After successfully requesting funds from the Boss and having his debt instantly wiped out, Shirou felt completely refreshed.
"Did not expect the new boss to be this easygoing!"
He had originally only planned to request reimbursement, but the Boss had even cleared his debt along the way. That was completely different from what he had imagined.
From what he had seen on TV before, bosses were supposed to make things difficult and only reluctantly approve funds in the end. So why had everything gone so smoothly here?
Shirou thought about it for a few seconds… then gave up.
As long as things worked out, there was no need to overthink it.
"Everyone's around tonight too, let's make something good! Mrs. Syne recommended a street last time for fresh meat and vegetables. I'll go check it out."
When Chef Shirou was in a good mood, Penguin Logistics got full bellies.
After tidying up the living room, Shirou grabbed a shopping bag and headed out. The bag was from a supermarket promotion, simple-looking, but sturdy enough.
With navigation turned on, he made his way toward the street.
"First time heading somewhere other than the mall or supermarket…"
As he walked, he looked at the unfamiliar scenery and muttered to himself.
Compared to the towering skyscrapers near the commercial district and supermarkets, the buildings here were much shorter, with only the occasional tall structure standing out.
Oddly enough, it felt familiar to him.
If there was any difference… it was that some people here looked at him with less-than-friendly eyes.
"I remember Exusiai mentioning that infected people in Lungmen tend to gather in a certain area, so you do not usually see them… but this is not that place… wait, it's actually nearby."
Shirou checked his phone and realized he was close to the area she had mentioned.
"A transitional zone?"
Noticing that his destination was close, he recalled what Exusiai had told him.
Lungmen was divided into Upper City, Mid City, and Lower City. Most of the infected gathered in the Lower City.
Because of the large infected population and the presence of numerous gangs, the Guard Department did not have enough manpower to maintain order. As a result, the area's overall security was chaotic—earning it the nickname "the slums."
Exusiai had advised him not to go near the slums unless accompanied by her, Texas, or Croissant.
But now that he had already arrived at the market, it was too late to turn back.
"…I will just buy what I need and leave quickly."
After assessing the situation, Shirou decided to shop quickly and get out.
"Freshly butchered fish, meat, and vegetables… oh? They really are cheap. Though I will have to process them myself when I get back."
Walking through the market, Shirou quickly picked out a few stalls.
He carefully held his bag in front of his chest and selected some vegetables.
"It's been pretty chaotic lately, gunshots and explosions all the time."
He overheard a group of aunties chatting nearby.
Not that he was trying to eavesdrop, it's just that… aunties talked really loudly.
He had encountered this at supermarkets before, but those conversations were usually about family or daily life. Here, the topics were far more intense.
"Exactly! Yesterday I saw a bunch of people walking around with knives and crossbows, so scary!"
Another added:
"And a few days ago, there were cars chasing each other down the street!"
"…"
Shirou did not listen any further. After finishing his shopping, he left.
Eavesdropping was not right even if they were loud.
Besides, he needed to hurry. He had the distinct feeling someone was watching him from the shadows.
"Walking around with knives and crossbows… gunshots and explosions too. Even a place as well-governed as Lungmen seems pretty chaotic."
He sighed as he walked.
From what he had read and seen online, Lungmen was considered relatively safe.
But even "safe" was relative to this world.
In Ursus, it was said that infected people were simply arrested outright. Compared to that, Lungmen was already one of the more tolerant places.
If he were in Ursus…
"…No point thinking about it."
He shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"Focus on what's in front of you. Do not overthink it, Emiya Shirou."
He muttered quietly to himself.
Here, almost anyone could use "magical powers"—Originium Arts.
He was a magus… or rather, a spell user but knowing magecraft did not make him invincible.
There were limits to what a single person could do.
He kept reminding himself not to act recklessly.
He did not know why, but he felt he should not repeat past mistakes.
Maybe during the Holy Grail War, Archer had told him something?
Or perhaps… entrusted him with something.
At that thought, Shirou touched his right arm.
Since nearly being overwhelmed by his memories that day, he had been carrying the shroud with him.
Normally he kept it on his person, but when going out, he wrapped it around his right arm.
Even though he could not remember, it felt important.
"Hey there, customer what can I get you?"
A lazy voice interrupted his thoughts. Only then did Shirou realize he had been standing in front of a fish stall for quite a while.
"Ah—sorry, I spaced out."
He quickly apologized and looked at the stall owner.
Hmm… he looked a bit fierce but more than that, kind of lazy?
A fierce appearance alone did not scare Shirou. After all, nothing could really compare to Berserker.
"It's fine. There are not many customers at this hour anyway so you can take your time."
Seeing that Shirou was not intimidated, the man spoke a bit more casually.
Shirou nodded and examined the fish carefully.
…He could not recognize most of them.
Aside from obvious ones like shrimp and crab, the rest were unfamiliar.
But judging from the texture, one looked similar to salmon.
"I'll try pan-frying it and see how it tastes…"
He also picked a few that looked somewhat familiar. After standing there for so long, it'd feel awkward not to buy anything.
"Want the bones removed?"
"Is that okay? Then please, thank you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the vendor pulled out a knife and, in a few swift motions, removed the bones cleanly.
"Wow, that's impressive."
Shirou could not help but admire it. He had never seen someone debone fish so quickly and cleanly, with barely any meat wasted.
"Thanks. Been doing this for a while. I'll give you a discount."
The vendor packed up the fish and handed it over.
"Huh? Really?"
Shirou blinked, surprised to suddenly get a discount.
"Yeah. Not many people talk to me normally the first time we meet. It feels kind of refreshing."
"…Thank you?"
Shirou looked a bit confused but still accepted the kindness.
Getting a discount without even bargaining?
That was amazing.
"No problem. Just come again next time."
The vendor yawned as he sent Shirou off, returning to wait for the next customer.