Azazil and Asmodel returned to the Hall of Virtues, their usually serene demeanors visibly strained. The other Virtues had gathered in their shared sanctuary, their presence creating an aura of warmth and light that would calm most storms. However, this meeting carried a different energy. Veritas, seated at the center, watched as Azazil and Asmodel approached, their expressions a mix of disappointment and resolve.

"Welcome back," Veritas said calmly, her golden eyes scanning their faces. "What did you observe?"

Azazil exchanged a glance with Asmodel before speaking. "There's much to unpack, Veritas. To begin with, Samael was truthful in his grievances. The seraphim, along with Sera, are handling the humanity project with... questionable methods."

"They're pushy," Asmodel interjected smoothly. "Too focused on fulfilling their divine mandate to consider the well-being of Adam and Lilith. Lilith, to her credit, stood her ground. She expressed a desire to build a bond with Adam before taking on the monumental task of creating the human race. Adam agreed, albeit hesitantly, but their wishes were nearly ignored by the seraphim."

"That's troubling," Triel said, her voice calm but tinged with concern. "Pushing them too hard sounds counterproductive. Did Sera at least listen to them?"

Azazil nodded. "She did, eventually. But it took Lilith's unyielding stance to make her relent. Sera herself seems conflicted, caught between her desire to please God and her role as a compassionate guide. The seraphim, however, are another matter entirely. They're treating Adam and Lilith more like tools than beings with agency."

Plutus leaned forward, his vibrant green wings catching the light. "I get that the seraphim are under pressure to please the big guy, but there's gotta be a better way. Pushin' Adam and Lilith into it like that doesn't sound like charity or love to me. It's just... wrong."

Veritas's gaze sharpened. "This aligns with what Samael told me. He sensed something off, and now it's clear he wasn't mistaken. The seraphim's arrogance is driving this project into dangerous territory. I cannot support it as it stands."

Levia's soft voice broke the tension. "I understand your concerns, but don't you think they deserve a chance to improve? This is a new project, and mistakes are bound to happen. With guidance, they might adjust their approach."

"I agree with Levia," Plutus said, though his tone carried hesitation. "Maybe the seraphim are just too focused on the outcome right now. If we give 'em some time, they might see reason."

Asmodel shook his head, his smooth voice laced with frustration. "Time isn't the issue, Plutus. It's their approach. They're not just making mistakes—they're fundamentally missing the point of what humanity is supposed to be. They're treating this as a task to complete, not as a living, breathing creation to nurture."

Triel tilted her head, her butterfly-like wings fluttering softly. "Then why don't we observe next? Belfagel and I could join Samael. Maybe we'll see something different. Maybe we'll understand what's going on better."

Belfagel crossed her arms, her sharp blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, but only to a point. If they're unintentionally mishandling things, it's worth figuring out why and helping them adjust. But if their arrogance is intentional... that's another matter."

Azazil and Asmodel exchanged a glance, their disapproval clear but their trust in the other Virtues unshaken. "If you're both willing to go, then do so," Azazil said. "But tread carefully. Samael's experience was painful enough—there's no need for any of us to suffer more than necessary."

Veritas nodded, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight. "Triel and Belfagel, you have our trust. Observe carefully, and don't be afraid to speak out if you see something amiss."

Triel smiled warmly, her laidback tone lightening the atmosphere. "Don't worry, Veritas. We'll take good care of Samael, too. He's been through enough already."

Belfagel gave a curt nod. "We'll get to the bottom of this, one way or another."

With the decision made, the Virtues slowly dispersed, each lost in their own thoughts. Azazil and Asmodel lingered outside the Hall, their disappointment palpable.

"This project..." Asmodel muttered, his smooth voice heavy with frustration. "It could have been beautiful, Azazil. Instead, it's a mess of egos and misplaced priorities."

Azazil sighed, his serene blue eyes dimmed by discontent. "I know. And I fear that if things continue this way, the project may do more harm than good. We can only hope Triel and Belfagel will fare better than we did."

They stood in silence for a moment, the celestial winds brushing past them. Though they had done their part, the weight of the humanity project lingered, casting a shadow over their once-unwavering faith in Heaven's plans.

