Claude Abras - "Don't you dare."

Claude is a major supporting character in ''The Strongest Job Is Apparently Not a Hero or a Sage, but an Appraiser''. He is a beastman who possesses the rare and powerful Hero class, making him one of the strongest frontline fighters in the story.

Claude possesses the rare Hero class, granting him exceptional combat abilities far beyond that of ordinary adventurers. When his power is active, his physical strength, speed, and endurance are greatly enhanced, allowing him to confront powerful monsters and enemies on equal footing.

Despite his overwhelming combat ability, Claude is shown to be loyal and protective toward his companions, especially Hibiki Manabe, whom he supports throughout their journey. At times, his power is restricted or lost, but through Hibiki’s abilities, he is able to temporarily regain his strength as a Hero and face powerful enemies.

Appearance: Claude is a tall and powerfully built beastman with the distinct features of a wolf. His body is covered in thick, dark gray fur, and his head has straight hair around his head, slightly darker for contrast, giving an impression of a mane. He possesses sharp, golden eyes that give him a fierce and intimidating presence. His physique is highly muscular, reflecting his role as a frontline fighter and his immense physical strength.

He has prominent wolf ears atop his head and a long, bushy tail, further emphasizing his beastman traits. His facial expression is typically calm yet stern, reinforcing his serious and composed personality.

Claude wears light armor consisting of metallic shoulder guards and a chest plate, designed to provide protection while allowing mobility in combat. His outfit is complemented by dark trousers, sturdy boots, and armored gauntlets, giving him a balanced appearance between defense and agility. This, is accompanied with a spear with physical and powerful magical attacks like crimson strong brilliant beams.

Personality: When first introduced, he appears fierce, aggressive, and hostile, using intimidation and harsh words to keep others away. This behavior is not mindless anger, but a form of protection both for himself and for those he cares about, especially Lillian.

After Hibiki restores his body and begins to break the curse suppressing him, Claude undergoes a significant transformation. His personality becomes calm, respectful, and deeply loyal, almost to an extreme degree. He formally pledges himself to Hibiki through a ceremony, dedicating not just his service but his very existence. From that moment on, his actions are guided by a strong sense of duty, and he treats Hibiki with unwavering respect and devotion.

Despite this serious and disciplined side, Claude also shows surprisingly softer traits. He behaves in a way often compared to a loyal dog, reacting happily to praise and finding comfort in simple gestures like being patted on the head. At the same time, he can be jealous and possessive, especially when it comes to Hibiki’s attention, viewing others like Vene as rivals. He is also extremely honest, sometimes speaking bluntly without thinking, which can lead to awkward or humorous situations.

Background: Claude is a beastman from the Black Wolf tribe, a race known for strength and combat ability. In the past, he was not just a warrior, but a legendary figure recognized as a Hero of the Beast Country. At his peak, he reached an extraordinary level of power and was given titles such as “Savior,” “Guardian,” and even “Beloved Son of the Earth Emperor.”

However, this glorious life came to a tragic end after a lost war. Following his defeat, Claude was captured and turned into a war slave, stripped of his freedom, dignity, and status. He was sold to a slave trader, where his condition became even worse. By the time Hibiki encounters him, Claude has suffered severe physical damage losing both of his hands and one of his legs. Because of these injuries, he was no longer seen as useful and was placed among slaves who were considered worthless and disposable.

Behind this broken state, there was an even deeper reason for his downfall. Claude was bound by a powerful and invisible curse known as the “Immovable Eight Chains.” This curse sealed away his true strength, drastically reducing his abilities and disguising his original status. Instead of appearing as a legendary hero, he was reduced to a weak “Knight” with a much lower level. This suppression made it impossible for others to recognize his true power, further reinforcing his helpless situation.

Despite everything the loss of his body, his status, and his freedom Claude did not completely lose himself. Even in such a broken condition, traces of his former pride and strength remained. His story is not just about falling from greatness, but about enduring suffering while holding onto identity. This makes his later recovery and return to strength even more meaningful, especially through his encounter with Hibiki, who begins to restore both his body and his purpose.

Extra:

Claude is one of the few known characters to possess the rare ''Hero'' class. Despite losing his original power, he remains a strong combatant even without his full abilities. His Hero abilities can be temporarily restored through Hibiki Manabe’s unique skills. Claude often takes on the role of a protector within the group, frequently placing himself in danger for his companions.