"The second wave includes 15 goblin fighters, 15 wild kobolds, 4 trolls, and two goblin mages. Let's see how student Luna Frost and Adrian will fare against them," the male announcer exclaimed.

"Oh, it seems both of them are going to use the same tactic as in the first wave. But there are more enemies this time. Will their strategy work? The only way to find out is for us to wait and see!"

The time came, and the second wave started. Luna Frost, a fourth-year student, used the same tactic and finished her wave in 20 seconds. Adrian deployed a similar tactic to his first wave, but this time he used four mages—two fire and two earth mages.

With their help, he finished his wave in 26 seconds, securing second place again.

Ella Highwind took third place with 35 seconds, finishing one second before Ceil Skyborn.

Adrian received 100 units of wood, 100 units of stone, and 50 Aether Crystals this time. He noted that the rewards increased according to the strength of the waves. He distributed an Aether Crystal to each mage who participated in the battle and started preparing for the next wave, which would arrive in three minutes.

Time passed, and the waves continued coming one after another. Two waves later, the fifth wave approached.

[The fifth wave has arrived. Please protect your fortress.]

[Reminder: Each fifth wave is controlled by a powerful alpha monster, so please be careful.]

Adrian stood ready, his mind racing through strategies. The fifth wave was always a turning point, a test of true tactical skill. He glanced at his resources and staff, making quick decisions.

"Alright, everyone, this wave is crucial. Follow the plan, and we'll get through this," Adrian commanded, his voice calm but authoritative.

The wave consisted of 20 goblin fighters, 20 wild kobolds, 10 goblin guards, 6 trolls, 6 goblin mages, and the alpha—a massive orc wielding a giant axe and surrounded by a glowing red aura.

Adrian positioned his archers on the walls, ready to rain arrows on the incoming horde. He placed the fire and earth mages at strategic points, their spells ready to be unleashed. The swordsmen and spearmen were stationed near the gate, prepared to engage in close combat if necessary.

The alpha monster, the orc chieftain, led the charge, its roar echoing across the battlefield. Adrian knew this creature would be tough to handle and required a different approach.

"Archers, target the goblins and kobolds! Mages, focus on the trolls and mages! Soldiers, hold the gate!" Adrian's orders were precise and efficient. "Tanks, you will fight with me against the orc. You just need to make sure no attack will hit me from other monsters."

"Support mage, cast the speed buff on me."

The support mage nodded and cast the speed buff on Adrian. With his enhanced agility, Adrian sprinted towards the orc chieftain, his daggers gleaming in the sunlight.

The orc chieftain swung its massive axe at Adrian, but he dodged with ease, his movements a blur. The two quickly engaged in a fight. The orc growled in frustration, struggling to keep up with Adrian's speed. The other monsters started running toward Adrian to help their alpha.

"NOW!" Adrian shouted, signaling the archers and mages. Arrows and spells rained down on the goblins and kobolds, quickly thinning their numbers. The trolls roared in pain as fireballs and earth spikes struck them, while the goblin guards fell to the relentless assault.

Realizing it was at a disadvantage, the orc chieftain roared orders at the goblin mages. They began casting spells aimed at Adrian and fired several fireballs and earth shards, but the five tanks intercepted, their shields deflecting the magical attacks.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Adrian signaled the lightning mages. In the next second, two bolts of lightning struck the orc chieftain, paralyzing it momentarily. Seizing the moment, Adrian leaped into the air and drove his daggers into the orc's head.

The orc chieftain screamed in pain, its red aura intensifying. Its muscles bulged, breaths becoming haggard and eyes glowing with killing intent. It entered a berserker state, its movements becoming wild and erratic.

"ROOARR!"

With its last strength, the orc ordered its remaining subordinates—3 kobolds, 5 goblins, and 4 goblin mages—to kill Adrian.

However, before the monsters could act, fireballs from the fire mages and water bullets from the water mages decimated the goblin mages and kobolds. The remaining goblins were left confused and vulnerable. Adrian quickly dispatched them using his enhanced speed, his daggers flashing through the air.

The orc chieftain's red aura grew even stronger, but Adrian remained calm. "Wind mages hit its legs!" he commanded.

The wind mages launched their spells, striking the orc's legs and leaving deep wounds. The orc staggered, struggling to stay upright. Adrian saw his opportunity and moved in for the final blow.

With a swift, powerful leap, Adrian drove his daggers into the orc chieftain's neck, severing its spine. The orc fell to the ground, its red aura dissipating as it breathed its last.

[The fifth wave has been cleared!]

Adrian stood victorious, breathing heavily but uninjured. The notification appeared, confirming the wave had been cleared.

[Congratulations, Adrian Lighthaven! You have completed the fifth wave in 39 seconds, securing second place.]

Adrian glanced at the live ranking list and saw his name in second place, just three seconds behind the first clearer. A satisfied smile spread across his face. He knew he was not far from stealing the first clear.

The next second, his favorite message appeared.

[Congratulations, Adrian Lighthaven! For securing second place in the fifth wave, you have been awarded the following rewards:]

200 units of Wood

200 units of Stone

100 Aether Crystals

[Bonus Reward: A Rare Enchantment Scroll]

Adrian's eyes lit up at the sight of the bonus reward. He wanted to know how it worked so, he started returning to the fortress. Before that, he ordered the soldiers to retract the arrows for reinforcement.

He had a limited number of arrows, so it was the best way to keep his resources well-stocked. As he made his way back, another message popped up, indicating he had five minutes to prepare till the six wave.