High Priest Dicitiam, I hope this letter finds you well.

In regard to your previous letter, I appreciate the urgency of the situation. As you have said, such a vile thing can not be let to roam free. It is and has ever been the stance of the Church to eradicate such blasphemies whenever they are uncovered.

Unfortunately, the interference of the Association in this situation complicates matters greatly. Overt action is not an option at this time. While that does limit our options, it does not remove all avenues available to us.

For the time being, I have made information about the location of an active construct available to certain interested parties not affiliated directly with the Church. What actions they choose to take based on that information is not our responsibility.

Additionally, I have dispatched an observation team to keep an eye on the actions of the construct. Due to the remoteness of your location and lack of network access, arrival will take at least a week. In the meantime, I ask that you keep an eye on the construct using your own local resources. I understand your resources are stretched thin as it is, but do what you can. We can't let this thing slip from our fingers before we can establish a justification to destroy it.

Blessings of the Archons,

Hierophant Cretum

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Around sunset, Mud was approached by an Association employee. Upon learning that Mud had been working without rest since the morning, he reacted with surprise. "Surely even one such as you needs rest?"

Mud continued its repair spell while composing its reply. "I have no need for breaks. I am not limited by biology."

"Right, you're not really alive." After a moment, the employee added quickly, "no offense. It's not that I don't think you're alive, or just an object or, um, I'm not really sure what I mean."

Mud saw no reason to reply, and a slight look of concern passed twisted the employees face in as the golem continued working silently. While the man was an employee of the powerful Association, he appeared to be a mere civilian, tasked with odd jobs to lighten the load of the more important high tier individuals. Mud had noticed a tendency of weak sapients to show respect and fear to the strong.

There were some exceptions, which puzzled the golem. Some humans that appeared very weak still garnered respect and deference from obviously stronger individuals. The cowering human now addressing him was a prime example; Association employees, even the civilian level ones, seemed to occupy a social position above unaffiliated civilians.

Even more extreme examples came in the humans which engaged in 'politics'. Guy Fallow, by all appearances, seemed no stronger than a civilian. If he had been leveled beyond tier two, it certainly did not show. While Prince Cain appeared to be a powerful fighter, the levels of respect shown towards him were well beyond what his strength warranted, at least to Mud. More research was needed to understand why the strongest individuals did not simply use force to establish control. After all, having more control was useful for almost any other primary directive.

Finishing with the repairs to the current wall, Mud moved on to another section of the building. While Mud had long since run out of significant damage that needed to be repaired, it had begun repairing weather-worn paint, splintered wood, and removing graffiti. Before Mud could begin focusing its attention towards a bit of flaking paint, he was stopped by the persistent employee.

"Actually, I was sent to retrieve you by the Leader. He said you're a valuable tactical asset, and he would like to tell you what your task will be for tomorrow. You need to head back to the Delver's Association building immediately to see him."

Mud took one last yearning look towards the various imperfects in the surrounding buildings it could repair, if only it had the time. With regret, it turned away from its incomplete task and made its way to its new assignment.

Shortly thereafter, Mud arrived at the white stone Delver's Association building, and was immediately led through a series of halls into an elaborate waiting room. Exquisite paintings hung from the walls on top of floral wallpaper. Mud sat patiently on a sofa with carefully carved images of angels adorning the wooden armrests. The room was so clean Mud didn't even feel an urge to clean it; a rarity.

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After a short wait, a face familiar to Mud entered the room; the elderly female clerk. Sitting opposite the golem, she smiled sweetly, folding her hands in her lap. "Hello there, Mr. Golem. Thank you for your rapid response to our summons. Leader Ghul is rather busy at the moment, so I will be giving your assignments for tomorrow."

Pulling a small piece of paper from a pocket on her suit, she began to speak. Mud noted that her eyes did not look at the note she held, remaining instead fixed on the construct in front of her.

"We believe you will be most useful remaining outside the dungeon entrance, maintaining your Kill Pest spell. As this is your most high impact ability, and the spell is unusable inside of the dungeon, we believe this to be the most efficient use of your abilities."

While the choice was tactically sound, there was one part of the assignment that concerned the golem. "How do you know the details of my spells?"

The clerk continued reciting Mud's orders, her gaze fixed on his three eyes. "Your party members will likewise remain near the surface to support your efforts. Prince Cain has graciously allowed your party to make use of one of the defensive bulwarks which have been constructed in front of the dungeon. We have assigned a rotation of mages with Ideals that are not suited to combat to your bunker. They will provide you with free mana for you to manipulate."

"How do you know I can manipulate free mana?"

"If there are any materials or supplies you require to better accomplish your task, please state them now. We will do our best to make them available to you. We ask that you arrive at the bunkers with your team by sunrise tomorrow." At that, the clerk returned the paper to her pocket.

Mud thought for a moment. It was clear that this human would refuse to answer questions regarding their information gathering. Mud had only recently acquired the ability to manipulate mana, and yet they not only already knew about it but had even already integrated it into their plans.

While being monitored was not unexpected, Mud had been carefully observing its surroundings during the entire day. During that entire time, it had seen no indication of being watched. This was definitely a flaw in Mud's detection ability which needed to be addressed. The dangers of an unseen foe was a concept that the golem was intimately familiar with; after all, sneak attacks were its primary method of combat not long ago. There was also the possibility that she was gaining the information via some unknown method aside from direct observation. Further research was required.

For now, Mud put aside such concerns and contemplated the issue of supplies. Apparently, the Association was willing to provide materials to assist in holding the dungeon entrance. Mud began listing off the supplies it desired.

"Provide me with as many ego weapons as you can. Five thousand human troops is the most I could command efficiently at once. Each soldier should be tier nine. A few contracted demons and several hundred bombs capable of leveling the entire-"

"Hold it!" The clerk held up her hand to stop his rambling demands. "I think you're misunderstanding. We don't have unlimited resources. I meant things like food, medicine, maybe mundane armor or weapons for your group. The sort of things you could purchase on the open market around here, we can provide for your group. Free of charge, of course."

Before Mud could start up again, the clerk quickly amended her explanation. "Ah, and we'll be taking back anything you don't use, so don't think of asking for a bunch of stuff for you to resell."

That was exactly what Mud was planning. With most of its ideas cut short, Mud lowered its requests to a more reasonable level. "Please provide the best available armor for myself and my team. Additionally, the highest quality available of the following; one curved sword, one shield, and... a weapon suitable for Jabrax the Red. Healing items, food, and water for my human team members. Any items which you believe would be useful which I have not mentioned." 

"Right, that's about what I expected. You will receive your equipment tomorrow."

Having a sudden idea, Mud added one more item. "Additionally, retrieve the weapon I am having repaired at Ingeit's blacksmith, and pay the bill."

Smiling slightly, the clerk nodded. "Now you're getting it. Take advantage of the Delver's Association, but keep it within reason. Ask for too much and you get nothing, ask for too little and you miss out. We're a very useful ally, wouldn't you agree Mud?"

"Yes, I agree."

"And we're very dangerous enemies." The clerk stood up, as did Mud. "By the way... if you're planning on leaving the area of Geltheas, I suggest you do it before a week from now. After the tournament is over, preferably. If you linger too long, you might find yourself trapped here for the rest of your life. Let me know when you plan to do so. I can make it... easier for you."

Mud could understand why she would provide free assistance for fighting the wave, but what would motivate her to assist in leaving the town? And why would it become more difficult to leave the city after one week? Judging by his previous questions, asking would be useless. Still, there was no loss for trying. "Why would you help me?"

"It's common sense that the Delver's Association would help its members, and that its members would help the Delver's Association, isn't it?" The predatory look in her eyes made Mud doubt it was that simple.