ITEMS TO GET: None

   After naming Vahn, you'll begin your adventure in his home town, Rim Elm. If you search the back of the Genesis Tree, you can see a map of the whole town and learn about its inhabitants. Then head up the stairs to the south. Mei will show up and speak with you briefly about Vahn's Hunter Clothes.

   Explore the town -- you can save your game at the Memory Statue in the cave -- and when you're done, go to Vahn's house, in the southeast. After the scene there, head south onto the beach and talk to Tetsu. Choose to practice against him and Tetsu will drill you in the basics of the battle system (you'll also acquire the Somersault Arts). After both of these events are completed, the hunters will return, and some more scenes will occur.

   At sunsnet, go back to Vahn's house, and talk to Val (Vahn's father). Choose to rest. Val soons awakes Vahn and sends him out to investigate the noise. Leave the house and head up to the Wall. Talk to the elder, and you'll see an FMV sequence. Afterwards, Vahn will be thrust into battle against a Gimard.

   Use Somersault to defeat the Gimard; it'll take about 4 or 5 hits. You can also learn a new Arts, Hyper Elbow, by using the pattern Left, Right, Left. After you defeat the Gimard, hurry down to Mei's house (in the lower-left) and talk to Mei. Pick the second option, then the first. You'll automatically flee to Vahn's house. There, talk to Nene to get healed, then leave and return to the Genesis Tree. Touch it and the Ra-Seru Meta will appear. Accept it and you'll acquire the ability to cast magic. To actually use magic, however, you'll have to assimilate Seru -- any of the monsters with an elemental icon next to their name (such as the Gimards in this area) can be assimilated.

   Go back to Vahn's house and talk to Val. The village's people will assemble in front of the Genesis Tree. Touch the tree again to activate it and drive away their mission. More scenes will occur, then Vahn will be given a new mission by the village elder.