PROTECTION: None (4)

Learn how to navigate the tricky 'PROTECTION: None (4)' stage in Phantom Blade Zero. Get tips on enemy types, item confinement, and strategy to clear the level.

Alright, let's tackle this 'PROTECTION: None (4)' stage. It's less about direct combat and more about smart positioning and using the environment. Don't worry if you need to revive Drab and his crew; they can help with the weaker enemies while you focus on the bigger threats. Just remember, they won't go after the tougher foes, so those are on you.

Here's the plan: On Marona's first turn, move her diagonally towards the PoisonRck. You'll want her to jump over the dead Fine Summon and get close to the archway. Confine Ash to the PoisonRck. Then, grab a mage and confine them to the nearby Skull, and another attacker to the Driftwood. End Marona's turn there.

On Marona's second turn, move her north, under that archway (again, jumping over the dead Flawles Summon). From this spot, she should be able to reach a Rock to her east and another to her northwest. Confine two fighters to these Rocks, and then end her turn.

The Galaxy summon will likely take the first enemy turn and grab one of the trees. If you keep Marona healed up, and hopefully have another mage with the Heal spell, you should manage this part just fine. If things get hairy, don't hesitate to revive Drab to lend a hand.

After clearing the stage, enjoy the scene with Marona – she's pretty cute, right? Then, we get a bit of story with Walnut and Persimmon, followed by a scene back on Phantom Isle with Papa Cauldron. He's stepping in as our muscle to defend Marona's reputation and even gives her a [SECRET BK], though it's a bummer we can't add titles to it. The episode wraps up with a glimpse of the Rainbow bird heading towards Clutter Haven.

Now, we're heading into EPISODE 15: SIENNA'S REQUEST. Head to Clutter Haven to chat with Sienna about that Rainbow bird. She'll ask you to help Count Malt, but wants you to keep her involvement a secret.

Next, make your way to Icicle Island in the far southwest. A sudden blizzard hits as you arrive. This leads us into STAGE 15-1: Desperation.

For this stage, use the sliding mechanic to your advantage for extra movement. Your goal is to get Marona around to confine characters to the two Cacti and the two Rocks. Remember, you can cancel any movement as long as you don't fall Out of Bounds (OB) – check NOTE 9 for details on that.

Start by confining fighters to the SacredRck and Crystal right next to Marona. Then, slide slightly east towards the Cactus on the high edge and confine another fighter there. Do the same for the PoisonRck. After that, have Marona slide towards the center of the area; she should now be in range of the other Cactus, Crystal, and Rock. Confine three more fighters to these objects, and you're set.

I highly recommend taking out the Mermen first. They have high INT and powerful Giga Leveled spells, so dealing with them early makes the rest of the battle much smoother.

Once that's done, we move on to STAGE 15-2: Lupine on Ice.

You'll have more characters than enemies here, but focus on the magic users, especially the mermaid. The Fenrir and the summon aren't too threatening since they only hit single targets, and the slippery ice makes the computer AI less effective.

Confine your best characters as usual: two to the nearby Crystal and Rock. Then, have Marona slide towards the enemies to confine two more to the Crystal and PoisonRck. Confine a couple of mages to the trees, and you'll be in a good position.

Watch out! The summon has a chance to steal your weapons. It snagged Marona's Netherbk and boosted its INT to a whopping 4500! With Marona at level 50, the chance was only 9%, so it's a bit unlucky when it happens, but definitely something to be aware of.