Because thousands of years ago, before heaven lost its mind, she was a renowned teacher in a prestigious royal university.
She sighed. "Speak for yourself. Why is someone like you tending bar?"
Fidelis snickered. "I get to sneak out a few barrels for myself. It's a nice retirement plan."
Annoyed, Nevigne walked faster to try and leave Fidelis behind.
They walked forward for quite some time but it felt like they weren't making progress. The towering stone trees started looking the same in every direction, and there seemed to be no end to them.
This place, though deadly, was relatively safe for someone like Nevigne.