Setting Out

From North Castle, exit right or left.

On the overworld map, stay on the yellow road to avoid enemies. If you leave the road, run towards Fairy icons if low on health. Enemy icons lead to combat encounters.

Defeating enemies grants EXP (Experience Points) to level up Life, Magic, and Attack. Fight enemies near towns for easier healing.

Follow the road northeast from North Castle, then take the northwest fork towards Rauru Town.

Enter Rauru Town. Talk to townspeople for hints. A woman in red outside a small white house will heal you fully inside her home.

In the second part of town, a maiden in purple will lead you to her father, a wise old man in the basement.

Speak with the old man to learn the Shield magic spell.

To use magic: Press Start to open the menu, highlight the spell, press Start again to unpause, then press Select to activate the spell. This consumes magic.

Hints from townspeople: An old woman mentions returning the crystal to Parapa Palace. A man in a house says, "If all else fails use Fire." A young man notes, "Only the Hammer can destroy a roadblock." A young woman advises, "Find the Heart in southern Parapa." A child in the last house says, "Get Candle in Parapa Palace. Go west."

Leave Rauru Town and return to the overworld map.

Follow the road northwest from Rauru Town to a small forest.

Enter the forest to find blue bats called Aches. Dodge their attacks and hit them with your sword.

Defeat Aches for 3 EXP each. Collect the Treasure Bag (50 EXP) in the middle by crouching and hitting it with your sword.

Use the Treasure Bag EXP to level up Life to 2.