Hey, the reason why the sinistrals are easy to me is because at the beginning, i gain levels to try to beat Gades, even if you failed, you will get an level boost advantage. For the alum blade, you can find it in the anicent cave or... you call find it in the beginning to aid you to beat up those sinistrals. the way is easy, basically i got from battle in the garland gang hideout, battle every battle to see if you're lucky enough to get the blade, i think the monsters to beat to get the alum blade is 2 poison bettle and a pixie.