Shirou opened a simple picture book in his hands, it was meant to teach children how to distinguish between common races.
The moment he opened it, he noticed something strange.
The text was not in any language he recognized it was completely unfamiliar. Yet, he could still understand it.
Closing the book, Shirou tried to write the characters himself, but realized he could not recall how to form them.
When he opened the book again, the moment he saw the words, he knew how to read them.
"What's going on? This feels like knowledge being directly stuffed into my head… is this… the Holy Grail?"
After thinking it over, the only explanation he could come up with was what happens in the Holy Grail War Servants being granted modern knowledge.
With that in mind, he continued reading. After finishing a section, he came to a conclusion:
He only had knowledge related to reading and understanding text. Other types of knowledge did not seem to come with it.
"Well, at least it gave me something all at once…" Shirou scratched his head. He had thought he could skip studying and spend time on other things, but it seemed he would still have to read properly.
Still, having literacy was helpful it saved him the trouble of learning how to read from scratch, which was one of his weaker areas.
After finishing the picture book, and using familiar animals as reference points, he quickly grasped some of the common races.
For example, the members of Penguin Logistics.
Exusiai was a Sankta. Their defining trait was the halo above their heads. It was said they especially loved sweets, and every Sankta was skilled at making desserts.
Croissant was a Forte. Her traits were the pair of horns on her head and a whip-like tail. Most of them were known for their exceptional endurance.
Sora and Texas were Lupo commonly referred to as wolves. Their features were their ears and tails, with heightened senses of smell and hearing.
However, people often confused Lupo with Perro. The difference could be seen in their ears and tails, though Shirou himself still could not tell them apart well. He only remembered their race because they had introduced themselves briefly the day before.
As for the Boss, his new employer, he seemed to belong to the "Ancients."
Ancients were a bit more complicated. Based on Shirou's understanding, they were similar to the beastmen commonly seen in games.
Closing the book, Shirou thought through the key points for a moment, then stood up and placed all the books neatly on the shelf. He set the picture book slightly to the side, marking that he had already read it.
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the door, followed by Exusiai's voice:
"If no one answers, I'm coming in."
The door opened almost immediately less than three seconds from knock to entry. Shirou did not even have time to respond.
"Oh, you're awake. We're taking you out for a walk to help you get familiar with the area, and see if there is anything you need to buy."
Exusiai was dressed casually, and outside the door, Texas was also in casual wear though her black coat added a bit of a… mafia vibe.
Realizing that thought was a bit rude, Shirou quickly dismissed it.
"Give me a moment. Come in and sit."
He invited them inside and poured two cups of instant coffee. Remembering Exusiai's race, he added some cystymilk and sugar to hers, and added a bit of milk to Texas's as well.
Cystymilk was essentially the same as cow's milk as he knew it just called something different here. Though, for some reason, the name made him imagine some rather bizarre creatures.
"Thanks. Do not forget to make a list of what you need."
Exusiai took the coffee, her eyes lighting up after a sip.
Texas accepted hers as well, gave a slight nod, and took a sip.
A light milky flavor. Not bad, definitely better than Exusiai's usual brew.
Shirou returned to his room and changed into his original clothes, freshly washed the night before. Thanks to the drying function, they were already ready to wear. Though Texas had bought him some clothes, those felt more like loungewear, it was better to wear something else outside.
After changing, he put his money and ID into separate pockets.
He glanced at the Holy Shroud by the bed, hesitated for a moment, then wrapped it around his right arm before putting on his jacket.
When he came out, Exusiai and Texas had already finished their coffee and placed the cups in the sink.
"All set?"
Hearing the door open, Exusiai jumped up and turned around to ask.
"More or less. I will decide what to buy after seeing things in person."
Shirou closed the door and felt the money in his pocket.
Should be enough… probably? He was not sure about its purchasing power, but it should cover basic necessities.
Hopefully, reality would be as good as he imagined.
"Let's go."
With both hands in her pockets, Texas casually took the lead.
"Let's check out clothes first?"
Exusiai followed along, suggesting their first stop.
Shirou closed the door behind him and caught up.
Walking through the streets of Lungmen, Shirou looked at the signs around him as he went.
To Exusiai and Texas, it seemed like he was memorizing the route, so they slowed their pace slightly.
They had already planned to go shopping today bringing Shirou along was just an extra task. Unexpected, but manageable.
"Shirou, what kind of clothes do you like?"
After arriving at a shopping district, Exusiai asked.
"Simple is fine. For now, I just need something to wear."
Shirou did not have high standards. He was not in a position to buy expensive clothes yet.
First, he did not have the money. Second, he was still growing no point buying something pricey he would not wear for long.
"Got it. Then how about that shop over there?"
Exusiai pointed at a high-end men's clothing store ahead.
"Idiot. We're going to that one."
Texas lightly chopped Exusiai on the head, making her yelp.
"Why?!"
Exusiai clutched her head, protesting.
"We've got a lot to buy, and he just needs the basics."
Texas explained, then pulled Exusiai along, leading Shirou to another store.
Shirou followed. The store Texas recommended was more ordinary selling both men's and women's clothing.
After confirming his size, Shirou quickly picked out a few black-and-white tops, some plain pants, and a few pairs of boxers. The entire process took less than ten minutes.
"I'm done."
Holding a small shopping bag, Shirou spoke to the two waiting outside.
Both of them were surprised by how quickly he finished but considering he was a guy, it did not seem that strange after all.