[selkirk]

I wouldn't worry too much about getting SS ranks. The Permanent Will you get as a bonus for SS rank is usually the same as the next mission's boss/highest drop, which while nice to have early, doesn't make too much of a difference. S rank bonus permanent wills are usually the boss drop from the current mission.

• If you do try to get the SS ranks, definitely build a Sands of Time artifact as the first thing you do. Sorluska and Katima usually have the highest level for those, with Sorluska building faster, but at a much higher cost.
• Also, don't bother with reinforcing on every mission if possible; just store up mana, and have one mission to do all the reinforcing you need, rather than stopping every couple of towns.
• The All-rounders you use can also make a pretty big difference, but early on you don't have many choices. No one really has any all-attack skills, but both Sorluska and Katima are fast, and can do damage with all three of their slots (regular attack, counter defense, support attack). Red characters can do a lot of damage, but are kinda weak defense-wise to use as an all-rounder.
• Alternatively, you could use the various black characters to bring up the IP's of other groups, and usually that's just enough time to do everything and get an SS if you don't waste any time. Dump the slow characters as well, like the green Cryst girl. The black and red ones can help boost up IP by a point or two, and can do some damage in either Support or Attack positions.