In combat, a higher power level doesn't guarantee victory.
A 150mm howitzer—powerful, yes?
Immense destructive capability, right?
Yet, if it's struck by a 60mm mortar, it's the howitzer that will fall.
This should be a principle easily grasped.
Unless the disparity in power is absolutely overwhelming, it is entirely plausible for a difference of just one tier in power levels to lead to a completely unexpected combat outcome.
×××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Furthermore, the power levels described in the book do not equate precisely to the actual combat metrics displayed by the respective fighters during a battle; this point I have elaborated on previously.
Combat is an intricate process; perhaps a highly potent master, while evading, might suddenly pass gas, causing a momentary distortion in their posture, allowing the opponent to strike a vital point—such a low-probability event could very well transpire.
.C