Dungeons in Children of Mana are divided into multiple 'Zones.' To progress from one zone to the next, you must locate the Gleamdrop and bring it to the Gleampool. The bottom screen map will indicate their general location (e.g., 'in a vase'). Your HP is mostly restored between zones, so don't waste recovery items unnecessarily.
Every four zones, you'll reach a checkpoint where you can rearrange your equipment, save your game, and review your status. This is an excellent opportunity to strategize and prepare for upcoming challenges. Enemies provide experience points (EXP), which decrease as your level increases, eventually reaching a minimum of 2 EXP per monster. Gems like 'Heart of Progress' or 'Courage to Learn' can boost EXP gain. Dying in a dungeon returns you to the Mana Village without losing Lucre, EXP, or items, but you do lose all progress within that specific dungeon.
The game features a 'Fury' meter that fills as you deal or take damage. Once full, activate it with the SELECT button to temporarily increase your attack speed and modify your focused weapon attacks for greater power and unique effects. Purple gems equipped in your Gem Frame also activate during Fury mode, providing additional benefits.