The forest road was rough, overgrown with thick roots and thorny bushes. Birds scattered as the rumble of a diesel engine echoed through the trees.
Takeshi's team — consisting of Takeshi, Nobu, Miki, Daichi, Haru, and Aya — bounced around in the back of the truck as it tore down the narrow path.
Miki (clinging to the side): "I told you this thing isn't meant for forest roads!"
Takeshi (grinning at the wheel): "It's called off-roading, rookie! The Shogun was built for this!"
Haru (yelping as a branch smacks his face): "It's not built for that tree!"
Takeshi: "Hah! Minor obstacle."
The truck burst through a cluster of low-hanging branches, sending leaves flying. Nobu pointed ahead.
Nobu: "There! That clearing — the ogre's supposed to be there!"
Sure enough, a massive figure lumbered into view. It was at least three meters tall, with grayish-green skin, a crude wooden club, and a face that looked like someone had stepped on it as a child. It let out a guttural roar.
Ogre: "GRUUUUAAARRGGGHH!"
Aya (gulping): "Okay, new plan! Retreat?"
Takeshi (revving engine): "No chance. Let's do this!"
The Shogun roared forward, tires kicking up dirt and leaves. The ogre blinked, confused, as the massive truck charged.
Miki: "We can't just run it over!"
Takeshi: "Watch me!"
With a heavy VROOOOOOM, the truck barreled toward the ogre. The creature raised its club and swung. The club smashed against the front grille — but Takeshi's prized Shogun barely flinched.
Takeshi (grinning like a maniac): "HA! Should've bought a better club!"
Nobu: "It's working! The ogre's stunned!"
Daichi: "Go, go, go!"
Miki and Aya leapt from the back, swords drawn. Haru hurled a fireball, singing the ogre's arm.
Haru: "Take that, ugly!"
The ogre roared in pain, swinging wildly. Takeshi spun the wheel, doing a tight circle around the monster as the others attacked.
Takeshi (calling out): "Team formation! Hit and run!"
Nobu: "You made that up just now!"
Takeshi: "And it's working!"
The ogre charged, but Takeshi floored the accelerator. The truck clipped its knee with a loud THUNK, sending the creature staggering. Miki dashed in and slashed its exposed side.
Miki: "Got you!"
Aya followed up, stabbing her dagger into its thigh.
Aya: "And one for me!"
Daichi: "Fireball coming through!"
Another burst of flame struck the ogre's chest. It stumbled backward, howling. Takeshi lined up the final charge.
Takeshi (gritting his teeth): "Alright, big guy… this one's for my insurance premiums!"
He floored the pedal. The Shogun roared and smashed into the ogre's gut with a heavy CRACK, sending the monster flying backward. It crashed into a tree with a sickening thud and slumped over, unconscious.
Everyone: "YEAHHHHHH!!"
The group collapsed onto the ground, panting and laughing.
Nobu: "I can't believe that worked…"
Haru: "We actually beat it…"
Miki (grinning): "And nobody died."
Takeshi (patting his truck's dashboard): "See? Never underestimate the power of reliable machinery."
They collected the ogre's ear as proof of subjugation and loaded it into the back of the truck.
Aya (still catching her breath): "Guys… that was actually kind of awesome."
Daichi: "I feel like I'm in a manga."
Takeshi: "Nah, real life's crazier."
As the Shogun rumbled back down the forest path, spirits high, one thought crossed all their minds.
They were getting stronger.
They could actually do this.
One battle at a time, one monster at a time… and someday, the Demon Lord would fall.