ya know about 3-4 months ago i fought vanaduke for the first time he was an exceptional opponent took a great deal of effort to beat him (did not know any glitches xP) and once i got used to beating i felt so pro
but now . . .
UFSC has shown me
im not pro
not even close
i made it to the button of despair where you face the giant
but once gates droped
it was the introduction of a 30 second fight
where i was shown the gates of heaven
and i cried as i walked through those gates back into the haven town square
Two days ago I tried my first stratum 5 fiend in weeks. I'd been farming Royal Jelly and Roarmulus and T3 beast strata, and realized I lacked Dark Shards. I also wanted to see what Stygian Steeds was (believe it or not, I've never yet set foot into it). Anyway, I died once in Ritual Road (second depth) and thrice in Sinful Steps, and, having spent 30 + 10 + 20 + 40 = 100 energy, I decided not to waste any more. I didn't even reach Stygian Steeds.
I suppose a lack of shadow protection and 5* armor would be an issue, but enough say it's your playing style that really counts. I found it hard to dodge the kats in particular. Either way, I've never felt so weak =(