Liurnia of the Lakes

Head to the Church of Irith to meet Thops and collect a Sacred Tear (increases Flask potency).

Talk to Thops about the Glintstone Key and trade if desired.

Travel on horseback towards an enemy camp.

Defeat the soldiers or quickly grab the Glintstone Craftsman Book (1) (increases crafting repertoire).

Continue past the enemy camp towards smoke to find a merchant.

At Liurnia Lake Shore, use the site of grace and purchase goods from the merchant.

Find the area marked on the world map (usually noticeable) to acquire the Liurnia East Map.

Proceed to Laskyar Ruins, a Site of Grace where you can find Glintstone's Craftsman Cookbook (2).

Continue towards the Scenic Isle Site of Grace.

At Scenic Isle, find the Site of Grace and meet Patches (an NPC (non-player character — anyone the game controls, not you) merchant).

Purchase items from Patches, rest, and then locate the odd marker on your map to acquire the Map of Liurnia North.

At Academy Gate Town, find a glowing tree near the stairs containing a Golden Seed (x1) to upgrade your Flasks.

Farm enemies in this area for Ruins to level up.

Sneak past the Iron Chariot enemy by going around a corner building to find the Blue-White Wooden Shield.

Continue to South Raya Lucaria Gate.

At South Raya Lucaria Gate, pick up the Meeting Place Map from a corpse.

Follow the map towards floating Teardrop Scarabs near spiked rocks.

Go behind the dragon (which will be fought later) to find the Glintstone Academy Key.

Return to the nearest Site of Grace, then head back to the gate to access the Main Academy Gate Site of Grace.