"Where am I? Why am I here?"
Gently raising an arm to his forehead and gazing at the unfamiliar ceiling above, Shirou, still not fully awake, mumbled drowsily.
However, he quickly roused himself, remembering what had happened.
"So, I was completely drunk and then brought back? What a bunch of beasts, they really poured it on me!"
Although he complained verbally, Shirou's face was full of smiles as he sat up.
How long had it been since he felt this way? Ever since Miyu was taken by Julian, he had been all alone in his house.
And loneliness is hard for anyone, let alone Shirou, who was naturally suited for a bustling life.
According to the flow of Shirou's destiny, Shirou, without any attachments, would become Red Archer and face a regretful end.
However, if he had chosen Saber, or Rin Tohsaka, or Sakura Matou, he would not have become Red Archer.
Therefore, he truly liked the lively atmosphere within the Familia.
This was also why the other him (the previous Emiya) chose the Loki Familia in the first place—it felt more like a family.
Sitting up from the bed, feeling the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the window onto him, and looking at the somewhat simple room, Shirou chuckled and said,
"Looks like I'll have to decorate the room myself. But before that, let's go get some equipment!"
Last night's feast wasn't just about drinking; Shirou also learned about some newcomer benefits from the older members of the Familia.
First, there was funding. Any newcomer could receive a starting fund of up to 100,000 Valis to purchase equipment, thereby increasing their chances of survival and leveling efficiency.
Under normal circumstances, 100,000 Valis was definitely enough for a newcomer. In special cases, one could also borrow more Valis from the Familia.
However, any borrowed amount had to be repaid.
After all, a Familia cultivates partners who fight together, not freeloaders who only enjoy benefits.
Secondly, there was training in combat techniques.
However, Shirou didn't need this aspect; he wasn't a complete rookie who knew nothing.
Finally, there was knowledge and data.
Within the Loki Familia, there was a huge underground library containing all sorts of books and materials for Familia members to study.
Shirou planned to study this part thoroughly later.
After a quick tidy-up, Shirou went to the main hall and received his initial fund of 100,000 Valis from the senior member managing the finances.
Don't think 100,000 Valis is a lot. In the "Hostess of Fertility" pub, which the original protagonist often visited, a single meal could cost over a thousand Valis.
100,000 Valis was only about a month's worth of food money.
Although 100,000 Valis wasn't much, it was enough to purchase beginner's equipment, and for Shirou, it was more than enough.
Shirou, possessing Projection Magic, didn't need to buy elite weapons, which were usually a large expense when acquiring equipment.
Secondly, he didn't need to wear heavy armor.
Shirou only intended to get a leather jacket. Even if he needed to wear armor later, it would be light armor that didn't impede his movement.
Additionally, as a precaution, he needed to prepare a backup weapon.
After all, the Dungeon was full of dangers, the most famous of which were anomalies.
No one knew if they would encounter an anomaly at any given moment. If he encountered an anomaly on his way back, he could easily lose his weapons due to running out of magic.
Therefore, a backup weapon was still necessary.
Arriving at the shop recommended by a senior Familia member, and mentioning the esteemed name of the Loki Familia, Shirou quickly completed his planned purchases.
A leather jacket, a backup dagger, and a backpack. That was all the equipment Shirou bought.
After exchanging the remaining funds for some practical potions, Shirou completed all his preparations.
As for his room? He'd definitely decorate it later, once he had money!
Afterward, while doing his shopping, Shirou roughly explored the nearby area. After all, Orario was so vast that it couldn't be explored in a single day.
It wasn't until evening that he returned to the Loki Familia's headquarters, Twilight Manor.
"How was it? Orario is beautiful, isn't it?"
Loki, who was cooling off in the courtyard, waved and greeted Shirou upon seeing him return.
"Yes, Orario indeed has a unique beauty compared to other cities."
Shirou naturally hadn't seen other cities in this world, so he was comparing it to his previous city, Fuyuki City.
Compared to a modern city, Orario, filled with gods, indeed possessed a unique beauty.
"Right? In this world, Orario is truly the most beautiful!"
Laughing, Loki patted Shirou's shoulder and continued to ask,
"Since your equipment is all set, when do you plan to go to the Dungeon?"
The Familias of the gods had different development directions due to their head gods' varying wishes. Some specialized in selling medicine, some in selling alcohol, and some even ran brothels. The Loki Familia's direction of development was exploring the Dungeon.
"I'll wait two more days. These two days, I plan to go to the underground library to find some books on Dungeon information. After all, knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory!"
"Is that so? It's good that you have your own plan! Well, I won't delay your time. Go have dinner."
Watching Loki return to her seat, cooling off and waving to him, Shirou smiled and returned to his room.
"I feel like Loki-sama is somewhat similar to Fujimura-sensei."
Shirou, who couldn't help but compare Fujimura-sensei and Loki in his mind, quickly shook his head. After putting his backpack back in his room, he went to the cafeteria for dinner.
After all, in this big world, eating is the most important thing.
...
Two days later, Shirou, having completed all his preparations, left Twilight Manor early in the morning and headed to the Dungeon alone.
The reason he went solo was that he refused the accompaniment of his seniors. Although some seniors offered to take him to get accustomed to it, Shirou wasn't a pure rookie.
Having grown through the Holy Grail War, although his body was still that of a mortal, his combat experience and methods were not something a true LV.1 could compare to.
After sparring with his seniors, Shirou obtained the qualification to go solo.
Now, with the main force on an expedition, he could be considered a formidable presence within the Familia.
Of course, this was without activating his Reality Marble.
Walking on the somewhat desolate street, Shirou savored the moment of silence, but this was only temporary.
As he got closer to the Babel Tower, the more pedestrians there were. They were all fully equipped adventurers and supporters.
Shirou didn't need supporters to aid his team; he could be a supporter himself.
When he arrived at Babel Tower, the surrounding area was already filled with a surging crowd. Many adventurers were gathered in groups of three to five, as if waiting for their teammates.
Some of these people had relaxed expressions, while others were filled with tension. But no matter their mood, they were all fully armed.
After all, no one could underestimate the Dungeon. Within the labyrinth, any lapse in concentration could lead to death.
"Hmph!"
Gently exhaling, Shirou passed through the crowd and arrived at the entrance of the Dungeon.
It was a huge opening, like a well. Through an artificially constructed device resembling a construction elevator, Shirou and many adventurers entered the hole together.
After winding down the spiral staircase, he finally reached the first floor of the Dungeon.
Standing in front of the entrance, Shirou glanced around briefly, then took a headband from his backpack and put it on.
Coupled with his red leather jacket, at this moment, he seemed to have returned to the Holy Grail War in his memories.
"Projection Start!"
The familiar feel returned. Kanshou and Bakuya were tightly gripped in Shirou's hands.
"Now, it's time for battle."
--------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter