Asmodel and Azazil found Samael seated on a ledge overlooking the crystalline expanse of Heaven. His posture was relaxed, but his gaze was distant, lost in thought. He turned his head as they approached, his luminous eyes brightening with recognition.

"Ah, my favorite Virtues," Samael greeted, his usual grin appearing. "What brings the two of you here? Not another lecture, I hope?"

Azazil chuckled softly, his serene presence immediately easing the tension. "Not a lecture, Samael. We were actually wondering if we could accompany you to oversee Sera and the others' work on humanity."

Samael's eyes lit up, and he sat up straighter. "Really? You two want to come along? I thought you might be busy with your own duties."

"We've made time," Asmodel replied, his smooth and measured tone tinged with a hint of curiosity. "Besides, we believe it's an important moment, one worth witnessing firsthand."

Samael's smile widened, and he sprang to his feet, his wings flaring with excitement. "I don't see why not! This is going to be amazing!" He barely waited for a response before launching himself into the sky, a streak of light darting across the horizon.

Azazil and Asmodel exchanged amused glances before taking flight themselves, following at a more measured pace.

"He's certainly excited," Azazil remarked, his golden-white wings gliding effortlessly through the air.

"Excitement is a rare balm for the soul," Asmodel replied, his vibrant wings catching the light. "But it's what lies beneath that excitement that concerns me."

Azazil nodded. "You're referring to what he shared with Veritas during the meeting."

"Precisely." Asmodel's voice grew quieter, more contemplative. "His exclusion from the humanity project—the way Sera and the other Seraphim seem to view him—it weighs heavily on him. And rightly so. He should have been a central part of this creation, not relegated to the sidelines."

"I agree," Azazil said, his serene demeanor briefly shadowed by concern. "And what of Adam and Lilith? Samael's insights were valid. Humanity's foundation should reflect balance and unity, yet it seems the Seraphim may not share that vision."

There was a pause as they both considered the gravity of the situation.

"Do you think Sera and the others are truly open to collaboration?" Asmodel asked. "Or are we walking into a situation where dissenting voices are unwelcome?"

Azazil sighed, his tranquil gaze fixed ahead. "Samael's frustration stems not just from being excluded but from being dismissed—his voice, his vision, his value. If that pattern continues, it could lead to something far worse than frustration."

Asmodel's bright eyes glimmered with quiet resolve. "Then we must ensure our presence has purpose. If we see something amiss, we must speak. For Samael, for humanity, for the greater harmony we're meant to uphold."

Azazil smiled faintly, his warmth returning. "Agreed. But first, we'll need to catch up with Samael before he's halfway to the Celestial Hall without us."

The two Virtues increased their pace, their luminous forms cutting through Heaven's radiant expanse as they followed the trail of their exuberant companion. Both felt the weight of their shared resolve, knowing that their presence at the creation of humanity might shape the course of events in ways they couldn't yet foresee.

In the distance, Samael's glowing figure flew ahead, an eager beacon of energy and hope. He didn't know it yet, but the support of Azazil and Asmodel might become one of the greatest blessings of his tumultuous journey.

———————————————————————

Samael, Azazil, and Asmodel entered the Celestial Hall, the grand chamber of radiant light and swirling energy where the seraphim gathered to oversee the creation of humanity. At the center of the hall, a vast globe floated, pulsating with divine energy and displaying the world below in vivid, moving detail.

Sera stood at the head of the assembly, her imposing figure radiating authority. Her six wings shimmered faintly as she turned to face the newcomers. "Samael," she began, her voice calm yet questioning, "what are the Virtues doing here?"

Samael grinned, his excitement undimmed by the tension in the room. "They wanted to observe! I thought it'd be nice to have their company."

Azazil stepped forward, his golden-white wings folding gracefully behind him. "More than that, Sera. We hoped to offer our insights, should they be needed. After all, humanity's creation is a monumental endeavor."

Asmodel inclined his head, his tone smooth and composed. "We mean no disrespect, High Seraphim. We only wish to contribute where we can, as guardians of virtue."

Sera's gaze lingered on them for a moment before she nodded. "Very well. You may observe."

Murmurs of discontent rippled through the other seraphim. One, a tall figure with fiery wings, stepped forward, his expression stern. "This project was entrusted to us, the seraphim. Why should we tolerate interference from Virtues?"

"Agreed," another added, her voice sharp. "God has given us this responsibility. We don't need anyone else meddling."

Sera raised a hand, silencing them with a glance. "Enough. The Virtues will stay. Let us return to our work."

She summoned the globe, which expanded in size and detail, revealing the Garden of Eden. Adam and Lilith were visible within its lush expanse, walking side by side. They admired the flowers, the trees, and the shimmering rivers, their laughter carrying faintly through the celestial display. At one point, Adam playfully tapped Lilith's arm and darted away, prompting her to chase him, both of them smiling and carefree.

Samael leaned closer to the globe, his expression softening. "They're adorable," he said, a genuine warmth in his voice.

