Albion looked at his parents as they were standing in front of a crystal orb
King Albion looked at his son. "It's time to see how strong you have become"
Albion nodded. "I see".
Focalore looked at him. "Do you need an explanation on ATK and DEF"
Albion thought for a bit.
Eria answered for him. "Yes, he does".
Spellcode nodded as he cast the spell. A circle of light appeared in the air.
Images formed inside it.
First, a small monster appeared.
A number appeared above it.
ATK: 500
Spellcode pointed at it.
"ATK measures a monster's offensive power. In simple terms, how much force it can put behind its attacks."
The image changed.
The monster struck a stone wall.
CRACK!
The wall broke.
Spellcode continued.
"From 100 to 900, you're dealing with normal monsters. The higher the number, the stronger the monster usually is."
Albion nodded.
"So 900 is already pretty strong compared to 100?"
"Correct."
The image changed again.
ATK: 1,200
The monster struck the ground.
BOOM!
The ground cracked beneath it.
Spellcode continued.
"From 1,000 to around 1,400, we enter the range of highly trained and powerful monsters. Some have reached this level through years of physical training. Others achieved it through magical training."
Albion looked interested.
"So magic can increase ATK?"
"Of course. But don't misunderstand."
Spellcode raised one finger.
"Having magic doesn't automatically make you stronger. A monster still needs the ability to control and develop that power."
The image changed again.
ATK: 1,800
The monster attacked.
The entire magical image changed into a city.
The attack struck.
BOOM!
Buildings vanished.
Albion's eyes widened.
Spellcode spoke calmly.
"From 1,500 to 1,900, we reach the point where a monster can potentially destroy a city."
Albion stared at the image.
"That's only 1,800?"
"Yes."
Albion slowly looked at the crystal orb.
'Okay. This scale is a lot more serious than I thought.'
Spellcode changed the image again.
ATK: 2,300
A massive explosion appeared.
Spellcode pointed toward it.
"From 2,000 to 2,500, you're entering natural disaster territory."
Eria crossed her arms.
"Basically, if you see a monster with an ATK in this range, you should probably stop thinking about fighting it like an ordinary monster."
Dharc nodded.
"Unless you're suicidal."
Albion glanced at him.
"That's reassuring."
Dharc shrugged.
"You asked."
The image changed again.
ATK: 2,800
The magical image showed an enormous monster standing over a kingdom.
Spellcode continued.
"From 2,600 to 3,000, you're looking at a threat capable of endangering kingdoms, countries, and entire nations."
Albion's expression became more serious.
"And 3,000?"
Spellcode changed the image.
ATK: 3,500
The planet appeared behind the monster.
The monster attacked.
The entire magical image shook.
Spellcode smiled.
"Congratulations."
Albion blinked.
"Congratulations?"
"You've reached the point where you're officially a planet-level problem."
Albion stared at him.
"That's not something you should say like it's a good thing."
Spellcode chuckled.
"It isn't."
The image suddenly changed.
The number above the monster became:
ATK: 4,000+
The atmosphere around the magical image became darker.
Spellcode's expression became serious.
"Anything above 4,000 is where we begin entering the realm of the Fourteen Gods."
Albion's eyes widened.
"The Gods are that strong?"
Spellcode nodded.
"Some are stronger than that. Much stronger."
King Albion finally spoke.
"And before you ask, no. You cannot simply train until your ATK reaches 4,000."
Albion frowned.
"Why not?"
His father stared at him.
"Because increasing ATK is extremely difficult."
The King pointed toward the numbers.
"A monster's strength comes from many things. Species. Age. Physical development. Magical core. Training. Experience. Genetics. Transformations. Equipment. Blessings. Curses."
Albion looked thoughtful.
"So it's not just training."
"Exactly."
Spellcode snapped his fingers.
The image changed again.
Two monsters appeared.
The first had:
ATK: 3,200
DEF: 1,200
The second had:
ATK: 1,500
DEF: 3,300
Albion tilted his head.
"They're completely different."
"That's the point."
Spellcode pointed toward the first monster.
"This one has tremendous offensive power, but its defenses aren't nearly as impressive."
Then he pointed toward the second.
"This one isn't nearly as destructive, but killing it would be extremely difficult."
Albion nodded.
"So ATK doesn't tell you everything."
"Correct."
Spellcode smiled.
"Now we get to DEF."
The magical images changed.
