Inferno tactics.

Just on the second week, for example, you might find a book of fire (if you're VERY lucky), or randomly pick up a scroll. Well, if you have it, you level up a mage hero, equip them with ifrits, and off you go. At the same time, let's say your second hero, a strong fighter, goes with devils. Another serious argument for this tactic is hiding ifrits (I once had them located about one and a half moves away from the starting castle!).