How do you beat Dark Perpetua when you enter capital
Manticore spikes are not a necessaty. Just defeat her with magic - this is the only “honest” strategy that does not require a manticore spike-cheese. And yea, don't even try to survive through heal - it's a waste of time really. She increases damage the longer you fight with her.
And you will have to be a little higher in level than her for a “fair” fight. Otherwise, she will simply crush you.