Ethan approached the Gate of Summoning, studying its current specifications with calculating eyes.

[Building Name: Gate of Summoning]

[Building Tier: 2]

[Building Effect: Every day, eight natives of the First Sanctuary can be summoned to become subjects of the Lord. One professional-class summon is guaranteed per daily activation.]

[Construction Upgrade: 200 units of Wood, 200 units of Stone, 200 units of sand, 75 Bronze-rank Monster cores, 25 Silver-rank Monster Cores]

[Do you want to summon (8)?] [Yes| No]

The upgrade requirements are within reach. Almost.

His current reserves held sufficient wood, stone, and sand for the enhancement. The bronze cores weren’t an issue either—his storage rings contained plenty from recent hunting expeditions. But the silver cores posed a problem.

Need twenty-five silver cores. Current count is fifteen.

The deficit was manageable through jungle hunting. Silver-rank creatures populated the forest in sufficient numbers to meet his requirements quickly.

Back to the hunting grounds.

Ethan activated his Enhanced Speed talent, reality blurring as he crossed the distance between territory and jungle boundary. The familiar transition from desert sand to forest loam marked his return to the most productive hunting ground he’d discovered.

Time to collect what I need.

The jungle welcomed him with its characteristic humidity and filtered sunlight. Ancient trees towered overhead while predatory scents marked territorial boundaries between various monster species.

His enhanced senses detected movement immediately—a pack of the iron-hide wolves like the one he’d encountered earlier. Six creatures this time, their metallic fur gleaming like chain mail in the dappled light.

Perfect. First targets acquired.

The wolves sensed his approach, pack intelligence coordinating their defensive formation. But their Mid-Silver capabilities meant nothing against Gold-rank overwhelming force.

Wind blades materialized around Ethan’s position, compressed air sharpened to cutting edges that sliced through enhanced defenses like parchment. The pack died before they could mount a coordinated response.

Six down. Four cores to go.

Resources gained: 45 wood, 35 stone, 40 sand

Moving deeper into the forest, Ethan encountered his next targets—a group of serpentine constrictors coiled around massive tree branches. Their ambush strategy relied on dropping onto prey from above, but his enhanced perception made stealth impossible.

Fire magic consumed them where they hung, turning the predators into ash that scattered on the jungle breeze.

Four more cores secured.

Resources gained: 30 wood, 25 stone, 25 sand

The pattern continued with efficiency. Ethan moved through the jungle like a force of nature, eliminating Silver-rank threats with casualness. Each encounter lasted seconds rather than minutes.

A family of crystal-backed lizards met wind blade dismemberment. Their defensive crystals shattered under overwhelming force, beautiful but useless against superior power.

A Total of ten silver cores collected.

Final resource tally: 75 wood, 60 stone, 65 sand

The return journey took minutes at his pace. His territory’s protective barrier welcomed him back, its blue glow unchanged despite the systematic slaughter he’d just completed.

Sufficient materials acquired. Time for the upgrade.

Ethan approached the Gate of Summoning.

The upgrade activation triggered immediate transformation. Energy cascaded through the gate’s framework as resources flowed from his reserves into architectural enhancement.

Stone foundations expanded outward while the archway itself grew taller and more elegant. The simple portal became something approaching monumental architecture, its presence commanding respect through sheer scale.

Energy patterns shifted from basic functionality to sophisticated magical engineering. Power radiated from every surface, the enhanced structure humming with contained potential that promised greater capabilities.

Magnificent. This looks like it belongs in a powerful city.

The completed upgrade revealed its enhanced specifications:

[Building Name: Gate of Summoning]

[Building Tier: 3]

[Building Effect: Every day, twelve natives of the First Sanctuary can be summoned to become subjects of the Lord. Two professional-class summons are guaranteed per daily activation.]

[Construction Upgrade: 400 units of Wood, 400 units of Stone, 400 units of sand, 50 Bronze-rank Monster cores, 50 Silver-rank Monster Cores]

[Do you want to summon (12)?] [Yes| No]

Fifty percent increase in daily summons. Double the guaranteed professionals.

The improvement was substantial beyond the raw numbers. Twelve subjects per day meant rapid territorial population growth, while guaranteed dual professionals ensured specialized capabilities would develop quickly.

Within a week, I could have eighty-four subjects, including fourteen professionals.

But more importantly, the enhanced summoning pool might provide access to higher-tier specialists. Military engineers for the defensive wall blueprint. Advanced crafters for complex construction projects. Perhaps even combat specialists with rare talents.

Quality improvements alongside quantity increases.

Ethan activated the summoning without hesitation.

[Summoning initiated…]

The Gate blazed with white radiance, energy intensifying until it became almost blinding. Twelve figures materialized within the enhanced archway, their forms solidifying as magical power shaped reality according to his will.

Larger group. Better quality potential.

The summoned subjects stepped forward in unison, immediately dropping to one knee in submission. Their equipment told the story before any introductions—six carried staves crackling with elemental energy, while the other six bore tower shields and heavy armor that gleamed with protective enchantments.

Mages and tanks. A balanced military unit.

“Rise,” Ethan commanded, studying their formations with growing satisfaction.

Two figures stood slightly ahead of their respective groups. The head mage wore robes marked with advanced magical symbols, while the head tank’s armor bore the scratches of real combat experience.

[Subject: Lyra]

[Profession: Head Mage]

[Rank: Low-Silver ]

[Talent: Fire Mastery (D-)]

[Loyalty: 72]

[Subject: Roland]

[Profession: Head Tank]

[Rank: Low-Silver]

[Talent: Iron Shield (D-)]

[Loyalty: 69]

D-Grade talents on both specialists. They are also both low-silver rank, and the summoning quality continues improving.

“Welcome to the territory,” Ethan announced. “You’ll find this place operates on merit and mutual protection.”

Lyra stepped forward, magical energy flickering around her fingertips. “My Lord, we’re ready to serve.”

Roland’s voice rumbled from behind his helm. “Our shields stand between you and any threat.”

Ethan gestured toward the existing subjects, who had gathered to observe the new arrivals. “Marcus, Jack—brief them on current operations. Elena, show them the residential buildings.”

The integration proceeded smoothly. Marcus and Jack’s military experience translated well to organizing the new combat specialists, while Elena’s administrative skills handled the practical concerns of housing and meals.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep