Cid Kagenou/Chronology

Becoming an Eminence in Shadow
Born as Kagenou Minoru, 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 while maintaining a facade of mediocrity in public to hide his true potential.

During high school, Minoru would become classmates with former actress Nishino Akane. Although he would mostly ignore her, most notably confusing her name for months. In the meantime, he would begin 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 began 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 against a tree, due to a concussion, he mistakenly interpreted headlights as the arrival of his long-sought magic but was struck by a vehicle and ultimately perished at the age of 18.

Reincarnation
Afterward, Minoru would discover himself reborn into another world as Cid, son of the noble Kagenō family that has developed dark knights for generations. Discovering that magic exists, Cid, at a young age, would secretly begin to train in magic, swordsmanship, and martial arts while maintaining the image of a generic son and weakling compared to his elder sister Claire. As such, he would study and perform his duties as a noble during the day, while at night the trainee would discreetly continue his training towards his goal. He was pleased that he retained his knowledge of his former life and his skill.

Throughout this training, Cid would perform hunts on local bandits in order to improve his skills and gather resources. Notably, he would save his elder sister, Claire, from the Scarface Gang, rescuing a young Rose Oriana from a group of kidnappers one night, and rescue young Yukime from Gettan and kill all his underling, although Gettan escapes with Cid giving him a injury in both of his eyes.

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 a research subject to further develop his magical skills.

To his surprise, as he continued to experiment, he would heal the body and return 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 a narrative about the Cult of Diablos, a secret cult that desired the revival of the demon of the same name. Explaining that the Order used its hidden influence over society to manipulate history and hide the truth about Demon Possession, Cid convinced the elf, whom he named Alpha, into joining his non-existent crusade; formally creating the organization Shadow Garden.

Afterward, Cid took up the alias Shadow and would shelter and train Alpha in both magic and swordsmanship for the next couple of years. Furthermore, the two would recruit six additional members who also suffered from Demon Possession: Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta and Eta. Similar to Alpha, Cid would provide them with the same training, as well as knowledge from his previous life.

First Assault on the Cult
Around the age of thirteen, Cid would learn that Claire had been kidnapped while he was away during one of his 'missions'. According to Beta's investigation, he learns the culprit behind his sister's capture was most probably the Cult of Diablos. However, while still under the impression the whole situation is an act, Cid nevertheless convincingly chooses a random location as the Cult's hideout where fortunately Claire is imprisoned and orders Shadow Garden to move at night.

Later, as the Shadow Garden assaults the base, Cid instead finds himself separated and lost in the underground tunnels. However, he ironically encounters a random bandit who in reality is Viscount Grease, an actual member of the Cult of Diablos. Their encounter leads the two to clash, however, Cid is eventually defeats Grease in spite of the Viscount's enhancements from the Cult's drugs. Afterward, Shadow Garden's successfully completed their mission to rescue Claire.

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. As a result, the group had determined that they would need to leave to expand Shadow Garden's strength and influence in order to battle their enemies. Despite believing his subordinates had discovered the truth regarding the Cult's existence, he nevertheless allowed them to depart but still remained resolute in reaching his goal of becoming an "Eminence in the Shadow".

Rescuing the "Saint"
Around a year ago, Cid just happened to pass by and met Victoria who already sentences to be executed because she had the 'possessed' symptoms during his cross-country strolls. Cid then cured her symptoms, then left her with Alpha.

Kidnapping of the Princess
At the age of fifteen, Cid would enroll in Midgar Royal Spellsword Academy where he continues to maintain his image as an ordinary boy, such as befriending Hyoro and Jaga.

Prior to an exam, the three agreed to a penalty game where the lowest scorer would be forced to confess 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. However, to his surprise, Alexia accepted his confession and thus the two became a couple. In spite of his confusion and attempts to get her to break up with him, Alexia would use her influence to enroll him in her swordsmanship class where he would meet Zenon Griffey, a famous instructor and suitor of the princess. Realizing his 'girlfriend's' intentions and true nature to avoid an engagement, he initially desired to end their relationship, but Alexia is able to easily bribe him into continuing.

