The Wing of Madoola/Stage 9

Relatively simple
Stage 9 gives you one final break from the complicated maze like stages that you been wandering through. Enjoy it while it lasts because the remainder of the stages are quite vast. The enemies that you face are a mix of basic and boss-class enemies. There is a rather conveniently located Spring of Strength in the second section of the stage, which you are encouraged to visit frequently, especially both before and after the fight in the boss room which is right next door. You will also collect the first Flash weapon on your way to the end of the stage.

Recommended route
Once again, this is a rather straight forward stage, and you are going to progress continuously to the right. From the start, you will advance to door A. On the way, you may encounter some tougher enemies like Mantle Skulls. Since they will not turn around to attack you, your best bet is to simply jump over them. Collect the Shield Ball ring behind door A before continuing on to warp door W1.

Beyond W1, you will come upon a sizable structure with two doors at the top. The left one contains a Spring of Strength. Visit it to ensure that you have little to worry about when fighting the stage boss, who happens to occupy the door immediately to the right. After you fight with the Joyraima, you will probably want to visit the spring once more before heading off to the goal of the stage. On your way there, don't forget to check inside door D in order to collect the first Flash weapon.

Boss: Joyraima
HP: 1930 Power: 600

Joyraima appears to be a difficult boss at first, but he's actually quite easy to defeat once you understand his movement pattern. He accelerates towards Lucia like a bull, and can accumulate quite a lot of velocity in the process. Your best defense against this is to jump over him as he approaches. He will have so much momentum, that he will slide a little bit beyond you while attempting to slow down and turn around. Once he's finished moving in his original direction, he will immediately turn around and charge you from the other side, which you can once again jump over. It is during the periods where he attempts to slow down and change direction that he is most vulnerable to attack. You can strike at him with your Flame Sword as soon as you land from jumping over him. Be prepared to stop and jump over him when he turns around again and repeat the process until he is defeated for an easy victory.