That's ... interesting. Despite all of Isaac's research, none of it had mentioned that Trials were actually granted by the Mana System. Another shout of pain from the group below made him file the thought away in the back of his head. He had to come up with a plan.

Isaac continued watching for another minute. The wolves were constantly charging into the five men with spears, and it was pretty obvious to him that they wouldn't be able to hold out much longer. As he watched, two wolves, about 3 feet tall and 6 feet long, charged one of the spear-men at the end of the line. The man tried to lift his shield, but the man's arm looked damaged and he didn't get the shield up in time. One of the wolves recieved a spear to the eye from another man in the line, but the other wolf managed to latch onto the first man's throat. The man's body went limp and his spear and shield fell to the ground while the rest of the line furiously stabbed the wolf eventually bringing it down.

Isaac didn't have much time left before he failed the Trial. Without a moment of hesitation he slung his backpack across his shoulder and sprinted at the wolf that had taken a spear in the eye. The line of men had become so preoccupied with avenging their fallen comrade that they had completely forgotten about the one they had injured. Already the wolf was crouching, growling in frustration, pain and anger.

He collided with the wolf at max speed, enhanced by his increased agility attribute and gravity. The backpack softened the blow just enough so that his bones didn't shatter immedately upon impact. The wolf cried out in suprise as it flew back several feel. Isaac grit his teeth as pain shot through his right arm. Gonna feel that in the morning. He dropped the backpack and picked up the spear that one of the men had dropped earlier.

* * *

Evan Shadowblade watched in shock as the red-haired young man struck one of the wolves with his body. He was sure that the collison should have broken the boy, but his face remained impassive as he grabbed the spear that Artemis had dropped earlier. This man is a monster. The man crossed the distance between him and the wolf he had struck in the blink of an eye, sunk the spear into the wolf's neck, and twisted. A fountain of blood erupted from the wolf's neck as the man pulled the spear out, and the life drained from the wolf's eye as its whimpers of pain died out.

"Reform the line! Reform the line before I feed you to the damn wolves meself!" Evan roared to the men that were still looking slack-jawed at the newcomer. Their training kicked in at Evan's words, and the remaining men came together to form a single line. They locked their shields together, and rested their spears on top, ready to die for the remaining men and women they had been entrusted to protect.

* * *

Isaac watched as the four remaining men locked shields. He was impressed by their discipline. These were hardened men who had thrived in combat. That much was obvious. A screen interrupted his train of thought.

You have impressed General Evan Shadowblade and have gained positive notoriety with the Ascentarian Royal Guard.

Growing relationships with groups that reside within the Tower can be extremely beneficial and often lead to more difficult trials with unique and powerful rewards.

He waved the screen away with a thought. Royal Guard. That explains why they're so well trained. He gripped the spear and turned to face the pack of wolves that remained.