Levels - A rough gauge for the strength of an individual of that race or job. Level is increased by learning new skills, defeating stronger enemies, or even simple tasks like creating or disassembling tools. The fastest and most sure method to leveling up is defeating enemies who are more powerful than you or at your appropriate level. Every monster knows his or her own level, but cannot gauge an enemy's level immediately without a proper skill. This is important for those who wish to keep their level hidden. The max level is 100 for an individual species which, upon being reached, allows for them to "Rank Up" into another strong species.
Rank Up/Evolving - Monsters like Goblins, Imps, Orcs, etc, etc. all have the option of advancing into a new species. The species being evolved into depends on the criteria that an individual meets and certain evolutions are only available if certain requirements are met. Upon Ranking Up it is common for monsters to gain access to powerful abilities they previously hadn't been able to use. This is especially true for Variants or specialist evolutions.
Common Examples- Level 100 Goblin ---> Level 1 Hobgoblin
- Level 100 Imp ---> Level 1 Demon
Uncommon Examples- Level 100 Goblin ---> Level 1 Hobgoblin Variant
- Level 100 Imp ---> Level 1 Demon Variant
In the case of these uncommon examples, the Goblin had the talents for Magecraft and Strength along with the skills "Swift Swimming" and "Extreme Lung Capacity". This caused the Goblin to evolve into a Hobgoblin Variant with blue skin and the "Water Magic" talent. This may or may not lead to this Hobgoblin to evolve into the race "Half-Spell Lord Variant" with a more specialized aptitude in Water Magic.
While Variants tend to be rarer and more powerful, becoming a regular Hobgoblin would not hinder one's growth. Some could say that not choosing a specialization may even make one more powerful in the long run because they would have more choices for their Rank Up as they level up. It is also important to note that some species do not have the ability to continue evolving. These species tend to make the monster more closely related to humans and instead gain the ability to make use of the "Job System". This is a system that only humans use and is considered inferior when it comes to overall potential, but many believe it to be stronger when in the hands of an evolved monster. The Job System will be explained when the information is come across in the RP or if someone decides to take this route and has reached their maximum evolution.