Despite behaving as master and servant for the next two weeks, the two were able to briefly bond over their ideals on swordsmanship. However, Alexia would soon disappear with Cid becoming the primary suspect. After being interrogated and tortured almost a week, he is reunited with Shadow Garden and together plans to confront the Cult of Diablos the true culprit behind the princess' abduction. After thwarting an attempt to frame him by corrupt knights, Cid, as Shadow, locates Alexia's location as Zenon, revealed to be a member of the Cult, is attempting to seize her again. The two battle, however, Shadow is easily able to fend off Zenon's attacks which forces him to resort to enhancing himself with drugs. Nevertheless, the leader of Shadow Garden simply unleashes his ultimate technique and overwhelming destroys the opponent.

Afterward, Cid would meet again with Alexia who informs him that he has been cleared of all charges. Additionally, with the demise of Zenon, he no longer needs to act as her boyfriend, but she suggests that the two could continue a little longer. However, he promptly rejects the princess' proposal, which causes her to retaliate by slashing him with her sword.

Midgar Academy Terrorist Attack
After the incident with Princess Alexia, Cid is unwillingly entered by Hyoro into the preliminary tournament, the school tournament to select the qualifying students for the upcoming Bushin Festival. Unable to withdraw his participation, his apologetic friends bring him to the Mitsugoshi Company to buy chocolate for girls. However, he quickly discovers that the company is actually under the control of Shadow Garden, while being directed by Seven Shadows member Gamma. Additionally, the products are recreations derived from descriptions of various knowledge of his previous life. As the revelation disappoints him, believing he is being left out of the profits, Cid is informed of the existence of Shadow Garden imposters from the Cult attacking civilians before being assigned with Nu as his supporter. Subsequently, after departing, Cid would coincidentally notice a skirmish between the imposters and Alexia before intervening as Shadow, eliminating the majority of them before leaving Nu to interrogate the last one.

Afterward, Cid would witness his friends' failure with their confessions, before randomly offering his chocolate to Sherry Barnett, a researcher examining one of the Order's artifact. Unaware of the situation, he would later be approached by an undercover Nu who informs him of her investigation's progress prior to his eventual match in the Bushin Tournament.

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. Choreographing his defeat, the leader of Shadow Garden pretends to struggle during the fight before succumbing to his 'injuries' while earning the president's respect for his determination. Thereafter, he would be formally greeted by Sherry and her stepfather, Vice Principal Lutheran.

Following the conclusion of the tournament, the Academy is later invaded by imposter members of Shadow Garden while sealing the students' magic. During the preliminary seizure, Cid feigns his death while protecting Rose from the terrorists, allowing him to move without hindrance. Soon encountering Sherry, he would protect and support the researcher in building an artifact to counter the Cult's magic seal, while secretly eliminating several of their members, including Rex, one of the "Named" First Children.

After Sherry completes the device and releases the Academy's magic, Cid, appearing as Shadow, along with Shadow Garden to support the counterattack before confronting Lutheran, revealed to be a member of the Cult. Upon learning of the Vice Principal's murder of Sherry's mother, as well as the manipulation of his stepdaughter, Shadow battles the former Knight Rounds member. Although Lutheran increases his strength through an ancient artifact, the eminence easily avoids his onslaught before promptly dispatching his foe.

However, Sherry, unfortunately, arrives to witness Shadow murdering her stepfather, but the perpetrator nevertheless chooses to withhold the truth. In the aftermath, Cid encounters Sherry once more before bidding farewell as she leaves to Laugus to achieve a goal, only able to hear her intentions by chance.

Sanctuary Infiltration
Invited by Alpha to visit the Holy Land, Cid travels to Lindwurm along with Rose where the Diablos's left arm is believed to be sealed in the Sanctuary.

Upon arriving, the boy encounters the novelist "Natsume Kafka", the pen name of Beta who has authored many pieces of literature he told from his previous life to his chagrin again, and Princess Alexia who is investigating the Church's archbishop, as well as Epsilon after unknowingly disposing of an Cult's assassin.

Following the encounters, Cid next initially observes the "Goddess's Trial" from the audience seat, until the unexpected call of his name forces him to participate as Shadow. As a result, the Witch of Calamity, Aurora, who he nicknames Violet, is summoned as his opponent which he accepts the duel. Despite Aurora's fierce onslaught, he is able to avoid her magic before striking her down for the victory. The leader of Shadow Garden subsequently departs promptly from the area, however, he is unexpectedly summoned to the Holy Ground where he meets an imprisoned Violet again. After liberating the Witch, the two travel through her memories and fight their way towards the Center.

