I'm looking at the lava without noticing anything special. Then, I use my scouting ability and…wait! Is that?!

There are magma lizards! The only thing is, they are submerged! Only their nostrils are actually out. Do these things even need to breathe? What's with the pose anyway?

[So how does this work?]

"Every clan leader can have up to 25 helpers. They must try to hunt one of these creatures."

[Oh? Is it hard?]

"With 25? Impossible for most. Still, they all have their trump cards. We'll have to wait and see for sure. Most of the time one in the lot succeeds."

[Most of the time?]

"Historically there were years where none managed to for a reason or another."

[Then what happens?]

"Either call it a tie or judge who performed the best when it's obvious."

[I see.]

The 3 groups separate and then they start cooking something. Is that…?!

[They are baiting the creatures with their own meat?!]

"Yep, well it's not surprising. They will eat one another whenever there is a territory dispute anyway. It is the same process but with extra steps."

Before long one giant lizard comes out. It seems to be T-rex-sized. Yep, real big. It charges toward the group throwing its maw forward to gulp the food.

That is the exact moment the dwarves counterattack. They slam their weapons on it. Some seem to have blunt weapons to try and dizzy it. Still, it doesn't seem to have much effect.

[It's not going well…]

"On the contrary. Look at Iron Furnace. He's about to unleash his most powerful ability."

Indeed he's on the side. So his men are just buying time?

He grabs a sword bigger than his body before suddenly jumping extremely high. Then he dives with momentum! The blade quickly goes right through the target's skull, the dwarf getting catapulted away.

The creature is lying dead defeated. His men excitedly advance to start and skin it. That is when he yells at them to stop. At first, this confuses me, but then I understand.

Seeing that no one is approaching the creature gets up nonchalantly. It was faking! Trying to bait preys to get to it! Damn this thing is smart!

It gives a small roar before leaving from where it came from. Leaving behind a sword with the blade melted. So that's what happened! It didn't enter it, it just got destroyed!

It is now time for the other group. I'm expecting them to use another tactic, nope. They grill meat. After that earlier display, there is no way that a …never mind.

This time the creature is acting more carefully. Slowly heading to its target. Many dwarves come to flank it. Leaving it only two choices. Instead of pushing forward to try for the meat it simply runs away and goes into hiding again.

This …was disappointing, to say the least.

"There are some like that. They won't take many risks."

Time for the third group. Also Iron Hammer's one. He does the same except that he doesn't send any troops at all. Just when the creature reaches the food it gives a weird cry and stops moving.

That's when I realize its feet are stuck in the rocky floor somehow. It tries to get unstuck, but that's when dwarves come out with a few harpoon-shooting ballistas. Then they start shooting the creature and get ready to deal the final blow.

Honestly, this really feels like cheating but apparently, it's legal. But just as they are ready to finish it the creature changes color. It shows many shades of red until finally….

*Erupt!*

It throws lava everywhere. I'm not sure how, but it gets the job done. It sends its opponents scurrying while freeing it.

"*Sigh* Seems there won't be any banquet tonight."

Wait a damn minute! Banquet!? I'm having a wild and daring idea right now!

I approach the lava. The only one that pays attention to me is the kid. He's looking at me as if I was suicidal. I very slowly dip my hand into the lava.

Not that dangerous since I can heal myself…. oh my god! Let it be known divine energy protects from lava! I don't know how or why but it does. As long as I don't lose focus it should be fine.

[Hey kid, all these creatures can do are normal physical attacks and spiting lava, right?]

He nods absent-mindedly.

[Alright, watch my clothes.]

Meanwhile, Iron Hammer's group is definitely hurting that monster a lot but it is slowly retreating toward safety.

I fearlessly dive into the bubbling hot liquid. It feels like taking a warm bath, a very warm one. Still, gotta focus. I'm only doing this cause my target is wounded. I slowly swim to be in position.

No matter what I am having a feast tonight! Oh, and getting the item for the village. I'll bring some of the food back for Wolfie too. I'm sure she'll love it!

As I was expecting they lose the creature. It finally manages to swim away. That is when it appears right in front of me.

I look at it. It looks at me. It seems to be questioning life for a second. Then I grab it by the tail and I start hauling it back on land.

*Shrieks of fear*

[Heave oh, heave oh.]

"Oh my god!"

"Quick look in the lava!"

"How is he still alive!"

"Is he really human?!"

"He's dragging the creature with him!"

"How cool!"

"But why is he naked?"

"Idiot do you ever go swimming with clothes on!"

"He's awesome!"

"Ah, but why is it so small?"

"What? Oh, his thing. Not sure but it's kinda cute."

"For sure! Not that bad overall."

Why the Hell are these dudes talking about my…?!! Are they blushing?!

[You guys gonna come and get it or I gotta do that too?!]

Warriors swarm over and finally deal with it. Before long I wear my clothes again satisfied with my catch.

Secret technique to hunt giant lizards: ambush them in the lava, they don't expect humans there at all. Legit, it barely struggled at the end and even then, it was too weak to do anything.

It is time to announce the victor of the challenge. Apparently, it ends as a tie. They are all ashamed of their own performance. In my opinion, the third was very close, but that's the thing. Close means the same outcome with the prey escaping.

Well, at least soon there will be the third challenge.

We are now heading for a feast! Gotta let the combatants rest after an intense fight.

It will be tasty, right?!