Cid Kagenou/Chronology

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## Background

Born as Minoru Kageno, he was inspired to become an "Eminence in the Shadow" and that passion would influence the rest of his childhood. As a result, Minoru would study daily to expand his knowledge, as well as train daily to master multitudes of martial arts. The boy would continue this course of action to high school while maintaining a facade of mediocrity in public to hide his true potential.

During his last year in high school, Minoru would become classmates with former actress Akane Nishino. Although he would mostly ignore her, most notably confusing her name for months. In the meantime, he would be attacking local biker gangs to experiment with and improve his skills. One night, Minoru would witness a kidnapping of Akane and would follow the perpetrators to their hideout while hiding his face with a balaclava and taking up the identity of a bandit hunter, the 'Stylish Bandit Slayer.' After brutally dispatching the kidnappers, he would release Akane before retiring into the night. In the aftermath, his relationship with Akane seemingly improved as he began calling her by her real name.

Despite his progress, Minoru started to see the limitations of his physical abilities, knowledge, and skills. As such, he began efforts into researching magic as a solution to his problems. To name a few, he tried a purification ceremony of standing under waterfalls, converting religions, and strapping himself to a cross, but to no avail. During a training session that involved banging his head to a tree, he received a concussion and mistakenly interpreted headlights as the arrival of his long-sought magic. Alas, he was struck by an incoming vehicle and died at the age of 17 (18 in the anime).

## Volume 1

### Becoming an Eminence in Shadow

Afterward, Minoru would discover himself reborn into another world as Cid, son of the noble Kagenou family that has developed dark knights for generations. Discovering that magic exists and at a young age, Cid secretly trained in magic, swordsmanship, and martial arts while maintaining the image of unassuming son and weakling compared to his older sister, Claire. As such, he would study and performed his duties as a noble during the day, while discreetly continue his training towards his goal at night. He was pleased that he retained his knowledge of his former life and practiced what he remembered in his new body to develop his skill.

Throughout this training, Cid would perform hunts on local bandits in order to improve his skills and gather resources, namely currency. Notably, he would save his sister Claire from the Scarface Gang, rescuing a young Rose Oriana from a group of kidnappers one night, and save a young Yukime from a fervent Gettan and kill all of Gettan's underlings, although Gettan escaped after Cid slashed both eyes and permanently blinded him. Throughout these hunts, Cid would routinely upgrade his disguises, from common dressing and mask to his eventual apparel with the Slime Bodysuit.

### Rise of Shadow Garden

At the age of ten, Cid would hunt down another group of bandits while experimenting with his recently developed slime suit and sword. In the aftermath, he would discover a rotting individual suffering from Demon Possession among his loot. Sensing an abundance of magical power from the body, he would use the body as research subject to further develop his magical skills.

After a month's continued experimentation, he found himself surprised that he healed the body and returned it to its normal state, revealing itself as a young female elf. Although initially reluctant to accept the girl's gratitude and vow of servitude, Cid eventually decided to recruit her into his campaign of becoming an "Eminence in the Shadow." Sensing a need for motivation, the boy would fabricate an improvised narrative about the secretive Cult of Diablos, that desired the revival of the eponymous demon. Explaining that the Cult used its hidden influence over society to manipulate history and hide the truth about Demon Possession, Cid convinced the elf, whom he renamed to Alpha, into joining his non-existent crusade and formally created the organization of Shadow Garden.

Afterward, Cid took up the alias **Shadow** and would shelter and train Alpha in magic, melee combat, and swordsmanship for the next couple of years. As they trained, the two would recruit six additional members who also suffered from Demon Possession: Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta and Eta. Similar to Alpha, Cid cured them before taking them in, and provided them the same training, as well as knowledge from his previous life. Finding each had specialties, Cid gave a general education as well as specialized training, such as teaching Gamma economics and trade, giving Eta architecture and science lessons, and lastly Beta and Epsilon literature and music from his past life respectively.

At the age of 12, Cid noticed that his sister, Claire having the same symptoms and cured her while stretching her though she is unaware of it.

### First Assault on the Cult

At the age of thirteen, Cid soon learnt that Claire had been kidnapped while he was away during one of his 'missions.' According to Beta's investigation, he learned the culprit behind his sister's capture was most likely the Cult of Diablos. However, while still under the impression the whole situation was an act given, he improvised the story with the Cult. Cid nevertheless convincingly chose a random location on the map as the Cult's hideout. Fortunately, that was where Claire was actually imprisoned, and he ordered the Seven Shadows to move at night.

Later as they raided the hideout, Cid found himself separated and lost in the underground tunnels. Ironically, he encountered who he thought was a random bandit, who was really Viscount Grease, an actual member of the Cult of Diablos. Their encounter had the two clashing, and Cid eventually defeated Grease effortlessly despite the Viscount's enhancement drugs. Afterward, Shadow Garden successfully completed their mission to rescue Claire, and reconvened at the Kagenou Manor.

In the aftermath, the girls would request a meeting with Cid to report their discoveries regarding the truth of Demon Possession and the Cult of Diablos' practices. The group determined that they would need to leave to expand the organization's strength and influence in order to combat their enemies. Despite believing his subordinates had discovered he fabricated the truth regarding the Cult's existence, Cid nevertheless allowed them to depart while remaining resolute in becoming an "Eminence in the Shadow".

### Searching for a New Base

With Shadow Garden still a small organization using the ghost town where Shadow met Alpha as their headquarters, their growing membership did not have enough space. Cid was informed by Lambda that the Seven Shadows (except Eta) were heading to into the Abyss Woods to find a new headquarters. Intrigued, Cid followed them and saved them from the attacking Mist Dragon and defeated it with an underdeveloped "Atomic." Bathed in it breathe to walk safely through the poison mists, Shadow couldn't stay long as he needed to return home for a curfew and left Alpha in charge of negotiating with the dragon. Cid was clueless that he gave Shadow Garden access to the fabled lost city of Alexandria, taking it as their new headquarters, but was content to continue *roleplaying* Shadow Garden with them.

### Rescuing the "Saint"

At the age of 14, Cid was out on a cross-country stroll when he just so happened stumble upon the execution of a possessed girl and met the sanctioned Victoria. Upon saving the girl from execution for having possession symptoms, she was saved then cured. Once Victoria was restored to her former self, she clung onto Cid until he left her with Alpha. He was unaware of the young woman's adoration of him despite her love-struck demeanor towards him.

### Kidnapping of the Princess

At age fifteen, Cid enrolled in the Midgar Royal Spellsword Academy where he continued to maintain his image as an average boy and befriended Skel Etal and Po Tato. Prior to an exam, the three agreed to a penalty game where the one with the lowest score would be forced to confess his love to Princess Alexia Midgar. However, Cid would intentionally lose to solidify his status as a background character and willingly asked out the princess with the expectation of rejection. By surprise, Alexia accepted his confession and thus the two became a couple.

As a result, all the students at the Academy are surprised by the relationship the next day when Alexia later joins Cid at lunch in the canteen with two of his friends, which surprises other students as that's the lower nobility section. Alexia gets served lots of food and comments she can't eat it all then Cid happily starts eating her food. Alexia heard that Cid is studying Royal Bushin fencing and wants to practice together. Although Cid states he is in the lowest sections, but Alexia explains she put a good word for him, and she got him in Section One.

