Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to kill the Cuisinarts as your first victory.

For extra credit, do it without using Frenzy.

Hint: The game only counts the battles that you win. If you run away from a battle, you still haven't won your 1st battle.

I literally have no clue how you did that.

Here are a few tips:
1. Hireable NPCs in spell-casting classes come knowing all the spells.
2, There are two spots that can temporarily raise everyone's Spell Level to 9. (This only lasts until after the next battle.)
3. There are some spots that give you items for free. One of them is in the tundra (which can be reached without Navigation)
4. It only counts as a battle won if you actually win it.
5. There is a useful bug that is triggered by casting Frenzy.
6. Max HP potions last until you rest or are healed at the temple.

As an example, try the following (which unfortunately requires winning an easy battle):
1. Start a new game
2. Recruit Aeriel (this requires winning a battle that's easy even for first level characters)
3. Use either Spell Level fountain
4. Enjoy being able to cast 9th level Sorcerer spells early in the game.

You, sir, have earned my respect. :)