Just wondering why I am forced to do battle when I click on the Retreat button, this has happened three times, can somebody please tell me what is going on here?

Thanks

if the ennemy is faster (same level) or if your team is from a lower level you cant out run them and your force to battle, it can be quite anoying when you want to go somwhere quickly but i advise you to battle as mutch as possible so you can be ready for the bosses in the normal exploration zones.

Thanks Cian for the information.

Yeah it's incredibly boring doing one battle after another, but then I guess I need to progress...not a fan of battling in general online, but no worries :)

Not directly answering your question (Cian did that), but a little advice.

I strongly advise you finish the storyline that is currently available. It will unlock all features of exploration and make earning gold a lot easier on you.

Battling is a good way to earn gold. Yes, it's a grind but during festivals it is the main way of gaining festival currency and earning festival avatar items and hunting for special pets.