So is there any other "meta" to make Lona strong in combat besides rebirth? I dunno how you would grind the stats otherwise...
Well, there's many thing about the combat of this game that you can observe and then cry out: "is that how it is ?"
-See those big rodents in the sewers at the beginning ? Apparently, the game starts with Lona heading to sewer with a
club aka a blunt weapon, it takes about 7 to 13 hits to kill a big Rrat that way. Now, with that knowledge in mind, try this again with a sharp bladed weapon and see how it turns out: they die in 2-3 hits. It can be explained in-depth with the way weapons is handled in this game: Red damage (HP) and Yellow damage (Stamina)
-Let's take a closer look at the combat again the Rrat again, you will notice that they share a trait with an enemy you will meet later down the line that it very annoying: the lesser/bug abomination. You will notice that these big rodents can't block you at all, a humanoid or monster will prevent you from going through them, but apparently since these big rodent are small creatures, you can walk through them. This opens up many possibilities, I'll leave you to figure it out.
-Now, obviously it's better to deal with these rodents with a bladed weapon, but Lona come equipped with a
lantern, which is a burning Dot (damage over time) weapon, try it out and see how quick those Rrat die. There's more to this weapon than its Dot attack btw.
-Remember those three goblins at the end of the beginning sewers ? They're dangerous. (actually,
nothing in this game is level scaled, they remains that dangerous till the end of the game unless you learn how to deal with them, with that being said, obviously Lona will remain being weak till the end of the game until she learns how to deal with each type ob monster accordingly and more...)
But...try this, unequip all Lona's armor, and lure them one by one, you will notice that they will masturbate first then try to grab Lona instead of attacking her (Don't attack them). This behavior can be turned into an advantage for Lona or a quick way to lose her virginity and get sent to game over screen depending on how you use it.
-Now about actual combat with these goblins, you notice how fast they are ? it's hard to hit them, but once you manage to land a hit they actually
slow down from time to time, later you will find weapons and trap ability with appropriate attribute that can slow oppononent down further. This can affect Lona as well, so pay attention to being trapped or being hit, especially by fast opponents that can block your escape.
There's actually alot going on with the combat of this game than just stats. Just take your time and learn the rope and Lona will be fine.