Ranger – “Emerald” [5th campaign, 2nd mission]

I started this mission by clearing out the spawn point. I took all the mines except for the gem mines because if I tried to break through the Cerberus horde on the first day, I wouldn't have enough mana to break through the Succubus guarding the gold mine. With the help of unicorns, I broke through the guard in the Dungeon and on day 123, I took the middle Inferno... I sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the moment. Next, week three - the week of illness (I wonder if my computer also has a 1/3 growth rate?). At the beginning of the fourth week, I visited Alastor and saw that he had a considerable army. Also, he managed to level up to level 13. That's a problem.

I changed my strategy. Now I'm taking the upper right Castle on the first day (I get a dragon and a growth bonus, and Alastor is only level 5!). I wonder if this step will pay off (in terms of resources)? Because if I swim straight up, I can't count on capturing the mines early.