Mintia: The "Dark" MOMO

MOMO's Secret Ether/Tech Attack requires that you beat a boss called Mintia first. Mintia is on the 2nd floor of the Ironman Bar. It's only available after or during the Gnosis Attack on the Foundation and when you have MOMO as an onscreen character. Here's how to get there (complete with a visual!):

1. Turn the crank in front of the bar so that the sunshade pops out. Then go into the "Our Treasure Inn" and come out the second floor onto the fire escape.
2. Head toward the far right and blow up the obstacle at the end. Then jump off onto the sunshade.
3. Walk across to the open window. Make sure your controller is slightly tilted so that you don't fall off.

If the conditions have been met, then Mintia should appear and talk with you, formally challenging you to a battle. I didn't find her too hard, but I didn't know she was there until I reached Proto Merkabah, so I suppose my opinion is a bit biased. Anyways I think of her as the "Dark MOMO" because she has many similar attacks but in a dark element (ex. Dark Star instead of Miracle Star). Make sure you are thoroughly prepared though, for she is considered one of the toughest bosses in Episode 1. She particularly hates the males of the group so if you like to use any of the males in your battle line-up, good luck. She mass attacks/targets them in particular!

After the battle, you get MOMO's Tech Attack, Dark Sceptor. FINALLY! You get a powerful close-range tech attack that's physical based instead of ether. As an added bonus, Dark Sceptor, when used as a final blow, can turn many Gnosis into items. You might also get the Penguin Rod after you win, but sometimes you get the Craft Apron instead. However, if can just steal one, you'll get the other after the battle as well! The Penguin Rod is a good weapon, but you find the more powerful Dragon Rod on Proto Merkabah to be MOMO's ace-in-the-hole weapon. All-in-all, the Mintia battle is a difficult one but very rewarding. I wish you the best in fighting her!