Shortly after that, Alexia would use her influence to enroll him in her swordsmanship class where he would meet Zenon Griffey, a famous swordsmanship instructor. Cid practices with Alexia, and notices that her attacks never land, she is slow and doesn't use much magic, but realizes it's because the practice is to review their strokes and counterstrokes. While he finds her technique good, he thinks it's bland. After the practice when the class is dismissed, Alexia states he has good fencing style, but hates it as it feels she is looking at herself. At that time, Zenon were approach Alexia as Cid revealed that Zenon is a suitor of the princess. Realizing his "*girlfriend's*" intentions were to avoid an engagement, Cid initially desired to end their relationship. But despite his many attempts to get her to break up with him, Alexia was able to easily bribe him into continuing.

Despite behaving as master and servant (*owner and dog*) for the next two weeks, the pair were able to briefly bond over their ideals on swordsmanship. While they're alone, Alexia tells Cid that he has the fencing basics, but nothing more than that, yet she can't take her eyes of him. He wonders what with her today as her fencing was unusually aggressive and sloppy. Alexia reveals she always wanted to be as good as her sister. She didn't have what her sister had and decided to become stronger by herself. They ended up calling Alexia "The Fencing Ordinaire". It's unfortunate that Cid's fencing is ordinary like hers, however, Cid doesn't find it unfortunate and states he likes her fencing. Alexia reveals that her sister told her about the same thing after she suffered humiliating defeat at the Bushin Festival. But her sister couldn't understand how pathetic Alexia was feeling. Cid explains that he isn't a great person and wouldn't care if someone kills a million people, but there are things that people find worthless, but to him they are the most precious things in life, which is why he likes her fencing style. Alexia draws her sword and asks him what he means by that. Cid states he gets pissed off when people diss the things he likes. After finishing their conversation, Alexia leaves Cid saying that she wants to go home alone, making him guess this is the end of his unwanted relationship.

The next day, Cid join Skel and Po again as they apologize to him for telling everything to Alexia but wonder how far he got with her while dating her for two weeks. Cid states he didn't get anywhere, which annoys them as they state they would have gone all the way. A moment later, Zenon approach Cid and states that Cid should know that Alexia didn't return to her dorm last night and they guess that Alexia are disappeared and the Knight Order try to investigate it as a potential kidnapping. Since Cid was the last person seen with her, he is becoming their first primary suspect. As he sees more knights, Cid surrenders and realizes he is in big trouble.

While being detained, Cid is beaten and questioned about the princess's location. He gets excited when he comes across this classic minor character interrogation and decides to act properly, so they don't outshine him, and starts screaming and crying that he doesn't know anything as his interrogated and tortured continue for almost a week. After Cid is released, he goes home. Alpha shows up as well and explains that their organization is growing, and they have been gaining more information on the Cult of Diablos. Cid notes to himself that the girls are visiting him time to time and is sure that they are living normal lives but is happy that they still play his game and visit him. Alpha explains that Alexia was kidnapped by the Cult due to her blood and they are investigating it. She asks him if he wants her to dispose of those that interrogated him, but Cid explains they were just doing their job. Before leaving, Alpha also tells him that Delta is here and she has been missing him.

Two days later, Cid sets his Eminence in Shadow room, where he takes out an expensive wine, masterpiece paintings, antique lamp, etc. and then drinks wine while waiting. A bit later, Beta shows up when he tells her the time has come. Beta gets excited and explains that Shadow Garden are ready and under Alpha's orders, they have gathered all available personal in the capital, 114 people, a number which surprises Cid. Beta explains that they plan to launch simultaneous attacks on all hideouts of Fenrir' Sect under the royal capital. As she explains the girl roles, Cid stops her, giving her a letter and stating that he will be taking Delta's spot.

Cid leaves his dorm room in trying to confront the two knights who are interrogating him, as they wait for Cid to throw Alexia's boots at him to frame him and kill him. When they finished their baseless accusation, Cid then drops the bodies of the two men that were following him and proceeds to kill the two corrupt knights by slashing them which makes one of the injured knights say to Cid that his fate is doomed when he doesn't realize that his life has already been sealed by the time Cid became **Shadow** just before killing the corrupt knight by saying that everything will end at sunrise. Already thwarting the corrupt knight's attempt to frame him, Cid as **Shadow** rushes in to located Alexia's location when Delta has already begun an assault on the Cult's facility bases.

After finding traces of the princess' magic, **Shadow** reaches the location where he saw Alexia Midgar is being held with the real culprit, Zenon Griffey that is attempting to seize her again and revealed himself as a member of the Cult. As **Shadow** introduces himself, Zenon recognizes him as the one that has been going after the Cult, but notes he is a coward as he has been targeting only bases without the Cult's core members. However, **Shadow** says that he will still do the hunting no matter who and where until Zenon retorts that he will now face the core member who will become the future Twelfth Seat of Rounds. When Zenon is about to attack **Shadow** for his life to be his achievement for the Rounds by declaring himself to be the next person to fill the Rounds' 12th seat, **Shadow** moves behind him as he places himself between Zenon and Alexia and mocks Zenon, asking him where the core member is he spoke of.

Later, the two combatants fight into become a one-sided when **Shadow** easily overpowers Zenon as he effortlessly outmaneuvered his attacks. By the time **Shadow** scoffs at his so-called superior swordsmanship, Zenon emotionally engage him with fierce attack which completely driving him into a rage. After **Shadow** overwhelms Zenon by delivering a slash to him, a badly injured Zenon asks angrily why he was hiding his identity when he was that strong all along, only **Shadow** states that they are Shadow Garden who lurk in the darkness to hunt in the shadows, which is the sole purpose of their existence.

Zenon that already feel annoyed takes out some red pills and explains that by taking them he will awaken a new nature beyond human limitations and if an ordinary person takes them, he will be overwhelmed by their tremendous power and die. Zenon then takes the pills to enhancing himself and transforms, stating he is the Third Awakened. Having far more destructive power than before, Zenon attacks Shadow, however, he easily blocks him once again. As Shadow overwhelms Zenon, he tells him that there is no road to al-mightiness if you use borrowed power until he activated his magical power, shocking both Zenon and Alexia on how powerful it was.

**Shadow** states there once was a man who wanted to withstand a nuclear bomb. The man then developed his muscles, honed his mind, perfected his skills, however there were still heights he could not attain. In time, **Shadow** realized that if he doesn't want to be vaporized by a nuclear bomb, he needs to become nuclear himself. Zenon thinks he is crazy and tries slashing him, but his swords breaks as it hits **Shadow** and Zenon become distraught. **Shadow** then tells him to witness his al-mightiness as he uses his almighty power which simply, he unleashed his ultimate technique, **"I am Atomic"** and overwhelmingly annihilate him alongside his hideout as well as several cities blocks of land, making a huge explosion and leaving a large crater in the middle of the city.

Afterward, Cid would meet with Alexia again, who informed him that he had been cleared of all charges. She thanks him for liking her fencing and tells him that she also finally learned to like it. Additionally, with the demise of Zenon, he no longer needed to pretend to be her boyfriend and she suggests that the two could continue a little longer. However, Cid promptly rejected the Alexia's proposal, which caused her to retaliate by slashing him with her sword. Due to a massive pool of his blood and there being no body at the scene, this led to the "Bodiless Murder" rumor at the school.

### Midgar Academy Terrorist Attack

Days later after Princess Alexia's kidnapping case, Cid is with Skel Etal and Po Tato in the canteen when they wonder how things went with Alexia and if Cid got at least a kiss. However, Cid tells them that they broke up and haven't done anything. When a disappointed Skel tells Cid whether he has sign up on the preliminary tournament to select qualifying students for the upcoming Bushin Festival, he says not applied to enter until he learns that Skel and Po registered him without his consent.

