The difference between novice and beginner rank was quite large. It would take at least 4 normal novice rank combatants to take on even the weakest beginner rank monsters. It just so happened that the monster in front of Ian was at the peak of beginner rank. Even if Ian wished it, the possibility of avoiding the moonsprite's thorn attack was absolutely 0%.
A huge spike of pain spread throughout Ian's body when the moonsprite's attack connected. Less than 5% of Ian's defense remained from that single attack, and so the natural response should've been to escape at full speed. However, Ian did the exact opposite.
The skill [Blade Slash] was swiftly used on the moonsprite, leaving an increase in bruises on both Ian and the moonsprite.
[Critical Hit!]
Thankfully the rock was sufficient enough to be used as a blade, Ian didn't halt his attacks when even the moonsprite backed away, wanting to heal its immense damage. Ian simply spammed blade slash until his mana reached 1%. He wasn't used to this sort of quick-thinking combat, as shown by his heavy fatigue and breathing. The moonsprite was also ready to give in, as shown by the will to fight losing its glimmering light from the moonsprite's eyes. Despite all this, Ian pushed on, wanting to use this moment of faltering to his advantage. A barrage of normal attacks collided with the moonsprite's translucent body.
{Critical Hit!} {Critical Hit!} {Critical Hit!} {Critical Hit!}
Ian dealing an unorthodox amount of damage eventually brought the moonsprite to its glorious end. Pieces of the moonsprite began releasing graceful white particles as the entire creature eventually disappeared into the air.
{Level 9 Beginner Rank Moonsprite has been defeated. Rank difference of one ---> Experience has been doubled.}
{Ian has leveled up to level 6} {Ian has leveled up to level 7} {Ian has leveled up to level 7} {Ian has leveled up to level 8} {Ian has leveled up to level 9}
{Potential-type skill, [Mind Break] has been awarded}
{500 wisps have been awarded for killing a potential-type monster}
A glorious abundance of rewards lit up Ian's eyes. Not only did he feel all of his strength rapidly returning with even more than before, but he had also attained his first potential-type skill, [Mind Break]. When Ian regained his usual calmness, he reviewed the last reward that appeared on his screen, 500 wisps. He recalled the price of the most expensive skill thus far in the [Skill Shop] being 150 wisps. Countless possibilities flared up in his mind as it seemed as if he could get any skill he could possibly wish for in the shop, plus extra skills on the side.
Before activating the [Skill Shop] and practically breaking the rules of the world, Ian wanted to review his first potential-type skill.
{Mind Break:
A beginner-rank skill capable of bringing down the strength of nearby enemies by 2.5% per potential rank. The highest possible decrease in strength using this skill is 17.5%. However, this decrease requires the user to be at least the £ª•¶¢¡ rank}
Ian then looked back to his stat sheet, believing to make an unbelievable discovery.
{Ian Ernest
NOVICE RANK - Level 9
Potential: [MALFUNCTION]
Strength: NOVICE RANK
Mana: NOVICE RANK
Agility: NOVICE RANK
Defense: NOVICE RANK
Skills -
Rock throw º Basic slash º Human regeneration º Skill Shop º Mind break º}
If Ian's potential wasn't at Novice rank, then could it possibly be…?