fics I read

The night was a velvet canvas, the capital of Lugunica bathed in the soft glow of lanterns and the cold light of the moon.

Cid Kageno stood atop one roof, his silhouette cutting a sharp figure against the sky.

His eyes glimmered with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he gazed at the figure who had just arrived.

Reinhard van Astrea, the Sword Saint, stood before him, his presence as commanding as the moonlight itself. His azure eyes scanned the area, sharp and calculating, before they locked onto Cid's silhouette.

So, this is the hero of this world, huh?

Cid thought, his gaze sweeping over the man from head to toe.

Strong aura, impeccable stance, and that sword on his back… yeah, he's definitely skilled. No doubt about it.

Cid leaned back slightly, his arms crossed as he continued his silent appraisal. The man—Reinhard, though Cid didn't know his name yet—exuded an air of nobility and power.

It was the kind of presence that made people either want to follow him or flee from him. Cid, of course, did neither. He simply watched, his mind already racing with possibilities.

But here's the thing,

Cid mused, his smirk widening.

He's looking for someone. Me, probably. He's got that "I'm investigating something big" vibe. And judging by the way he's scanning the area, he's suspecting me of messing with that Od Lagna thing. Hah. If only he knew.

Cid's eyes flicked to the sword strapped to Reinhard's back. It was a magnificent weapon, no doubt, but what intrigued Cid more was the man himself.

Reinhard didn't seem like the type to draw his sword first and ask questions later. No, he looked like the kind of guy who'd try to talk things out, maybe even throw around a few titles to intimidate his opponent.

Point given,

Cid thought with a chuckle.

He's got style, I'll give him that.

Reinhard's azure eyes narrowed slightly as they locked onto Cid's figure, standing so casually atop the roof.

This man… he's standing precisely at the point Od Lagna directed me to. There's no way he's not involved in this.

His gaze swept over Cid's form. Cid looked like nothing more than an ordinary man—perhaps a curious bystander or a wandering soul enjoying the night. But Reinhard was no ordinary observer.

So many openings… he seems like just a normal guy, but…

Reinhard's sharp senses picked up on something else—something far more unsettling. A faint, almost imperceptible aura of magic lingered around Cid, like a shadow clinging to the edges of his presence.

That magic… it's faint, but I can tell it's more than deadly. Who is this man?

Stepping forward, Reinhard's voice cut through the night, calm yet commanding. "Would you please elaborate why you are exactly in this place at this time of the night?"

Cid didn't answer immediately, letting the silence stretch between them like a taut wire. Reinhard, ever the paragon of patience, waited, though his mind was already working to unravel the mystery before him.

Deciding to probe further, Reinhard quietly attempted to invoke a Divine Blessing—one that would allow him to peer deeper into Cid's essence. But as he reached for the blessing, something unexpected happened.

A sharp, almost imperceptible resistance pushed back, rejecting his attempt. Reinhard's eyes widened slightly, a rare flicker of surprise crossing his features.

What's this?

His Divine Protections, granted from Od Lagna, had always been unwavering, infallible. Yet here, now, they were being denied.

Is this happening because Od Lagna was disturbed? It has never happened before…

Cid's eyes gleamed with mischief as he quickly formulated his plan. In an instant, his demeanour shifted from calm and collected to that of a terrified, trembling civilian. With a dramatic gasp, he suddenly rushed toward Reinhard, his movements exaggerated and frantic.

"Thank god you're finally here, dear Hero!" Cid cried out, his voice trembling with feigned fear. He threw himself at Reinhard, wrapping his arms around the Sword Saint in a tight, desperate hug. "I was so scared! I thought I was going to die!"

Reinhard stiffened, his eyes widening in surprise. He had expected many things—a confrontation, a battle, or even a cryptic exchange—but not this. The man clinging to him was shaking like a leaf, his voice choked with what sounded like genuine terror.

"What happened? Why are you so scared?" Reinhard asked, his sharp gaze scanning Cid's face for any signs of deception.

Cid, still clinging to Reinhard, sniffled dramatically and pointed back toward the place where he had been standing moments ago. "A—a guy dressed in dark clothes came there just a few moments ago! He said something really dark and scary to me! I didn't know what to do! I was so scared!" His voice cracked, and he buried his face in his hands, shoulders shaking as if he were on the verge of tears.

Internally, Cid was grinning.

Behold, my masterful plan! Using the hero's kindness toward average citizens, blended perfectly with my background character persona. This is flawless.

