A week had passed since our triumph over the Goblin King.

According to the professor, only two groups had successfully defeated the formidable foe, our group and Lucas's.

The lack of surprise on my part stemmed from the inclusion of Cain in Lucas's group.

Having two Class D adventurers with formidable equipment, aided by a couple of F ranks, proved to be a potent combination for conquering Black Swamp.

Lucas's party comprised two Warriors, an Assassin, and two Archers.

My suspicion was that Cain had already reached at least level 25, granting him access to the Assassin's skill Backstab.

This mobility skill allowed instantaneous movement to the back of a target, and despite its limited range, Backstab with Paralyzing Dagger and Poison Dagger, delivered substantial damage, enough to dispatch a critically injured Goblin King in a single blow.

Poison Dagger is an Assassin's level 20 skill, allowing you to coat the weapon with a weak poison that gives a poisoned status which has a decent DOT (Damage over Time).

Paralyzing Dagger, level 15 skill on the other hand gives paralyzed status that lowers movement by 50% for a few seconds.

Consequently, their group earned an A+ grade, while ours received an A.

The absence of Lucas's usual confrontational demeanor on that day surprised me.

Today marked a special training session, a showdown between teacher and student. The F-rank members of the two successful groups had already been promoted to E-rank by the Guild Master.

Utilizing the Duel System, adventurers could assess their strengths within the protected area of the ancient pillars.

This system ensured that adventurers' HP wouldn't fall below 20 percent, and any participant whose HP dropped beyond 70 percent would be deemed the loser.

The focus of today's lesson was to illustrate the difference between ranks D and F.

Professor Klein declared, "Ash Ferrer, you'll be the first to fight me."

Ash nodded in acknowledgment as he unsheathed his steel sword.

The duel commenced with the mutual acceptance of the participants.

Ash initiated the attack, utilizing Dash to flank Professor Klein on his left side and following up with Sword Thrust .

However, his advance was abruptly halted as he was thrown backward, akin to a ragdoll.

Professor Klein executed the Brawler level 25 skill Counter, reflecting 50 percent of Ash's sword skill damage and negating its damage.

This was swiftly succeeded by Iron Fist, a level 20 skill potent enough to topple an Ogre.

Ash's HP dwindled below 60 percent. Undeterred, he rose to his feet with determination gleaming in his eyes.

Launching into a quick Dash, he closed the distance and unleashed Sword Slash.

Although Professor Klein responded with another Counter, Ash skillfully canceled the skill transitioned to Sword Parry, causing the two skills to neutralize each other.

In a seamless sequence, Ash unleashed a vertical Sword Slash, but before he could make contact, a victory notice flashed, and he found himself on the ground with around 25 percent HP.

Professor Klein swiftly unleashed a consecutive Tiger Fist, a level 30 mid-range skill unique to the Brawler class.

The technique produced a burst of wind that materialized into a roaring tiger's head, propelling its target like a leaf caught in a gust.

Upon seeing Ash on the ground, Claire Ashfall promptly cast Bless to restore his HP.

Professor Klein extended his hand to help Ash stand up and commended him for employing a Fake followed by a consecutive skill.

The ability to chain skills consecutively was a defining strength of the Brawler class, enabling them to seamlessly use rapid-cast skills in succession.

The impact on the professor's HP was minimal, showcasing the vast difference in skill levels.

It was evident that Professor Klein was earnest in demonstrating the discrepancy in our abilities, a combination of adult cunningness and level superiority.

Despite multiple attempts by various melee weapon users from both groups, none could rival the professor's formidable strength.

Then it was my turn, I was excited to fight someone who was not a monster, it’s been a while after all.

As the duel commenced, my excitement to face a human opponent surged, yet I promptly reminded myself to exercise restraint.

This wasn't a life-or-death battle, but rather a test to evaluate our skills.

With this in mind, I decided to relish the experience and glean some lessons.

Professor Klein initiated the encounter with a swift Tiger Fist.

