The Supreme Level Up System

The group embarked on a tense journey back to the area where they had previously been attacked, realizing that the capital of the country lay within its vicinity. With each step, a sense of unease settled upon them, heightened by the sight that greeted them upon arrival.

As they approached the outskirts of the area one week later, they noticed a significant increase in military presence. Soldiers stood in disciplined formations, their armor gleaming under the sun, their weapons at the ready. It was as if they were expecting the group\'s return, prepared for their arrival.

The soldiers formed a formidable blockade positioned strategically to impede any unauthorized entry into the capital. Towering walls fortified the perimeter, bristling with archers and artillery, ready to repel any potential threat. Flags bearing the country\'s emblem fluttered defiantly in the wind, a symbol of their allegiance and determination.

The group exchanged apprehensive glances, realizing the magnitude of the challenge before them. The soldiers seemed resolute and well-prepared, their numbers greater than anticipated. It was clear that their previous encounter had not gone unnoticed, and the forces of the capital were ready to defend their territory.

"This is definitely the work of the dark knight… he knows that we would have a hard time entering the city and getting rid of his minions and allies," Ervan said while furrowing his eyebrows.

"What should we do?" Malon asked. "We can\'t exactly just bust in and kill everyone in our way. I bet there are people who don\'t even know what is going on here."

"You are right. That will take too long…" Ervan said while also considering that those kids would have a hard time taking human lives nonstop. "We will infiltrate the capital from the sky, but we will need a diversion to be able to buy some time to deal with the enemies in the castle. They are definitely there. Without them, Tenebres won\'t be able to control this era freely. We should split up and then…"

"How are we going to regroup after that?" Siora suddenly asked. "Once you deal with the targets, do you plan to punch your way out of the city to use your spell and move to the next era?"

"... I suppose that this is a problem that we can\'t escape from," Ervan said after a long sigh.

"I will deal with that. It won\'t be fun to see you all fighting unless you aren\'t together," Siora said while she was smiling.

The group couldn\'t help but feel a twinge of unease as they contemplated whether Siora had indeed changed, albeit for the better. Their minds were filled with conflicting thoughts and worries, wondering if she had taken a path that differed from their shared goals.

With a focused expression and a gesture of her hand, she tapped into the ground with the connection that she held with the elements. The ground beneath them responded to her command, quivering with anticipation. In an awe-inspiring display, golems began to emerge from the very earth itself.

Rising from the ground, the golems took shape, their forms sturdy and imposing. Each golem was a testament to Siora\'s control over the earth\'s raw power. They stood tall, their bodies hewn from stone and soil, emanating a resolute aura. As they materialized, the ground trembled as if acknowledging their creation.

The group watched in astonishment as the army of two hundred golems assembled, forming a united front. Their presence evoked a sense of both awe and trepidation. It was a stark reminder of Siora\'s profound connection to magic and her formidable abilities.

"I will make them attack one side of the wall since the people there destroyed my home and forest. They deserve at least this much," Siora declared.

"I guess I can claim ownership of a forest if I build a house in one as well," Ailen shrugged.

"Putting that aside, you shouldn\'t use your magic freely like this… you should always save some for emergencies," Ervan said while studying Siora.

Siora\'s countenance remained stoic, her expression carefully composed as she tried to appear unfazed by the situation. However, it didn\'t take long for her to realize that her facade was futile.

She confessed that she had overexerted herself, expending an excessive amount of mana in the process. The group understood that, for the time being, Siora would be limited in what she could contribute to their efforts. It was a challenging truth to accept, as they had come to rely on her formidable magical abilities.

"What can you do with them?" Ervan asked.

"I can give them simple orders since they are just masses of my mana that are affecting the dirt," Siora explained while making all of them do some squats. "They should be able to deal with five soldiers for a couple of minutes."

"That should be enough to lure a bunch of them toward the walls…" Ervan said while rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Let\'s wait until midnight before sending them to attack the walls."

As midnight approached, the group gathered together, finding solace in the stillness of the night. They had decided to rest and rejuvenate before embarking on their journey to the capital, knowing that the upcoming mission would be their most significant one yet since their encounter with Tenebres.

The anticipation of what awaited them in the capital weighed heavily on their minds, causing a sense of nervousness to permeate the air. They had faced formidable challenges in the past, but this mission carried the weight of expectation and importance. It was their chance to make a significant impact and further their cause against the forces that threatened their world.

Each member of the group felt the gravity of the situation in their own way. Malon double-checked his weapons and armor, silently rehearsing combat strategies in his mind. Ailen meticulously inspected his bow, ensuring the strings were taut and ready for action.

The others focused on clearing their minds and making sure that their mana would be at its peak.