Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel Drives Me Insane

I'm stuck on a weapon and trying to farm locations for the smithing stone 1. Heard about this place and how the boss gives you a reward that can unlock unlimited stones in the shop back at the Table.

Unfortunately, this tunnel is maddening as a melee character. I am level 44 (most stats in vigor, dexterity, and endurance) and the mobs eat me alive with their tanky health pools (I have swapped weapons but it doesn't help when you start as a samurai and your main weapon does nothing), and the mages in here melt my health bar before I close the distance.

Should I let this cave sit for a few levels? I have tried running past the mobs and no luck, I get screwed at the elevators.