The next morning, a familiar noise echoed through the adventurer guild's hall.
DING-DONG!
Receptionist Ruki (cheerful as always): "Good morning, Truck Survivors! Ready for today's quests?"
The group yawned in unison, still a little sore from yesterday.
Takeshi (grabbing a coffee): "Ready as I'll ever be. What's on the board?"
Ruki slapped down a paper with a big red stamp.
[Bronze Quest: Merchant Escort to Arbel Village]
Reward: 5,000 Gold, Free Meal, and Discount Vouchers
Sho (eyes sparkling): "Discount vouchers… for food?!"
Aiko: "We should take this one. It pays better."
Daichi: "Alright, Team 1 and Team 3 will handle the escort. Team 2, grab some gathering quests and mop up the remaining Bronze jobs."
Ms. Sato (nodding): "Got it."
Takeshi (stretching): "I'll bring the truck. Hope that merchant can keep up."
At the Guild Stables
A nervous-looking, balding merchant named Mr. Pudgywell stood beside his squeaky wooden wagon.
Mr. Pudgywell (bowing frantically): "T-thank you for accepting this escort job! Bandits have been attacking travelers on the road to Arbel!"
Hiroshi (cracking his knuckles): "Perfect warm-up."
Aya (to Takeshi): "You sure you can drive this road?"
Takeshi (grinning): "This baby's been through worse. Calm Belt crossing, remember?"
He patted the Fuso Shogun 510, which gleamed like an indestructible relic of another world.
On the Road
The convoy rolled out — one squeaky wagon and one overpowered, reality-breaking Japanese truck.
Mr. Pudgywell (riding his wagon): "Is that… some kind of magic golem cart?"
Takeshi: "Something like that."
Nobu: "No horses required."
Miki (sitting shotgun): "We really don't fit the fantasy aesthetic at all."
The dirt road curved through thick forests. Birds chirped. Sunlight peeked through the canopy.
Jun (checking his traps): "So far, so good."
Until the bushes rustled.
Daichi (drawing his sword): "Heads up!"
Fifteen scruffy bandits armed with pitchforks, clubs, and one with a suspiciously large turnip, jumped out.
Bandit Leader (shouting): "Hand over the goods and leave your lives!"
Sho (squinting): "Wait… is that guy seriously using a turnip as a weapon?"
Bandit Leader: "DON'T MOCK THE SACRED TURNIP!"
Takeshi (grinning): "Alright boys, time to stretch your legs."
Haru (readying his spear): "Been itching for a good fight."
The Skirmish
The battle was fast, loud, and kind of embarrassing.
Hiroshi (suplexing a bandit): "You picked the wrong convoy!"
Miki (throwing fireballs): "Fire Burst!"
Jun's traps sent two bandits flying into the trees. Nobu bulldozed another with his shield. Aya's beast companion — a giant weasel — tackled a guy into a bush.
Takeshi revved the Fuso Shogun 510.
Takeshi: "Time for the classic!"
He floored the pedal, sending the truck skidding sideways, knocking three bandits into a ditch.
Bandit Leader (terrified): "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING?!"
Daichi (charging in): "Justice Slash!"
The last few bandits ran for their lives.
Mr. Pudgywell wept tears of joy.
Mr. Pudgywell: "Bless you, brave adventurers! And… mysterious metal chariot!"
They reached Arbel Village without further incident.
That Evening, Back at the Guild
Receptionist Ruki: "Excellent work! Quest complete!"
A shower of coins hit the table. Discount vouchers too.
Quest tally: 4 down, 5 to go.
Levels:
Daichi: 8 → 9
Takeshi: 15 → 16
Sho: 6 → 7
Aya: 6 → 7
Hiroshi: 7
Nobu: 6 → 7
Miki: 6 → 7
Jun: 6
Haru: 6
Daichi (raising a mug again): "Five more, guys. Almost there."
Takeshi: "Let's see what tomorrow's disasters bring."
Everyone laughed.