"Hmm… is it here?"
Holding his phone for navigation, Shirou looked at the building in front of him.
From the faded sign and worn-out graphics, he could tell it used to be a bowling alley but it had clearly been abandoned for quite a long time.
Which raised a question: why did the address Yith sent lead him here?
Just as Shirou was double-checking and wondering if he had gone the wrong way, his phone suddenly rang.
"Hello? Yith? Give me a second, I think I might have gone to the wrong place."
Seeing Yith's name on the caller ID, Shirou hurriedly picked up, assuming he was being urged to hurry.
"You are not in the wrong place. Just push the front door open and come in, it's not locked."
Yith's tone was calm, as if this was not the first time something like this had happened.
"Alright."
After a moment's thought, Shirou decided to follow his instructions.
He pushed open the door, and what came into view was a somewhat messy… warehouse?
Compared to the shabby exterior though, the inside was at least relatively clean.
"Over here."
A voice came from the side. Shirou turned his head and saw someone in a suit, with what looked like… a cat head?
No at first glance it resembled a cat, but on closer inspection, it did not quite match any animal Shirou recognized.
A mask, perhaps?
Before Shirou could think further, the person continued:
"This should be our first time meeting in person. We are short on time so I will skip the formalities. Please follow me."
Yith gestured for Shirou to follow.
As Shirou walked after him, he noticed a staircase leading underground.
"How much do you know about Penguin Logistic's line of work?"
As they descended, Yith asked.
"A private courier company… and an armed transport group?"
Shirou recalled what he had learned over the past few days from the others.
Because communication between regions was not well developed, the profession of couriers had emerged.
Couriers were responsible for delivering information or specific items to designated locations, they were similar to postmen but far more dangerous.
After all, what they carried could be valuable goods or important intelligence.
Either of those could get a courier killed mid-mission.
And encountering catastrophes along the way was practically routine.
A courier's life was just that colorful and perilous.
"Mm. Looks like they explained things well. Compared to ordinary couriers, we transport more riskier goods. Sometimes we also take on bodyguard assignments."
Since Shirou already had a decent understanding, Yith simply added a bit more detail.
"Got it."
Shirou nodded. This matched what Penguin Logistics had told him and Yith was just explaining more clearly.
As Yith finished the explanation they arrived at the underground area of the facility.
Compared to the cluttered space above, this place was much more organized.
Shirou saw various strange equipment and obstacle setups. Thinking back to what the others had said yesterday, he started to feel a little nervous.
"They are all simple tests. No need to worry."
Noticing Shirou's tension, Yith reassured him.
"What should I do first?"
Adjusting his mindset, Shirou got into focus.
He set down his backpack and coat. After noticing the shroud inside his bag, he thought for a moment and decided to wrap it around his neck.
Ever since the previous incident, he had been carrying it with him.
"Let's start simple. Please wear this equipment and run a few laps around here."
With Yith's assistance, Shirou was fitted with some lightweight devices that did not hinder movement.
Following instructions, he began running without using any magecraft.
It took about an hour to complete the tests, including running, weightlifting, and obstacle courses.
"Phew…"
After finishing, Shirou did not feel particularly tired. It really was not that hard but just a bit tedious.
"Physical strength, battlefield mobility, and physiological endurance are all above standard. Quite good results."
Sitting at the computer, Yith's hands moved nonstop as he analyzed the data. Shirou's performance so far could be considered excellent.
"Really?"
Shirou leaned over to look at the data but after one glance he pulled back.
There was only one reason: he could not understand any of it.
The screen was filled with dense numbers that gave him a headache just looking at them.
"I will provide you with a summarized report later. No need to worry."
Seeing his reaction, Yith said calmly.
In fact, if Shirou could understand all this without proper training, that would be more concerning.
"That's good to hear. So what's next?"
Relieved that he would get a summary, Shirou stopped worrying about the screen and asked about the next step.
"Next is combat training. There's a crossbow prepared over there."
Following Yith's gaze, Shirou saw a rather refined crossbow placed nearby.
After thinking for a moment, he did not go to pick it up. Instead, he asked:
"Can I use a different weapon?"
"Of course. Use whatever you are most comfortable with. What do you need?"
Yith did not insist on the crossbow. Combat was about using what suited you best.
Though Shirou had shown strong talent in ranged combat, which was why the Boss had Yith prepare that crossbow in advance.
Originally, it was meant to be given to Shirou after testing, with upgrades later depending on his needs.
But if Shirou did not want it, that was fine, it would just go back into storage.
"I will go with blades, either swords or knives."
After a brief thought, Shirou decided on melee weapons.
"Are standard issue weapons fine? There should be some in storage, I will grab them."
Recalling the inventory, Yith stood up to fetch them.
"No need. Let's just start."
Shirou raised his hand.
"Trace on—"
"You brought your own weap—?"
Yith turned, assuming Shirou had brought something with him.
Then he saw a flash of light in Shirou's hands—
A pair of black and white twin swords appeared.
"…If you have got your own weapons, head into that room over there."
Though curious, Yith maintained professional composure and directed Shirou to proceed with the test.
With such a unique ability, the Boss would definitely be interested.
Right now, Yith was already looking forward to seeing the Boss's reaction—
He could practically imagine it:
that utterly indescribable penguin screech upon watching the recorded footage.