And now for a change of pace. Single character squads and you will only control a few squads total. Mostly just push ahead here to the top left, but have MC keep moving toward the exit as fast as possible while Stefan opens the chests. This will ensure MC reaches the exit in the required number of turns without sacrificing any treasure chests. Stefan can also use the surrender option for the first three or so fights. He will take the initial hit, but then can one shot the enemy and get the surrender bonus.

Interlude

With the missing Sybil, Jules, Zelos, Barnabas squads and the addition of Diana and Stefan, this is a natural army reorganization point. Particularly without Jules, you will want to create another archer squad.

Diana and her acolytes will form the core of an incredible infantry squad, so I’d keep them mostly intact. Stefan’s light infantry needs to be used with care: they are quite squishy, but very effective when ambush tactics are employed. You might consider adding a healer or replacing some of the rogues with sword fighters, if available.

This is the first chance to use arena tokens, which are a great way to level up as well as well as gain new items and funds for your cause. Arenas only let you deploy 5 squads and will incentivize you to avoid squads being completely wiped out as well as having a turn target. Note that perma death is disabled for arena levels. Arena foes will be somewhat randomized and may include classes that you haven’t faced yet such as dragons and cannons. Try to wipe out cannons on player phase, as they cannot return fire when attacked!

Even bronze arena won’t be a pushover at this point, so I would recommend putting in your top squads and focusing on winning the battle without a squad wipe. Later on it’ll be a great way to catch up new recruits and under leveled squads.

If you are short on funds and confident of your CP position, the CP items you receive from arena sell for a decent sum of 500 each. I don’t recommend selling them all just to splurge, but if there’s a really good mercenary then you can always grind CP in later arena fights instead of using the items. XP items sell for 250, but could also be considered in an emergency.