That's right. I noticed the similarities almost immediately, especially because of how the corruption feels, but I think the origins must be different. [He listens patiently as Elliot talks about what a Cryptid is. They do sound nasty, like those beasts that roam the world after having absorbed the energies of other hellions...] 'When the world is out of balance'?

Yes. It's not intended to be disrespectful, but if someone has spent their whole life with a certain idea in their head... I get it.

[He looks thoughtful, and he takes Elliot's question in stride.]

Something like that. The corruption I talked about-- that can spread to seraphim, and it's a deadly poison if it stays in for long. Prayers and offerings from humans give seraphim strength to endure the malevolence. They need each other.