Sidestepping gracefully and executing a backward Dash, I skillfully evade his attack. Closing in, the professor unleashed Iron Fist towards my face.

Employing a timely sword parry, I disrupted his balance, leaving his back vulnerable.

Capitalizing on this opening, I executed a horizontal Sword Slash.

To counter, Professor Klein swiftly employed Round Kick, a level 15 skill rotating his body and using his knuckles to intercept my strike.

While he managed to block the attack, it still landed on his right shoulder, depleting a fraction of his HP.

"You're quite formidable, Asriel. Your dodging and parrying skills are beyond those of an F or E rank adventurer," he remarked with a smile, acknowledging my capabilities.

A sudden question crossed my mind: Did I make a mistake? However, upon reflection, I realized that Professor Klein was merely commending my skills.

"Nah, he was just praising me," I thought.

If he were aware of my true abilities, he might have reported me to the Guild Master by now and the Old Man would instantly inform me.

"Practice makes perfect, Professor," I remarked sarcastically, acknowledging the harsh reality.

Fighting opponents much stronger and faster than a rank D brawler without resorting to high-level skills was already second nature to me.

Throughout my recollection, my life has consistently unfolded on the battlefield, spanning both this world and the old one.

Despite the duel's ongoing nature and both our HP gradually decreasing, I decided to employ a strategic move.

Utilizing Dash, I feigned a slip-up, allowing myself to be struck directly by Tiger Fist and conceding victory to Professor Klein for the fifth time.

He graciously congratulated me for putting up a formidable fight.

Lucas approached me, and to my surprise, it wasn't the usual malicious comment.

"The truth is, I was with the professor when you fought the Goblin King," Lucas timidly stated.

"You looked so cool dodging those fast and heavy attacks," he excitedly added. While his words seem harmless, the look in his eyes conveys a different narrative.

Good thing I never used Kaleidoscope, really great save Ash, I simply thought.

After the class ended that day, I headed to the Bellflower Diner for lunch since it was only a half day.

I was at the diner waiting for my lunch when I spotted a familiar figure – Claire. "Uhm, Asriel, can I ask you a favor?" she said softly.

"Sure, but first, take a seat and order lunch," I insisted.

"Don't worry, it's my treat," I added. Initially hesitant, she eventually ordered food.

After I had a few slices of fried Red Boar meat, I inquired about the favor Claire needed.

"I felt a bit useless during our practical exam in the Black Swamp," she confessed.

"You were healing us the whole way; I think you did a great job," I commended her.

"But I can't help during actual fights," she added.

Healer is a class great in healing and other useful buffs, but it also comes with a few support skills such as Bind level 20, a skill that restrains its target, and Holy Light level 25, a skill that's effective against undead and removes debuffs when cast on oneself or an ally.

"May I ask what's your level, Miss Claire?" I softly inquired.

She stood up and walked toward me, softly whispering, "Level 15."

Level is one of the most confidential pieces of information in this world, revealing most of your capabilities, from your status to your actual skills.

A level 15 Healer, though a great class, has one fatal flaw. At low levels, Healers aren't capable of solo leveling due to their lack of mobility and offensive capabilities.

Mana Shot, the Healer's basic attack, uses a lot of mana and takes a while to cast, leaving the caster vulnerable to attacks.

That's the main reason why Healers are rare, even though it's one of the base classes.

The only way to level up a Healer quickly is by level boosting, partying, and killing higher-level monsters.

A high-level Healer is a must on higher-level hunting grounds and dungeons, as it increases the group's survivability significantly.

"I was considering bringing the other members, but it's challenging to protect everyone while fighting if I'm not going to use my Advanced Class Enchanter.

So, I dropped the thought and proceeded to answer Claire's request.

She was sitting silently in front of me, waiting for my reply.

Miss Claire, regarding your request, meet me at the Central Plaza near the Transport Gate tomorrow before dawn," I stated.

"And please be in your adventurer's gear," I added, smiling at her.

The only way to get her to level 25 in a day is by clearing the dungeon near the Abandoned Mines.