A THREAD FOR NEWCOMERS!

I have a question: a small map for 2 players, I'm playing as Conflux, I usually take Ciel as my starting hero and the starting bonus is resources. What's better to do – gather mercury, gold, and gems to build a menagerie on the first day, or is it better to upgrade the butterflies, air elementals, and water elementals, buy everything, and rush to the opponent? I understand that the menagerie looks more solid, but I play very poorly, and it's difficult for me to gather enough resources to build all the levels and then buy everything. Thank you in advance. According to the rules, upgrading butterflies is prohibited, but we've agreed to do it the old-fashioned way, so don't judge us too harshly.