hmm so this game SHOULD be considered a: Strategy/Defense game, Adventure/RPG, and Action.... Which one to place it in? The one it is the least of, adventure/RPG
Getting the rank one and Great mage achievement (and if haven't done it, Young mage contest) is easy, just do chaos desert. Easiest way to win: Spam bolt with max AB and high mana
Getting Great Mage, NOTE: I got this from the forum: Become rank 1 and Neutral, and in 221, when the battle at the great sea happens, It will ask you if you want to be great mage. Accept, and you will be Great Mage, don't accept, and Silverkin of Ice Land will be great Mage. (Forum page 2)