Reinhard's expression softened slightly, though his sharp instincts still buzzed with suspicion. He glanced toward the rooftop Cid had pointed to, his mind racing.

A man in dark clothes?

Could that be the one who disturbed Od Lagna?

But why would he approach this seemingly ordinary man?

Cid, noticing Reinhard's lingering doubt, quickly added more fuel to his act. "He—he said something about… about the 'Eminence in Shadow'! I don't even know what that means, but it sounded so terrifying!"

He looked up at Reinhard with wide, pleading eyes. "Please, you have to protect me! I'm just a normal guy! I don't want to get involved in anything dangerous!"

Perfect,

Cid thought, barely suppressing a smirk.

If he suspects me, I'll just redirect his attention to the Eminence in Shadow. Let him chase shadows while I remain in the background, unnoticed.

Reinhard's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed Cid's words. The mention of the "Eminence in Shadow" sent a ripple of unease through him. It was a name he had never heard before, yet it carried an ominous weight.

"Did this man say anything else?" Reinhard asked, his voice calm but probing. His gaze remained fixed on Cid, searching for any hint of deception.

Cid sniffled dramatically, wiping away an imaginary tear. "Y-yes… he said something about… 'something big being bound to happen soon.' He said it in this really creepy, cool way, like he was trying to sound important or something. I didn't understand what he meant, but it scared me even more!"

He clutched at Reinhard's sleeve, his hands shaking. "Please, you have to do something! I don't want to get caught up in whatever this is!"

Reinhard's expression softened further, though his mind was still racing.

Something big is bound to happen soon…

The words echoed in his thoughts, stirring a sense of urgency. He glanced back at the rooftop where Cid had pointed, his sharp instincts telling him that this was no mere coincidence.

Perhaps this man—this 'Eminence in Shadow'—used this guy to get my attention,

Reinhard thought, his gaze flickering back to the trembling figure before him.

This poor guy might have been nothing more than a messenger, an unwitting pawn in whatever game this Shadow is playing. That would explain the faint but potent magic I sensed around him earlier. It wasn't his own; it was residue from the one who sent him.

A pang of guilt tugged at Reinhard's heart as he looked at Cid. The man seemed so ordinary, so vulnerable. To think that someone like him had been dragged into something so dangerous…

Reinhard's sense of duty and compassion flared. He couldn't let an innocent suffer because of forces beyond his understanding.

"You've been through a lot," Reinhard said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Cid's shoulder. "I'm sorry you were caught up in this. But you're safe now. I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Cid's eyes widened with feigned gratitude, and he clasped his hands together as if in prayer. "Thank you, thank you so much! You're a true hero! I knew I could count on you!"

Reinhard shook his head modestly, a faint smile touching his lips. "I'm no hero. I'm just someone who tries to do what's right. Protecting people like you is part of that duty."

Internally, Cid was revelling in his success.

Perfect. He's completely bought it. Now he'll be too busy chasing shadows to notice me. And if he does suspect anything, he'll just think I'm some poor guy who got caught up in the mess. Flawless execution.

As Cid turned to leave, his face still a mask of fear and gratitude, Reinhard watched him go, his mind already shifting to the next steps.

The Eminence in Shadow… something big is coming…

He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, his resolve hardening. Whatever this threat was, he would face it head-on.

The next day...

Cid strolled through the bustling streets of the capital, his hands tucked into his coat pockets as he took in the sights.

The seeds had been planted. The hero had completely swallowed the bait, and now all I needed was the perfect place and the perfect moment to unleash my presence as Shadow.

His mind was already crafting the next phase of his grand plan when—

"Your Highness, I think I found the guy you mentioned."

Cid's body stiffened slightly before he turned his head. Standing nearby was a peculiar figure—flax-colored hair, bright yellow eyes, feline ears twitching slightly, and a tail swaying behind him. His attire was elegant yet unique, with a blue collar adorned with a ribbon, a white dress with a light blue chest marked with thin white stripes, and a similarly light blue hem.

Before Cid could process it fully, another voice—one all too familiar—broke through the crowd.

"Thank Volcanica, you're safe!"

Cid's eye twitched as he recognized the voice. It was Fourier.

Wait, is this… is this what those characters in stories feel like when they wish to be alone, but the protagonist keeps chasing them? Because I have no idea why this guy is so fixated on me.

Quickly shifting his expression, Cid widened his eyes in faux surprise. "Wha—Your Highness?! How did you find me?"

