This chap is rewritten, by the way, 15 Sep 2023
Really should start watching Eminence in Shadow. I've followed the manga since chap 1 got translated and never regretted it. Was thinking what it'd be like if Cid just got kicked into DxD universe instead, and, well, you know what they say
If there's something you want to read but it's not been written yet; write it yourself
So here it is
And for you Eminence of Shadow fans that jerks at the sight of "Highschool DxD", don't worry too much. This story is about Cid doing Cid stuff. And for more context, once you finished reading this chapter, go straight to chapter 8, and read the last section. Spoiler alert tho, obviously
〖 Prologue 〗
⦕ I Am… Positively in the Wrong World ⦖
This is a weird thing to say, but I can't shake this bizarre feeling – a gut-deep, unsettling certainty that's telling me I've been transported to the wrong story, the wrong world. I'm 97.8% sure (not that I just made up that number to sound clever) about it. I feel like I should've been reborn as some noble scion, basking in the wonders of a fantastical realm, instead of... an already grown up, healthy 18-year-old Japanese guy with a completely clean record who is of course orphaned, and lives in an ordinary apartment.
It is saddening that I have to be separated from my real parents… and maybe I'll start feeling sad once I get over the fact that THIS WORLD HAS ALL SORTS OF SUPERNATURAL STUFFS BABY. WOO.
Which directly translates to as long as I have the will, the perseverance to train… and sheer fucking will… which I suppose I just mentioned earlier, I can be the one thing that I want…
To become the Eminence in Shadow.
What does that mean, you ask?
Heh. Simpletons like you won't get it.
My ultimate (fantasy) goal is to be the puppeteer pulling the strings behind the grand stage, the maestro orchestrating the intricate dance of life. Hero? Villain? Nah, too basic. I want to be the chessmaster, the enigmatic figure who navigates the shadows, while blending seamlessly with the common folk. The "Eminence in Shadow" is my endgame, and I'm going all in.
But here's the rub, there are a few, shall we say, minor complications.
Scratch that, more like a truckload.
First, there's this concept of "Sacred Gears" in this world, which sounds cooler than liquid nitrogen. I've got to have one – not just want it, but crave it with a passion that could set the world on fire. But here's the kicker: you can only get these babies at birth. It's like winning the lottery, and let's face it, I've never been the luckiest guy in the universe. I avoid gacha games like the plague for that very reason.
But wait, there's a glimmer of hope! In my first few weeks in the blink-and-you-miss-it town of Kuoh, I've stumbled upon whispers and rumors and even witnessed a way to snag a Sacred Gear even after birth.
I learned just so in the first few weeks I got here… in this small, unassuming town of Kuoh… the perfect starting ground of my up and coming underground syndicate… Shadow Garden.
And then, there's the matter of my new name – Cid Kageno. It wasn't exactly my first choice. In an ideal world, I'd have picked something as plain as rice – maybe Yamada, Honda, or heck, even Kenji. They're like the Japanese equivalent of "John," but I'll make do with Cid. A name is just a label, and I'm all about adaptation, improvisation, and overcoming.
An Eminence in Shadow knows that the world is a grand stage, and I'm ready to take my place.
〖 Chapter 1〗
⦕ I Am… Taking the Leap of Faith ⦖
As I meander through the streets of Kuoh Town, a place that defies all geographical logic and reasoning, I can't help but ponder its existential significance. It's like someone decided to drop a dollop of fantasy right in the middle of mundane Japan, and Kuoh Town is the whimsical cherry on top.
And by that, I mean while I might be 'magically transported' to Japan, and although the building design is definitely of good ol' Nippon culture; this 'Kuoh Town' is not in my original Japan. Oddly enough, upon checking the map, Kuoh Town is the only addition of this world's Japan that I can tell at a glance.
My gut feeling tells me that this place is pivotal to this world's cosmic plot, though I must admit, my gut feelings have been about as reliable as a fortune cookie lately.
(And while his assumption turned out correct, it was nonetheless a poor basis to set his grounds on. Annoyingly, this happens rather often.)
And why yes, of course I'm no slouch when it comes to geography. At least from the top, not when I have to navigate it on the ground. I've got Japan's map etched into my brain like a well-loved Map app. But sometimes, blending in requires a bit of "lost tourist" theatrics. If a VTuber can feign bewilderment in the heart of Tokyo, then consider me an Academy Award nominee. But let's not call it mere pretense; it's an art, an art long forgotten - the Mob Fu - one that I have perfected in my old world.
Now, let's get back to the real plot twist – magic. I can feel it in my bones. I've got this strange sixth sense tingling, telling me that magic is as real as those peculiar vending machines that dispense anything you can imagine. How I unlocked this magical perception is anyone's guess.