Unable to withdraw his participation because every contestant that already registered been paired up, his unapologetic friends Skel tells him that he knows a place that sell all kinds of good stuff, including something called chocolate, which they can use to give to girls and win them by brought him to the Mitsugoshi Company store along with Po. As Skel and Po are too excited, Cid accepts, as he is also curious to see what this world calls chocolate.

Cid, Skel and Po go to the Mitsugoshi's store, but the line is so big that they have to wait 80 minutes for their turns. Po is worried as that means they will head back at dark, and he heard there is a slasher going around at night. While waiting, a worker from the store asks Cid if he can come with her and answer some survey. As Cid enters the store, he feels it's like a department store from his old world, as there are many things that remind him of his world that he hasn't seen elsewhere in this world.

However, Cid is eventually taken to a throne room in a house above the store building until he sees Gamma next to the throne and quickly discovered that Mitsugoshi is actually under Shadow Garden's control with Gamma confirms to him that she is managing the company. Additionally, Gamma states she recreated it from the wisdom Cid shared with them. Cid recalls telling the girls random stuff and notes that Gamma was the smartest among the girls as the products are recreations derived from descriptions of various knowledge of his previous life. In that moment, Cid saw Gamma ends up falling the stairs because she also lacks athleticism beside her high knowledge.

By the time Cid sit on the throne that Gamma prepared for him, he feels like a king, and he congratulates her by giving her along with her staff as he creates something like fireworks using his magic as their reward, which excites everyone in the room including Gamma as the light reminds her on the light, he used to save her. Cid guesses she is making money using the company and Gamma confirms, stating she has several franchises around the cities and that they even use mail orders for remote areas. She shows him she has one million Zeni as immediate disposal. Hearing that, Cid is shocked and jealous to Gamma's achievements that she used his knowledge to get many profits, unaware that he now owns dozens of stores and is effectively one of the wealthiest men in the world.

As the revelation disappoints him, he believed he was being left out of the profits. Cid is informed by Gamma as she guesses Cid has come to visit her due to an incident regarding the killer who had committed a serial murder on civilians by pretending to be from Shadow Garden, which Gamma and her subordinates are currently investigating the matter and promises Cid that they will put an end to his deeds. Cid had no idea but decides to play along and states he has some idea who it may be as he recalls his incident with Alexia. When Cid decide to leave, Gamma introduces Nu, their newest member of the Numbers and explains that Alpha acknowledged her skill by telling Cid to assign her as his supporter. Cid tells Gamma that he will call her if he needs her until Cid then tells Gamma that he wants to purchase three chocolates of the cheapest, but Gamma states she will give him chocolate for free from the highest quality.

Subsequently after departing, Cid and his friends then rush heading to their dormitory for their curfew. Cid guesses that Alexia went crazy and had started killing people. Hearing something, he stops and tells his friends that he needs to poop right away and tells them to go before they see him shit himself. Skel and Po believe that is very manly and states they won't forget him and will never tell anyone about it. Cid then goes in the back alley where he heard someone fighting which he guesses it was Alexia doing, but Cid would coincidentally surprise and notice to see Alexia Midgar fighting some imposters who claim to be from Shadow Garden. They manage to injure her, but Cid shows up as **Shadow** and kills one of the imposters and tells the other two that they will also pay for impersonating Shadow Garden. Both imposters immediately run, and Alexia asks **Shadow** why he is fighting, but he tells her to stay out of it. **Shadow** follows them and kills another imposter before Nu then shows up to congratulates **Shadow** on finding them that fast and requests that he leaves the rest to her so she could get information as **Shadow** agrees on leaving Nu to interrogate the last imposters.

Afterward on the next day, rumors spread that Cid had shit his pants. Skel and Po are nervous and asks Cid if he got the chocolate from yesterday. At school, Skel gives chocolate to an upperclasswoman, but the person she is engaged shows up and catches Skel and wants to have a chat with him. Po then bringing Cid to the library, states he won't follow Skel's footsteps and that he learned all about the girl he plans on giving chocolate. As he approaches her, she recognizes him as her stalker and yells. Witness his friends' failure with their confessions, Cid decides to randomly give his chocolate to the first girl he sees and be over with his background character moment, which Cid gives the chocolate for the girl that pass him, Sherry Barnett a researcher examining the Cult's artifact and he leaves.

In the afternoon, Cid walked to his dorm alone and would later be approached by an undercover Nu who disguises as a student at Academy by informs him of her investigation's progress that the man they caught had a powerful brainwashing that broke his mind and wasn't able to obtain any information from him. While Nu explains things, Cid is distracted to thinking about his eventual preliminaries match for the Bushin Festival tournament. Nu explains that they confirmed a presence of a Named First Child in the Royal Capital, Rex, the Game of Betrayal. Nu says that First Child are those who maintained their sense of self despite being one of the Children. Cid states he needs some time to think and leaves.

Despite his initial reluctance, Cid decides to participate in his match against Rose Oriana, Student Council President and Princess of the Oriana Kingdom, to enforce his image as a background character. As their fight start, Cid lets himself get hit and coughs fake blood, showing his secret background character technique Spinning Drill Fall: Bloody Tornado, an unsightly defeat in the first round at the hands of an indisputable champion. The judge is about to give the win to Rose, but Cid stops him. Cid continues to choreograph his defeat as he still pretends to struggle during the fight by get oneshotted, but stands after each hit wanting the fight to continue before succumbing to his 'injuries' while earning the president's respect for his determination and wish to continue as he has forty-seven other techniques to show off. As Rose decide to give her final attacks, the judge jumps in and saves Cid, announcing the end of the fight and Rose as winner due to the judge states it's too dangerous for Cid to continue as he lost a lot of blood. Cid protests and wants to continue as he still has 33 techniques to show off, but he is carried out to the infirmary.

Thereafter, Cid immediately leave the infirmary on his frustration felling when hopes he will still get a chance to show the remaining of his techniques. He is then approached by Sherry, who explains she watched his fight, and he was incredible as he kept standing up. She then gives him cookies she baked as thanks and suggest they can start as friends. Cid isn't sure why she gave him cookies and what she means by starting as friends, but he accepts. She tells her father that they are going to be friends and he joins them. Cid recognizes him as an important person and notes that Cid is formally greeted by Sherry Barnett and her stepfather, Vice Principal Lutheran Barnett to which he wishes to remain obscure as possible, he shouldn't be having a contact with him. After some small talk, he uses his injuries as an excuse to leave.

Five days later following the conclusion of the tournament, Cid returns to Academy and feels that everyone is a bit nicer to him than usual until Rose then comes on his class to explain the election to fill the vacancy on the Student Council. While during the speech, Cid notices that his magic feels absorbed when he trying to use his slime but started getting weakened and learn that he can't use his magic. At the same time, Cid able to figure that the Academy have been seal with powerful object that are capable to sealing the students' magic inside the Academy which he guesses that the Academy will be invaded by some men as they already barged in his classroom claiming to be from Shadow Garden and explaining that they are taking over the Academy.

As terrorists attack the academy, Cid gets excited, but seeing that Rose decides to fight them, but realizes she can't use magic. The fake Shadow Garden members are able to use magic and one of them easily breaks Rose's sword. When they are about to kill Rose, Cid jumps in stating to himself that as a background character, its his role to be first killed by them when Cid are rushes in and pushes Rose away, while taking the hit and then falls to the ground covered in blood. Rose wonders why he gave his life away to save her, but then guesses he loved her, which explains why he was motivated to keep standing when he fought her and why he gave his life. The terrorists then move all the students to the auditorium.

