It was a 2 episodes story for me on this level. First finding the exit, but I was far away. Then optimizing, but I got 2 off and was stuck a long time. Earlier I finally cut the 2 steps. Glad me.
I don't know what was my 2 steps saver. I believe it wasn't a route variation, but just a block I pushed for nothing since I could take it with me on my way back later. Not sure though.