That is true Sohan, we feel like it's not enough even though we are upgrading. Our defense is just handicapped by the next level especially Dark mode. It's taking a lot of time and resources to build-up the character. The cost to upgrade all items now is in the millions of gold and large amount of stones. 😣
Tanatos I think you should sell the rare items. It is not rewarding to combine them. They're better be converted to gold for your upgrades cause you will need lot of gold for your upgrades on unique items including sword in the future. Collect Epic or Legendary items if you can because it make more sense to collect them to use in your combine misions whatsoever.