During the preliminary seizure, Cid feigns his death while protecting Rose from the terrorists as he starts hitting his heart when there is no one until it starts beating again and he wakes up, allowing him to move without hindrance. He reveals it was his secret technique where he stops his heart for ten minutes but maintains regular blood flow to his brain. His magic is still obstructed, but he can use it if he narrows it's to threads.

Later on, Cid observes the movement of the terrorists and is quite excited about the whole situation. He is annoyed they were all black as they aren't doing it properly. He decides to show up at night and snipes quite a few of them, so that he makes his grand appearances easier. He notices a girl running and almost begging to be captured, and realizes she is Sherry. While she moves around, Cid ends up taking out several terrorists, saving her from being captured or detected. Soon encountering Sherry, Cid has several things to tell her, but first asks her to remove her noisy slippers.

Reaching Vice Principal's room, Cid hearing Sherry's explanation after she found a book about Eye of Avarice which is an artifact that has been used in the Academy and guess that this incident related to the artifact. The artifact absorbs and stores the magic from any user, but it can be programmed to ignore some magical frequencies. Sherry guesses it can absorb magical traces that are too small to detect or powerful spells that exceed its capacity, however there isn't a human capable of doing the second. Once the artifact had absorbed all it could absorb, it will release all the stored energy at once. They both understood that the artifact can be used to disable or control other artifacts, such as the one that deployed a magic-nullifying barrier around the Academy. Cid deduces that the terrorists are using the Eye to weaken the students' magic and prevent the Knight Order from entering the Academy to obstructing their plans.

Since all the students are in the auditorium, Sherry guesses that the artifact is somewhere nearby and if it releases all the energy it will blow up and kill all in the auditorium. Because of that, Sherry states her father didn't publish his findings and gave the artifact to the government for safekeeping. Sherry also explains to Cid that the artifact she was researching is used to control the Eye of Avarice and store the energy for a long-term, to which she plans to fine-tune an artifact to counter the Cult's magic seal after she reach the auditorium through the Academy's secret tunnels, but all her tools that she needed to are in her research room. Cid then states he will get them for her and leaves Sherry in the room, while secretly eliminating several of the Cult's members, including Rex, one of the "Named" First Children.

After killing most of the Cult's forces, Cid arrives in Sherry's research room and starts looking for Sherry's tools as he encounters Nu near two Crimson Order knights, Glen's dead body and unconscious Marco Granger when she explains that Marco was her betrothed. Nu then explains that Shadow Garden had infiltrated the academy and are awaiting orders. However, she explains that not being able to use magic is a risk and only the Seven Shadows can do it. Currently only Gamma is in the capital, but this type of mission isn't her forte. Even Nu herself can only use about half of her power right now. As she continues her report, Cid asks her to help him find some items. After obtaining all the tools, Cid explains he needed them to fine-tune an artifact and telling Nu that Eye of Avarice is absorbing their magic. Once they find-tune the other artifact, they can neutralize the artifact. Cid then brings the tools to Sherry, who starts fine-tuning the artifact and telling Nu that everything will start after sundown.

After Sherry completes the device, she went to the auditorium carrying the artifact via a secret passage to release the magic of the students at the Academy. In that moment during all students are fighting back against the Cult's forces after being rallied by Rose Oriana, Cid appear as **Shadow**, along with Shadow Garden to support the counterattack before confronting the terrorist leader that have burning the Academy.

When Cid reaches the Vice Principal's room, he sees the terrorist leader burning some books and decides to leave until Cid stops him by telling him the terrorist leader's real name which turns out to be Lutheran Barnett, revealed to be a member of the Cult and a former Knights of Rounds. Lutheran then removes his disguised and wonders how Cid knows that, but Cid states it was obvious from the moment he saw him. Cid wonders why he did this. Lutheran explains that once he reached the top of the sword fighting world, but soon he became sick. He easily lost the glory he fought hard to attain and started searching a way to cure his disease and found potential in a certain artifact. He funded Sherry's mother research and eventually found the artifact he longed for. However, Sherry's mother stated the Eye of Avarice was dangerous and wanted to give it to the government for safekeeping. Lutheran then killed Sherry's mother, Sherry didn't see him there, and never realized it and continued her mother's research.

Upon learning of the Vice Principal's murder of Sherry's mother, as well as the manipulation of his stepdaughter, Cid wonders if Lutheran used Sherry for his selfish reasons and he confirmed. Cid then explains he doesn't care for Sherry and her mother, but suggest they start before someone else comes. Cid and Lutheran then face each other, but in an instant Lutheran cuts Cid and he falls through the window. Then Cid briefly appeared again as a **Shadow** before Lutheran battles the former Knight Rounds member. Although Lutheran increases his strength through Eye of Avarice, **Shadow** easily blocks his attacks.

Angered, Lutheran still continues to attack **Shadow** and explains that he made sure Shadow Garden are blamed for all of this and they will be hunted by everyone. **Shadow** finds that hilarious and explains that something small as this won't end his organization, which isn't good or evil, but walks on its own path. **Shadow** is fine taking all the guilt for all crimes, but states that won't change anything and they will continue to do what they must.

Lutheran believed that his unfazed statement was arrogant and was prepared to kill him. However, **Shadow** then disarms Lutheran and proceeds stabbing his limbs. He then recalls how Lutheran stated he killed Sherry's mother and stabs him the same way and kills him. Unfortunately, however, Sherry Barnett arrives to witness **Shadow** murdering her stepfather and starts crying over his body, but **Shadow** nevertheless chooses to withhold the truth which he notes its better if he doesn't tell her about her mother and just leaves.

In the aftermath, Cid is at the infirmary, covered in bandages as Rose rushed to find him when she states he must have survived and caused a miracle by his deep love to her. Later, Cid encounters Sherry once more before bidding farewell as she leaves to Laugus for decided to go study abroad and needs to do something but can't do it at the moment with her knowledge and also has no reason to stay here anymore. Sherry wished to get to know Cid better, but Cid tells her they can do that next time. Before leaving, Cid asks Sherry what objective that she wants to achieve. After a moment of silence, she tells him it is a secret. When both of them decide to walk away on each other's path, Cid only able to hear her intentions by chance.

## Volume 2

### Sanctuary Infiltration

Invited by Alpha to visit the Holy Land of Lindwurm, Cid along with Rose traveled there under the briefing that Diablos's left arm is believed to be sealed in the Sanctuary. Arriving at the sub city, the two went on a date buying souvenirs for Skel and Po. Later in their date, Cid encountered the novelist "Natsume Kafka", the pen name of Beta who authored several pieces of literature he told from his previous life to much of his chagrin again. The novelist informed him of their plan via a signed book. The two were unable to understand the text written in the plan with Rose completely unaware of its meaning so in response, Cid decided to completely ignore the signed book and plan altogether.

While Rose was at a party, Cid went out on his own to take a bath in the hot springs to see Alexia. There, the two would discuss their reasons for their arrival to which the princess informed him about the **"Goddess' trial"** (whereas Rose signed him up without his consent). Due to the investigation regarding the Archbishop, she would not participate in this year's trial and offered Cid to join the Crimson Order in exchange for her reiteration of her withdrawal. To her peeve, he would outright refuse the offer and leave while retorting her fixation on his "Excalibur".

