It is natural progression. It is supposed to be a challenge at this point, but what really makes it difficult is because it is so huge, that there are not many save points in the Calm Lands, while anywhere else, you can still get into a fight while standing next to the Save Point. The save points in Calm Lands are in the Agency, and you have to walk in and out to heal. It is not strange at all. If you want strange and wierd and difficult, play FFIII at level 7 against the Giant Rat, with no mana.