Leveling gives you HP, SP and skill points only. But there are barrels scattered all around that can rise your stats permanently! Red liquid gives +2 Might. I don't remember other colors but you use save/load procedure to figure it out and then make yourself a list.

I think there are some "challenges" too that may increase your stats but usually you must have high ability to win this challenge so it's not that practical. Barrels, however, should be very easy to find and use.

You can also find equipment that boosts stats. But barrels are the main way early in the game.

thank you all so much, I started to think my game is bugged or something :)

since now you are mid game, this tip might be a waste, but it might help future players:

- when you create your character, set the statistic with the fact that luck well is in the location you start with, and might well (also in a city) is in free heaven.

- well will not work if your stat is above +15 (or something, google it up) so DO NOT drink a barrel not until you drink from related well. so the order is this:

- drink from well
- the rest (barrel, pilgrimage, dragon sand).

the altar in the dragon sand is reachable even if you are not that far in the game. but you might want to already expert in water and fly, and already bought pylon and city teleport spell.

The key is that fly to the border into dragonsand (you will walk for 5 day and start on ground) cast fly, press enter (go into combat), fly as high as possible, fly while running (press shift?) all the way to the location, press enter again, fly down, press enter (to get out of combat mode) and run into the room thingy, hide behind the wall, press enter (go into combat), touch the altar, and don't forget to cast pylon spell. and since i'm sure you are in bad shape now (but awesome statistic, yay!) just teleport to the beginning town and get healed.

TIP: Due to the fact that temple healing in the beginning town is SO CHEAP, a combination of pylon and town portal can make dungeon cleaning easy (provided that you are a master in water).