After leaving the hot springs, Cid transformed into his Shadow persona when he ran into the assailant behind the archbishop's murder. Before the two would clash, Epsilon intervened and killed off the assailant. She announced her arrival and, in their reunion, she explained that there will be a change in plans due to the disappearance of the Executioner.

At the trial, Cid observed as a spectator until he was unexpectedly called in by the announcer much to his panicked (Unbeknownst to him that Rose signs him up for the Goddess Trial behind his back). Cid sees two obvious yet undesirable outcomes: Either take on the challenge by step into the arena and summoned a powerful warrior which would definitely expose his strength and the mob cover he took years to cultivate or run away and warrant the Church's ire into using their connections to have him expelled from the Academy until he faces the wrath of his sister after getting kicked out of the academy. Left with no viable options, Cid decided to distract everyone by appearing out of the blue as he uses his Shadow persona to call out the Witch of Calamity, Aurora (who he nicknamed her Violet) and was summoned as his opponent. The two faced off each other and despite Aurora's fierce onslaught, he was able to avoid her magic with ease and stroke her down for the victory.

The leader of Shadow Garden subsequently departs promptly from the area, he states that with having an epic fight with Aurora, nobody would remember that mob Cid or him being a no-show. However, he is unexpectedly surprised when a magical door crosses his path and stops him from going further and tried to keep avoiding the door until he gave up his attempt because the door kept following him and stops him from going further. Realizing he won't be able to avoid it, Cid decides to open the door then enters the room where he meets an imprisoned Aurora again.

Cid wonders if she summoned him, but Aurora stated that she had no intention of doing so but noted that she enjoyed the fight just now. She wonders how he got here, and Cid explains a door showed up and didn't stop following him. He wonders how they can leave, but violet states her memory is incomplete and doesn't have any memories of ever leaving. Cid wonders about their fight and Aurora explains she just woke up there and that had never happened before. Cid then decides to head back from where he came, but Aurora stops him and asks him about her current situation and if he can help her. Cid notes she is restrained, but then guesses she didn't put it on for training, which is something he used to do long ago. Cid then frees Aurora who admits that she has been imprisoned for over a thousand years and violet states since they have the same goal of leaving this place, they should work together. Aurora explains she knows how to free herself and that the Sanctuary is a memory prison, created from ancient battles. If they go to its center and destroy its magical core, then she will be free. Aurora also notes that they can't use magic and if they try, the magic will be absorbed. Cid agrees and wonders what she will do once she is free, and she states that she will vanish into nothing.

After liberating the Witch, the two travel through her memories and fight their way towards the Center. Cid and Aurora see a memory of young Aurora who is crying. Aurora states that to move forward, they need to end this memory. She slaps the young Aurora telling her that crying won't change anything, and soon the memory shatters. Cid and Aurora reach another memory, a battlefield with many casualties. They find young Aurora crying again and Aurora takes Cid's sword wanting to kill her to end the memory. However, as she gets close, the dead return to life and start attacking them. Aurora explains that the Sanctuary is rejecting them. Cid wonders what will happen if Aurora dies, and she guesses she will return to the first room where they met. Cid and Aurora are easily defeating the zombies, but as more is coming, Cid goes and kills the young Aurora, ending the memory. The two then reach the center of the Sanctuary.

Upon arriving, Aurora tells Cid that they need to destroy the magic core, which is on the other side of the door. Cid considers cutting the chains and the door but feels the sword will break. Aurora notes there should be a key. There is a sword in front of the door and Aurora explains its written on it that it can cut the chains. Looking at it, Cid is sure he won't be able to pull it out from the ground. As he attempts and can't pull it out, he confirms, stating it must be drawn out by the chosen one. Aurora then a sign stating that the holy sword sees can only be drawn by direct descendants. Aurora is surprised that Cid managed to decipher the magical inscription so quickly. Cid states he is versed in all the standard formulas, surprising Aurora that he formulated all of the countless magical scripts encryption patterns and memorized them. As there is no other way to open the door, the two then sit down.

Cid asks Aurora if she wants to disappear. Aurora explains that once the core is destroyed, she will be free and that this is a prison of memories that repeats into eternity. Cid tells her to wait a bit and soon things will work out. Cid expects the protagonist to show up and be able to pull out the sword. However, Acting Archbishop Jack Nelson appears and Cid wonders if it's one of those scenarios where the bad guy comes first and tries to stop the protagonist. Cid sees Olivier and that she has the same face as Alpha. Nelson then sends Olivier at them, and Cid goes to face her, knowing that she is quite strong.

Despite being unable to use magic, Cid manages to stall against Olivier attacks as he who blocks her attacks, but she sends him flying everywhere and ends up breaking his sword. Nelson wonders why Cid is smiling, and Cid realizes he indeed is smiling. Olivier attacks again and manages to injure Cid, who notes that a battle without conversation is tedious and that she doesn't have a heart and isn't answering any of his questions. Nelson doesn't understand what he is talking about and orders Olivier to finish him off. However, Aurora jumps in and asks him to stop. Even though she doesn't remember it well, she knows that no human can defeat Olivier. She tells Cid he has done enough and gives her more new memories that she could have asked. Nelson laughs at her, noting that without magic she can't do anything, but if she agrees to help him, he will spare Cid. Cid interrupts them, stating that he doesn't need help and they shouldn't assume he will lose.

Annoyed, Nelson orders Olivier to kill him and she jumps in and stabs him. However, Cid who has been keeping his right eye closed for a while, opens it, stating he got her as Cid grabs her and bites her neck, ripping it and defeating her. Nelson wonders how Cid is still alive after being stabbed and Cid explains that if you protect your vital organs and arteries, it's easy to survive a stabbing. Nelson explains he is surprised to see Olivier getting defeated by a kid with no magic, but states he was just a copy. With the amount of magic, he has in the center of the Sanctuary, he summons countless copies of Olivier. Several attacks Cid, but he eventually circumvents the restriction as he opens his right eye and defeats them using his magic.

Nelson is surprised he is able to use magic. Cid explains that he was just tempered with the magic until it was too solid to be absorbed. It took him some time, but it's something simple. Nelson can't believe that's possible and orders the Olivier copies to kill him. Cid fights them, but as his wound continues to bleed, he notes the playtime is over. He then decides to take out all copies at the same time and start casting his ultimate technique "I am the All-Range Atomic", but before he finishes one of the Olivier's stabs him in the heart. However, Cid is unaffected and finishes his spell as he unleashes his ultimate technique. Aurora is surprised by the amount of magic she has. The explosion obliterates all Olivier's copies, along with the chained door and everything else in the process. In the aftermath, Cid bid his farewell to a disappearing Aurora who requests that he kill her should the two ever meet before vanishing.

### Laugus's Origins Research Investigation Discoveries

After leaving the Sanctuary, Cid on his way back to Midgar, encountered Zeta and Eta who were battling against Black Dragon, Cid in his Shadow persona slayed the beast with his **"I am Atomic" technique**.

### Bushin Festival Tournament

As the Bushin Festival approaches, Cid decides to participate in the tournament to further his goal of becoming an "Eminence in the Shadow". With the support of Gamma and Nu, he adopts the identity and appearance of an unremarkable spellsword, Mundane Mann, before registering into the competition where he catches the attention of veteran competitor Quinton and former member of the Seven Swords of Vegalta, Annerose.

