Shit howdy!

I actually haven't tried Kalisthewhatever her name is without knowledge or boots yet - but It might be doable, even on Pelagos, but it's probably not possible on first try. Yeah...the collecting eventually peters out once all fights are unlocked but ya know

I actually REALLY like Path of Ascension!! It's great, it's got some fun fights and the soulbinds have unique abilities which make a fight easier or harder. It's just the grinding component SUCKS (You can buy a box of materials from the nearby inn keeper for 5 tokens)

Fam I'm very glad you're positive about this and I'm so happy you're enjoying it but it's very hard for me to think that the destination will be worth this journey across the desert where I'm constantly getting jabbed in the ankles by scorpions