But not everyone shared his sentiment. A seraphim with sharp, golden wings frowned deeply. "This is what they're doing? Playing? They should be fulfilling their duties, not acting like children."

Another seraphim nodded. "Their task is to ensure the continuation of the human race. If they don't begin soon, they'll be failing their purpose—and us."

Several seraphim murmured their agreement, their voices growing louder and more insistent.

Asmodel, his expression calm but resolute, raised a hand. "Forgive me, but isn't it premature to speak of failure? Adam and Lilith are still new to existence. Should they not have time to understand each other before they bring new life into the world?"

A seraphim scoffed. "You're a Virtue. This is not your domain. Mind your business."

Asmodel's serene demeanor remained unshaken. "Love, relationships, and intimacy are my domain. Rushing them into this denies the very foundation of what you seek: a bond built on understanding, respect, and mutual choice."

Azazil stepped forward, his voice gentle yet firm. "You're so focused on their duties that you've forgotten they are living beings, not tools. Have you considered how they might feel? A little empathy would go a long way."

The seraphim bristled, their pride wounded. "Empathy?" one snapped. "We're talking about God's will, not their feelings. This isn't about what they want."

"Then perhaps you misunderstand God's will," Azazil replied, his serene gaze unwavering.

The room erupted into heated arguments, the seraphim's voices clashing with the calm but insistent tones of the Virtues. Samael, caught between the two sides, turned to Sera, his expression pleading.

"Sera," he said, "they're not wrong. Asmodel and Azazil have valid points. Maybe we should consider—"

But Sera didn't let him finish. Her patience worn thin, she spread her six wings wide, her voice ringing out with commanding authority. "Enough!"

The hall fell silent instantly, the sheer force of her words demanding obedience. The seraphim froze, their prideful posturing subdued, while the Virtues inclined their heads respectfully. Samael watched her closely, his wide eyes betraying a mix of admiration and unease.

Sera's gaze swept across the room, her tone sharp and unyielding. "This discord serves no purpose. We are here to guide humanity, not to quarrel amongst ourselves. If we cannot find unity in this hall, how can we expect it from those we create?"

She paused, her expression softening just slightly as she addressed the group. "We will proceed calmly. If anyone has further concerns, they may voice them in turn. But let there be no more shouting."

The seraphim and the Virtues exchanged quiet glances, the tension simmering but contained. For the moment, Sera's command held sway.

She stood at the head of the Celestial Hall, her serene yet authoritative voice cutting through the lingering tension. "I do not wish to displease God by failing to fulfill the task He has entrusted to us. The creation of humanity is a sacred duty, and we must see it through. However," she added, her tone softening, "I will speak with Adam and Lilith myself to understand their hesitation."

She turned her gaze to the gathered seraphim, her wings fanning out to emphasize her command. "While I am gone, there will be no further arguments. I trust you all to maintain order in my absence."

The seraphim, though visibly unsettled, bowed their heads in agreement. Samael offered her a supportive smile, while Azazil and Asmodel inclined their heads respectfully.

With a graceful sweep of her wings, Sera descended from the hall, her form shimmering as she entered the Garden of Eden.

She found Adam and Lilith resting on the soft grass beneath a sprawling tree, its branches adorned with glowing fruit. The pair seemed at ease, watching the clouds drift lazily across the sky.

Sera's presence immediately drew their attention, and they sat up, their expressions curious and slightly cautious. She approached them with a measured grace, her halo glowing faintly.

"Adam, Lilith," Sera began, her voice gentle but firm, "I have come to speak with you about the task God has entrusted to you. You were created to be the beginning of the human race, to bring forth children who will inhabit and steward this world. Yet, I see you have not begun this sacred duty."

Lilith's brows furrowed slightly, and she exchanged a glance with Adam before responding. "With respect, High Seraphim, Adam and I barely know each other. We were brought into existence only recently, and while the Garden is beautiful, we've had little time to understand ourselves, let alone each other."

Sera's lips pressed into a thin line. "I understand your perspective, Lilith, but you must realize the urgency of your role. God Himself has decreed this, and we must honor His will."

Lilith's gaze remained steady, unwavering. "And we will, but not without first building a proper bond. How can we raise children together if we do not truly know or trust one another? This isn't something that can be rushed."

Sera hesitated, her wings shifting slightly as she considered Lilith's words. Her own desire to please God and fulfill the divine mandate warred with the logic of Lilith's reasoning. She turned to Adam, her expression expectant.

"Adam, do you feel the same?"

Lilith looked to Adam, her eyes urging him to speak his mind. After a moment of contemplation, Adam nodded. "I do. Lilith is right—we need time. We're learning, growing. The world is still so new to us. We will fulfill our purpose, but we need more time to be ready."

Sera sighed, her composure faltering for just a moment. She could feel the weight of the seraphim's pride and God's expectations pressing upon her, but she also couldn't deny the truth in their words.

