On Combat Strength (Part One)

(This is a side story, mainly introducing combat strength, and is also not included in the daily word count.)

Morning light streamed through the wooden window lattice of the inn, casting warm dappled patterns on the square table covered with a coarse tablecloth. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and a faint scent of tea. The inn lobby was quiet, mostly with early-rising merchants conversing in hushed tones.

Lupa unconsciously poked at the last bit of fried egg on her plate with her fork, her pink twin ponytails swaying gently. She looked up with her heterochromatic eyes at Lowell, who was leisurely sipping her herbal tea across from her, her voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of urgency and curiosity:

"Master," she put down her fork, "You always say I can't beat Qual yet... how long will it take? I've already tried my best."

Lowell put down his teacup, the bottom of which made a slight "click" as it touched the wooden table.

"Hmm, don't worry, of course I know you've been working hard."

He spoke gently, "That guy Qual has been watched by Serie the whole time; he can't escape. He's a true combat genius, and few Demons can compare to him in terms of magical skill. You're strong now and improving quickly, but you still have a long way to go if you want to defeat him head-on."

His gaze shifted slightly, sweeping over the other people at the table.

Frieren sat beside him, engrossed in a magic book, completely absorbed in her own world, seemingly oblivious to their conversation.

Solitär sat a little further away by the window, her hands supporting her chin, observing the various passersby in the lobby with great interest. Her face wore that sweet, inquisitive smile that seemed to never change, as if she found the different patterns of human behavior in the early morning quite fascinating.

Linié sat quietly beside Lupa, taking small bites of a large, bright red apple.

Lowell withdrew her gaze, looked back at Lupa who was looking serious, and smiled gently:

"Alright, since I have some free time now, I'll give you a general overview of my current understanding of combat power levels. This will give you a clearer picture of the strong individuals on this continent, and you'll have a better idea of who they are. In case... well, I mean in case, if I'm not around and you encounter someone you simply can't defeat, you'll know to avoid them decisively. Preserving yourself is more important than anything else."

Lupa's heterochromatic eyes lit up instantly. "Great!"

Lowell tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, as if sorting through his thoughts.

"Among all living beings in the world, those capable of fighting can be roughly divided into several levels."

"The most basic, ordinary people." He held up his little finger, "The vast majority of people without any special powers or combat training. Farmers, craftsmen, scholars, ordinary citizens... They are the foundation of the world, incredibly vulnerable in the face of the strong."

"Up above are trainee combat members." He raised his ring finger. "Those who are beginning to learn combat skills or basic magic guidance, but lack experience and have limited strength. Like some mages who have just started learning magic, warriors who have just started learning combat, and so on."

They've just stepped into the world; they have a long road ahead. Generally speaking, from the weakest beginner to someone with a certain level of combat power, it's roughly equivalent to a level nine to a level six mage, and then a warrior or other class with comparable strength. They are far from being able to stand alone.

"The next step is becoming a full-fledged combat member."

The addition of the middle finger signifies that this level is considered capable of "standing alone." They typically possess stable magic control or proficient martial arts skills, sufficient to handle most common threats. Generally speaking, the "Fifth-Class Mage," widely recognized on the continent, is roughly at this level.

The most common monsters that roam the wilderness and forests are mostly around this level in strength. They are the backbone of various forces and are also common faces in adventurer teams.

While there are differences in combat power Fifth-Class Mage and Second-Class Mages, they can all be categorized into this group for the time being. Similarly, there are other professions with comparable strength.

Lupa nodded; the division was quite intuitive.

Tier 5: Elite Combat Personnel.

Lowell raised his index finger, his tone becoming slightly more serious, "Those who can reach this level are already among the best of the best. For example, mages who have just passed the rigorous test and obtained the title of 'First-Class Mage', or other professionals with comparable strength."

They possess greater strength and richer combat experience, or are exceptionally gifted, capable of independently completing many highly difficult tasks. They would be top-tier members in any organization. Take mages, for example; even in wartime, there are fewer than a hundred First-Class Mages. Of course, there might be some highly skilled individuals whose combat abilities meet the requirements but haven't yet been certified.

Tier 4: Veteran Elite Combat Personnel.

His voice slowed, carrying the solemnity one would show when introducing a master, "These are the cream of the crop among the 'elites.' They are usually veterans who have been First-Class Mages for many years, accumulating extremely profound experience and unique insights, or some exceptionally talented mages who can be called super geniuses."

The same applies to other professions; those warriors or monks who have truly honed their skills to perfection through countless trials and tribulations often reach this level.

He paused, as if thinking of something, and added, "Well, just like in some card games, there are basic 'Dark Magicians' and more advanced 'Skilled Dark Magicians.' People who have just crossed the threshold and those who have been immersed in this level for many years and are very experienced, although they belong to the same category, the actual difference may be quite large."

"Those at this level possess considerable overall combat strength. For example, the mage who saw through Solitär's disguise at a glance when we went to Serie's place... Also, on the Demons side, Demons like 'Divine Skill' Leifuerdi and 'Phantom' Zhate are generally at this level. Typically, strong individuals at this level are capable of simultaneously fighting two to four ordinary First-Class Mage opponents."

Lowell looked at Lupa, his tone calm yet certain. "Lupa, you and Linié are probably at this level right now. You're both excellent, really. Especially you, to have reached this level at such a young age, your hard work and talent are undeniable."

Hearing her master's affirmation, Lupa's heterochromatic eyes flashed with joy and pride, but this was quickly replaced by an even stronger thirst for knowledge. She understood that her master's words were not yet finished; there was clearly a much broader world beyond this.

"And... what about above that?" she couldn't help but ask, her heart racing slightly.

Lowell looked into the warrior-like, ambitious light Burning in her eyes.

"Above..." he drawled, his gaze seemingly drifting into the distance, as if piercing through the walls of the inn to see those figures standing atop the continent.