Episode 11

The Goddess' Trial (女神の試練) is the eleventh episode of the The Eminence in Shadow anime adaptation.

Synopsis
The curtain rises on the Goddess’ Trial. When Cid is unwittingly called into the arena, he transforms into Shadow and faces none other than Aurora, the Witch of Calamity.

Summary
One of the things Cid likes is hot springs. While in Lindwurm, he goes to a hot spring. Unexpectedly, Alexia is already there too. He wonders why she is in Lindwurm and she explains she is a special guest for the Goddess' Trial. Alexia asks Cid the same question and Cid explains that a friend invited him, telling him that there is a fun event. Cid guesses its the Goddess' Trial, but wonders what exactly is the event. Alexia explains its an annual event of a fighting ritual. Ancient warriors awaken and come from out from the Sanctuary to compete against challenges. To participate you need to request it in advance and the ancient warriors only answer the call of challengers they deem worthy. Hundreds of people try their luck each year, but only about ten actually get to battle. Few years ago, the Wandering Swordman Venom managed to summon Olivier, but he lost to him. Alexia explains that she isn't there to fight. She had an audit with the archbishop, but he was murdered. If Cid joins the Crimson Knights, she can tell him more about it, but Cid isn't interested.

Alexia expected Cid to be ogling her, but he isn't even looking at her. Cid notes that he tends to not look at people at hot springs, so that they all feel more comfortable while bathing. Although he would appreciate if she stops ogling his "Excalibur". Alexia states that isn't an "Excalibur" but a mere "worm". Cid stands up stating that she shouldn't judge a book by its cover and what she thought was a worm was still contained in its sheath. Shocked, Alexia wonders what he means and as Cid leaves, he slaps himself with the towel, stating that when the holy sword is unsheathed, its sparkling blade is set free and it sets off on a quest, which still leaves Alexia puzzled.

The new acting archbishop Jack Nelson, cancels the audit with Alexia, explaining that she was there investigating the previous archbishop, but he is now dead and they will be investigating his death. The Goddess' Trial is starting and Alexia is sitting next to Beta in her Natsume Kafta personality. Seeing her body, Alexia is annoyed at how liked Natsume is and guesses that such types like her are the most corrupt on the inside. At the same time, Beta looks at Alexia and is annoyed by her as she used Cid and also thinks that Alexia is corrupt on the inside.

The Trial starts and the first contender is from Oriana Kingdom, Toppe Batterius. Two people from the audience sitting behind Cid, explain that if a warrior is summoned, you can't leave the barrier around the arena until one of them is defeated. There is a large fee to participate and you may even get killed, but if you manage to win, you get a commemorative medal which will easily let you join any knight order in the world. Toppe challenges a warrior, but no one comes out. After him comes Neks Tinline from Midgar Knight Order, but no warriors comes to face him too. Cid really wants to go with Shadow and show his skills, making people wonder who he is. Next is Stihl-Aint Hapnin from Laugus Vigilante Corps. However he and many more are unable to summon anyone.

Cid is getting bored and hopes the trial ends soon, as after all that only Annerose managed to summon an ancient warrior. In that moment, the announcer reveals the next challenger is from Midgar Academy for Dark Knights, Cid Kagenou. Bored, Cid states that name sounds like a background character name, but then realizes its his name. Cid wonders if he should come out, but if he do so, the ancient warriors are usually matching the strength of those that come out and it may be revealed he is quite strong. But if he refuses, if the Academy hears that, he may get expelled. Cid decides to use option three. He creates a light above the arena to distract the people and then jumps in as Shadow. A person then appears after Shadow, shocking Jack as he didn't activate any summons. Beta recognizes the person as Aurora, the Witch of Calamity, however there isn't much information about her due to the chaos and destruction that came after her. Beta asks Jack if he can tell her more about Aurora and falling for her feminine side, Jack agrees, but states that Shadow is unfortunate to summon her as she is the most powerful witch in all of history. Alexia disagrees, stating that if Aurora came, then Shadow's powers must have reached her level.

Shadow and Aurora face each other and smile in excitement. As they start fighting, they are both enjoying their battle. Initially, Shadow is just observing and dodging all of Aurora's attacks. He really enjoy is but sees that Aurora can't use her full power and then defeats her with a single slash, noting that he wish he could have fought her at her full strength. Shadow then leaves, shocking everyone that he won. The barrier then breaks and a magic door appears in the middle of the arena.