"In addition, you will receive rewards after each wave clears. However, only the top three contestants who cleared the wave fastest will receive those rewards, so be swift and efficient in your defenses," the announcer added. "Failing to clear a wave will result in immediate elimination from the game.

Victory will be determined by the contestant who survives the most waves with the highest score based on defense duration, resource conservation, and innovative tactics. The live results will be visible on the screen above the fortress."

Adrian nodded, absorbing every detail.

"The main buildings in your fortress are the barracks, the mage tower, and the workshop," the second announcer continued. "The barracks train and house your soldiers, the mage tower is where your mages prepare their spells and enchantments, and the workshop allows for the creation and maintenance of mechanical defenses."

Adrian's mind raced with possibilities. 'Two towers, one gate, and a large courtyard,' he repeated in his mind. 'Wood, stone, mana crystals. Barracks, mage tower, workshop. Soldiers, mages, craftsmen.' He felt a surge of joy and adrenaline. This was a challenge he could tackle.

"You have fifteen minutes to inspect your fortress and plan your defenses," the announcer concluded. "Use your time wisely. The first wave of attackers will arrive shortly after."

The simulation started, and Adrian immediately began his inspection.

He walked along the fortress walls, checking the sturdiness of the structures and noting any weaknesses. The towers were tall and provided an excellent vantage point for archers and mages. The gate was reinforced but would need extra protection during the siege. The courtyard was spacious, offering room for maneuvering and planning.

Adrian continued with his inspection and so 12 minutes passed.

After completing his initial inspection, Adrian gathered his thoughts and began to assess the resources and staff available to him for the Enchanted Fortress Siege.

Resources:

Wood: 500 units

Stone: 300 units

Mana Crystals: 100 units

Staff:

Soldiers: 50 - 15 Archers, 15 Spearmen, 15 Swordsmen and 5 Tanks.

Mages: 13 - 2 mages for each element of fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning. 2 healers and 1 support mages.

Craftsmen: 10

Adrian mentally reviewed how each resource could be utilized:

Wood and Stone: Essential for repairing structures and creating new defenses. Wood would be used for constructing barricades, while stone would reinforce walls and gates.

Mana Crystals: Vital for powering enchantments and summoning additional defenses. Mages would require mana crystals to cast spells and maintain magical barriers.

He recalled the mechanics of summoning and crafting within the simulation:

Summoning:

Summoning additional defenses required a certain amount of mana crystals.

Each summoned defense had a specific cost in mana crystals and a cooldown period before it could be summoned again.

Options included archer towers, magical barriers, and golems for heavy defense.

Crafting:

The workshop allowed for the creation and maintenance of mechanical defenses like traps, catapults, and ballistae.

Crafting required wood, stone, and time. Craftsmen were essential for swift construction and repair.

Adrian moved swiftly to check the summoning space, a crucial area where he could summon reinforcements and deploy strategic enhancements:

Archer Towers: Cost: 50 mana crystals per tower. Effective against ground units.

Magical Barriers: Cost: 75 mana crystals per barrier. Provides a temporary shield against magical attacks.

Golems: Cost: 100 mana crystals per golem. Strong melee defenders, ideal for holding key positions.

____

"Now, shall I start ordering?" Adrian muttered and headed to the workshop.

'If I want to last long, I should think more about the late waves, not the current ones...' He thought.

Adrian moved swiftly to the workshop, where his craftsmen were already awaiting his instructions. He immediately set them to work crafting catapults and ballistae, knowing these heavy artillery pieces would be essential against the powerful enemies he anticipated facing in the later waves.

While the craftsmen started working diligently, Adrian hurried to the gate to oversee its reinforcement. As he inspected the gate, two soldiers came running up to him, their expressions urgent. Adrian listened intently, nodding with a slight smile as they whispered in low voices.

After the soldiers departed, Adrian gave his orders to his subordinates for another minute, ensuring everything was in place. Time was running short, and he now finally finalized his strategy before the first wave arrived.

"The first wave is coming in 15 seconds," the announcement echoed through the simulation, alerting Adrian to the imminent danger. He smirked inwardly, feeling a surge of confidence. "Should I show them what they've never seen?" he muttered to himself.

With a decisive nod, Adrian ordered the soldiers to open the gate. They responded immediately, following his command without hesitation. Adrian stepped outside the fortress gate, positioning himself not too far from the fortress.

As the gate closed behind him, Adrian scanned the horizon.

Moments later, he saw them—an approaching horde of monsters. There were 10 goblins armed with crude weapons, 2 lumbering trolls with massive clubs, and a goblin with a staff surrounded by 4 goblin guards.

Adrian then tapped his golden ring, then two daggers appeared in his hands.

He looked at the archers on the walls and said. "Fire when I say 'now.'"

"Yes, Lord." The archers replied readying their weapons.

Adrian then turned his attention to the upcoming monsters.

[The first wave has arrived. Please protect your fortress, Lord Adrian.]

The voice announced as the monsters were only 50 meters away from the fortress.

As the first wave of attackers closed in, Adrian took a deep breath, his mind focused on the task ahead. The goblins approached swiftly, their crude weapons glinting in the simulated sunlight, while the lumbering trolls behind them posed a more significant threat with their sheer size and strength.

"Let's have fun, shall we?"

_______ __ __

Meanwhile, on the outside. A few moments earlier.

Adrian's unexpected move sent a ripple of shock through the spectators, announcers, and even his fellow students. The woman announcer stuttered in disbelief, trying to make sense of what she was witnessing.

"W-Wait? What is student Adrian doing? Why is he leaving the fortress?" she exclaimed, her voice wavering with surprise. "H-He ordered to close the gates? What is he gonna do? Is he gonna-?"

The man announcer, usually composed and articulate, struggled to find words. "W-Wait! It seems the first year's strongest student, Adrian is planning to face the wave by himself?!"