Was it the waterfall meditation, my profound TV gazing, my dedication to yoga, the awkward attempt at Ouija Board communication, the 40-day "Let's Be Jesus" fasting experiment (spoiler alert: I'm not Jesus), or maybe it's because I once tried to summon Cthulhu with the R'lyehian chant? Beats me. The methods are irrelevant; as long as I can sense that there's magic that is potent in this world, that's all that I give a crap about.
Magic, my friends, magic is like free Wi-Fi in this world – it's everywhere, and it's begging to be tapped into.
Now I can sense it, caress it with my newfound magic radar, but can I wield it? What's the point of being tuned into the magical wavelength if you can't crank up the volume? Especially when everyone around me seems utterly clueless about this mystical gig. They're just regular, non-magic-savvy folks, navigating the banal maze of everyday life. I used to dream about a world where magic was as normal as ATM withdrawals, where using magic is an ordinary thing that won't freak the public… so this does make my goal of blending in with the masses a lot more difficult… In other words, a challenge.
Nice… I mean, excellent.
Challenges are my jam, my bread, and my butter. I thrive on them, and I'm here to prove that even in a world of magic and mystery, I can take this world's oddities by the horns and make them dance to my tune, all while maintaining my disguise as an ordinary guy who somehow landed in this magical circus. Behold, the Eminence in Shadow.
But I do need to find people that can use it, observe and learn from them. To defeat the magic users, or anyone else for that matter, I must first become a master observer. It's all about gathering intel, learning the ins and outs of my potential adversaries. How do they fight? What's their preferred stance? Do they favor a particular weapon, or do they summon magical artillery like it's happy hour at the wizard's pub? And, perhaps most crucially, their range of engagement – that's the golden nugget of information.
Back in my old world, folks couldn't just conjure a sword out of thin air or shoot bullets from their fingertips. They certainly couldn't dash five meters in the blink of an eye. Magic is the game-changer, a wild card that could either tip the scales in their favor or expose their vulnerabilities if they over-rely on it.
Now, here I am, three days deep into this bizarre realm, and my luck has been about as consistent as a broken vending machine. Plus, I've been thrown back into the high school grind, reliving the glory days of second grade. Yes, it would be oh-so-convenient to ditch school altogether. After all, I've aced this level before back in my old world with a perfectly average score. But getting expelled or suddenly requesting an escape from a prestigious school and scholarship for no apparent reason? That's a flashing neon sign that screams "Pay attention to me!" And that's not the kind of attention I'm seeking.
No, I've opted for the covert approach, the path of shadows and subtlety. I don't want to be recognized, let alone remembered. It's a rocky road, full of pitfalls and tightropes, but it's the road I've chosen, and I don't do things half-assed. After all, becoming the Eminence in Shadow means I must master the art of blending in while I study the world's new rulebook – even if that means enduring high school once more.
"Yo, Cid," a voice I'm growing all too familiar with, a boyish voice, calls out from my left.
Ah, it's Hyoudou. Hyoudou Issei. A brown-haired classmate of mine. Just your average guy, like most of the students here. I can sense that this school houses some Supernaturals, but I can't pinpoint them yet. It's as if they have some kind of scrambler or jammer installed, scattering their magical traces. Knowing they're here is one reason I can't just up and leave this school.
Normally, Hyoudou would be flanked by his two best (and probably only) friends, The Baldie and The Glasses, collectively known as the Perverted Trio. Hyoudou is the leader of the trio, and I have absolutely no intention of turning it into a Perverted Quartet, as catchy as that might sound.
This time, it's just Hyoudou though.
"Hey," I greet him casually. "Sup."
"You free today, Cid?" he asks, and I can practically smell his ulterior motive from a mile away. That, or he desperately needs a shower.
"If you're going to ask me to get you porn mags, it's still a no. Just because I'm 18 doesn't mean I'll buy stuff for you. Unless you're paying me."
"No! It's not that! And damn, you're a cheapskate..." His swift denial sounds more like an outburst. Could it be that he's about to share something of actual worth for once, and it has nothing to do with ogling girls and why the pattern of their panties somehow hold a key to a great secret?
He continues somewhat nervously, in a way that makes me want to smack him. "Look, man... I… I got a date."
Huh.
Huh?
Seriously?
I guess miracles do happen. As expected from a world of magic!
"Well, good for you," I say to him. Genuinely, of course. And sort of surprised. "Congrats."
"Hehe thanks— wait, no. Look, man, thanks for that, but I need your help."
"I'm not buying you condoms."
