Where am I supposed to be?

I beat Giant Patron, Winged Pale Lament Duo, Dr. Ridley Hermann, and Edwyn in that order, things seemed to increase at a normal pace. But afterwards, Ive been having to run for my life through any other area (Damned Ruins and The Marshland). I feel severely under-levelled to be in either of those areas! It could very well be a skill issue lol, Im not great at video games. Just wondering if I skipped over an area?

edit: just beat starborn, things have been progressing much better for me! Seems like I was too chicken to see I was actually decently levelled enough for the marshland area lol.