Eminence In Shadow- Nah, I’d Win (DxD / Strike The Blood)

"The casualties on the World Battlefield have been effectively contained. Forces from World No. 1 and World No. 2 have begun reallocating their resources. It's expected that the next Tri-Realm Joint Conference will convene soon. However, during these negotiations, some of the benefits we gained last time—thanks to your intervention, Lord Shadow—are likely to be sacrificed."

"That said, Mistsugoshi Trading Company has already secured 30% of the military supply chains through the World Battlefield. On the civilian front, the company's reputation for unbeatable price-to-quality ratios has left its competitors in the dust. With Mistsugoshi dominating supply routes and other factions paying little attention to the civilian sector, achieving a global monopoly is only a matter of time."

"Given these circumstances, I propose redirecting the inevitable losses during the conference onto the nations of our world. This approach would safeguard Shadow Garden's core interests, deal a decisive blow to the Church's economic network, and simultaneously reinforce Mistsugoshi Trading Company's image as a neutral entity."

….

The young man stood by the window, gazing out at the tranquil schoolyard below. Though his posture suggested indifference, a subtle shift in his demeanor revealed otherwise—something in the report had caught his attention.

His eyes, deep and inscrutable, held an air of mystery that seemed to stretch across time itself, as if contemplating the past, present, and future in a single breath. A faint crimson light flickered within them as he turned his gaze toward the speaker—a breathtaking elf with flowing azure hair.

She stood beside him, her elegant frame accentuated by the black JK-style school uniform she wore. Her presence, like a masterfully sculpted statue, exuded both beauty and authority. 

Behind her, several other women—elves, foxkin, and humans—busied themselves at their desks, their focus unbroken as they sorted through piles of documents and reports.

The elf, who had moments ago been delivering her report with practiced confidence, visibly stiffened as the young man's piercing gaze fell upon her. The subtle tremor in her fingers betrayed the sudden tension that gripped her.

"L-Lord Shadow," she stammered, her earlier poise crumbling. "Did I miss something in the report? I'll have the intelligence team re-investigate immediately!"

The young man raised his hand, cutting off the panic before it could spread to the others, who had already begun preparing for emergency orders.

"Gamma," he said, his voice low yet steady, carrying an undeniable weight. "I've told you before—you don't need to report these matters to me anymore."

The elf flinched but said nothing, her lips trembling as if resisting the urge to argue.

"We're not the same," he continued, turning away from the window to face her fully. "You need to seize this opportunity and lead the Garden into the light. Remember this—flowers that bloom in the darkness can never truly thrive."

His words echoed through the room, their impact leaving everyone silent. Yet, despite the stillness, their tightly clenched fists and trembling shoulders betrayed their inner turmoil.

"I'll shoulder the shadows and sins of this world alone. That's not your role. It never was, and it never should be."

As his voice faded, the air grew heavier. No one dared to speak.

Seeing their reactions, the young man let out a quiet sigh. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the door. Just before leaving, he paused and glanced over his shoulder.

"I'll clear the darkness on the path to your future. And Gamma…"

He hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Think carefully about the things I've told you before."

Without waiting for a response, he stepped out of the room—the innermost chamber of the student council office—and disappeared.

The moment he crossed the threshold, the change was instantaneous.

His straight back slumped, his commanding presence evaporated, and his broad shoulders sagged as though the weight of the world had finally been lifted. 

Within seconds, the awe-inspiring figure who could bring nations to their knees had transformed into a completely forgettable background character.

The transformation was flawless.

"Hey, Cid! How's President Luna today? Was she in a good mood? Did she yell at you?"

The small group of students loitering outside the room failed to notice the drastic shift. To them, Cid had always been nothing more than… well, Cid.

"Totally fine! President Luna was in a great mood today," Cid replied with a grin that practically screamed 'generic mob character.' "I even cracked a joke, and she didn't scold me for it."

The group visibly relaxed at his words.

"Whew, that's a relief," said one of the students—Shiro Mizuhara, if Cid remembered correctly. Probably one of Vice President Souna's lackeys. 

"She's been on edge lately. Even minor mistakes would set her off. It's lucky we have you to test the waters, Cid. Honestly, you're the only one here who can handle being around her without getting vaporized."

Cid resisted the urge to smirk. Instead, he maintained his harmless smile and nodded along.

"Well, that's the gist of it. You're safe to go in and report now. If there's nothing else, I'll head out first."

"Sure, sure. Thanks again, Cid."

"Yeah, don't mention it."

Hearing Shiro Mizuhara's response, Cid wasted no time slipping away from the crowded hallway.

As for the rumors that later spread about the student council president's hours-long rage or the fact that the school's training grounds were flattened by elemental magic… well, those had nothing to do with him.

After all, trivial campus gossip wasn't something he cared about.

No—wait. As a proper background character, Cid Kagenou should absolutely care about trivial gossip. So naturally, he'd pick up on those rumors. As for why Gamma was upset in the first place? That remained a mystery.

Cid Kagenou.

That was his name. A student who played the role of an unremarkable mob character at school.

But in truth, Cid was someone who, even in his previous life, had harbored one grand ambition—

To become The Eminence In Shadow.