I literally cannot figure out this game. I shoot enemies, and use E to get materials from them... but I just die instantly with a bust -1
how does the player level up?
Once you've found any of the seven gems for the statue in the center of the map, you can use it to increase your health and size. Once you hit maximum size and have found them all, you can open the gates on the mountain and fight the final boss!
In case you may have missed it, in the pause menu there is a map on the bottom left. It may give you some hints on where you need to go. =)