Cid Kagenou stood in a dimly lit alley, adjusting his coat as the wind carried whispers of his name through the city.
"Hollow Emperor... Hollow Emperor... the legend is real..."
He stifled a smirk. It had been less than a day since he'd assumed his new persona, and the results were already beyond his expectations. The entire city was trembling with rumors of his return.
Too easy.
Of course, he had no idea what the Hollow Emperor actually was supposed to be, but that only made it more fun.
From the rooftops, a figure dropped down silently behind him. Delta, her golden eyes gleaming, knelt before him. "Lord Shadow, reports confirm movement from the Cult. They are searching for you."
Cid exhaled dramatically, gazing into the night sky. "As expected."
Delta tilted her head. "What are your orders?"
He paused, thinking. He didn't actually need to do anything—Shadow Garden would take care of everything like they always did. But playing the part of the supreme mastermind required him to give orders that sounded incredibly strategic while being as vague as possible.
"Let them come," he finally said, voice low and foreboding. "They seek the Hollow Emperor... let them witness true despair."
Delta's tail swayed in excitement. "Understood!"
As she disappeared into the shadows, Cid allowed himself a small chuckle.
This is getting interesting.