Following the encounters, Cid easily passes through the preliminaries before briefly encountering a conflicted Rose over her family situation. He would comfort her and later learned that she had attempted to slay her fiancé. As a result of the attempted murder, she would become a fugitive to much of his confusion. Nevertheless, Cid, as Mundane, would continue to proceed through the God of War tournament despite being an intentional heavy underdog, defeating notable participants such as Sure-Win Golden Dragon Goldoh Kinmeki, and later Quinton with ease to reach the quarterfinals.

Prior to the final rounds of the tournament, Cid decides to search for Rose in order to avoid his sister, Claire who was also one of the remaining participants of the competition. During his investigation, he received intel from Epsilon of Rose's location. Epsilon was also revealed to be a prominent pianist for composing pieces of music from famous composers to his chagrin again. Regardless, as **Shadow**, the notorious ringleader successfully reunites with Rose before offering his magic to support her goals which the princess accepts.

Afterward, despite his efforts, Cid was still caught by Claire who insists he spectates her compete from a special seating section while straggling him on his bed. While she was straggling him, she was able to guess that he was think of going to sleep while she straggles him. Understanding his lack of choice and her assertion, he accepts before continuing his final preparations for the upcoming match.

At the start of the final set of rounds, Cid follows through on his pledge to attend the special viewing where he meets Princess Iris Midgar, as well as the first tournament Champion, Goddess of War Beatrix, who is revealed to have a possible family connection with Alpha. Nevertheless, the impersonator snuck out to face against Annerose who he easily overwhelms her with his skills, earning the swordswoman's respect.

In the next match, Mundane competes against the tournament favorite Iris, but effortlessly dominates the battle to claim the victory. However, upon the conclusion, Rose's suddenly arrives to confront her fiancé, only to unexpectedly assassinates King Raphael Oriana, her father, before attempting suicide. However, as he revealed himself as Shadow, Rose recognized him as "Fancy Bandit Slayer" and interrupted him. There he convinced the fugitive princess to flee while he handles the rest.

#### Outcome in the Light Novel/Manga

The battle happened inside the stadium in front of everything, in which Beatrix fought against Shadow, so quickly and instantly, while slicing the raindrops, Shadow decides to take out his real "sword", and Seeing that it was clear that Beatrix was losing, as Shadow's technique was on another level far above her, Iris Midgar decided to help Beatrix defeat Shadow, but he easily defeated them.

Beatrix interrogated Shadow that, if he has so much power, why he doesn't he finish them off. Beatrix was perplexed as he replied that he was not interested in taking their lives, that he only destroys his "true enemies." Before he disappeared, Shadow reminded her and Iris that they should not lose sight of the real enemy, before he escaped in a flash of energy, leaving behind everyone surprised in the coliseum.

#### Outcome in the Anime/Game

During his initial fight against Beatrix, Cid overwhelms her with his tremendous speed, able to move to such a degree that she couldn't perceive it, and was barely able to react to joust (although this was only because Shadow allowed it), Iris Midgar proposed to help Beatrix. Beatrix to defeat Shadow, using a Sword of the Three Heroes, to which Shadow mockingly laughs and a little disappointed that Iris leans on an artifact, implying that she threw away her pride as a warrior, to which Iris Midgar gets angry and furiously attacks him.

Their fight spread to the corners of the capital. In their fight, Iris asks him who he is, to which Shadow answers with his own name, and that everything else is just an imaginary story making up in his mind that surrounds him, and then Beatrix asks if they had met. known before, to which he replies that who knows, since he never forgets powerful opponents, to which he asks Beatrix and Iris, if they deserved it, to be remembered by him.

Their battle continues until they reach a tall clock tower, where seeing that they were getting nowhere against Shadow, Iris proposes to immobilize him at the cost of his life, so that Beatrix can attack him, but Shadow finds out about their move and easily subdued them. against their ground giving them a crushing (contained) gravity kick, causing them to suffer greatly, leaving Beatrix and Iris with little strength to fight.

As Shadow was about to leave, Iris reproached him that now every knight from the Knight Order in the city should have been mobilized and the entire Midgar Kingdom now have him as an enemy, that he will have nowhere to run, to which Shadow laughs out loud and responds forcefully, why was he going to run away. He then suddenly deploys his most powerful technique by activates "I Am Atomic" encompassing the entire Midgar capital. In despair, Beatrix and Iris Midgar had resigned themselves to dying while they witness everything. However in the end, Shadow deceived the two and simply disappeared, thereby clearing all the rainy and lightning weather from the capital.

The following days, Cid is going to school by using train without Skel Etal and he hears from Po Tato that his Shadow persona is nicknamed as *"The Warlock / Demon Shadow"* by the kingdom after the Bushin Festival disaster, since he released a whole magic that covered the entire capital, as if the gates of hell were opened. Cid noticing that he attracted a lot of attention, decides that he should be more careful and keep everything more in the shadows.

## Volume 3

### Red Moon Incident

**Light Novel/Manga**

While celebrating with Claire her "victory" at the Bushin Festival, while Cid and Claire were celebrating at the Mitsugoshu restaurant, Claire asked her if Cid saw her fight with the tournament participants. to which Cid responds that she did witness it, saying that her sister made good moves, trying to deceive her, but when she told it, her sister realized that Cid didn't look at anything, which caused Claire to get very angry with Cid, because not paying attention, which ultimately led to Cid being forced to join his sister's expedition with the Magic Swordsmen Association to defeat the Blood Queen in Lawless City. Cid then remembers that he had a conversation with Beta, in Mitsugoshi's quarters, where Beta was giving him a report on the activities that the members of Shadow Garden, and those of the Devil Cult, have been taking, but Cid did not pay attention to it, since I was thinking if I had the necessary resources to be able to live satisfactorily for a long time. He would then take advantage of the opportunity that since his sister invited him (forcibly) to go to the Lawless City, Cid would take advantage of the fact that he could go to that place to hunt bandits and earn a lot of money.

It is at that moment that Cid begins to laugh in front of Beta, and then tells her that a storm of blood is coming, telling Beta in a trivial way that the Moon is beginning to turn reddish. Beta, upon realizing that it could be the famous Red Moon phenomenon, apologizes in front of his lord Cid/Shadow, and says that he will immediately send reinforcements to the Lawless City, before the City and the neighboring countries are destroyed. destroyed by vampires. Cid tells him not to worry, that he will take care of the matter himself, but Beta was worried about it, saying that he must go, to which Cid responds seriously, that if he dares to question his decisions, to which Beta responds that she wouldn't, although she is still worried about her lord. Cid tells him not to worry, since it does not matter if the Moon turns red, since for him, it is nothing more than a beautiful sky that can be contemplated, (although he does not understand the meaning of why the Moon turns red). red).Sensing an opportunity to gather more money, as well as participate in the upcoming legendary Red Moon event, he accepts the assignment while also recruiting Shadow Garden members such as Beta, 664, 665, and the newly 666 to partake as well.

Later, after the two siblings arrive at their destination, Cid separates from his sister to explore the city when suddenly Ghouls attacked the citizens under the influence of the Red Moon. While initially observing the chaos, he briefly encounters the Vampire Hunter Mary before joining to quell the "Rampage" as **Shadow**, rescuing Marie, a prostitute, and Claudia, a member of the Magic Swordsmen Association, in the process.

Eventually, **Shadow** encounters two of Outlaw City's Monarchs, Juggernaut the Tyrant and Yukime the Enchantress, before the three depart to the Blood Queen's Red Tower. After disposing of the guard Watch Dog, the leader of Shadow Garden infiltrates the building beginning with the treasure room. Claiming hundreds of coins into his possession, **Shadow** then leaves to confront the Blood Queen early, while unknowingly defeating the vampire Crimson with ease in the process. However, unable to meet the vampire progenitor, the opportunist decides to withdraw for a while before attempting another try.