———————————————————————

Triel and Belfagel found Samael reclining on a low, golden bench in one of the gardens near the Hall of Virtues. His wings spread lazily, catching the celestial light, and his expression was relaxed. It was a rare sight to see Samael so calm and at ease, especially given the tension that surrounded the humanity project.

"Samael," Triel called, her cheerful voice cutting through the serene atmosphere. She approached with Belfagel following close behind, her sharp blue eyes scanning him for any signs of distress.

"Triel! Belfagel!" Samael sat up, a broad grin spreading across his face. "What brings you two here? Looking to join me for a stroll through Eden next time?"

Triel chuckled, folding her arms casually. "Actually, we wanted to talk to you about what happened while Azazil and Asmodel were observing the seraphim."

Belfagel added, her tone more serious, "They came back with... a lot of concerns. Let's just say their take on things wasn't exactly glowing."

Samael tilted his head, his expression curious but unbothered. "Concerns? What concerns? Everything seemed fine to me, for the most part."

Belfagel raised an eyebrow. "From what Azazil and Asmodel said, there was a lot of tension. Arguments, ego clashes, and some serious control issues with the seraphim. That doesn't sound 'fine.'"

Samael waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, sure, there were some heated moments. Azazil and Asmodel did get into it with the seraphim, but I think they're just... passionate. The seraphim have their way of doing things, and sometimes they're a bit rigid. But honestly? I think Sera's starting to come around."

Triel and Belfagel exchanged nervous glances. Triel's antenna-like extensions twitched slightly as she gauged his tone. "So, you're saying Sera's starting to listen more?" she asked cautiously.

"Exactly!" Samael's grin widened, and he leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "She went down to talk to Adam and Lilith herself. Sure, she was a bit pushy at first, but she eventually let them take their time. I think that's progress! And hey, the seraphim might be a little... proud, but who isn't? They're just trying to do their best to please God."

Belfagel frowned slightly. "You're confident they're adjusting?"

Samael nodded. "Absolutely. It's not perfect, but what is? The seraphim are learning, just like Adam and Lilith. It's a process, you know? Besides," he added with a shrug, "everyone argues sometimes. It doesn't mean they can't work together."

Triel sighed softly, her smile slightly strained. "You're optimistic, I'll give you that."

Belfagel's frown deepened, her sharp gaze lingering on Samael. "Azazil and Asmodel didn't share your confidence. They seemed convinced that the seraphim are too caught up in their pride to see the bigger picture."

Samael's smile faltered for a moment before he straightened, his voice firm. "Well, maybe they're just being too critical. I saw Sera listening to Adam and Lilith, and that's what matters, right? Besides, if there are problems, I'm sure they'll figure it out. Sera always does."

Triel and Belfagel exchanged another glance, their expressions unreadable. After a moment, Triel spoke, her voice light but deliberate. "Well, we'll see for ourselves soon enough. We were planning to observe the project with you next time."

Samael's face lit up. "Really? You're coming with me? That's great! I'd love for you two to see how things are shaping up. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

Belfagel crossed her arms, her gaze steady. "We'll see. We're not going in with any expectations. We just want to get a clearer picture."

"Fair enough," Samael said with a grin, standing up and stretching his wings. "I'm glad you're coming along. It'll be nice to have more Virtues there to keep things balanced."

Triel's smile softened, and she placed a gentle hand on Samael's shoulder. "We're not just going for the project, Samael. We're going to support you, too. If things get rough, you can count on us to have your back."

Samael's grin turned more genuine, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, Triel. And you too, Belfagel. It means a lot."

As the three prepared for their upcoming observation, Triel and Belfagel couldn't shake the words of Azazil and Asmodel from their minds. While Samael's optimism was infectious, they both knew there was more to uncover. And this time, they intended to see it all for themselves.

———————————————————————

Samael eagerly led Triel and Belfagel into the Celestial Hall, his wings fluttering with excitement. The great chamber shimmered with celestial light, the seraphim gathered in a semi-circle around the glowing globe that represented Earth. Sera stood at the forefront, her presence commanding and serene, but her expression shifted into mild unease as she noticed Samael's companions.

A couple of the seraphim groaned audibly, exchanging glances. "More Virtues?" one muttered, clearly exasperated. "What now?"

Sera turned her attention to Samael, her brows furrowing slightly. "Samael, what is the meaning of this? Why have you brought them here?"

