Feast time! If these two words are not enough to excite you…there is an issue!

They quickly and expertly dismantle the big creature. Meanwhile, I'm just on the side salivating expecting all that goodness. Once the proper spices are used even this ugly-looking lizard will taste like heaven.

All the dwarves are celebrating our victory. If anything, the way they are looking at me has changed a lot! Before, they were polite but mostly ignoring me. Now they voluntarily start talking to me. Asking me about where I am from, who I am, what my favorite metal is...

From time to time, a lady blushes while smiling at me. Some are actually very nice looking, but they all look so young! This reminds me of a mantra I have learned in my previous life. Yes loli! No-touch!

We walk all the way to a public square once again. Then some braziers are set up. Our new catch goes to storage meanwhile they bring tons of marinated meat and giant kegs. I love the look of it all, the smell too!

While the grilling happens, an old dwarf comes forward. Then he starts telling us the tale of their race. You know the kind of tale that everyone knows yet still wants to hear again for some reason? That's how the dwarves are acting.

He starts describing a continent bigger than any of us can imagine. This place compared to it would be nothing but a tiny island in the ocean. A place filled with countless powerhouses and mystical creatures. Miracles happening once a century at best here are common over there.

Then he says that their ancestors participated in the previous war of the gods. They were known as the proud sons of Forgar! Their armies were undefeatable. Their weapons and armors were as deadly as magnificent as resistant, all enchanted with magic! They also had war chariots that could defeat any opponents.

I can picture small dwarves showing up to the battlefield with massive machines of mass destruction. At first, I'm wondering what happened to all that technology, but then the old dwarf continues.

Forgar used to have an alliance with a god of knowledge. They were working together with that friend bringing the high-tech components to the table. But then this ally died, betrayed by a collaborator. One that was eyeing all the technology this god had.

Forgar raged and sent his troops on a mass destruction spree, probably in order to obtain revenge. It is unclear what happened next. The dwarves even ignore the exact parties involved. All they know is that their god was never the same afterward.

There was an order sent to go away in hiding. They as his loyal followers obeyed. Forgar nor advocates a life of a hermit away from the affairs of the world. Never does he talk about the past or the future, even letting the knowledge of what happened to disappear.

I can understand that. He was probably devastated by his loss. He probably didn't have the capability to care for his followers. Thus he sent them somewhere safe and peaceful­. Well, disregarding the Abyss Devourers problem.

The old dwarf ends his story with a message of hope for the future. That they should remember their previous pride, their roots. That one day they may just go back and reclaim their old territory. That they should hone themselves in the meantime.

Training is never wrong but there is probably a reason why people don't bother with this land. It must be pitiful resource-wise.

After this brainwashing event, the banquet finally starts. There are songs, there are dances, there is lots of meat. Everyone is merry. At some point everyone becomes silent, then they call some dwarves to bring some special drinks.

There are purple metallic kegs getting rolled in. On the surface, there are runic-looking red glowing patterns. Whatever is in there looks magical! I can't help but hope that I'll be able to taste some.

"Friend, you seem to be mesmerized by it haha."

[Ah!...Iron anvil, right?! Yes, what's with the awesome kegs?]

"It is to keep the potency of the drink. Contained inside is fiery liquor! It has a really potent taste, would you like to try some?"

[Hell yeah! Eh, I mean yes of course.]

He simply laughs at my outburst before bringing me a cup.

"Here, try this."

The old mage starts freaking out: "Don't drink this! It's poisonous!"

I mean, wouldn't be the first time...I gesture to him that it's fine. The liquid is clear and has tiny flames floating inside. How enchanting! I raise my glass and drink it all.

It tastes spicy yet refreshing. Then I can feel some heat in my throat and then stomach. Hey! This is pretty much vodka! This is amazing! I can't help but give a satisfied sigh. It gives me a nostalgic feeling, one I'm not sure comes from where exactly.

"Want some more?"

[For sure!]

I quietly start drinking. Every sip bringing me intense joy. Now, one shouldn't exaggerate with alcohol, but divine energy has me covered. Weirdly enough, I'm not feeling drunk at all. I simply feel revitalized. That anvil guy keeps filing my glass.

Before long there is a crowd assembling around me. I'm almost expecting them to yell "chug! chug! chug!" but no. They are simply staring in silence, literally all the dwarves. I guess it is because they didn't expect a human to be able to hold his liquor so well haha.

Perhaps I'm even bringing glory to the humans hehe. At one point I lose track of time and quantities. Until finally it stops. Guess I drank enough.

[Thanks a lot! This is delicious!]

They all start clapping and cheering. What?! What is happening?! Seeing my confused look Iron Hammer starts explaining.

"Do you know what the third challenge consists of?"

[No?]

"Well, see that keg that you just finished? That is the third challenge! This drink contains pure fire element. Drinking a bit is fine but about 5 cups are the limit for most warriors. After drinking too much one can even turn to ashes. Now, what you just accomplished is pretty much a miracle."

[Ah….was that perhaps expensive?]

"Don't worry about it haha."

[So, when does the challenge start?]

"Well, it is quite pointless anymore. We know ourselves pretty well. We'll probably obtain similar results anyway. In the first challenge, you easily destroyed our best swords. In the second you hunted creatures that we couldn't beat. In this one, you vastly surpassed any of us. Truthfully we'd be shameless if we chose a champion between us haha."

[Wait, no! I need you guys to select someone! I need still need that item for...!]

"Don't worry. We have a better idea. How about asking Forgar directly? We'll need his help for the thing anyway. After what you've shown us, I'm sure you can deal with him directly."

Am I about to meet a god once again?!