Fourier grinned, crossing his arms confidently. "Simple! My intuition told me that a guy like you would definitely be around taverns. You must've been hungry, right?"

He gestured toward the cat-eared individual beside him. "And my friend Ferris here helped me track you down."

Cid subtly glanced around. Sure enough, he was in an area surrounded by taverns.

Shit.

Ferris, meanwhile, smiled playfully, stepping closer. "Nyaa~ you sure had us worried, mister! You should've seen His Highness—he was so desperate to find you! Good thing Ferris-chan was here to help~"

Ferris winked. "The name's Ferris, by the way. Hope we get along, nya!"

Cid sighed inwardly.

This was not part of his plan.

"Uh… Your Highness," Cid began, scratching the back of his head awkwardly, "I'm just a regular guy. You really didn't have to go through all this trouble to find me. I'm fine, really!"

Fourier waved a hand dismissively, his grin never faltering. "Nonsense! A regular guy? You're far from regular, my friend! You've got this… this aura about you. Like you're hiding something fascinating. And I, Fourier Lugunica, am determined to uncover it!"

Cid's eye twitched.

This guy is way too perceptive for his own good.

He forced a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Aura? Me? Ha! You must be imagining things, Your Highness. I'm just a humble, ordinary citizen. Nothing special about me at all."

Ferris stepped closer, his bright yellow eyes narrowing with playful suspicion. "Nyaa~ really? Because Ferris-chan here thinks you're being awfully modest. You've got this… mysterious vibe, like you're hiding a big secret. Are you sure you're not some kind of spy or something~?"

Cid kept his expression perfectly calm. "A spy? Me? Ha! That's ridiculous. I'm just a guy who likes to keep to himself. No secrets here, I promise."

Ferris leaned in even closer, his feline ears twitching as if trying to catch every nuance of Cid's voice. "Hmm~ if you say so. But Ferris-chan has a sixth sense for these things, and it's telling me you're not being entirely honest. Nyaa~ what do you think, Your Highness?"

Fourier crossed his arms, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I think you're onto something, Ferris. This guy's definitely hiding something. Maybe he's a master thief! Or a secret noble in disguise! Or—wait, I know! He's a legendary adventurer who's retired and living a quiet life!"

Cid sighed inwardly.

These two are like a pair of overexcited puppies. How do I even deal with this?

Ferris tilted his head, ears twitching slightly before turning to Fourier. "Oh, right! Your Highness, wasn't there something important you had to attend today?" He placed a finger to his lips in mock thought. "What was it again…? Oh! Weren't you supposed to be at the meeting with His Majesty and the Council of Wise Men, nyaa?"

Fourier's eyes widened in sheer horror as he slapped his forehead. "By Volcanica, I totally forgot! Master Miklotov is going to scold me into oblivion for this!" He groaned, rubbing his temples. "I'll never hear the end of it!"

Cid, who had been watching the exchange with mild curiosity, furrowed his brows. "A meeting with the Council of Wise Men? What's that supposed to be?"

Ferris turned to him, blinking in surprise. Then, with a mischievous grin, he leaned in closer. "Nyaa~? You really don't know? Are you sure you're not from some faraway land or something, mister? That's like, one of the most important meetings in the entire kingdom!"

Cid feigned an embarrassed chuckle. "Well, I don't exactly keep up with politics."

Ferris giggled. "It's basically a meeting between the most important figures in the Kingdom of Lugunica! The king, his closest advisors, and all the influential nobles gather together to discuss super important stuff. You know, like politics, national security, and economy. It's a big deal, nyaa~"

A spark of intrigue flashed through Cid's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it, keeping his expression neutral. Internally, though, his mind was already whirring with ideas.

The most important people in the kingdom… all gathered in the same place?

That's a perfect dish served right in front of me.

He resisted the urge to smirk openly. Instead, he casually glanced around, taking in the bustling streets filled with taverns and townsfolk. His background character persona had worked flawlessly so far, but if he chose to appear as Shadow at such a prestigious gathering…

He'd be putting that persona in danger.

Which meant there was only one solution.

He had to take care of it—literally.

Cid exhaled softly, already formulating a plan. He needed to stage the perfect disappearance, a convincing end to his background character persona. Something dramatic enough to remove suspicion, yet subtle enough to avoid unnecessary attention.

After all, to move freely in the shadows…

Sometimes, a man had to die.

Time slowed.

