Canna reviewed the stats of the skeleton in front of him.
[Name: ???]
Level: 1
Race: Undead
Rank: High Rating
Class: Skeleton Warrior
HP: 478/500
MP: 100/100
Strength: 150
Speed: 70
Defense: 170
Intelligence: 30
Agility: 50
Stamina: N/A
Vitality: N/A
He was up by two levels, but the overall damage he had inflicted was only 22 points. After Mortem treated his broken wrists, Canna eagerly returned to face the skeleton. He circled it a couple of times, searching for any weaknesses. He couldn't wrap his mind around why he could only do that much damage. Luckily, Mortem stepped in to explain.
"That's the difference in ranks, master." Although it was a simple explanation, Canna wanted to clarify one thing.
"Would I be able to beat this skeleton if I was level 50 but of the same rank I have now?"
He wanted to understand the main difference between leveling up and ranking up, and the most efficient way to get stronger. Mortem happily explained through telepathy.
"There are only two differences between leveling and ranking up. The first is the method of advancing them: you can level up by defeating monsters, while you increase your rank by absorbing mana cores. The second difference is the overall boost you get. With every level up, you gain five attribute points to allocate to your stats.
Meanwhile, when you rank up, the change occurs internally, not externally. Leveling up increases your overall stats, like speed and strength, but ranking up strengthens your body, like your bones, organs, and mana circulation. So, to answer your question, it's possible you might or might not defeat the skeleton, but it depends on your skill set. Generally, there's an 89% chance you would still lose."
"I understand. What if I just ask the dragon for mana cores so I can grow a lot faster? The higher the quality, the better." Canna hoped that by asking the dragon for resources, he could bypass the need to fight altogether.
"It could work, but it's considered taboo. An absence of levels means zero battle experience. How can you protect yourself against someone of the same rank who wants to kill you?"
Canna facepalmed. He had asked a stupid question. He resolved to kill and harvest mana cores after every fight.
Later that day, Tonitrum summoned more goblins for Canna to face. Now that he had grasped the basics of mana, it was time to apply it in real-life combat rather than just theory and summoned skeletons.
That day, Canna advanced to level 4 and successfully killed eight goblins in one session, defeating them using only his water arrows.
Mortem helped Canna extract the mana cores from the goblins. The mana cores were small, hard rocks found in the abdomen, slightly lower than the heart.
Eight dark green mana cores lay in front of Canna. He initially thought he had to swallow them, but Mortem explained there was no need. All he had to do was place the mana core in his hand and imagine draining the power inside the stone.
After absorbing all the mana cores, Canna didn't feel much different. He reckoned he needed more to notice any change within himself.
Mortem then taught Canna more basic water spells: Water Shield, Water Slicer, and Purify Water.
Mortem only stopped when he sensed Canna had reached his limit and needed rest. Unlike him, an undead, Canna was still a very young human. Mortem called it a day after one more water spell.
After water training, Canna plummeted to the ground; it didn't take long before he fell into a deep sleep.
Mortem stared at his master. Although Canna was learning a lot, the things he had learned so far were just a drop in the ocean. Still, progress was progress, no matter how slow.
Level: 25
Race: Forest Troll
Rank: Medium Rating
Class: Troll Warrior
HP: 120/120
MP: 20/20
Strength: 150
Speed: 15
Defense: 100
Intelligence: 9
Agility: 10
Stamina: 60
Vitality: 60
This troll was ahead in level and rank, with monstrous HP, defense, and strength, reaching triple digits. Canna analyzed the situation. The odds weren't in his favor; he had to defeat the enemy quickly.
Just as Canna was about to charge in, another monstrous figure jumped from the portal.
The earth shook when the creature landed. To Canna's surprise, it was another troll, but different. This troll held a book and had a sinister smile.
[Name: ???]
Level: 35
Race: Forest Troll
Rank: Medium Rating
Class: Troll Mage
HP: 60/60
MP: 175/175
Strength: 50
Speed: 15
Defense: 80
Intelligence: 150
Agility: 10
Stamina: 60
Vitality: 60
"You know you can always say you hate me, right?" Canna looked at the dragon with a resigned expression.
Canna took a deep breath, his mind racing as he quickly formulated a plan. He knew this battle would test his limits, but he also realized that overcoming such challenges was the only way to grow stronger. He tightened his grip on his daggers, feeling a mixture of fear and excitement. His training over the past few weeks had prepared him for this moment, and he was determined to prove his worth.
With a resolute look, he focused on the trolls, ready to face them head-on.