That Rush Mode thing gets useless when enemies get physical repel.  I made the fatal error of doing a rush mode and didn't see they had that until it was too late to stop it.  I was pretty pissed lol.  Also, are you creating your weapons/armor, doing your social links, studying, gaining more courage, and all that?  Buy the books at the bookstore whenever you can too which is in the shopping district south side right by the bus stop.  There's normally a guy standing in front of it who will inform you about whatever's on sale at the time as will the sign by the shop and what's coming next if I remember right.