Fortunately, he is able to return in time to rescue his sister and allies from the revived Blood Queen, Elisabeth. Subsequently, the two phenomenons battle against one another, however, **Shadow** is initially unable to counterattack against the vampire's onslaught due to the extra load of treasure in his possession. Nevertheless, after finally unloading the burden, the leader of Shadow Garden is able to overwhelm the progenitor before unleashing his ultimate technique, destroying the tower along with his profits.

Following the experience, Cid discovers that Claire has seemingly gained a mysterious power, although he believes this is her latest interest. Regardless, with the incident concluded, the two siblings depart Outlaw City after a final farewell from their vampire friends. However, Shadow would soon return to the Lawless City to meet with Yukime who offers him an enticing business opportunity.

**Anime/Juego**

### Great Trading Company Conflict

Adopting the alias *"John Smith"*, Cid agrees to work together with Yukime in defeating both the Great Commerce Alliance and Mitsugoshi Company for a huge profit. Realizing a glaring flaw with both entities' credit system, he convinces the seductress to manufacture counterfeit bills in order to inflate the banknotes' value; which will eventually bankrupt both companies if they are unable to exchange all of them.

While the Yukime produces the counterfeit bills, Cid meanwhile reunites with *Seven Shadows* member Delta who joins him on a bandit hunt where the two eliminate several assassins from the Alliance by chance. One of which is revealed to be the beastkin's sibling. While pleading for his life in exchange for her return to her original family, Delta ruthlessly killed her former sibling when he suggested her to become a concubine for the "Legendary Wolf" to Cid's disturbance.  Following the encounter, he was pondering on how the operation would perform until Alexia came to check up on him and spar. The two noticed improvements in the princess' swordsmanship but dwelled in her defeat from Rose. Alexia then remarked how carefree he has been hoped he stays like that before the two go their separate ways. As sunset arrives, he is informed by the fox's subordinates, Natsu and Kana, that the bills are finally completed and slowly being distributed into the system.

Tasked with protecting the location of the operation, as *"John Smith"*, the secret agent initially drives away 666 along with her team comprising of 664 and 665 before being later confronted by Delta. However, she quickly recognized his identity and he was forced to use his authority to send her away on a secret mission to eliminate Juggernaut in Outlaw City in return for obeying one of her requests. Despite rising concerns in Shadow Garden, Cid sends them an encrypted message of his confession before continuing with his guard duty. However, his next opponent is revealed to be Alpha who eventually also identifies her master. Demanding an explanation, she attempts to subdue him, but **Shadow** is able to easily defeat her before departing.

With the counterfeit's distribution almost complete, *"John"* celebrates with Yukime who reveals her history and motivation for revenge against her former fiancé and current leader of the Alliance, Gettan. While accepting her desire for retribution, Cid later discovers that the enormous cache of funds the two had accumulated has disappeared to his shock and anger. Subsequently, he learns that Yukime has been captured by Gettan who he assumes as the culprit behind the theft.

Locating the former lovers, *"John"* confronts Gettan while demanding the location of his spoils before easily defeating the leader of the Alliance despite the beastkin's use of supplements. Misinterpreting his adversary's final request to protect Yukime, Cid assumes the stockpile had been buried under snow and begins digging after rescuing the latter.

Despite being joined by Delta, Cid is unable to reclaim his fortune and forced to deem the plan as a failure. Anticipating Alpha's displeasure of his actions, he decides to postpone meeting them until her temper has quelled, the leader of Shadow Garden decides to depart for the Oriana Kingdom to participate in the Civil War as Delta discovers something in the snow.

## Volume 4

### ‎Oriana's "Black Rose" Civil War Wedding Crash

After being informed of 666's betrayal by Victoria, Cid was confused to who she was before 665 informed them about the news of Rose's marriage. Baffled by the news, Cid headed to the capital of Oriana to convince her from marrying. He encountered Marie on the way who opened up a pub after leaving her life as a prostitute. Although the two do not recognize each other, Cid protected her from two crooked knights from extorting money from her. Initially failing on purpose, he would later murder the knights brutally by ripping out their hearts and crushing them as Shadow. He would return the stolen money to the former prostitute to much of her overwhelming joy as she realized that her savior came back to look after her for one last time.

At the castle, Cid was caught by a guard for loitering and was almost taken in for interrogation before Epsilon (as Shiron) stepped in to save him under the guise of an apprenticeship. Upon entering the castle, Perv Asshat condescendingly tested Cid to determine whether he was an intruder. This forced Epsilon to leave Cid to perform for the venue the Moonlight Sonata and after touching everyone by his performance, Perv let his guard down for Cid to pick pocket his proposal ring.

Shortly after, Cid is taken by one of the palace servants, Margaret who she tries to poach him into working for her family. After being hugged by her, Cid noticed an tremendous ago and killing intent behind his back and although he knew that it was not directed at him, It was Epsilon who was seething and jealous at Margaret for flirting with her lord Cid. After learning from Margaret of Rose's location in the palace garden, Cid soon went to where Rose was. While on the way he was able to shake her off using Kevin as a scapegoat.

Eventually Cid was able to find Rose as he tried to convince her against the marriage. Rose would try to reaffirm her marriage and dissuade him from stopping her out of fear for his safety. However, him refutes that she was not being honest to herself. The conversation ends with Perv entering Rose's room and slapping her as a reminder the her mother's survival depends on her cooperation. Cid was hiding behind the room to overhear the threat and confirmed the princess' situation.

Later on after Epsilon informed Cid about the Black Rose, Cid misunderstood and wanted to see it much to her shock and protest. When she elaborated that they needed the key, Cid would state that there would be no need to search the key to her surprise. Later in the night, Cid went to the balcony of Rose's room as Shadow to show her to truth about the marriage. To much to his surprise the two had learned that Reina was a co-conspirator and Perv's lover as they were flourishing. This reveal however shocked Rose into unconsciousness.

When Rose regained consciousness, she witnessed Cid playing the Moonlight Sonata while conversing with her. He remarked to her that he gave up everything for the one thing he cherished and the world has become too bright to the point that she would lose sight of things she really cared about. He noted that she is going through this and told her to sit down under a moonlight and gaze at the one thing she truly cares about before asking what it is that she truly cares about the most before disappearing, leaving the ring he was going to pawn off.

Upon realizing that he left the ring, he did not mind as he went bathe at a Mitsugoshi's hot springs and met up with Epsilon. Although the elf was fixated on his "Excalibur" like Alexia, he was astonished to see her develop her slime suit into her body to the point that it was indistinguishable from real skin. There, he would inform her that he was able to convince the princess from marrying and that the operation will take place on the wedding.

On the day of the wedding; upon asking the princess if she will marry Perv, Rose refused and denounced her former fiancé as she reveals the ring Cid stole. The ring projects a memo and last will from the late King confirming everything from the Duke's actions, his wife's conspiration, and lastly his involvement and existence in the Cult of Diablos though not directly. He would lastly entrust Rose with the kingdom before fading away. After the failed wedding, magical beasts appeared and chaos ensued. Shadow appeared in the nick of time to save Beta and Epsilon from Ragnarok when the pair was facing Mordred. He redirected the other worldly creature's attention to him and defeat it with ease and in a last ditch effort, the Knight consumed a piece of Ragnarok's flesh to mutate in attempt to take down Shadow and his members. This failed with Shadow using his atomic attack resulting in the mastermind's death. However, his death resulted in the Black Rose activating and a portal to appear taking his severed head, Shadow, and Beta to Earth.

