That's right. Notice that my calculations are for 40 creatures. You said:

That's why I'm saying that 24 is usually what Valeska starts with (second hero + growth).

According to your logic, Valeska's second hero must always come with 10 creatures – that's strange. And those extra 10 creatures from the second starting hero bring the total number of creatures from 24 to 50+ :D

I just don't understand why the stereotype arose that you can only play with archers? :confused:

For Castle, it's not a stereotype, but simply the most effective and convenient tactic.

So, you think that Valeska with 13 marksmen can defeat 50 demons? :D

In reality, Valeska with 13 marksmen and 24 creatures will defeat far more demons than, for example, Sorceress with 34 creatures and 4 swordsmen. Do you have any doubts? ;)

In general, it seems you didn't understand my position. I'm not insisting that this is the best option; I'm stating that it's simply playable.

You also didn't understand – a build without archers is risky, tedious, and ineffective.