Period 5-1[edit]
This stage is easily one of the longest in the game. Not only is it considerably long, with a large number of columns to bomb, but it is also a looping stage, so if you don't find the Chalice, this long stage will become considerably longer. Naturally, there are a large number of underground tunnels hidden beneath the column blocks.
Midway into the stage, keep your eye open for a singular block along the top wall that looks like it could be an entrance to a treasure room at (1). In fact, it is an entrance to a treasure room, but more significant than that, is that it is a good indicator of the Chalice location. You can find the Chalice directly opposite the treasure room entrance, along the bottom wall. In the treasure room, you can find a Flash, a Hyper Missile, and a very rare Megaton Bomb.
Even once you collect the Chalice, you will have a considerable distance to go. It is easy to become a bit impatient in this level. Even in an effort to speed up the exploration process, you may feel inclined to use Hyper Missiles to clear away many columns at one time. However, the arrangement of walls and blocks make it difficult to use the Missiles effectively. Also, due to the nature of the layout of this stage, new enemies will appear at various locations throughout the stage, especially the tougher enemies which fire missiles at you.
Unlike many stages where you have to hunt around a bit for the key when you reach the end of the stage, it is in fact impossible to reach the goal without finding the key as a result. When the stage stops scrolling, you must bomb block (2) several times to clear it away. In the process of gaining access to block (3), you will kind the Key. The bomb the block until it disappears, and proceed to the goal.
Period 5-2[edit]
Although this stage is every bit as long as the previous stage, it is as simple as the previous stage was complicated. It should remind you quite a bit of Period 3-2, a wide open stage culminating in two screens full of columns. Naturally, there is very little strategy to discuss since there is little to worry about other than enemies and the occasional stairwell to an underground tunnel. You won't even have to cross a river this time.
You are safest walking along the top or bottom walls of the stage. A little more than halfway through, you will see one block distinct from the rest of the top wall. Bomb it to access a treasure room. In here, you can collect a Flash, a Time Stopper, and another rare Megaton Bomb, which you may end up using at the end of this stage.
And sure enough, you will reach the end of the stage which is loaded with columns in every available position. You can use Hyper Missiles to clear out a corridor, and if you insist on clearing it out quickly, two Megaton Bombs will clear both screens of columns. However, before you detonate the second bomb, you should get further to the end of the stage by bombing the block at location (2), and using a Hyper Missile to get further to the end of the stage. Using a Megaton Bomb will make finding the Key easier, but if you look for it manually, search to the right of the top middle of the screen.
Period 5-3[edit]
It is time for the second boss fight of the game. In here, a dragon will raise its head through a well in the ground and try to blast you with its fiery breath. In addition to the flame breath, lightning bolts rain down on the screen.
In general, you will want to stick to bombing the dragon head, as attacking with your gun will take such a considerable amount of time, it's barely worth trying. The dragon will always rear its head away from you, in an effort to attack you diagonally from the left or from the right. You can take advantage of this behavior by walking towards the top of the screen, forcing the dragon head to retreat, dropping a bomb or two on the floor, and then walking back down. This should cause the dragon head to follow you after it breathes fire, and the head should get caught in the blast of the bombs you left behind.
The most important thing to remember is to not double back and walk into your own bomb blasts. Also, if you need a breather, you can stand behind the rocks in the lower left corner. This will protect you from the dragon's fire, but not from the lightning bolts. Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to make quick use of Extra energy items if you run down to your last battery.