The Eminence in Shadow
Season 1
2022
Even in his past life, Cid's dream wasn't to become a protagonist or a final boss. He'd rather lie low as a minor character until it's prime time to reveal he's a mastermind...or at least, do the next best thing-pretend to be one! And now that he's been reborn into another world, he's ready to set the perfect conditions to live out his dreams to the fullest. Armed with his overactive imagination, Cid jokingly recruits members to his organization and makes up a whole backstory about an evil cult that they need to take down. Well, as luck would have it, these imaginary adversaries turn out to be the real deal-and everyone knows the truth but him!
E1 · 24 min
The Hated Classmate
Akane copes with her trauma by being popular and working hard to make people like her, but one boy in her class doesn’t care about her at all. That bothers her to no end.
E2 · 24 min
Shadow Garden Is Born
Reincarnated as the son of Baron Kagenou, Cid bides his time as Background Character A while preparing for the day he can finally become the Eminence in Shadow!
E3 · 24 min
Fencer Ordinaire
The princess is supposed to reject the background character’s confession, not accept it — since when did Cid become a rom-com protagonist?
E4 · 24 min
Sadism's Rewards
The mistake those with power always make is believing that they are the ones in control.
E5 · 24 min
I Am...
Cid is not facing a minion but a would-be Knight of the Rounds. Normally, that is cause for concern, but an atomic bomb has no reason to fear the gnashing of a lowly pest.
E6 · 24 min
Pretenders
While Iris seeks a bright mind to study an artifact, Cid visits a popular store. Meanwhile, in the dark corners of the city, someone commits murders in Shadow Garden’s name!
E7 · 24 min
A Fencing Tournament of Intrigue and Bloodshed
Cid gets a report from Nu about powerful cult members lurking in the Royal Capital. Too bad he’s too distracted about the upcoming fencing tournament to notice.
E8 · 24 min
Dark Knight Academy Under Attack
Cid sacrificed his life to save Rose. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Unbeknownst to anyone else, Cid survived exactly as planned, and now his counterattack can begin.
E9 · 24 min
The End of a Lie
When the students fight back, Shadow Garden joins the fray as their reinforcements. Amidst the chaos, Cid confronts the Gaunt Knight.
E10 · 24 min
The Sacred Land, City of Deception
Cid heads to Lindwurm in response to a summons from Alpha, but he is not the only one traveling there; the annual Goddess’ Trial is quickly approaching.
E11 · 24 min
The Goddess' Trial
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.
E12 · 24 min
The Truth Within the Memories
The door to the Sanctuary opens and Alpha strides through it, intending to expose the Cult’s grave secrets. Meanwhile, Cid also enters the Sanctuary and reunites with… Aurora?
E13 · 24 min
A Bloody Showdown as an Offering to Annihilation
Alpha faces off against an empowered Nelson in a vicious battle. Elsewhere, Cid and Aurora reach the Sanctuary's core, but a door only a hero can open blocks their path.
E14 · 24 min
Your Lie, Your Wish
Cid’s victory is short-lived when Nelson counters with his new magic. Meanwhile, Alexia convinces Rose and Natsume to form an alliance to uncover the truth of their world.
E15 · 24 min
The Strongest Weakest Man
Only the strongest warriors can advance in the prestigious Bushin Festival, but one contestant proves himself a feeble and mundane man with no talent. Why is he competing?
E16 · 24 min
Unseen Intentions
Princess Rose flees to the north of the Royal Capital. The Oriana Kingdom wants to handle it internally as a “purely domestic” matter.
E17 · 24 min
Moonlight That Pierces the Darkness
Cid recollects piano lessons from his past life — what impact does this have on his present? Meanwhile, Epsilon’s performance sets the soundtrack for something else...
E18 · 24 min
Betting on a Moment
Cid and Claire receive an invitation to a tournament. At the festivities, Cid receives more attention than a background character desires.
E19 · 24 min
Dancing Puppet
Doem tries to make war with Midgar. Meanwhile, the match between Jimina and Iris begins.
E20 · 24 min
Advent of the Demon
Provoked by the fight between Shadow and Beatrix, Iris joins the fray. An intense battle progresses across the Royal Capital. Meanwhile, Rose runs into Alpha...