Upon arriving, they find themselves unable to continue prior to being confronted by Acting Archbishop Jack Nelson who attacks them with the Hero Olivier. Despite being unable to use magic, Cid manages to stall against Olivier's copies assault to eventually circumvent the restriction and unleash his ultimate technique, destroying Nelson and the Holy Ground in the process. In the aftermath, Cid sends his farewell to a disappearing Violet who requests that he kill her should the two ever meet before vanishing.

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. Afterwards, he would later learn that she had attempted to slay her fiancé and become a fugitive to 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 meeting with his sister, Claire, also one of the remaining participants of the competition. During his investigation, he receives information from Epsilon who is revealed to have become a prominent pianist for composing pieces of music from famous composers to his chagrin. 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 is still caught by Claire who insists he observes her compete from a special seating section. Understanding his lack of choice, 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 sneaks away to face against Annerose who he easily outduels 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, revealing himself as Shadow, he convinces her to continue fighting and allows the princess fugitive to escape. As a result, Beatrix then Iris join together to confront him, but the leader of Shadow Garden skillfully overwhelms the two, displaying his formidable strength before disappearing.

Red Moon Incident
While celebrating with Claire over her 'victory' in the Bushin Festival, Cid is coerced into joining his sister's expedition with the Magic Swordsmen Guild to defeat the Blood Queen in Lawless City. 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 to partake as well.

Later, after the two siblings arrive at their destination, Cid separates from his sister to explore the city when sudden Ghouls under the influence of the Red Moon begin attacking citizens. 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 Guild, 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, Elizabeth. 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 but unable to retrieve 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.

Great Trading Company Conflict
Adopting the alias "John Smith", Cid agrees to work together with Yukime to defeat both the Great Commerce Alliance and Mitsugoshi Company for a large profit. Realizing a major 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 the companies if they are unable to exchange all of them.

While the counterfeits are being produced by Yukime, 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 also revealed to be the beastkin's sibling. Following the encounter, after briefly encountering Alexia, 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 Rose and her Shadow Garden team before being later confronted by Delta. However, she quickly notices his identity and he is 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.

Oriana's "Black Rose" Civil War Wedding Incident
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 head to the Oriana Kingdom capital to convince her from marrying. 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 him being her apprentice. 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.

Eventually Cid was able to find Rose as he tried to convince her against the marriage. Rose would try to reaffirm her marriage out of fear for his safety only for him to refute it that she was not being true to her self. The conversation ends with Perv entering Rose's room and Cid hiding to the witness that her mother was being held hostage.

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. Much to his surprise, the two had learned that Reina was a co-conspirator and Perv's lover as they were flourishing, shocking 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 that 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 he disappearing, leaving the ring he was going to pawn off. With this, Cid was able to convince her into reconsidering the marriage and reignite her determination of saving Oriana.

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 would lure the beast away and defeat it with ease and in a last ditch effort, Mordred consumed a piece of Ragnarok's flesh and transform in attempt to take down Shadow and his members. This would only fail with Shadow using his atomic attack resulting in the mastermind's death. However, his death resulted in a portal to appear with his severed head, Shadow, and Beta being transported 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. Later on Shadow explained to Beta that they will be taking 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 did not pay much mind as they would look out for each other when Yuudai tried to have him eaten by magical beasts and even use him as a scapegoat as in return, Minoru saved Akane from a magical beast stampee. When Yuudai was discovered dead, The nurse accused Akane of the murder until Minoru to defend her by pointing out that the slashed up corpse would not have been done by her. When Minoru later found conclusive evidence for Akane's innocence, Yuuka attempted to have him assassinated only for it to backfire and for him to reveal himself as Shadow.

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 as well as her story. He and Beta met up with her being barely able to speak Japanese and witness Akane going berserk from her recollection of the "First Knight". Shadow fought to pacify her with his Atomic recovery attack and restore her to her normal condition. After saving Akane from herself, the portal to the Other World would open with Shadow and Beta returning there with the unconscious Akane.

The Academy Disappearances
TBA