I'm going to play this again soon

[metagloria]

But don't fight Shiva before fighting Ifrit.

...eh? I didn't even know/think this was possible. Why wait?

Ifrit is in the library, Shiva can be reached through the waterway the first time you visit the castle. And she and her soldierettes will destroy you.

Yeah, I used to have a little trouble with that fight. Not lately though. As long as you're level 15 or so, you can power through.