5.3. Zombies! [5300]

Guide to Tantar and the Forest of Despair in Light No Fire. Find items, shops, and navigate the dangers of the Forest Fortress. Level up your party for tougher challenges.

The monsters in this area are tougher but offer significantly more EXP, making it a good spot for leveling up. Follow the dirt path southward, ignoring the forest path for now, until you reach a ramp leading down a cliff. Head east to find two towns side-by-side, separated by a dried river. The town on the left is Tantar.

Tantar

In Tantar, you'll find an inn and a Dragon Shrine in the northwest corner. The inn contains a Charm in a cabinet. Next to the Dragon Shrine is a Weapon & Armor Shop selling:

• Sabre - ~400G
• BronzRP - ~800G
• ShortBW - ~1000G
• Scythe - ~1200G
• Bandana - ~400G
• BronzSH - ~500G
• SuedeAR - ~750G
• Visor - ~800G

The Scythe is a powerful single-target weapon for Ryu, while the Rang (not listed, assumed to be a previous weapon) hits all enemies. It's recommended to buy a Bandana for Nina. To obtain the Saw, go to the southwestern corner of town. Enter the lower-right house and speak to the blacksmith, who will craft it if you have I.Ore (obtained in Aura Cave). In the central tall, purple house, go upstairs and open the drawers for a W.Ptn.

Forest of Despair

Leave Tantar, head west, and go back up the ramp. Follow the dirt path until a section branches into the forest. Use the Saw to cut down the large tree blocking the way and enter the Forest of Despair. This forest is shrouded in thick fog and contains monsters that provide a lot of EXP. Be prepared for dangerous enemies like Zombies and S.Riders, and ensure you have healing and reviving items.

Follow the path to a fork and take the lower path. At the next split, go right to find an Herb. Return to the main path and head north. At another split, ignore paths to the east. Continue north to find a T.Drop in a chest. Head south, then east. At the next split, take the southeast path, generally heading south until you find two chests containing a Life and a T.Drop. Continue southeast along the outskirts. At a fork, take the north path. At another split, head north to find a Wrist in a chest, which should be equipped on Nina. Follow the other path northwest. At the next fork, head northwest and continue north, ignoring paths to the west. You will eventually reach a large, stone building.

Forest Fortress

Upon entering the Forest Fortress, two guards will attack. Defeat the Bowman and Lancer to proceed. The first floor has trapdoors. Falling through the first trapdoor leads to a room with four treasure chests containing two Lifes, a T.Drop, and a LongSD. Use the staircase in this room to return to the first floor.

From the entrance, head east and then north. A lower path appears to lead to the treasure room but contains a trapdoor. Take the north path instead, where two more guards will attack. Defeat them and proceed. At the northwest corner is a staircase. Before descending, go south to find four treasure chests containing an Herb, T.Drop, Acorn, and a Life2. Descend the staircase.

You will arrive near another staircase. Take it immediately. Chests in this area contain two Herbs, a T.Drop, and a WolfHT (this chest is trapped and deals 50 HP damage). Go back upstairs and head east. Avoid the northern branching path, as it leads back to the treasure room. Follow the twisting path to a treasure chest containing an H (item name incomplete in source).