did you mean you mastered how to use cancel-backstep? you almost tricked me into explaining you that you can't level that skill because its given to you for free! what a tricky person!

you should slide when you need to and/or when you want to. if there are ranged attacks coming at you try using slide to dodge it, floating enemies don't get damaged by sliding so don't try to be silly and slide at doll monsters! >_>

you should first use the skill simulator before you raise any skills. you will know what requirements you need for your skills through the simulator. if it says (!) "WORDS" it means you need to raise a skill to unlock it.

this link is ghost knight simulator for skills. - asura is the last job in the selection -
http://df.nexon.com/?GO=knowledge|sk...dnf&sJob=sword

and this one is for gunners. - ranger is the first job in the selection -
http://df.nexon.com/?GO=knowledge|sk...nf&sJob=gunner

Good luck~!