Where There Are People...

The Iron Golem stood before the entrance to Otto Mage Tower, over four meters tall. Its imposing steel armor gleamed with a cold sheen, a faint red glow flickering in its eyes and radiating an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Anse stared at it blankly, his heart filled with awe.

This was a Challenge Rating 16 Iron Golem!

It only looked clumsy. In reality, its mobility was astonishing, its Strength generally above 24. Other than being unable to fly and having somewhat poor reactions and balance, it had virtually no weaknesses.

Its low intelligence was not a weakness, because it fought under its spellcaster's command.

If one had to name a flaw, it was that Iron Golems were unaffected by most Transmutation spells. Polymorph, Slow, and Water Walking were ineffective against them, while beneficial spells such as Fly, Haste, and Great Step Run were equally useless.

"This is a true weapon of war," Anse praised.

Mason lightly touched the Iron Golem and stored it away in some unknown space.

That was another advantage of constructs.

"The Arcane Research Society strictly forbids the use of golems in wars between nations." Gianda's expression turned solemn. "Besides, golems are enormously expensive to make, and their numbers have always been limited."

"Do we sell any knowledge on making golems?" Anse's eyes shifted as he asked tentatively.

"Hehe." Gianda immediately saw through Anse's intentions. Stroking his beard, he smiled faintly. "We do, but it is very difficult to exchange for—"

He checked the time. There was still plenty of time before their appointment, so he decided to show Anse, the new member, around the society and let him learn more about its benefits and rules.

The Arcane Research Society had thirteen Mage Towers, corresponding to three major factions. Each faction differed in its scholarship and areas