"Not that!" Hyoudou exclaims before pausing to consider. "...Wait, for real? Do you carry one— no, of course you don't. You're afraid of girls."
"Yeah man. Girls freak me out," I lie naturally as I breathe, letting the words roll off my tongue as smoothly as butter melting on a hot pancake.
Hyoudou, my unsuspecting comrade in this high school charade, raises an eyebrow and offers a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry for you, dude."
"We all have our burdens to carry," I sigh, and he mirrors my expression, probably thinking my "condition" is the worst thing in this world since stubbing your toe.
In truth, I'm not afraid of girls, not even a little. But in this sea of estrogen-drenched academia, where the majority of students sport pigtails and butterfly clips, it's just so much more convenient to paint myself as one of the non-threatening background players. It reduces the number of regular folks I need to interact with to keep up my Mob mask, and staying away from them won't raise suspicion. If anyone asks, I'll just claim it's the result of some traumatic past experience or some other plausible-sounding nonsense. My utterly unremarkable straight black hair further helps me blend into the sea of unpopular guys.
Hyoudou, bless his clueless Mob heart, plows on despite the awkwardness. "You're probably the worst guy I can ask this, but I literally have no one else to turn to." His voice oozes desperation, and embarrassment tags along for the ride. Is he really going to ask me for dating tips?
"But seriously, man, if you could drop some first-date wisdom on me right now, that'd be great. Seriously great," he pleads insistingly, his eyes wide with a mix of hope and desperation. It's like watching a drowning man cling to a piece of driftwood that's actually a rubber duck.
He really did just ask me for dating tips.
My brother in christ, are you stupid? I'm scared of girls. It's like asking cat grooming tips from someone who's scared of cats. It's like asking a fish for advice on mountain climbing. A worm on how to fight birds.
"You do realize you're asking a guy who's afraid of girls for dating advice, right? I don't even know what your girl is like."
"Well, yeah, but you're logical!" he exclaims, latching onto my non-existent expertise and as if logic is the secret sauce to successful dating. "And 'my girl' huh? I like the sound of that… A-anyway, c'mon man, give me some pointers! I'd ask Matsu or Moto, but yesterday, those two looked ready to uppercut me when I spilled the news!"
Of course, they would. Just a few days ago, you three were having a brotherly sob session about the agony of being single. How did I know? I was invited. I humbly rejected it, thanks to my part-time work.
"...Should I take her to the amusement park?" he wonders aloud, his eyes filled with stars, envisioning a whirlwind romance amidst cotton candy and roller coasters. "That sounds good, right? There's rides and… rides. Haunted houses—"
"Eh... Isn't that a bit much? Are you rich? Didn't you just spend your allowance on those stuffs?"
"'Those stuffs' is Eroge!" he suddenly shouts, before slumping down. "...But yeah. I'm broke."
Well well. A common ground.
Well… when in doubt, go for the most basic answer. "Erm… uh… take her to the movies before you eat? You don't have to do much when watching a movie, and you can always just… talk about it later when you eat if you're clueless."
Hearing that, his eyes glittered like he's found the way. "Dude you're a genius. Why didn't I think of that? Thanks Cid! Next ramen is on me! If things go well, I mean!"
And off he goes, likely to meet his newfound love interest. I can already tell that I'll be learning what not to do from him when I'm in full mob-mode; making that kind of rushed exit is definitely on the list.
As for me, it's time to make like a mob and skedaddle. Normal mobs don't stick around school.
I'm on my way somewhere that's definitely not school when it hits me like a feather-light caress on my skin – the essence of magic, faint but undeniable. It's like someone tickled my magical antenna, and boy, do I feel tickled.
Excitement courses through me as I follow the mystical trail. Imagine my surprise when I find out that the source of this arcane beacon is none other than Hyoudou's new girlfriend. Well, isn't this a plot twist for the ages? You sure you're a Mob, Hyoudou?
Nevertheless! This is excellent news for my covert magic studies. With my carefully cultivated persona as Hyoudou's "more than acquaintance, less than friend," and my self-professed "fear" of girls, I can hang around them without raising suspicions or jealousy. All while discreetly observing her magical prowess.
It turns out my luck isn't so bad after all.
She's sporting a snazzy green blazer from a different school and has Hyoudou's arm draped around hers. Maybe it's just me, but her enthusiasm seems a tad forced. But eh. Then again, what do I know about relationships? In this world, morals might be as flexible as a gymnast's back.
Speaking of which, what's the deal with those absurdly short skirts and bloomers during gym class? Are we in a time warp back to the '90s?
