In the end, after Minmin's relentless attempts to explain herself, Shirou temporarily set aside his suspicion that she might have some strange personal hobby.
After a simple checkup, they drew a small vial of blood, and he left.
In Shirou's understanding, blood should not be drawn this frequently. However, that probably applied to large amounts. In his case, it was only a small vial each time. Drawing more would just be wasteful anyway, since blood is difficult to preserve.
Moreover, every blood draw was preceded by a full set of examinations. Only after confirming there were no issues would they proceed. If there were even the slightest abnormalities in Shirou's data, Minmin would not take even a single drop.
However, his condition had always been very healthy. Minmin guessed it was because of his regular diet, heavy daily exercise, and consistent sleep schedule, going to bed before midnight and waking around six. It was practically a textbook example of a perfect routine.
Shirou himself did not think much about it. For now, he felt no physical abnormalities, and having regular checkups was reassuring.
As for those strange symptoms of visions and voices, they had not appeared again since then.
The black markings on his left arm had completely disappeared a few days ago. Shirou noticed that when he used his magical energy, those markings seemed to fade faster.
He did not know the reason, but their disappearance was definitely a good thing.
After they vanished, Shirou also tried using the shroud again to equip that outfit. Aside from feeling that his magical energy flowed more smoothly, there were no major changes.
However, from what others said, its defensive capability seemed quite good.
It was similar to a Servant's Armour, constructed entirely from magical energy.
Everything about it was fine except that it looked almost exactly like Archer's outfit, which made Shirou feel somewhat awkward. After struggling with it for a few days, he ultimately decided to carry the shroud with him and only use it when necessary.
After all, the shroud belonged to Archer. It was only natural for it to resemble him. Strictly speaking, they were the same person anyway.
That was how Shirou convinced himself.
At the same time, he confirmed that the black markings were not caused by the shroud. At least during the half hour he used it, there were no discomforts, nor did anything unusual occur afterward.
That meant the issue could now be narrowed down to Originium.
Unfortunately, the black markings had already disappeared, and Shirou had not consulted Minmin or other Originium specialists while they were still present.
He also had no intention of deliberately exposing himself to Originium just to bring them back. Since the medical checks showed nothing abnormal, it was probably not an issue.
"Hmm…?"
On his way to the shop, Shirou noticed what looked like a disturbance at the far end of the street.
An ordinary person would probably turn around and leave, but Shirou was not an ordinary person.
"Better check the situation first."
Although he could see the group, he could not observe them clearly without a proper vantage point. So he needed a better position.
Soon, he slipped into an empty alley, climbed onto a relatively low building using the window bars, and reached the rooftop.
His thinking was simple. If it was a gang fight, he would report it to the Lungmen Guard Department and leave. The shop was nearby, and attracting trouble would be bad.
If it was something else… Shirou did not mind subduing them and handing them over.
Then he saw Lappland taking on a whole group by herself.
"…."
At that moment, Shirou began to think.
Did this count as a gang fight?
Although Texas had warned him to stay away from Lappland and avoid any contact, Shirou had treated that more like a sign of familiarity between them and had not taken it too seriously.
His first impression of Lappland was not great, but she had not caused any major issues afterward.
Just as he was thinking that, Lappland suddenly kicked over a nearby table and chairs, blocking the others' advance.
"…."
Impression minus one.
After a moment of thought, Shirou decided to step in and help break things up. As long as he did not directly interact with her, it should be fine.
"Trace on—"
A black longbow appeared in his hand.
Feeling the weight of the bow again after a long time, Shirou projected an arrow and nocked it onto the string.
Despite not using it for a while, he did not feel rusty. On the contrary, he felt that he was in excellent condition.
He was not worried about being discovered. No ordinary person would think someone was sniping from four to five hundred meters away on a low rooftop.
As long as there was no bloodshed, it would be fine.
That was something he had learned from Penguin Logistics, and also confirmed with the Guard Department.
In the slums, as long as things did not escalate too far, the authorities generally would not intervene.
Minor scuffles were just part of daily life there.
Shirou understood this well. He had seen plenty of it during his night patrols.
That was why he had no intention of interfering in what seemed like a gang conflict.
"I will just provide some support."
Shirou didn't think he could scare those people away with just a few arrows planted in the ground, nor did he intend to directly pierce their bodies.
After all, if he were to put a hole in those people, Lappland would probably follow up with another strike and make their injuries even worse.
Thinking back to how she fought last time, Shirou felt that was very likely to happen.
So he decided to act in a support role.
Support or cover, call it whatever one wanted. The idea was simply to eliminate attacks, spells, or enemies that could threaten the frontliner as much as possible.
Having once become a sniper that the Lungmen Guard Department brought along on nearly every operation, Shirou was naturally not just skilled at attacking enemies.
He also knew very well how to eliminate dangers in advance, even precisely shooting down spells and crossbow bolts that had already been fired.
If preemptively removing threats and setting up ambushes could be built up through experience, then shooting down projectiles mid-flight relied purely on talent.
Of course, there were still some spells that Shirou could not deal with. If he encountered those, the heavy defenders on the front line would have to endure it.
Whoosh—
Seizing the moment, the arrow shot out instantly.
It struck a crossbow bolt flying toward Lappland with perfect accuracy.
"Oh?"
Lappland, who had already prepared to dodge, naturally noticed this as well.
However, she did not think much of it, assuming it was just a mistake on the enemy's part that caused their attacks to collide.
