As he thought about the two types of monsters he had encountered he suddenly recalled the description he had read. Although it had been rather straightforward there had been one part he was not completely clear on. What were Ranks?
Now somewhat curious, with a though, he materialized the Codex. With a cursory scan of the index, he quickly located the prevalent section. Chapter 27 - Monster Ranks And Their Many Benefits. Quickly reading the dozen or so pages, he was deeply fascinated by what he had discovered.
According to the chapter, monster not only had levels but had an additional system of evolution called a rank system. Once a monster had meet certain requirements it was possible for them to Rank UP. This evolution not only improved their physical characteristics but would provide them with many additional passive growth benefits.
For each additional rank a monster had evolved they would gain a larger amount of stat points for every level they gained. So while a COMMON rank monster would gain only the regular amount of 15 points per level, a monster that had managed to evolve to the next rank of ELITE would gain twice as many stat points.
The next benefit is a passive boosting effect to all their stats. Depending on the monsters rank, their stats will be amplified by a certain amount. So while a COMMON rank monster would have its normal stats, an ELITE rank monster would have every stat doubled.
The last benefit is access to special Innate Skills. Once a monster evolves to the second rank of ELITE they will unlock their first Innate Skill, [Winds Blessing] which will bestow them with a passive speed boost. The next three evolution's will unlock three more Innate Skills which will bestow respective passive boosts to HP\MP regeneration, Defense, and Attack.
It is only after they reach the 6th rank of BOSS that they will unlock their first active Innate Skill, [Eyes of Command] which is a spiritual eye skill which bestows the monsters eyes with a dominating influence strong enough to compel those with a weaker mind to do the bidding of the BOSS monster.
Each of the subsequent Innate Skills are far more powerful. The 7th ranks Innate Skill [Suppression] will allow the monster to weaken lower level beings in a set range around it indefinitely. The 8th ranks Innate Skill [Domain] creates a spherical area around the monster based on its specific powers, which will not only further suppress those around it but will amplify its own abilities.
The 9th ranks Innate Skill [Spatial Shift] will allow the monster to control space in a set range around it and is typically used for high-speed movement. Finally the 10th ranks Innate Skill [Temporal Shift] enables the monster to manipulate the speed of time in a set range around it.
Whether slowing an enemies attack or speeding them up at the right movement it is a powerful skill which allows the monster to completely control the flow of battle.
The final page had a neat table which clearly listed all the information.
Monster Ranks - Stat Points Per Level - Stats Amplification Amount - Innate Skills
01 - COMMON 15 ×1 None
02 - ELITE 30 ×2 Winds Blessing
03 - SUPER-ELITE 45 ×3 Waters Blessing
04 - ULTRA-ELITE 60 ×4 Earths Blessing
05 - MINI-BOSS 75 ×5 Fires Blessing
06 - BOSS 90 ×6 Eyes of Command
07 - OVER BOSS 105 ×7 Suppression
08 - MEGA BOSS 120 ×8 Domain
09 - WORLD BOSS 135 ×9 Spatial Shift
10 - FINAL BOSS 150 ×10 Temporal Shift
Studying the table, it was quite apparent that monsters had an overwhelming growth advantage in comparison to humans, yet the fact that despite this disparity, humanity had managed to remain fruitful and in control of the majority of the world was a testament to the inexplicable power and sheer tenacity of the human race.
However regardless of humanity's current situation, either good or bad, Salvatore currently was indifferent to the plights of the human race, for at the moment his only real concern was himself.
Still, having discovered how terrifying a monsters growth potential was, you would think Salvatore might have felt even the slightest sliver of doubt, yet Salvatore was not the least bit daunted, on the contrary he was even more eager to explore the world and discover the many high rank monsters who possessed overwhelming strength.