Few questions about Tales of Symphonia

I'm about to enter the Tower of Salvation for the very first time. I guess I'll go back to the Tower of Mana and grind there, then.

I've already beat the game twice, on my third playthrough, but it's been a while since I've actually played it.

Well must been a while since you have played, can't you remeber where you go after your FIRST vist you don't have to beat kratos if you lose the game still carrys on (x2 for when you next got to the tower in the "other world" you don't have to win then either =p)