The Pyre of the Self technique bought Azrael thirty seconds of impossible strength.

Thirty seconds where his blade carved through Metatron's defenses. Thirty seconds where the high seraph actually had to retreat, wings flaring defensively as black fire that consumed its wielder proved capable of matching divine radiance.

Thirty seconds where the Baptized, watching their leader stand equal against perfection, found renewed courage to hold their ground.

Then the technique burned out.

Not ...