The world around Cid shifted into a near standstill as his senses heightened, entering his fast perception state. His eyes scanned the environment, taking in the layout of the streets, the positioning of Fourier and Ferris, the perfect places to cause the most commotion. Then, he exhaled slowly and smirked.

"Now… let's start the mission: The Background Character is the focus for three minutes in this week's episode."

With one hand in his coat pocket, he lifted the other, extending a single finger. Carefully, methodically, he pointed at different areas across the street—on rooftops, between taverns, near market stalls—and with each flick, he fired concentrated beams of his purple magic.

"Let's add some there... and some there too… Ah, right, there as well."

Each shot hit its mark with precision, embedding itself into wooden beams, barrels, and cobblestone walls. The air hummed with unstable magic, yet everything remained eerily still in Cid's heightened perception.

Then, he turned his gaze toward Fourier and Ferris. The two were frozen mid-conversation, oblivious to what had just transpired. Grinning to himself, he took a few steps away, turned on his heel, and pointed directly at Fourier's spot.

"Can't forget about you, Your Highness." ZAP.

He fired another beam before casually strolling back to his original position, hands back in his pockets. Then, with a deep breath, he relaxed, allowing his perception to return to normal.

Time resumed.

Fourier suddenly snapped upright. "We must hurry to the Royal Palace!"

Then, everything exploded.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A series of controlled, precisely placed detonations erupted across the street. Tavern windows shattered. Barrels burst into flames. Rooftops collapsed in carefully orchestrated chaos. The once-busy street descended into mayhem as people screamed and scattered.

Fourier and Ferris stood frozen in shock. "W-What's going on?!" Fourier shouted, his eyes darting around wildly.

Ferris's ears twitched in alarm. "Nyaa~!? This is bad! This is really, really bad!"

Cid feigned alarm, putting on his best panicked expression. Then, he saw the moment he had been waiting for—his own magic, the one aimed at Fourier's position, now charging up for detonation.

"Your Highness! Look out!" Cid shouted dramatically, lunging forward.

He threw himself in front of Fourier just as the hidden magic beam erupted. The blast struck him directly in the chest.

BANG!

Blood.

A crimson spray arced through the air as Cid staggered back, eyes wide, his body jerking violently. He gasped, hand clutching his chest as he fell to his knees. The world spun. His vision blurred. For a moment, he thought he might've overdone it—but no, this was perfect.

Fourier paled. "CID! No! Stay with me!"

Ferris, eyes wide with horror, rushed forward. "Don't die on us!"

Cid coughed weakly, making sure to add a dramatic wheeze. "I… I never thought… my story… would end like this…" He reached out, trembling toward the sky as if grasping at something unseen. "So… much… left… undone…"

"Stay with us, dammit!" Fourier shook him.

"So cold…" Cid whispered, eyes fluttering shut.

Fourier grabbed Cid's shoulders, shaking him violently.

"WHY?! Why did you do that, you idiot?!" Fourier's voice cracked, his usually confident demeanour shattered. "You could have—no, you SHOULD have let me take the hit! Why would you throw yourself in front of me like that?!"

Ferris knelt down beside them, his hands already glowing with a warm blue light. "No time for drama, Your Highness! If we don't close this wound fast, he's gonna kick the bucket! Cid, listen to me, okay? I need you to stay awake while I heal you."

Cid barely kept his expression together. Inside, he was screaming.

Healing magic? You serious now? Is this what they call an asspull?

Good thing I had a plan B.

As Ferris placed his glowing hands over Cid's chest, Cid suddenly grabbed his wrist, stopping the healing magic in its tracks. Ferris's ears twitched in surprise. "What are you—"

"You… should run away…" Cid whispered, his voice weak. He turned his head slightly, locking eyes with Ferris. "He's… coming."

A cold chill ran through Fourier's spine. He swallowed hard. "Who's coming?"

Before Cid could answer, his entire body was suddenly engulfed in an inky mass of dark slime. The sinister substance pulsed and writhed around him, thickening and expanding like some monstrous cocoon. The air grew heavier, a suffocating presence washing over the chaotic street.

Ferris scrambled backwards, ears flattened against his head. "N-Nyaa~?! W-What the heck is happening?!"

Fourier took a step back, his face a mixture of horror and confusion. "CID! What is this?! What's happening to you?!"

The writhing darkness emitted a deep, unsettling hum, as if whispering secrets from the void itself. Then, without warning, the slime collapsed in on itself, dissolving into the ground in a matter of seconds.

