Episode 20

Advent of the Demon (魔人降臨) is the twentieth episode of the The Eminence in Shadow anime adaptation.

Synopsis
Provoked by the fight between Shadow and Beatrix, Iris joins the fray. An intense battle progresses across the Royal Capital. Meanwhile, Rose runs into Alpha...

Summary
After Mundane Mann goes into the VIP seating and reveals his true appearance, Iris realizes that he is Shadow. King Midgar is informed that the battle between Shadow and Beatrix may go even outside of the stadium. The king asks about Perv and gets informed that he heading towards the outskirts on a carriage and is likely directly running back to Oriana Kingdom without stopping at the embassy. They are also taking good care of Oriana's king body. King Midgar tells them that when they are returning it to Oriana Kingdom, to go through Marquess Grant, who is the leader of the anti-chancellor faction and explains they need to prepare themselves as the darkness that has been lurking since ancient times has taken a deeper hue.

Shadow is fighting Beatrix, however, he starts getting behind her with ease, while she barely manages to notice him in time and block his attacks. Iris shows up and states she wants to join the fight. She draws a blade and Shadow realizes its a mythril blade with ancient runes, surprising him that she intends to use an artifact but also amusing him that she would resort to what he sees as a clutch. Iris gets annoyed and turns the blade into a large fire sword and swings at Shadow. Shadow easily dodges and states that it has good visuals and is more fit for a festival spectacular. Beatrix then attacks him and Shadow continues her fight with her, with Iris joining Beatrix to fight Shadow.

Their fight continues through the city and the two manage to push him towards a construction on a building. Shadow then takes two crowbars and blocks both Iris and Beatrix attacks, noting that crowbars indeed have potential. As they keep on fighting, they end on top of a train, where Shadow tells them to be careful to not fall.

Meanwhile, Rose had escaped the stadium and wonders on what to do next. Alpha shows up and tells her that she has two choices to continue fighting alone or to fight alongside Shadow Garden. Rose asks Alpha if they intend to save Oriana Kingdom, but Alpha explains won't be doing anything assist her as she is right now, and if she wishes to save her kingdom, she must show her worth. Thinking for a moment, Rose decides to join Shadow Garden.

While they fight, Beatrix wonders if she and Shadow have met before. Shadow states he remembers powerful opponents, but wonders if they are strong enough for him to remember them. He jumps into the river and using magic he controls the water and shoots it at them, but notices that magic doesn't flow that good in ordinary water. He kicks Iris into the river, but as Beatrix attacks him, she manages to break his crowbar. As they keep fighting, they reach a tower where Shadow gets behind Beatrix, but she blocks it easily, noting that she got used to his attack. Shadow congratulates her, stating that in swords skill, they are almost equal, however her use of magic isn't as good. Iris then comes attacking, but Shadow blocks her attack with his fist, stating that he can't be defeated with borrowed power. Iris tells Beatrix that she will immobilize him even if it costs her her life and then Beatrix can take him down. Iris attacks Shadow, as she swings her sword, she lets it go and attempts to grab Shadow, however, Shadow kicks her in the chin with his knee. Beatrix finishes charging her attack and attacks in that moment, she knocks Shadow back, but he throws his up and dodges her attack and then grabs and slams her over Iris and then stomps both of them.

Shadow attempts to leave, but the girls manage to stand up and Iris tells him that by now every knight in the city should have been mobilized. He has turned the whole kingdom into his enemy and there isn't a place he can run to. However to their shock, Shadow starts laughing maniacally and then states he ain't running as there is no reason to. He activates his power, covering most of the city and states that the playtime is over. Seeing his power, the girls are left stunned. Shadow starts casting his I am Atomic attack, but stops before the end and leaves. Seeing that, Iris drops on her knees and cries.

Sherry read on the newspaper that the demon Shadow was chased away by Iris and Beatrix. Rose is still missing after she killed her father.

In Oriana Kingdom, Mordred conveyed his disappointment with Perv, to the point where he was forced to beg his superior’s forgiveness for his failure. Perv also told his superiors that as long as the cult holds the royal family, Rose won't be able to stay hidden. Plus Oriana's situation is already very messy with the loss of their king, Perv is sure that Rose can't ignore it and will definitely come back. Mordred said hopefully so and told Perv not to disappoint him too much.

Beatrix leaves the city, disappointed she couldn't find the one she was looking for. She tells Iris to not take her defeat too serious as there are many things mortals can't defeat. Iris tells her not to worry, because she’s incapable of staying still.

As Midgar Kingdom is looking for Shadow, Beta guesses that was Shadow's plan to keep them occupied with himself and not get involved with the things happening in Oriana Kingdom. Since Shadow is actively involving himself, they decide to hurry up and tie up the loose ends and send more personal to investigate the Lawless City, and keep a close eye on the Major Corporate Alliance.

With the new school term having started, Cid wonders where is Skel. Po explains he took a long-term job. Po regrets that he was outside the city when the Demon Shadow appeared. Shadow covered the capital in magic, which must have frightened a lot of girls who would then have needed reassurance.

Rose and Alpha reach the Kagenō domain. Alpha then explains they are heading past the mountain and deeper into the woods. Rose is surprised as magical beasts infest the region. Alpha explains that when Shadow visited the mountains, he battled the Mist Dragon. The dragon lost and dubbed Shadow ruler of this realm, and bathed him in dragon's breath. When they reach their destination in the forest, Alpha explains that this is the ancient city Alexandria, Shadow Garden's base of operations. Alpha takes Rose to Lambda and explains that Rose is a new recruit and tells Lambda to train her. Lambda calls 664 and 665, and tells them that she is putting the new recruit in their squad, naming Rose as Number 666. Lambda then cuts Rose's clothes, telling her that she is now a nobody and is casting away her name, clothes and everything to become a pure, unadulterated soldier. Rose watches in horror as the burger wrapper Cid gave her is rip to shreds before wailing in utter despair.

Back at the underground ruins, Shadow plays Moonlight Sonata once more as feathers descend upon him. He says that everything has been going according to his designs but the hour of awakening will be drawing near. After finishing his play, Shadow leaves while a sole black feather lands on the piano keyboards.