Samael stood his ground, his tone firm but respectful. "Triel and Belfagel want to observe, just as Azazil and Asmodel did. Their feedback could be useful, Sera. After all, the last meeting showed that some of the seraphim's methods need to be questioned."

Sera's lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, her composed demeanor faltered. "Samael," she began, her tone tinged with exasperation, "we know what we're doing. This project is under the seraphim's purview, as entrusted by God Himself. But..." She hesitated, glancing at Triel and Belfagel. "If they wish to observe, so be it. However, it would be best if they kept their suggestions to themselves this time."

Triel, arms crossed and already irritated by the reception, narrowed her eyes. "The problem wasn't the suggestions, Sera. It was the seraphim's arrogance. Maybe if—"

"Let's focus on humanity," Sera interjected, her attention shifting back to the globe, cutting Triel off.

Triel gritted her teeth, her antenna-like extensions twitching with annoyance. Belfagel placed a hand on her shoulder, a silent gesture of restraint, though her own frustration was evident in her sharp gaze.

As the group turned their attention to the globe, the scene within Eden unfolded. Adam and Lilith were tending to the lush garden, cultivating the vibrant plants and maintaining the land. However, it didn't take long for Triel and Belfagel to notice a troubling pattern.

Lilith was meticulously working, her hands deftly pruning vines and planting seeds. Meanwhile, Adam lounged beneath a tree, idly watching her. Belfagel frowned, her sharp eyes scanning the scene. "It seems Lilith is doing most of the work," she remarked.

One of the seraphim scoffed, dismissively waving a hand. "Adam has already done his share. He deserves a break."

Triel raised an eyebrow, her tone incredulous. "His share? From what I see, Lilith's workload has been far heavier. Are you sure you're not just favoring Adam because he's more compliant and less vocal than Lilith?"

The seraphim bristled, their pride flaring visibly. "We favor Adam because he fulfills his role with humility. Lilith, on the other hand, questions and hesitates. Her defiance slows progress."

Belfagel's patience snapped. "Progress? There's no diligence in leaving one to toil while the other lazes about. There's supposed to be balance between them, and this—" she gestured at the globe, "—is anything but."

Triel crossed her arms, her golden eyes blazing. "Favoritism isn't going to help humanity. If anything, it's setting them up for failure. Lilith isn't defiant; she's standing her ground, and I don't blame her. She's being treated unfairly."

The seraphim's arrogance only grew, their wings flaring as they defended their actions. "God entrusted us with this project," one declared, their voice dripping with disdain. "The Virtues have no say in how we handle it."

Samael stepped forward, his voice tentative but resolute. "Enough! This isn't about whose project it is. We're all supposed to be working together. Can't we just—"

"You're a young seraphim," one of the seraphim cut in coldly. "This is beyond your station, Samael. Focus on your duties and stay out of matters that don't concern you."

Samael froze, their words hitting him like a physical blow. His shoulders slumped, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears as he turned toward Sera, silently pleading for her to defend him. But Sera remained silent, her gaze fixed on the globe.

The silence was deafening. Samael's tears finally spilled over, and he let out a choked sob. Triel's entire demeanor shifted in an instant, her calm composure giving way to fiery indignation.

"That's it," she said, her voice low and furious. Her wings flared as she stepped forward, glaring at the seraphim and Sera. "How dare you. How dare you treat him like this."

"Triel, this isn't the time—" Sera began, but Triel cut her off.

"No, Sera, it is the time. You're so busy trying to please God and run this project that you've lost sight of what matters. Humanity isn't going to thrive under this kind of favoritism and arrogance. And Samael—" she pointed to the weeping seraphim, "—he's done nothing but try to help, and you let him be humiliated. Again. What kind of leadership is that?"

The seraphim began to protest, but Triel silenced them with a sharp glare. "Don't even start. I've heard enough of your self-righteous nonsense. You've let your egos blind you, and I'm done listening to it."

Turning to Samael, Triel softened, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Come on, Samael. You don't need to stay here and take this."

Belfagel nodded in agreement, her voice firm. "Let's go. There's no point in staying where we're not respected."

Triel led Samael out of the Celestial Hall, her arm around his shoulders as he quietly sobbed. Belfagel followed closely behind, her sharp gaze daring anyone to stop them. The great doors of the hall closed behind them with a heavy finality, leaving the seraphim and Sera in stunned silence.