A monster appeared with:
DEF: 500
A large rock hit it.
The monster went flying.
Albion winced.
"Yeah, that's about what I expected."
Spellcode laughed.
"DEF measures how much punishment a monster can withstand. But it isn't always just physical toughness."
The image changed.
A magical barrier appeared around another monster.
"DEF can come from the monster's body, magical defenses, armor, barriers, regeneration, or other abilities."
King Albion nodded.
"Some monsters have low natural DEF but powerful defensive abilities. Others have incredibly tough bodies but almost no magical defense."
Spellcode continued.
"Generally, the same broad scale applies."
The magical display showed the numbers.
100 to 900 DEF: Normal durability.
1,000 to 1,400 DEF: Powerful and well-trained.
1,500 to 1,900 DEF: City-level durability.
2,000 to 2,500 DEF: Natural disaster-level durability.
2,600 to 3,000 DEF: Kingdom, country, and nation-level durability.
3,000 to 4,000 DEF: Planet-level durability.
4,000+: God-level territory.
Albion stared at the numbers.
"So someone could have 3,000 ATK but only 1,000 DEF?"
"Yes."
"And someone could have 1,500 ATK but 3,000 DEF?"
"Yes."
Albion thought about it.
'So a monster doesn't need massive ATK to be dangerous.'
Spellcode nodded.
"Exactly."
He waved his hand.
The images disappeared.
"And there is one more thing you need to understand."
Albion looked at him.
"What?"
Spellcode smiled.
"Those numbers aren't something you casually increase."
Albion blinked.
"What do you mean?"
King Albion answered this time.
"Your ATK and DEF represent the strength your body, magic, and soul can actually handle."
He looked directly at his son.
"You can become stronger. Of course you can. But going from 500 ATK to 600 ATK is not the same as going from 2,000 to 2,100."
Albion's eyes widened.
"It's harder?"
"Far harder."
Focalore smiled.
"Every increase becomes more difficult as you approach your natural limits."
Spellcode nodded.
"That's why monsters with extremely high ATK and DEF are so rare."
Albion looked at the crystal orb.
'So if someone has 4,000 ATK...'
He swallowed.
'They're not just someone who trained a lot.'
He looked toward his father.
"They're basically monsters who broke through what should normally be possible."
King Albion smiled.
"Now you're starting to understand."
He placed his hand on the crystal orb.
"Which is why we're going to see exactly where you stand."
King Albion stepped forward.
"Now, let me show you."
He placed his hand against the crystal orb.
Mana immediately spread from his palm.
The runes carved into the crystal began to glow one after another.
The orb hummed.
Then a pair of numbers appeared inside it.
ATK: 2700
DEF: 2000
Everyone went quiet.
Albion stared at the numbers.
"Wow."
Dharc adjusted his glasses.
"2700 ATK."
Eria nodded.
"That makes sense."
Wynn looked at King Albion.
"He really is that strong."
King Albion calmly removed his hand from the crystal.
"For someone who holds the title of Sword Saint and rules the Dragon Nation, I would hope so."
Albion looked at his father.
"Is that considered high?"
King Albion gave him a look.
"You'll understand soon."
Spellcode smiled.
"That's the point of today's lesson."
He gestured toward the crystal.
"Numbers like these aren't just decorations. They represent how much physical and magical power a monster can bring into battle."
Albion nodded.
"Right."
King Albion stepped aside.
"Now, the rest of you."
The Charmers looked at one another.
Eria sighed.
"Fine. I'll go first."
She placed her hand against the crystal.
The runes lit up.
ATK: 500
DEF: 1500
Eria stared at the result.
"...Okay."
Albion looked at her.
"Your defense is pretty good."
Eria smiled.
"I'm a Water Charmer. I'm not exactly built to punch through walls."
Wynn stepped forward.
"Then I'll go."
She placed her hand against the crystal.
ATK: 700
DEF: 1500
Wynn nodded.
"That's about what I expected."
Hiita immediately stepped forward.
"My turn."
She placed her hand against the crystal.
The orb flashed.
ATK: 990
DEF: 400
Hiita stared at it.
Her eye twitched.
"...990?"
She looked at the crystal.
"Seriously?"
Asterion covered his mouth.
"It's only ten points away from 1000."
Hiita clicked her tongue.
"I know!"
Dharc tried not to laugh.
"You're basically there."
Hiita turned toward him.
"That's not helping!"
Aussa stepped forward next.
