Bab 38: Hierarchy

Martha and Gwen told more about their world. They told them that to the humans it is what they call "Heaven", the place above where all souls go at the end of their lifetime if they are deemed to enter.

The two immortals also told them that in their realm, they had their own ranking or hierarchy, which made Angeal grow more interested about them.

"I've been with you since I was born but only now that I wanted to ask what you guys are really are," the phone spoke for Angeal and Gladios looked at the immortal beside them.

"Hmm... my Angeal is right! We only saw you as immortals, but we haven't really asked in detail what you are really called and what you do in your realm," the old man added, making his granddaughter nod enthusiastically.

"Okay! We'll tell you more about our world," Gwen said excitedly then she and Martha started talking about it in detail—the hierarchy of their world.

Martha told them that as she read books, she encountered the work of one scholar named Dionysius, who studied the references of angels. Dionysius concluded that there were 9 classifications of angels, divided into three spheres or levels. The first sphere of classification of angels are the ones closest to their Almighty.

To Martha, the scholar's research were accurate to define the ranks they had in the Kingdom of Elysion.

The first sphere consists of Seraphims, Cheribums, and Thrones. In the second sphere, the Dominions, Virtues, and Powers. Lastly the third sphere, are the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

The moment Angeal heard this, she excitedly typed in her app, looking like an excited child being told bedtime stories.

"So what Arvid said was right... you're like angels," she asked and Martha and Gwen giggled.

"You can say it like that. How Arvid said it before just sounded stupid since he is an immortal himself. Well, I can't blame him, though. He never did even get the chance to visit our realm," Gwen answered making Gladios chuckle.

"That boy really does show youth and innocence like a human," the old man commented, making the others laugh at his remark.

Afterwards, Martha and Gwen explained in detail what each classification of angel does in the Kingdom of Elysion.

In the first sphere which is closest to the Almighty, the Seraphims are the highest of rank. They are sometimes called the "burning ones" since they are closest to their Almighty and they radiate pure light. These are angels who constantly sing their God's praise, and whose duty is to regulate the heavens.

Next in rank would be the Cherubims. They are the ones sent to guard the gates of their kingdom. Originally, they were depicted as the bearer's of their Almighty's throne as the charioteers, and as powerful beings.

Last in rank for the first sphere would be the Thrones. They have the duty of carrying out their Almighty's decisions.

Moving on to the second sphere, the highest in rank would be the Dominions. Their job is to regulate the duties of other angels and ensure that their Almighty's wishes are carried out.

Next in line in the second sphere would be the Virtues. They are Angels of Grace who bring their Almighty's blessings to Earth, usually in the form of miracles. They are also known as the "brilliant" or "shining" ones. They are also associated with acts of heroism and they bring courage when needed.

Last for the second sphere would be the Powers. It is their job to prevent the "fallen angels" from taking over the world and they are in charge of keeping the world in balance. They are also seen as the angels of birth and death.

In the last sphere, it is where the last three classifications of angels are found. The Principalities, Archangels, and the angels.

The Principalities are considered as the Guardian Angels of cities, nations, and rulers. They are also the guards against the invasion of evil angels.

As for the Archangels, Gwen described them as probably the best known of all angels. They carry their Almighty's most important messages to humans. They also command their armies of angels in the constant battle with the "sons of darkness."

Lastly, the Angels. They are celestial beings closest to humans and they act as intermediaries between the Almighty and humanity. Martha explained to them that mortals see these angels as their "Guardian Angels."

After Martha and Gwen explained briefly the hierarchy of angels, the two mortals understood them more than just being an immortal.

"What are your specific ranks," Gladios asked and Gwen spoke to answer the question.

"Oh, Ivar is a Dominion, the highest rank in the second sphere. For Edwin, he is a Power, the last rank in the same sphere where Ivar is," she answered and Martha chimed in.

"For Arvid, he may not have gone to our realm yet, but he is part of the Principalities. As for me and Gwen, we are considered as Angels. We are in the last ranks of the last sphere," she added, making Angeal type in her app.

"Do your ranks raise through time," she asked and Gwen shook her head.

"That rarely happens. Our rank depends on our lineage and power the moment we are born," she answered, making Angeal nod slowly, finding it quite disappointing that even in their world, they also consider lineage and power.

Gladios furrowed his brows as he noticed that they haven't mentioned their master's rank.

"How about our master? What is his rank," he asked and the two immortals' mood became serious.

"Well... previously he is a Cherubim. He has the second highest rank, next to his mother, who is a Seraphim, the highest rank of angels," Martha answered and Gladios raised his brow.

"Previously?"

"Well..."

Gwen trailed off as she bit her lip, not sure if she should tell what the current stand of their master is in their realm.

The angel looked at her mother, as if seeking to find permission to answer. The one who answered instead was Martha.

"He is no longer a Cherubim in our world. He is now branded as a Fallen Angel, no longer in the ranks and in the spheres. That is one of our master's punishments."