You can use her in part two of the story, Ex! Could indicated that Emily has aged a bit.

I posted a combat post with information about the enemies. I also created a "nemesis"-thingy where I basically roll a dice for which character that will do double damage against the enemies regardless of resistances and other things.

Edit: also, you'll be able to use your Limit Break just before your stagger meter is filled. Since our stagger meters now reset with every battle, you can't exploit it. Not that I think you would, just saying. Also, only 'special' enemies add to your stagger meter, which means that the 'tiny blobs' don't.