"Move."
Hiita stepped aside.
Aussa calmly placed her hand against the crystal.
The orb glowed.
ATK: 1000
DEF: 1500
Silence.
Everyone looked at the crystal.
Then they looked at Aussa.
Albion blinked.
"1000."
Aussa looked at the number.
"Is that good?"
Spellcode nodded.
"Very good for your age."
Asterion's eyes practically sparkled.
He stared at Aussa.
"That's amazing."
Scarlet glanced at him.
"You're staring."
Asterion immediately looked away.
"I am not."
"You absolutely are."
Asterion coughed.
"Anyway."
Lyna walked forward.
She placed her hand against the crystal.
ATK: 800
DEF: 1500
Lyna smiled.
"That's pretty balanced."
Dharc stepped forward.
"Alright, my turn."
He placed his hand against the crystal.
The runes flashed.
ATK: 1080
DEF: 1500
Dharc nodded.
"Not bad."
Albion looked at him.
"1080?"
Dharc shrugged.
"I'm stronger than I look."
Hiita crossed her arms.
"Show-off."
Dharc smiled.
"Jealous?"
"Shut up."
The Charmers looked at each other.
They were only ten years old, yet they already had surprisingly different stats.
Their training at the Royal Castle had clearly made a difference.
Most monsters their age would never receive the same level of training.
Spellcode looked toward the others.
"Next."
Asterion stepped forward.
He placed his hand against the crystal.
The orb immediately flashed brightly.
ATK: 2500
DEF: 3000
Everyone froze.
Albion's eyes widened.
"Whoa."
Dharc slowly adjusted his glasses.
"3000 DEF."
Asterion looked at the result.
"...Is that good?"
King Albion nodded.
"As expected from the heir of the Blue-Eyes lineage."
Asterion smiled.
"But I'm still not at 3000 ATK."
King Albion shook his head.
"Not yet. Your father is stronger."
Asterion looked at his own numbers.
"I'll catch up."
Scarlet smiled.
"You'd better."
Asterion looked at her.
"You're next."
Scarlet stepped forward.
"Obviously."
She placed her hand against the crystal.
The orb glowed red.
ATK: 2400
DEF: 2000
Asterion looked over.
"2400."
Scarlet smiled.
"Problem?"
"No."
He grinned.
"I'm just wondering when you'll catch up."
Scarlet's eyes narrowed.
"Keep talking."
Albion chuckled.
"Here we go again."
King Albion sighed.
"Blue-Eyes and Red-Eyes really are competitive."
Spellcode looked toward the DragonMaids.
"You girls are next."
The young DragonMaids glanced at one another.
Then they looked toward Albion.
Housekee smiled.
"Let the Prince go first."
The others nodded.
Albion blinked.
"Me?"
King Albion nodded.
"Yes."
Albion took a breath.
He walked toward the crystal.
He wasn't nervous.
After all, he was a Dragon.
Even the weakest adult Dragons were naturally powerful compared to most monsters.
He placed his hand against the crystal.
Mana flowed into it.
The crystal glowed.
The numbers appeared.
ATK: 2500
DEF: 1500
Silence.
Albion stared.
"..."
Everyone stared at the crystal.
"..."
Albion slowly looked at his father.
"That's it?"
King Albion raised an eyebrow.
"What were you expecting?"
Albion pointed at the crystal.
"I'm a Dragon Prince!"
Dharc coughed.
"Apparently, you're a 2500 ATK Dragon Prince."
Asterion laughed.
Albion looked offended.
"Hey!"
King Albion chuckled.
"2500 ATK is nothing to be ashamed of."
Albion crossed his arms.
"But you're at 2700."
"You are ten."
Asterion raised a hand.
"And I'm also ten."
King Albion looked at him.
"You're the heir of the Blue-Eyes lineage."
Asterion immediately lowered his hand.
"Right."
Scarlet looked at Albion.
"Your number isn't bad."
Albion sighed.
"I know."
Spellcode stepped closer to the crystal.
"There's something important you need to understand."
Albion looked at him.
"What's that?"
Spellcode pointed toward the numbers.
"ATK isn't everything."
Albion blinked.
"Really?"
"Of course."
He pointed toward Eria.
"Eria has only 500 ATK, but she has 1500 DEF."
Then he pointed toward Asterion.
"And Asterion has 2500 ATK and 3000 DEF."
He looked back at Albion.
