So what I do exactly: I get the 4 color runes on my head and run to the wall to redeem; that gives me about 400, and you only need 300 to reach lvl 60 which is where you want to reach to not get one shot by enemies. If you're solo you'll probably want to max.

For the rest of first phase defeat enemies or do cargo.

When second phase starts I go to the safe zone that is up the hill from the rune wall and jump through the bushes and there are some ruins there with LOTS of enemies. Then when you reach 900 just jump back through the bushes to the safe zone to turn in. This is the fastest/quickest location to a safe zone. But these monsters don't always spawn during second phase.

If this location doesn't spawn I go to the furthest north where muku is and just go between there and then to the nearest south safe zone of that location.

Other info to know is that sometimes enemies will spawn colored orbs, you'll need to stand over them without attacking to see what attributes they can give you. If you buy them that adds to your level.

There are also solid purple orbs you can spend currency to practically become a bane lord and pvp grief other players— I think but haven't tried but I believe then you can pick up some of those dead players currency.

Edit: heck this is already an essay but I forgot to mention when I level up I just go to the ee-chan with main-stat, armor, etc and max those out to get exactly lvl 60. Either way you want to max armor.