"Very well," she said at last, her voice quiet but resolute. "I will grant you more time. But understand this—your task is sacred, and it cannot be delayed indefinitely."

Adam and Lilith nodded, their expressions a mix of relief and gratitude.

Sera offered them a small, reluctant smile before ascending once more to the Celestial Hall.

Back in the Celestial Hall, Sera addressed the gathered seraphim, Samael, Azazil, and Asmodel. "Adam and Lilith have explained their reasoning. They wish to spend more time getting to know one another before fulfilling their duty. I have agreed to grant them this time, as their bond will only strengthen their ability to fulfill God's will."

The seraphim exchanged uneasy glances, their pride clearly wounded, but none dared to challenge Sera outright. One finally muttered, "If that is your decision, High Seraphim, then we will abide by it."

Samael smiled brightly, clapping his hands together. "See? They just needed a little understanding. I think this is a wonderful outcome!"

Azazil nodded approvingly. "It's encouraging to see Adam and Lilith stand their ground. They are learning to act with conviction—a trait humanity will need."

Asmodel added, his tone calm and measured, "They have shown wisdom beyond their brief existence. This bodes well for their future and the future of humanity."

As the tension in the hall eased, Azazil and Asmodel turned to leave. Samael, noticing their departure, called out, "Wait—where are you two going?"

Azazil glanced back with a gentle smile. "We've seen enough, Samael. Adam and Lilith will find their way, given time and space. There's no need for us to linger."

Asmodel nodded in agreement. "Our purpose here is fulfilled. Besides," he added with a faint grin, "it seems you've got things under control."

Samael pouted slightly but waved them off with a fond smile. "Fine, fine. Go on, then. But don't stay away too long. Things are always more interesting with you two around."

With that, the two Virtues departed, their figures fading into the radiant light, leaving Samael behind with a thoughtful expression as he turned back to the globe, watching Adam and Lilith's laughter echo faintly through the divine hall.

———————————————————————

As Azazil and Asmodel stepped out of the radiant expanse of the Celestial Hall, the quiet air of the surrounding gardens felt like a balm to their frayed tempers. The soft glow of celestial light and the gentle hum of creation around them offered little comfort, however, as the weight of what they had witnessed lingered heavily between them.

Azazil exhaled deeply, his serene face marred with uncharacteristic frustration. "I'm sorry, Asmodel, but I can't hold my tongue any longer. The arrogance of those seraphim... I've rarely seen anything like it. They've turned this sacred task into a contest of pride and control."

Asmodel's wings shifted restlessly as he crossed his arms, his glowing eyes narrowed. "They act as though humanity is a project to be completed for accolades, rather than a sacred responsibility. There's no reverence, no true understanding of what this means." His voice sharpened. "And Sera, though she may be well-intentioned, is so bound by her duty to please God that she's blind to the harm being done."

Azazil nodded, his calm demeanor cracking further. "It's painful to see. Adam and Lilith aren't objects or tools—they're souls. Living beings with thoughts, feelings, and a capacity for growth that should be nurtured, not forced. But instead, they're treated like means to an end. The seraphim don't see them as equals, and that lack of empathy is dangerous."

Asmodel's expression darkened. "Dangerous and infuriating. Did you hear the way they spoke to me? To us? They dismissed our insights as if love and empathy have no place in this." He clenched his fists. "The irony, Azazil. They were created to serve God's will, and yet they undermine the very essence of what humanity is meant to represent—compassion, connection, choice."

Azazil ran a hand along one of his shimmering horns, his wings folding tightly against his back. "I don't know how much longer I can stand to be around them without losing my temper. If they continue on this path, it will only lead to suffering—for themselves and for humanity."

Asmodel nodded grimly. "I feel the same. Staying any longer would serve no purpose, save to test our patience. We've seen enough to understand how this will play out."

Azazil's eyes softened, though his tone remained firm. "We'll have to trust that Adam and Lilith will find their way despite the seraphim's interference. They showed courage today. That gives me hope."

"And Samael," Asmodel added. "At least he sees humanity with joy and wonder. He may be naive, but his heart is in the right place. Perhaps his presence will temper their arrogance, even if only a little."

Azazil gave a faint smile at that. "Perhaps. But I think it's time we step away from this... debacle. Let the seraphim handle their own mess. We're not going to stand by and be ignored or disrespected while they parade their egos around in the name of God's will."

Asmodel's expression softened, though his resolve remained strong. "Agreed. Let's go, Azazil. There's nothing more for us here."

Together, the two Virtues turned and walked away from the Celestial Hall, their forms glowing faintly as they ascended toward the heavens. The celestial gardens seemed to grow quieter as they departed, leaving behind the simmering tension of the seraphim's flawed stewardship.

Their parting words echoed softly in the stillness.

"Let's hope they don't destroy what they were meant to create," Asmodel murmured.

Azazil nodded solemnly. "For humanity's sake, I hope so too."