I think being basically forced to grind all the way to Champion, just to deal with the first rival battle so soon, is too much. The game runs slowly and combined with the
very low EXP yields from many wild battles, grinding is much too tedious for the game to hold my attention for long. The same issue continues in each area, even when the wild Digimon are higher level. I think the issue is the scaling EXP - where you earn less the higher level you are (i.e. Pokemon Black and White-style EXP gain), which is an unnecessary feature that could really be removed.
Anyway, I have soldiered on, beaten
and have been informed of the 8 missing Crests by the Doctor / Professor. Where do I go from here? I can't get behind the Hidden Caves (I can get on the roof but not behind the building) and I can't go beyond the pond to the South either. There is also nothing East of the forest. Please help?