Explore the castle beneath Figaro and decide when to transform Odin.
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Reach the castle
Use Figaro Castle’s underground travel in the World of Ruin. When the crew reports an obstruction, stop the journey and descend through the castle’s prison area into the cave. Bring healing and save before the deeper passage: a monster in a treasure chest can be significantly stronger than ordinary encounters.
The cave exits at the buried Ancient Castle. Explore the rooms around the entrance and approach the central hall. Examine Odin’s statue for his magicite. At this point Odin is usable without committing to the later transformation.
The hidden passage
Search the castle for a clue to the concealed stairway. Stand in front of the right-hand throne, walk five steps south and inspect the floor to reveal the stairs. The Blue 
Dragon is an optional fixed boss in the lower room.
The chamber also contains the queen’s statue. Examining it while holding Odin transforms his magicite into Raiden. The exchange is permanent in ordinary play: Odin teaches Meteor and gives an original-release Speed bonus, while Raiden teaches Quick. Keep a separate save if you want to compare the options.
Leave and return
The cave and castle can be revisited, so a difficult monster or the Blue Dragon need not stop the main story. Return through the passage to Figaro and speak to the crew when ready to resume the underground journey. Check both the castle and its approach for unopened side rooms before leaving.