And it looks like instead of following my brilliant cinema-before-dinner plan, they're heading straight to the park. Well, why not, I think to myself. I've got a soft spot for that park. It has this inexplicable allure, like it's destined to be a historical site for countless 'first encounters.' Call it a chuuni's intuition, but I predict many dramatic meetings here in the near future, like a low-budget movie with a limited set of shooting locations.
I keep my distance, blending into the crowd as if I'm an assassin on a mission. Fortunately, the park is a hot spot for high schoolers from various institutions, including that girl's school, and, well, who knows which other ones? Names and educational institutions are not exactly my forte.
As they venture deeper into the park, things take an intriguing turn (he's always wanted to say that).
A ripple in the fabric of reality catches my attention. It's tricky to describe, but trust me, it's there. Those two lovebirds vanish near a fountain out of nowhere, like they've walked into the Backrooms. Yet, oddly enough, no one else seems to notice this disappearing act. No one but me, the unassuming observer who's now seriously considering getting a detective's hat.
I fixate on the spot where they vanished, examining the threads of magic that have unraveled like a frayed sweater. It's like they've entered a different room, one I can't quite access. The fountain has become a mysterious gateway, and I'm the nosy neighbor peering through the curtains.
Let me in. Let me in goddammit.
Regardless of where I try to enter this 'sphere', it seems you're unceremoniously spat back into the first room. My repeated circling around the fountain doesn't help my reputation; the bystanders wisely opt to keep their distance from the weirdo doing interpretive dance moves around a public water feature.
Time for a different approach.
These are essences of magic, like threads in the cosmic sweater. They should be able to be cut, right? But with what? Or how? Logic tells me that they can only be interacted with by something of the same or higher plane. I'm pretty much Mr. Mortal, but so is Hyoudou, and he got in there somehow. So maybe it doesn't reject things that aren't of the same origin. All he needed was a medium... which, in this case, is the girl.
So I need another Supernatural to help me get into this hidden room. Well, isn't that convenient? Any Supernaturals hanging around, ready to assist? No? Yeah, I thought as much.
Time to take matters into my own hands, quite literally.
I find a bench at a comfortable distance from the fountain and settle down, adopting a posture as if I'm about to meditate or pray. Onlookers are giving me strange looks, but right now, I couldn't care less. I need to empty my mind, focus, and...oh, achieve tranquility. It's difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's as easy and relaxing as sipping tea.
In this tranquil state, my senses sharpen, and I tune out all the unnecessary noise. The world around me fades away, and the park-goers are no longer in my visual field.
Instead, I see it. I see them. The skies have taken on a purple hue, and I'm grinning like a madman as I behold the fabric of magic for the first time. It's like a mystical light blue, scattered and formless like damaged cobwebs, with one massive cocoon encasing the entire fountain.
My fingers delicately pluck a wayward strand of magic, handling it like cotton candy that doesn't melt all over your hands. It's got that cool, liquid feel, like tar without the icky goo factor. If I can just figure out a way to vacuum this stuff up, the possibilities are practically a wizard's dream. But for now, I've got myself a marble-sized essence of magic—let's call it Mana, for simplicity's sake—and it's a solid start.
I can't help my grin from evolving into a full-blown, ear-to-ear Cheshire cat's grin. Here I stand, Cid Kagenou, pioneer of a new era, holding the key to what I'll affectionately dub the Shadow Dimension. It's thematic, you see, and it fits perfectly alongside the ordinary dimension, like a ninja in plain sight.
As I feel a glorious laugh bubbling up, I decide to save it for later. The moment requires stealthy preparations. I need to slip into my disguise and tuck away my backpack, for the birth of The Eminence in Shadow draws near.
Oh man, the excitement coursing through my veins is practically electric. Good thing I've got both the time and cash to order my custom outfit. Naturally, it's all black. After all, you can't have The Eminence in Shadow flaunting neon pink threads. That would be a fashion faux pas of epic proportions.
To be continued…
Here I bring you Cid, the unapologetic chuuni edgelord. Do expect quotes so insanely cheesy you thought you were reading a double mozzarella pizza
And even if Cid's going to go through some learning curve to fulfill his full potential, he's still gonna be grossly overpowered, and I don't care. The 'I am atomic' line is just *chef's kiss*
Hard to be cringe if you have no shame and have full confidence
It's a short chapter than usual, yes. I'm experimenting with the length and first person POV
lots of question i'm sure, like how did Cid get to DxD for one. I'm sure you can imagine what to expect from Cid, so let me know all of your questions and I'll make sure to either cover them in future chapters, or respond it via PM or next chapter's A/N if your PM is disabled
until next time, by3by3
