Secret of Mana/Potos Falls and Potos Village

''At the beginning of the game, Randi (the main character) and two of his friends are playing on a bridge over a waterfall (Picture: 1.1). Suddenly Randi falls from the bridge and finds himself trapped by undergrowth. The only way to return to his hometown, is to find some kind of knife or sword to cut the undergrowth away ...''

After you fall from the bridge, go to the south and exit the river bed. Head east and then turn south along the small path; you will suddenly hear a voice calling your name (Picture 1.2). Cross the small bridge over the river, and go to the north (notice the sword on your left). You will pass the undergrowth, where Randi mentions that he needs a tool to cut a path to the village. Continue north and enter the river bed again. Turn to the west and then head south until you run into the sword stuck in a stone - the Mana Sword (Picture 1.3).

Make sure that you stay in front of it, and press. After being coaxed by the voice, Randi pulls the sword out of the stone (Picture 1.4) and a ghost appears for a few seconds. With blade in hand, head back to the undergrowth and cut it away by pressing. When clear, follow the path to the right where you will fight your first monster (Picture 1.5).

This monster, called Rabite, is a rather weak one. Two hits with Randi's sword should be enough to kill it. Now follow the path through the woods (north, east, south, then exit to the west), where you will come across other rabites.

After you've killed several enemies, your sword reaches a new level (Picture 1.6). That means that Randi can use better techniques, by holding the for a few seconds and charging a technique (for now, it will max out at level 1). Randi can also level up, which will increase some of his stats (most notably, his maximum HP). You may also come across treasure boxes that spawn from the corpses of the rabites. To open one, walk up to it and press. Randi will shake the box and the contents will be announced at the top of the screen.

Cross the bridge to the west, head south through the underbrush, and then cross over the river for the final time and exit to the east and and you will have reached Potos (Picture 1.7), Randi's hometown.

After returning to Potos, the villagers make comments about the monsters beginning to act up. Before returning to the Elder's house in the north-east, you may want to purchase supplies from the store (specifically the bandana, 50GP) if you can afford it (don't waste your money on Overalls, as Randi is already wearing a pair). Feel free to save in the inn (speak with the innkeeper, then say no to spending the night).

Boss Battle: Mantis Ant
Say hello to your first boss battle. While fighting the Mantis Ant, you should concentrate more on getting accustomed to using your sword since you will be revived by the armored knight every time you die.

Mantis Ant is very simple, but his attacks will keep you from continuously attacking (and maybe kill you too). If you are already at Level 4 when you fight him you should have no problem in blocking his stunning attack; at Level 2, things will be a little bit challenging. You can further enhance your defense if you equip the bandana to help block his Acid Breath. His only attack that will hit you 100% of the time is Gem Missile Level 0. While you're not getting hit, just wait until he's strafing around and slash him with your sword when its power is at 100% for maximum damage. If your sword is at Level 2, simply use your charged up Level 1 attack to finish this fight quickly (it deals about 140% damage).

Item obtained: Sword Orb

To the Water Palace
After the battle with the Mantis Ant, you get exiled from Potos village, although you are given one last chance to purchase supplies. Head downstairs to open a treasure chest and purchase what you need from the store.

When you head outside, you are allowed to take a free trip to the Water Palace. You can take it if you want, or you can walk along the path and follow the signs to the Water Palace. You'll find a save point just south of where you land (head east, then south slightly and west to Neko's).

Head into the water palace and speak with Luka and Jema. She will describe your current task; find the eight temples, and seal the mana seeds with your sword. You will also receive a spear. The water palace also serves as a save point as well.

Luka will mention that you should head to Gaia's Navel for the Underground Palace. To reach this place, head south through the Kingdom of Pandora.