SERAPHIM: UNIT 01

Chapter 1: Prologue

"You are distracted again." The voice echoed through the Hall of Stars.

I didn't look away from the window.
Far below us, Earth spun silently in the darkness.
Blue.

White.

Beautiful.

Fragile.
For centuries, I had watched it from this exact spot. The oceans changing with the seasons. Cities appearing where forests once stood.

Entire generations born and gone before I could blink.

Humans called it watching the world go by.

For me, it was simply routine.

"I heard you," I replied.

A sigh sounded behind me. "Then perhaps you should answer when addressed."

That finally earned a smile from me.
I turned to face Elder Jophiel, who looked as unimpressed as ever.

Not an easy feat.

Angels did not age.

Did not tire.

Did not frown.

Yet somehow Jophiel had mastered the art of appearing perpetually disappointed.

"You summoned me."

"I did."

"And now I'm here."

"You arrived fifteen minutes ago and have spent fourteen of them staring at Earth."

I glanced toward the window again.
"Fourteen and a half."

His expression somehow worsened.

I wasn't sure how.

"Seonghwa."

"Yes, Elder?"

"Do you understand why the Council worries about you?"

The question surprised me. "No."

"That was not meant to be a difficult question."

I folded my hands behind my back.
"Then perhaps I don't understand the answer."

A second sigh.

Much heavier this time.

Around us, countless stars illuminated the vast chamber. Pillars of silver light stretched endlessly toward a ceiling that didn't truly exist.

The Hall of Stars was one of Heaven's oldest structures.
A place where missions were assigned.

Judgments delivered.

Histories preserved.

I had stood here many times.

Never for anything important.

At least, not until now.
Jophiel approached the window and followed my gaze downward.
For several moments, neither of us spoke.

Then he asked quietly, "What do you see?"

"Earth."

"I can see that."

I thought for a moment. "Life."

He nodded. "And?"

I hesitated.

Most angels would have answered differently.

Most angels viewed humanity as a responsibility.

A species under Heaven's protection.

Nothing more.