"Timing" game phases

This post is about my current WIP ("SpellMasters"). I am going to try to make an attempt at designing a "dynamic" spell system which would allow players to "craft" their very own spells. Obviously that means that the type of "abilities" that will be permissible will be "pre-determined". I'm okay with that. BUT...

I have a concern with "timing". Let me continue to explain further.

The first (1st) phase of the game is a "Dungeon Crawl" experience with "Game Tiles" that allow Wizards to accumulate Mana by crawling the dungeon in question. This phase is sort of a Puzzle and has numerous solutions and two (2) distinct levels of difficulty. This is a co-opetive phase in which all Wizards are trying to collect the most Mana for their own.

The second (2nd) phase of the game is a "Boss/Monster Battle" experience using "Spells" crafted by each player...

Now here is my "timing" issue...

IF (maybe) the spells need to be created to "reflect" the nature of each player's Mana (Letter Pool), it would make sense to CRAFT "spells" before the Boss/Monster Battle.

Perhaps a library of "previous" spells could be "accessible" and feature the use of a custom "Score Pad" which could "catalogue" spells. Obviously the idea of having a "library" to consult would be "natural" and organic.

BUT... Here's the problem:

When you play for the FIRST TIME, you don't have any referential material. No previous spells, no library to consult. So the problem is during the very early play sessions, there is going to be a STRONG gap in learning how to play the game and in essence building your Wizard's library of spells.

Obviously the MORE you play, the better you will get at designing and crafting new spells which might be similar to older ones. Sort of like PATTERNS. You can craft something similar in ability but closer to your Mana for a specific level... Boss/Monster.

AND... That initial "crafting" is what players will be "experiencing" FIRST.

It's like trying a new game and having to learn "How-To" play it. Plus you've got to work with no pre-existing spells aside from a "word" catalogue specific to each Wizard.

SO... There seems like there is no way to "time" the crafting of spells in ANOTHER fashion/way...? If there is a LINK/Connection between your Mana and the spells for a level, it is logical that you CANNOT do any "designing" (or crafting) before the first phase (Dungeon Crawl) occurs. And obviously you NEED the spells for the second phase (Boss/Monster Battle).

There doesn't seem like any other way other than this "time period" IN-BETWEEN phases which doesn't seem to have any pre-set parameters (like time spent) in such a "construction" part of the game.

Anyone have ideas of other ways of handling this??? Is this my only alternative or are there other possibilities (I am just not seeing...)