17 should be fine. But then again i did lvl 1 challenge to OZMA which took FOREVER. use your best skills and keep your health up and you'll be fine fighting Amarant. Best place to level up is above Gizamaluke's grotto in the little forest you pop up in. My advice is to go there as soon as you get the opportunity leveling will be a cinch for you there. Fight Garuda's, but make sure that you have locomotion enabled so that they can't cast stop on you.