Before stepping out toward the city, I slowed down near the edge of the tree line and let myself rest for a bit, knowing that walking into something larger without preparation would be a mistake I didn’t need to make.

Instead of moving forward immediately, I opened the system panel again, shifting my focus toward the one section I had barely explored properly so far—the weapons.

The interface expanded smoothly, rows of options unfolding in front of me, each category branching into multiple variants. Blades, polearms, ranged weapons, heavier constructs, each one listed with its rank, cost, and a brief descriptor that hinted at what set it apart.

My gaze moved across them slowly, not rushing this time, taking in the differences instead of just the numbers.

A spear caught my attention first.

Uncommon Rank.

Cost: 1200 CP.

Its design hovered in the display—a long, reinforced shaft with a narrow, elongated blade that tapered to a sharp point, the metal etched faintly along the edges as if designed for piercing rather than cutting. It appeared balanced, and efficient, but was built for reach more than force.

I moved on.

There was a sword next.

Uncommon Rank.

Cost: 1100 CP.

The blade was broader than standard, slightly curved near the edge, with a grip designed for two hands if needed, the structure refined but still straightforward. It also mentioned about wind affinity to it but the cost was steep given I did not have that many combat points.

Then next was an axe.

Uncommon Rank.

Cost: 800 CP.

It was cheaper because of my axe mastery atleast according to the info mentioned beside the axe.

The display shifted, and the weapon appeared clearly in front of me. It was larger than the one I had been using, the handle thicker, reinforced with dark metal bands, and the blade itself wider, extending outward with a heavier curve that gave it more surface to cut through instead of just striking. The edge carried a faint glow.

The description mentioned it having fire affinity and able to attract fire element from the atmosphere if used with enough force.

The metal near the blade looked slightly darker, as if it had been tempered differently, and the edge shimmered faintly, heat-like distortions barely visible when I focused.

I didn’t need to think further.

"This one."

The purchase went through instantly.

The weapon materialized beside me, dropping into my hand with a solid weight that felt right immediately, heavier than before but balanced enough to move without slowing me down. I rolled my wrist slightly, testing the feel, the blade catching light as the faint heat shimmer settled along its edge.

"It looks better too."

With that done, I shifted my attention to the next section.

Influence.

The panel changed again, this time showing a different set of options. I started exploring it and found something unique.

Defender Puppets.

Cost: 200 IP each.

I paused. Selecting it expanded the description.

[Level 30 constructs.

Designed for defense and assault.

Bound to command.]

I smiled.

"Useful..."

Without wasting time, I selected five. The points deducted instantly, and for a brief moment, nothing happened then the air around me shifted.

Five figures formed one after another, the space distorting slightly as they took shape, solidifying into full bodies within seconds. Each one stood tall, cloaked entirely in black robes that concealed their form beneath, their faces hidden in shadow, and in each of their hands rested a sword.

They didn’t move or speak. Just appeared there near me. I stepped closer to one of them, reaching out and gripping the edge of its robe before pulling it free. The fabric came off without resistance, and I slipped it over myself, letting it settle into place, the hood falling forward just enough to cast my face in shadow.

"Now I have a small army. Sorry for you being naked my friend." I said patting the puppet whose rob I stole.

I took my place among them, adjusting slightly until the spacing matched, and without needing to say anything, I began walking forward, the five of them moving with me in silent synchronization as we stepped out from the tree line and onto the open ground leading toward the city.

The walls loomed ahead, tall and reinforced, the gates closed, guarded. We moved steadily, not rushing toward the gates.

And as the distance closed, movement appeared above the gates.

i could see three figures standing guard on the walls. They stepped forward into view, bows already in their hands, their white robes shifting lightly in the wind as they looked down at us.

"Stop right there!" one of them shouted, his voice carrying clearly from above.

I didn’t respond. We kept walking.

The distance between us and the gate closed steadily as I kept my pace unchanged, the five figures beside me moving in perfect silence, their presence steady enough to sell the disguise from a distance, but not enough to hide what I was the moment attention sharpened.

The three guards above the gate leaned forward slightly, their bows already drawn, and as I lifted my gaze toward them, the system responded without delay.

[Believer Human – Level 25]

[Believer Human – Level 25]

[Believer Human – Level 25]

Their eyes narrowed as we continued forward without answering, and the hesitation lasted only a second before one of them raised his voice again, louder this time.

"They’re Defiers! Attack them!"

The first arrow was already in the air before the words finished.

Then another.

And another.

I didn’t break stride.

"Attack," I said quietly, and the puppets surged forward immediately, their pace shifting from controlled to aggressive as they rushed ahead, drawing the focus of the guards above.

Arrows struck them almost instantly, piercing through the black robes, some glancing off, others embedding deeper, but none of them slowed. They kept advancing, absorbing the barrage without reaction, their forms unwavering as they pushed closer to the gate.

I stayed between them.

Each arrow that came for me passed just off line, my steps changing subtly with each movement, never enough to break formation, never enough to expose myself. The hood stayed low, my face hidden as I moved through the gaps between them, using their bodies as cover while the distance shrank.

The gate loomed closer. The arrows came faster.

But the timing was mine. I stepped forward into the opening.

"Impact Burst."

The energy gathered instantly around my legs, the faint yellow glow tightening and condensing before releasing all at once, the ground beneath me cracking as the force launched my body forward in a straight line. The distance vanished in an instant as I surged past the puppets, the axe already raised high, the heat along its blade flaring faintly.

The impact came a heartbeat later.

BOOM!

Wood shattered.

The reinforced gate split under the force as the blade drove through it, the structure breaking apart as I crashed straight through, fragments flying outward as I rolled inside the city.