The moon hung low over the darkened city of Lindwurm, its silver glow casting long shadows across the silent streets. A gentle breeze stirred the mist creeping through the alleys, carrying with it a sense of unease—an omen of something lurking beyond the veil of reality.
A cloaked figure walked briskly through the dimly lit streets, his face hidden beneath the hood of his tattered robes. He clutched an ancient scroll, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
"It can't be real... it was just a myth...!"
He muttered to himself, his eyes darting nervously toward the rooftops. The man knew he was being watched—hunted. The legends spoke of the Hollow Emperor, a being of unfathomable power, one who existed before the Cult of Diablos, before even the first recorded history of the world.
And tonight, the signs foretold his return.
The man's steps quickened as he reached an abandoned chapel, pushing the heavy wooden doors open and stumbling inside. He unrolled the scroll with shaking hands, scanning the intricate glyphs etched into its worn surface.
"The one who walks between reality and shadow… He who wields power unchallenged, yet bound by none… The Hollow Emperor shall return at the rise of the blood moon…"
A gust of wind howled through the shattered stained glass windows, snuffing out the candles lining the chapel.
And then, a voice.
A deep, emotionless whisper, echoing from the abyss.
"You should not have spoken those words."
The man turned, his heart hammering in his chest. A figure stood at the altar, bathed in the moonlight filtering through the ruined ceiling. He was clad in a black coat lined with deep violet, his presence alone suffocating, overwhelming. His golden eyes glowed beneath the darkness of his hood.
Shadow had arrived.
Cid Kagenou's Perspective
"Alright, time for my next move."
Cid Kagenou stood in the abandoned chapel, arms crossed, his face perfectly neutral—an expression he had long mastered. In truth, he had no idea why he was here.
But did that matter?
He had spent his life perfecting the art of being the Eminence in Shadow. The key to that was maintaining an air of mystery, acting as if everything was according to some unfathomable plan. This time was no different.
Earlier that day, he had been training in a hidden underground chamber, practicing new ways to unleash cool attacks that looked even edgier than before. But then, one of his subordinates from Shadow Garden had whispered something dramatic about an ancient prophecy, and Cid's brain immediately clicked into action.
"An ancient, forgotten emperor shrouded in darkness?"
Yes. That was exactly the kind of story he could get behind.
So, he did what he always did—he appeared at the perfect moment, just as this terrified man muttered some ominous-sounding words.
Now, all he had to do was maintain the atmosphere.
"...You should not have spoken those words," he said, making his voice as deep and cryptic as possible.
The man trembled. "L-Lord Hollow Emperor...! Forgive me!"
Hollow Emperor?
Oh. Oh, this was good.
Cid barely contained his excitement. He had planned to introduce a new alias at some point, and this name was perfect.
"Rise," he commanded, watching as the man groveled before him.
Of course, he had no idea what this guy was talking about, but if he just kept nodding and staying quiet at the right moments, he could probably piece it together.
Shadow Rule #27: If you don't know what's happening, let your enemies explain it for you.
The man hesitated, then spoke in a whisper. "The Cult of Diablos… they have uncovered the tomb of the Hollow Emperor. They seek to revive your ancient power to wield it against the world!"
Ah, I see. So that's the plot now. Nice.
Cid couldn't have asked for a better setup. It was time to act.
Slowly, he raised a hand. "Fools," he murmured, making sure to add an edge of menace. "They play with forces beyond their understanding."
The man shuddered. "Then… what must be done, Lord Hollow Emperor?"
Cid turned away slightly, his cloak billowing dramatically. "The time of reckoning is near."
Which was technically true. He had a surprise attack move he had been working on—something involving black flames and summoning circles—but he hadn't quite figured out how to make it look exactly the way he wanted. Maybe this situation would give him the perfect excuse.
He took a step forward, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "Spread the word," he commanded. "The Hollow Emperor has returned."
The man gasped, his eyes filled with reverence. "Y-yes, my lord! The world shall know of your power!"
He ran from the chapel, disappearing into the night.
Cid remained where he was, letting the silence settle.
Then he grinned.
"Alright. This is getting fun."
Meanwhile, in Shadow Garden…
Alpha sighed, rubbing her temples as she stared at the latest reports.
"He's doing it again," she muttered.
Beta nodded, starry-eyed as she wrote furiously in her notebook. "Yes, Lady Alpha! Lord Shadow has already established himself as the reincarnation of the Hollow Emperor! His influence spreads faster than even the Cult anticipated!"
"That's not what I—" Alpha exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Never mind. What about the Cult?"
"They're panicking. It seems they really were searching for an ancient emperor's tomb, but with Lord Shadow making a move first, they're losing control of the narrative."
Alpha closed her eyes. Cid—no, Lord Shadow—was, as always, ten steps ahead of the enemy. Even now, he wove fate itself into his grand design.
She placed a hand over her chest, bowing her head.
"As expected of our lord."