Upon reaching the shore, Quistis reminds you to junction your GFs before proceeding - divide them among the 3 and transfer magic from Quistis if you have to. While on this mission, don’t converse with Squad A or C members (except for Selphie), follow orders, and finish off all enemies quickly. Instructors in this field exam are assessing you. For the moment, follow Seifer to the top of the stairs.

Near the Save Point, the group comes upon 2 Galbadian guards. Attack normally and stock up on Cure spells. Have Squall practice using the Gunblade’s [R1] trigger feature to cause extra damage. Note that Seifer’s Hyperion also has this feature but the timing is a bit faster. Continue following Seifer to the central square.

Once there, Seifer orders the party to eliminate any remaining guards. Follow the upper right alley and take out all guards there. Ultimately, Seifer loses his patience and decides to check things out ahead. Follow him. After the party crosses a bridge, they chance upon some injured Dollet troops. One is dragged away by a monster before Squall can reach him. The Anacondaur is weak against Ice, so use Shiva on it.

Afterwards, follow the path to the communcations tower, defeating more enemies along the way. When Seifer runs off, Selphie arrives to conveniently replace him. Transfer Seifer’s GF and magic over to her then head right around the cliff (you can jump off if you want, but instructors will give you lower marks). Meet Selphie at the tower entrance and name her. When ready, enter the communication tower. Once inside, use the Blind DP then save your game. Ride the elevator to the top.

The group stumbles upon Wedge (blue) and Biggs (red), who are trying to repair the satellite. Once it’s fixed, the party engages them in battle.

BOSS x 2 >> BIGGS & WEDGE
HP: 610 / 608 Weakness: Poison Strength: ?
AP: 8 Draw: Fire, Thunder, Blizzard, Esuna / Fire, Thunder, Blizzard, Cure

Strategy: Spend some time drawing magic out (especially Esuna) before eliminating them with GFs. Keep everyone’s health up, but save some potions and Cure spells for the fight that will take place immediately after defeating them.

BOSS >> ELVORET
HP: 2,872 Weakness: Wind Strength: Poison
AP: 10 Draw: Thunder, Cure, Double, Siren GF

Strategy: Draw GF Siren from Elvoret then unleash everything you’ve got (save a few Thunder spells and items). Watch out for Storm Breath, which does 100+ damage to everyone. Use healing spells and items as necessary, and take advantage of limit breaks when they become available.

Afterwards, you’ll receive the March issue of Weapons Monthly and have 30-minutes to get back to the beach. When you regain control of your characters, quickly board the lift and descend. Biggs activates a defense mechanism that is set to chase you all the way back. Save your game then exit to fight the X-ATM092 for the first time.

BOSS >> X-ATM092
HP: 5,492 Weakness: Thunder Strength: Poison
AP: 0 or 50 Draw: Fire, Blizzard, Cure, Protect

Strategy: Hit it with Thunder spells then attack normally (Quezacotl works well but eats up the timer, so use the GF at your own risk). If you do about 1,100 worth of damage quickly, the machine will not get a chance to use Ray-Bomb. When it collapses, escape by pressing the R2 and L2 buttons simultaneously. While it’s possible to defeat this boss, it isn’t likely, so run when you get the chance.

Run through the city, while trying to avoid the X-ATM092 another 3 times. If it catches you, you’ll have to fight it again. Use the exact same strategy each time. When you reach the central square, dash towards the dog and tap [X] repeatedly to make it run away. As you head down the last alleyway, the game switches to an FMV showing Squall’s escape.