Stefan stood in the center of Heaven, golden light radiating from him, as Ciel hovered beside him and Uriel took a graceful position at his side. Around them, the Archangels formed a semi-circle, their infinite power and loyalty clear. Stefan's voice, calm but absolute, carried through the realms. "Escanor, Diablo, report on your forces," he commanded. Escanor stepped forward first, wings spread wide, radiating light that made entire constellations tremble. "My master, all angels under my command are ready, disciplined, and loyal. The realms under Heaven's protection are secure," he said. Diablo's crimson eyes glinted from the shadows, his voice smooth and low: "And my legions of darkness are prepared. Wakoemundo and Pandora remain undisturbed, and all threats are contained within the prisons."
Stefan glanced between the two, a faint smile on his lips. "Good. But remember," he said, "light and darkness are not rivals—they are balance. Escanor, guide your angels with wisdom, not arrogance. Diablo, your shadows are to enforce order, not chaos. Together, you serve me, the One Above All." Escanor bowed, a gleam of pride in his golden eyes. "Understood, master. The light will never falter under my command." Diablo's expression was unreadable, but his nod confirmed his compliance. "Balance will be maintained. Order is inevitable." Then, almost in unison, Escanor and Diablo locked gazes, their rivalry subtle yet charged, a silent acknowledgment of their eternal duty to both oppose and complement each other.
Ciel floated closer to Stefan, her starlit eyes scanning the Archangels and Generals. "Master," she said softly, "your Archangels await direct guidance from you. Should I relay your commands?" Stefan shook his head. "No, Ciel. I want them to hear me directly. This is the beginning of understanding—not just loyalty, but wisdom in their service." Uriel stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Master, if it pleases you, I can demonstrate a formation strategy to maintain equilibrium between light, darkness, and the generals. It will ensure no region is ever vulnerable." Stefan regarded her, appreciating her initiative. "Do it, Uriel. Let them understand strategy, but also responsibility. Knowledge strengthens more than power alone."
The seven Generals stood behind the Archangels, observing silently. Each was forged to maintain balance, neutral in infinite power but fully loyal to Stefan's will. One General, a towering being of stone and fire named Kaelvorn, spoke first: "Master Stefan, if Escanor and Diablo's forces ever clash beyond control, our intervention could prevent imbalance without overstepping your authority." Stefan's golden eyes flickered, a faint smirk forming. "Kaelvorn, you may intervene if balance is threatened—but remember, your judgment must always reflect the unity I demand. Balance is not mere mediation—it is the recognition of harmony between extremes."
After the instructions, Stefan observed the subtle interactions between Escanor and Diablo. Escanor's radiant aura flared as he tested a formation of angels, and Diablo's shadows rippled in response, mirroring the movements yet opposing them at every turn. Stefan laughed softly, a sound like the merging of stars and void. "Even infinite beings, my creations, cannot surpass the need to measure each other," he mused. Ciel whispered, "It is their nature, Master. Even as your servants, they reflect your infinite balance." Stefan nodded. "Good. Let them learn from each other. Even my power may be distant, but their growth strengthens creation. And with Uriel and Ciel by my side, we will guide them, mold them, and ensure this multiverse thrives as intended."