Game Mechanics: Get skill up message but don't skill up

[BarackObooma]

I have a level one mule in EC that I use to corpse no rent items so he dies a lot usually by a one shot from a merchant.

I've gotten the message "You have gotten better at defense (5)" dozens of times but if you look at his skills, his defense is still 4.

I'm assuming it has to do with him dying at the same time (or possibly before) and therefore negating it but would think it's a bug either way since it gives the skillup message when it isn't or that it isn't giving the skillup.

[BarackObooma]

(Piercing prior to altercation = 5, Defense prior = 4)
Auto attack on.
You try to pierce Yola Sweetcookie, but miss!
You have become better at Piercing! (6)
Yola Sweetcookie hits YOU for 65 points of damage.
You have been knocked unconcious!
You have been slain by Yola Sweetcookie!
You have become better at Defense! (5)
Returning to home point, please wait...
LOADING, PLEASE WAIT...
(Piercing after altercation = 5, Defense after = 4)

[BarackObooma]

Now even more interesting! My piercing shows as 5. I come back for another round with Yola because YOLO! I attack here again and..

You try to pierce Yola Sweetcookie, but miss!
You have become better at Piercing! (7)
Yola Sweetcookie hits YOU for 65 points of damage.
You have been knocked unconcious!
You have been slain by Yola Sweetcookie!

(Piercing after altercation = 5)