Cid was gone.

Only eerie silence remained.

Fourier stared at the empty space where Cid had just been. His hands, still trembling, reached out as if he could somehow pull him back. But there was nothing. No trace. No sign that Cid had ever been there at all.

His breath hitched.

"He's… gone?"

Ferris, who had been frozen in place, suddenly snapped to his feet, his tail fluffed up in sheer distress. "T-That can't be right! H-He was right here! He—" Ferris spun around frantically, scanning the street, his sharp crimson eyes darting across every shadow, every broken stall, every flicker of movement. But there was no sign of him.

Fourier exhaled sharply, trying to hold himself together. He wasn't just sad—he was angry. Angry at whatever force had taken Cid. Angry at himself for not being able to do anything.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The world around them felt… wrong. Too quiet. Too empty.

Finally, Fourier straightened up, his expression hardening. "No," he muttered. "I refuse to accept this. He's not dead. Not until I see it with my own eyes." He turned to Ferris, his gaze burning with determination. "We're going to find out what happened. No matter what."

Ferris hesitated, then nodded, wiping at his eyes. "Yeah. We have to."

A gust of wind blew through the ruined street, carrying with it the lingering weight of an unanswered question. And somewhere, in the depths of the shadows, a certain mastermind was already smirking to himself.

Mission accomplished.

Later on...

Inside the grand halls of the Royal Palace, beneath towering golden chandeliers and walls adorned with intricate murals of Lugunica's history, King Randohal Lugunica sat upon his majestic throne. His golden hair, tinged with age, gleamed under the warm light, and his piercing red eyes swept across the gathered members of the Council of Wise Men.

To his right, Miklotov, the stalwart and sagely Grandmaster of the Kingdom, adjusted his spectacles, his aged face lined with wisdom and experience. On his left, Bordeaux, the battle-hardened warrior who had once commanded the kingdom's knights, sat with his arms crossed.

"Now, let us begin," Randohal declared, his voice calm yet commanding.

Miklotov cleared his throat, setting down a parchment filled with the latest reports. "Your Majesty, I am pleased to report that the kingdom continues to enjoy stability. Trade routes remain secure, and our relations with neighbouring territories remain amicable."

Bordeaux nodded. "The knightly order is in peak condition. We have new recruits training daily, and despite occasional skirmishes near the borders, nothing has escalated into a true conflict. Thanks to Volcanica's blessing, these past few years have been more than peaceful."

The king exhaled deeply, a small smile gracing his lips. "Yes… Peace is indeed a blessing." He rested his chin on his clasped hands, his expression unreadable. "But peace is also the moment when shadows grow the longest."

Silence filled the chamber. Bordeaux raised an eyebrow. Miklotov shifted slightly.

Then—

A whisper of wind.

A flicker of darkness.

The candlelight dimmed unnaturally, and the very air itself seemed to constrict, heavy with an unseen force. A chilling presence slithered through the room, sending a shiver down the spine of every man present.

Before anyone could react—

SHFF.

A figure materialized behind the king's throne as if stepping from the void itself. No footsteps. No sound. Just a seamless emergence from pure shadow.

"An astute observation, Your Majesty," a cold, smooth voice echoed through the chamber.

Gasps erupted. Miklotov's eyes widened in horror. Bordeaux's hand flew to the hilt of his large axe. The royal guards stationed at the entrance instinctively moved, but an invisible weight pressed them still.

Randohal Lugunica did not move. Slowly, he turned his head.

And there he was.

A man clad in a long, obsidian-black coat, his very form shrouded in a dark mist that writhed like living ink. His face was obscured beneath a hood, but his glowing crimson eyes burned through the shadows. His presence was overwhelming—not one of a mere assassin or rogue but of something beyond.

A legend given form.

A nightmare given will.

"Who—" Miklotov barely choked out, his usually measured voice laced with genuine fear.

The intruder tilted his head slightly, his smirk unseen but felt. "You may call me… Shadow."

From the darkness around his feet, a blade began to rise—long, jagged, and black as the abyss itself. The slime-like substance twisted and solidified, forming a sword that pulsed with an eerie, otherworldly energy. It was not just a weapon. It was a statement.

Shadow slowly brought the blade to his side, its edge humming with restrained power.

"In the light of peace, shadows are born. And in the depth of silence…" His voice dropped, colder than ice. "I will be the one who brings the storm."