But once, twice, three times…
As it kept happening, not only Lappland but even the gang members realized that someone was supporting her.
"So she has backup?"
A gang member raised his crossbow and fired again, only to watch helplessly as his bolt was shot down mid-air.
That was a serious blow to his confidence. As someone who used a crossbow, he knew just how difficult it was to hit a moving object.
And the other party was intercepting bolts within just a dozen meters!
However, it seemed this hidden supporter was different from the white wolf in front of them. If that person had aimed at them instead of their bolts…
They would probably all be finished here. He did not believe the white wolf would hesitate to follow up and ensure they spent the next few days in a hospital.
"I do not know them. Maybe you are just that unpopular?"
With this mysterious support, Lappland found the fight somewhat unsatisfying.
After all, they were just a group of small-time thugs. At most, it was enough to let her blade taste a bit of blood and serve as a warm-up, so she did not bother taking it too seriously.
She even took the opportunity to mock them.
"You… fine, we are retreating!"
Seeing Lappland's mocking smile, the gang members were clearly angered.
The reason they had targeted her this time was simple. During a previous deal, her attitude had been far too arrogant, leaving everyone in a bad mood.
That was what led to this confrontation.
Who knew she was this strong? And not only that, she even had such an annoying supporter!
Their morale completely collapsed.
"Hm? Not taking a souvenir back? I recommend mille-feuille."
Hearing that they were about to retreat, Lappland raised her sword and prepared to press forward.
She had thought she would at least get a few more down, but she did not expect them to lose their nerve so quickly.
Now she would not even get a proper warm-up!
Just as she stepped forward, an arrow struck the ground between her and the fleeing group.
"Tch… fine. I will treat you to mille-feuille next time."
Seeing the arrow, Lappland quickly understood the message. She sheathed her sword and adjusted her clothes, which had become wrinkled during the fight.
"Go!"
Once they saw Lappland truly give up, the gang members finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Their resentment toward the unknown supporter instantly turned into gratitude.
That person was an angel!
They had stepped in to save them!
Without any intention of continuing the fight, the previously crowded street quickly became empty.
"Sigh, how boring. Lungmen has way too many rules. Too bad I cannot ignore them, since Texas is here."
Watching them disappear into the distance, Lappland muttered to herself.
Her gaze then swept over the surroundings, the overturned tables and chairs, damaged shops, blood on the ground, and broken weapons.
She picked up the arrow that had been shot into the ground as a warning and gave it a light sniff.
"Seems familiar… is it that guy?"
Running through the people she had met since arriving in Lungmen, Lappland quickly identified the likely culprit.
It was Shirou, the one she had met once before and who knew Texas.
Then, the arrow in her hand dissolved into blue particles and vanished.
"…"
Watching her only clue disappear, Lappland fell silent for a moment.
"Whatever, I will go find that guy first. If it is not him, then forget it."
She brushed off some nonexistent dust from her hands and added a new item to her plans.
As for where to find him… she did not know. But judging from where they met last time and her current location, he was probably active in this area.
Meanwhile, after confirming that the disturbance had been resolved, Shirou jumped down from his vantage point and headed toward the shop.
Because of the delay from the Rhodes Island office and what just happened, Shirou felt a bit guilty.
Even though there was no strict time set, he still felt like he was late.
"Sorry, I am late."
He quickly arrived at the shop, which was as quiet as usual.
Just as they had expected, the recent surge in business had only been temporary. Still, it was not without gains, they had cleared out their inventory.
They had even gained a few regular customers.
"Take your time, it is fine. You are busy too, right?"
Leaning lazily over the counter, Rope spoke with a relaxed tone.
A fan nearby was spinning continuously, providing her with a bit of relief from the stuffy heat.
"Is it really that hot? The income has been decent lately, right? Why not consider getting an air conditioner? If it is inconvenient, I can advance some money first."
Seeing Rope practically melting into a purple blob, Shirou sighed helplessly.
"The air conditioner itself is not the problem. The problem is the ongoing cost! And if we were to buy one, it would make more sense for the upstairs dorm, right? The shop only has a few of us and some customers. Running an AC here would be such a waste."
Hearing Shirou's suggestion, Rope perked up a little and explained.
She had gone from someone who spent money as soon as she got it to someone who carefully calculated every expense.
Buying appliances was not just about the upfront cost. One had to consider electricity bills and maintenance as well. Those added up quickly.
If it were for the benefit of many people, that would be different. But placing it just in the shop felt too wasteful.
"Hmm… then I will head to the kitchen for a moment. Put a small stool behind the fan."
After listening to Rope's passionate breakdown of expenses, Shirou gave up on the idea of buying an air conditioner.
He also felt that buying one just for a few hot days might be excessive. Still, if it were truly needed, he would not mind spending the money.
After all, Penguin Logistics and the Guard Department paid quite well.
Entering the kitchen, Shirou took a large basin, filled it with ice and cold water, then brought it back and placed it behind the fan.
"Ah~ so cool…"
Rope, who had not understood what Shirou was doing at first, instantly melted into a soft blob when the cool air began blowing toward her, collapsing onto the counter.
"Be careful not to knock it over. If it is not cool enough, just replace the water and add more ice."
Watching her like that, Shirou chuckled and reminded her.
What he did not know, however, was that a certain white wolf had already reached the shop entrance and was watching the scene inside.
"Hah! Found you!"