Tenebrous Wolf

Following the emergence of the azure flame, the attacking Nightmare Carapaces came to an abrupt halt, as if dazed. No, that wasn’t quite right. Upon closer inspection, their bodies were trembling. It looked as though they were staring directly into the face of death.

Witnessing such an absurd sight, Klaus froze as well, with a wave of uncertainty crossing across his face.

In truth, it was rare for monsters to show fear unless faced with something far more terrifying than themselves. Seraphim, a Strider with just a Shrouded core, obviously did not fit that mold. However, the awakened ghouls didn’t seem to be afraid of her specifically. Instead, their fear was fixed on the sword she held, wreathed in living azure fire.

What kind of sword was that? he wondered. It was unmistakably a Nightmare — powerful, no doubt about that. But just how strong was it? What rank could a Nightmare like that possibly hold?

’If the ghouls are afraid of it, then it must be a powerful Nightmare, perhaps even Awakened rank. Could that be it?’

Of course, it was all just speculation. How could he possibly know the rank of a Nightmare that wasn’t his?

"..."

By the time Seraphim opened her eyes again, an azure glint had taken root within them. Her silvery-white hair, lithe silhouette, and blazing sword came together to form the image of a fierce angel sent from above to deliver judgment.

Then, without warning, she took a single step.

From there, Seraphim kicked the floor and leapt forward like a fired bullet. Before the Nightmare Carapaces could react, she was already upon them.

The first ghoul didn’t even have time to raise its claws. Her blade carved clean through its torso, the azure flames erupting on contact and devouring the creature from the inside out. It didn’t scream. Whatever energy surged through that sword silenced it completely, reducing the Nightmare to ash in an instant.