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About lack of reducing Defense and Protection...
The Python Knight scenario was tested November 16th, while the Daols were tested November 18th, so yes, after the Merlin update.
Also, just to clarify, Charging Strike was at rank 4 while Water Cannon was at rank 1 at the time of testing.
Currently, my only guesses are that either they removed the Defense/Protection reduction and forgot to add the Magic Defense/Magic Protection reduction and at some point they fixed that, or it somehow only affects alchemy now, which is most likely not the case.
It would be nice if someone could test magic against either the Python Knight or the Daols after a Shadow Spirit. I would have myself, but admittedly, my magic is... not so great. (Rank F across the board. Shows how much I care for Druid)