Shirou in Another World.

Volume 3: Orth Holy Grail War CH2

The first thing Arno did upon arriving in Orth was to go to the adventurer's guild. Shirou followed along so that he could start familiarizing the city layout.

It was an unusual one. The big gaping crevice was the center and the city stretched away from the hole. It was difficult to get an eye view from ground level and Shirou didn't want to attract attention by scaling the highest building in the area just to scout the place.

No, that one he would do at night.

Shirou followed Arno through bustling streets. From there, he was able to glean much information about the city and its people. He didn't see extravagantly cloaked aristocrats, but what he did see were strong adventurers decked out in fine equipment. On their way to the guild, Shirou spotted numerous stores selling armor, weapons, potions, and other dungeon necessities.

The city seemed heavily geared towards exploration and dungeoneering.

Arno stopped in front of a large five-story building towering over the entire street. Shirou couldn't read the engraved sign over the entrance but assumed it was an adventurer's guild based on the crowd inside.

Nobody paid them any attention as they walked up to one of the guild assistants managing the front desk. Arno flashed some sort of identification at the girl who marked it down on her record while greeting his return.

Some sort of log then- maybe to keep track of adventurers?

Shirou nodded at the thought. This line of work was dangerous, and keeping track of adventurers was one way of helping them in their field.

They held a conversation, Arno showing the maps and the girl nodding at his request. Afterward, Arno beckoned for Shirou to keep following him. The two traversed the streets until they reached some sort of shop that caught Shirou's attention.

He could hear people speaking different languages inside.

Translators?

They entered the establishment and Arno quickly spoke with one of the mages. They turned to Shirou and mimicked speaking.

"You're trying to know which language I speak?" Shirou answered.

The mage nodded at Arno then pointed them to another wizened mage busy translating for two customers. A few minutes later, it was their turn. Again, they were asked to speak before the mage casted a spell.

Shirou observed the process carefully.

"Interesting. Is it possible to learn this spell?"

Arno shot Shirou a look as the words registered on him. After mimicking to each other for so long, it was jarring to finally understand the 14-year old.

"It's not as easy as casting and understanding the other person. You need rudimentary fundamentals like learning two different languages and becoming fluent in them. I know yours and his, so I am acting as the conduit between you both. He speaks- I understand him- and my understanding is translated into your language, then vice versa. The real conversion happens in my mind." The old man explained.

Shirou frowned. Looks like he'd have to learn the hard way then. He was staying until he found the objective Zelretch left him.

Whatever it was must've been that important to be mentioned to him. Not that there were many things that would be useful to Shirou.

"Shirou, what do you plan to do? Now that you've returned out here." Arno asked.

"I think I will stay for a bit. I don't really have anywhere to go." -except West. But Shirou didn't need to tell anyone about his true objective. "I'll probably find work here while I find my footing."