"Different monsters develop differently. Some focus on attack. Some focus on defense. Some are balanced."
Albion nodded.
"So I shouldn't worry about having the biggest number."
King Albion smiled.
"Exactly."
Albion looked at the crystal again.
"Then what's the point of measuring it?"
King Albion folded his arms.
"To understand your current limits."
He tapped the crystal.
"And to understand how much you still have to grow."
Albion's eyes narrowed.
"So this isn't my final ATK."
"Not even close."
That immediately made Albion smile.
"Good."
His father raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Albion looked at the number again.
2500.
Then he grinned.
"Because I'm going to make that number much bigger."
Asterion smiled.
Scarlet nodded.
Dharc adjusted his glasses.
Hiita smirked.
Eria laughed.
Spellcode simply smiled.
King Albion looked at his son.
"That's the attitude I expected."
Albion stepped away from the crystal.
"Alright."
He pointed toward the DragonMaids.
"Who's next?"
Housekee raised her hand.
"Me!"
She happily ran toward the crystal.
Albion smiled.
"Let's see what the little maid has."
Housekee placed both hands against the crystal.
The runes began to glow.
Everyone leaned forward.
The numbers appeared.
ATK: 600
DEF: 1800
Housekee blinked.
"That's good?"
Spellcode nodded.
"Very good."
Albion smiled.
"Your defense is higher than mine."
Housekee looked at Albion.
"Really?"
Albion nodded.
"Yeah."
Housekee proudly puffed out her chest.
"I'm protecting the Prince!"
Albion laughed.
"Apparently you are."
King Albion watched the children with a small smile.
But then his expression became more serious.
"There is one more thing you all need to understand."
Everyone looked at him.
"Having high ATK or DEF doesn't automatically make someone a great warrior."
He looked at Asterion.
"Power matters."
Then Scarlet.
"Skill matters."
Then Albion.
"Experience matters."
Finally, he looked at all of them.
"And knowing how to use your abilities matters even more."
Albion nodded slowly.
His father continued.
"A monster with 500 ATK can defeat something with 1000 ATK if they know how to fight."
Hiita raised an eyebrow.
"Then why even measure ATK?"
King Albion smiled.
"Because 500 ATK defeating 1000 ATK is impressive."
He paused.
"But 500 ATK defeating 3000 ATK?"
His smile widened.
"That is a story people remember."
Albion's eyes sparkled.
"Now that sounds fun."
King Albion sighed.
"I was afraid you'd say that."
Vesiculo stepped forward.
She rolled her shoulders.
"My turn."
Albion looked at her.
"Alright."
Vesiculo placed her hand against the crystal.
The runes lit up.
The numbers appeared.
ATK: 1400
DEF: 1400
Vesiculo looked at the result.
"Not bad."
Albion stared at the crystal for a moment.
Then he sighed in relief.
'At least my fiancée didn't overpower me.'
He paused.
'Then again, she was trained as an assassin.'
Albion glanced at Vesiculo.
'So I'm not sure how much these numbers matter when she can just poison my drink.'
Vesiculo slowly turned toward him.
She narrowed her eyes.
"Prince."
Albion froze.
"...Yes?"
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Albion quickly shook his head.
"Nothing."
Vesiculo smiled.
It was a perfectly innocent smile.
Somehow, that made Albion even more nervous.
Dharc adjusted his glasses.
"I think I know what he's thinking."
Albion looked at him.
"You do?"
Dharc nodded.
"He's wondering whether ATK and DEF can protect him from poison."
Albion's eyes widened.
"Dharc!"
Vesiculo giggled.
"That's a good question."
Albion slowly backed away.
"Why are you agreeing with him?"
Vesiculo tilted her head.
"Because it's a reasonable question."
Asterion looked between them.
"I don't think the Prince should be worried."
Albion sighed in relief.
"Thank you."
Asterion continued.
"Vesiculo probably wouldn't poison you."
Albion nodded.
"Exactly."
Asterion paused.
"She's more likely to stab you."
Albion stared at him.
"That's somehow worse."
The girls burst out laughing.
Even King Albion had to hide a smile.
Vesiculo walked over and gently patted Albion on the head.
"Don't worry. I wouldn't hurt my fiancé."
Albion looked up at her.
"Really?"
"Of course."
She smiled.
"Not unless you give me a reason."
Albion's expression went blank.
'I'm going to need very good diplomatic skills.'
To be continue
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