Cid Kagenou/Chronology

Background
Born as Minoru Kagenō, 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).

Becoming an Eminence in Shadow
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 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 a 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 Shadow 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 its 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. Despite his many 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 were to avoid an engagement, he initially desired to end their relationship, but 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. However, Alexia disappeared with Cid becoming the primary suspect and was interrogated and tortured for almost a week. He was reunited with Shadow Garden and together the planned to confront the Cult of Diablos, the true culprit behind princess Alexia's abduction. After thwarting an attempt to frame him by corrupt knights, Cid became Shadow to kill them and located Alexia's location, where Zenon was attempting to seize her again and revealed himself as a member of the Cult. Zenon battled Shadow, who was easily able to fend off Zenon's attacks and forced him to resort to enhancing himself with the Tears of Diablos. Ultimately, the leader of Shadow Garden simply unleashed his ultimate technique, "I am Atomic", and overwhelmingly destroyed his opponent as well as several city blocks of land.

Afterward, Cid would meet with Alexia again, who informed him that he had been cleared of all charges. 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
After the incident with Princess Alexia, Cid reluctantly participated the preliminary tournament to select qualifying students for the upcoming Bushin Festival after Skel and Po registered him without his consent. Unable to withdraw his participation, his unapologetic friends brought him to the Mitsugoshi Company to buy chocolate for Valentines day. However, he quickly discovered that the company is actually under the control of Shadow Garden and 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, he believed he was 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 giving 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 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 it's 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 face 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 use 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 state 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 opens the door then enters the room where he meets an imprisoned Violet again.

Cid wonders if she summoned him, but Violet 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 Violet explains she just woke up there and that had never happened before. Cid then decides to head back from where he came, but Violet 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 Violet 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. Violet 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. Violet 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 Violet states 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 its 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 is Cid 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 is Cid still alive after being stabbed and Cid explains that if you protect your vital organs and arteries, its 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 circumvent 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 its 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 unleash 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 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. 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. 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.

Red Moon Incident
While celebrating with Claire over her "victory" in the Bushin Festival, Cid was coerced into joining his sister's expedition with the Magic Swordsmen Association to defeat the Blood Queen in the 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 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, 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 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.

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.

‎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.

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.