You'd think higher level would also equal to more loot and thus better equipment in practice. If they have magic equipment (or some strange metals), it could make all the difference in the world. Big monsters have their natural defence and offence capabilities, humans need to rely on external ones (unless it's a Chinese kung fu story).

I'm glad Mary starts to get better along with them. It's also absolutely true what they said about the unnecessary lines. An occasional joke is a different thing compared to insulting somebody every day, especially considering these guys aren't childhood friends or anything.