### Return to Earth

Shadow had thought to depart when he got sucked in by the portal and followed by Beta, the two would wind up In a post apocalyptic Japan at the house of his late acquaintance Tanaka. There the two would change clothes with Shadow coming across Tanaka's skeleton to notice abnormal bite marks. After leaving the deceased acquaintance's house and coming across a news paper, Beta recognized the text Shadow used during the Great Trading Conflict much to his horror of being found out that none of the things he taught was his idea. Shadow decided that they need to get back to the Other World before she can learn Japanese when they noticed stenches of death.

The pair arrived at the hospital to witness the corpses of the missing Messiah members that were deployed to investigate the area. They noticed and prepared for an ambush as they wiped dozens of magical beasts and in the aftermath, they heard footsteps downstairs. Shadow ordered Beta to act unconscious as Akane and her squad take them in to their base. When Shadow woke up at the infirmary, he was asked by Yuuka to recall details of what happen. Shadow convinced everyone by taking on his incarnation's name and pretended to be a caring brother for his little sister. Shadow later explained to Beta that they'll be taking on the alias "Minoru" and "Natsume" to infiltrate Earth for a way to go back home before being taken in by Akane and Akira respectively.

Under Akane's care, she recognized Minoru by name and began to suspect his resemblance to his late incarnation. Minoru didn't heed to her suspicion as the two looked out for each other when a former classmate named Yuudai Saejima tried to use him as a scapegoat and eaten by magical beasts. Akane intervened not once, but twice in the matter when the former classmate saw an opportunity. In return, Minoru saved Akane from a magical beast stampee as Shadow. When Yuudai was discovered dead, The nurse accused Akane of the murder until Minoru defended her by pointing out that the slashed up corpse wouldn't have been done by her. When Minoru later found conclusive evidence for Akane's innocence, Yuuka attempted to have him assassinated through proxy. However, this backfired when Minoru revealed himself as Shadow and saw through the assassins' motives.

Shortly after the reveal, he heard the alarm for a magical beast stampee and left to meet up with Beta. On the way, he saved Haitani along with the remaining Messiah members and learned that Yuuka was the spy for the Alliance when she confessed her motives. He met up with Beta whose barely speaking Japanese to witness Akane going berserk from her recollection of the "First Knight". Shadow fought to pacify her with his magical chains and restore her to her normal condition. After saving Akane from herself, the Black Rose activated once more for Shadow and Beta to return to the Other World with the unconscious Akane.

## Volume 5

### The Academy Disappearances

During the time frame between Oriana's internal struggles and the instances with the Black Rose, the Academy was on winter break and this gave Cid the perfect opportunity to perform those prominent operations for his organization. However, it was during that time Claire wanted to spend time with him at home and she even threaten Hyoro and Jaga for his whereabouts. It was also after coming back from winter break that Claire became one of many students who disappeared and that the Cult began to infiltrate the Academy.

After playing a playing a game poker with the two, he would reunite with Zeta regarding Diablos' right arm. After gifting him a horse mackerel, She briefed him about the arm's whereabouts and Cult's involvement. She informed him that the arm is within the Academy and that they'll have no choice to intervene. Cid debriefed her about the missing students which she answered that there isn't enough students for the Cult to use before sensing a fifth victim to-be. That victim turned out to be Claire and the following day had Alexia question him about her disappearance with the only hint being his collar in her room.

## References

1. ↑ Volume 4 Auxiliary Chapter: Rise of the Fancy Hoodlum Slayer!
2. ↑ Volume 1 Prologue: Preparing the Perfect Stage!
3. ↑ Episode 1
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Volume 1 Prologue: Preparing the Perfect Stage!
5. ↑ Volume 3 Auxiliary Chapter: Field Notes on a Little Brother—by Young Claire!
6. ↑ Volume 2 Final Chapter: My Idea of the Ultimate Shadow Commander!
7. ↑ Volume 3 Epilogue: The One to Destroy It All and Start from Scratch—with Fakes Bills!
8. ↑ Volume 1 Chapter 1: Starting the Shadowbroker Tutorial!
9. ↑ Volume 4 Prologue: It's Time for a War in the Oriana Kingdom!
10. ↑ Volume 1 Chapter 2: Assuming the Role of a Side Character at School!
11. ↑ Volume 1 Chapter 3: My Official Beginning as a Mastermind in Action!
12. ↑ Volume 1 Chapter 4: The Two Sides of the Shadow Garden?!
13. ↑ Volume 1 Chapter 5: Mastering the Peaceful Life of a Nobody!
14. ↑ Volume 1 Chapter 6: The Scene Where Terrorists Take Over the School
15. ↑ Volume 1 Final Chapter: My Idea of the Ultimate Shadow Commander!
16. ↑ Volume 2 Prologue: To Lindwurm, the Scared Land!
17. ↑ Volume 2 Chapter 1: Fun Times at the Goddess's Trial!
18. ↑ Volume 2 Chapter 2: Investigating the Sanctuary!
19. ↑ Volume 2 Chapter 3: When Things Get Boring, It's Time for Explosives!
20. ↑ Volume 2 Chapter 4: This Situation Calls for a "Who *Is* That Guy?!"
21. ↑ Volume 2 Chapter 5: A Battle to Attract Only MVPs!
22. ↑ Volume 2 Chapter 6: A Mastermind Always Plays Piano Under Moonlight!
23. ↑ Volume 2 Chapter 7: Showing Off a Smidgen of My Strength!
24. ↑ Volume 2 Chapter 8: Lay Your Eyes on My True Powers!
25. ↑ Volume 2 Final Chapter: Just Who Is This Mysterious Badass?!
26. ↑ Manga Volume 7
27. ↑ Episode 20
28. ↑ Manga: chapter 27
29. ↑ Volume 3 Prologue: Heading to the Lawless City over Fall Break!
30. ↑ Volume 3 Chapter 1: Lawless City Bandit Hunting!
31. ↑ Volume 3 Chapter 2: Storming the Crimson Tower!
32. ↑ Volume 3 Chapter 3: Pursuing the Blood Queen!
33. ↑ Volume 3 Chapter 4: I'll Destroy It All and Start from Scratch!
34. ↑ Volume 3 Chapter 5: Printing Fake Money as Mitsugoshi Throws Down with the Major Corporate Alliance!
35. ↑ Volume 3 Chapter 6: Circulating Counterfeit Cash!
36. ↑ Volume 3 Epilogue: The One to Destroy It All and Start from Scratch—with Fakes Bills!
37. ↑ Volume 4 Prologue: It's Time for a War in the Oriana Kingdom!
38. ↑ Volume 4 Chapter 1: Putting the Kibosh on Rose Oriana's Wedding!
39. ↑ Manga Volume 10 Chapter 44
40. ↑ Volume 4 Chapter 2: Begin Operation: Obstruction!
41. ↑ Volume 4 Chapter 3: Crashing the Ceremony!
42. ↑ Volume 4 Chapter 4: Lurking in the Darkness in Fantastical Japan!
43. ↑ Volume 4 Chapter 6: Something Smells Fishy... But an Eminence in Shadow Always Cracks the Case!
44. ↑ Volume 4 Epilogue: Behold, a Full-Fledged Eminence in Shadow!
45. ↑ Volume 5 Prologue Darkness Lurks in a Peaceful Academy, a Case of Missing Students!