The gate now glowed with a deeper hue—no longer faint blue, but a vivid, steady azure that shimmered like flowing water.
He stepped closer, studying the pattern changes. The difference was subtle but undeniable.
Where before, the circle's structure had been rough and simple, it now spiraled in layered symmetry—an elegant, controlled lattice of runes that seemed alive.
Then the familiar summoning interface appeared before his vision—
[Summoning Odds]
Bronze I — 41%
Bronze II — 49%
Bronze III — 10%
Karl's eyes narrowed slightly. A faint grin curved his lips.
Before the upgrade, his gate had been limited—90% chance for Bronze I summons, barely any hope for stronger summon. But now… more than half of his summons could be Bronze II warriors, not to forgot stronger beings.
He felt a pulse of excitement rise in his chest. The exhaustion of the day, the ache of battle—it all faded for a moment beneath the quiet thrill of progress.
Karl stood before the gate, the wind shifting gently through the clearing.
"Alright," he said under his breath. "Let's begin."
One shard after another— He placed shards on the rune-marked pedestal, five in total glowing with faint amber light.
They began to spin, slowly at first, then faster, until their trails merged into a single, swirling vortex above the gate.
The circle flared. Light poured upward like a fountain of stars, painting Karl's face in silver-blue radiance.
He braced himself, cloak fluttering in the rising wind, eyes fixed on the forming shape within the light.
Soon, the first summon of his newly upgraded gate was about to emerge.
The vortex of light spun above the summoning gate, glowing brighter with every pulse. Essence coiled and shimmered, then slowly dissipated, revealing a figure stepping forward.
A man in worn leathers, a satchel strapped across his hip, moved with calm precision through the fading energy. His eyes scanned the clearing, steady and unflinching. Garrick, the field medic.
Then the second shard flared violently. From its light, a grizzled swordsman emerged, dual blades gleaming faintly under the starlit sky. He spun lightly on his heels, testing his footing, a scar cutting across his weathered face. Confident and commanding, Vargus assessed the surroundings with sharp gaze.
The third shard pulsed. A frail figure emerged, hunched with age, walking stick in hand. His eyes were sharp and observant, lined with years of experience. Roric, an elder.
The fourth shard flickered. A wiry man with sharp, calculating eyes appeared, small pouches clinking at his belt. He studied the gate for a moment, then glanced at Karl with a subtle, knowing grin. Kaelith, a resourceful merchant.
Finally, the fifth shard shimmered, revealing a broad-shouldered mercenary. Scars etched across his arms and face, he hefted a broadsword casually over one shoulder, yet his gaze was sharp, alert, measuring the space around him. Thrain, aggressive mercenary.
Karl stepped forward, letting his eyes travel over each summon. Their essence still hummed faintly in the air, a tangible reminder of the gate's power.
He exhaled slowly.
A medic they needed at this moment, two warriors ready for night watch when everyone was exhausted, and a merchant whose skills could be put to immediate use—while Roric, an elder, required careful consideration. Even so, the summon were far better than he had anticipated.
The summoned figures formed a loose formation, alert but waiting.
Their presence subtly shifted the balance of the Sanctuary's forces. Karl's gaze swept to the clearing once more.
The wind rustled through the leaves, carrying the distant memory of battle and the lingering pulse of residual essence.
It is when Lysa moved forward to inform the new summons about Karl, camp and their situation.
Karl let a quiet breath. The weight of command settled once more on his shoulders—the familiar burden reminding him he could not relax, even with reinforcements at hand.
"Good," he said finally, voice calm yet firm. "Garrick, tend to those still recovering from the last engagement. Vargus, Thrain—you'll take the night watches alongside the others.
Kaelith, and Roric, with your experience, coordinate with Vael and see what can be salvaged from the spoils. Make it efficient."
The summons acknowledged him with quiet nods. Garrick moved toward the wounded.
Vargus and Thrain spread naturally into shadows and high ground, while Kaelith and Roric began organizing resources with a meticulous eye.
Karl exhaled again, allowing himself a brief moment of satisfaction.
After that he made his way to the teleportation gate.