Chapter 2: A Step Behind the Shadows

Kazuto sat cross-legged in the secluded clearing, his mind swirling with possibilities. The past few days had been a blur of adapting to his new surroundings, training his body and mind to match this world's pace. His newfound powers were impressive, but there was still one thing that unsettled him: he wasn't sure what the date was. If this world was indeed Cid's world, then his actions—and the story—would be unfolding as they always had in The Eminence in Shadow.

Kazuto needed to know when he was. The problem was, he had no real way of tracking time. The days here didn't match his old world's calendar, and the people around him didn't seem concerned with specific dates either.

He decided to take matters into his own hands. Kazuto stood up and brushed off the grass, his eyes scanning the horizon.

"I need to find out what day it is," he muttered to himself, already formulating a plan.

The first step was to head into the nearest town. He had learned enough from observing the local villagers to know that they lived by a set schedule—markets, festivals, and news. If he could just overhear a conversation or spot a significant event, he might be able to pinpoint when things were happening.

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By the time Kazuto reached the town, the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The place had a certain medieval charm to it, a stark contrast to the technology-driven life he had left behind. It wasn't like his old world at all, but it didn't feel entirely foreign either.

Kazuto wandered through the marketplace, where vendors peddled fresh produce, weapons, and trinkets. As he passed a gathering of people around a notice board, his ears caught snippets of conversation.

"I heard today's the day the new students arrive at the Academy."

"The Academy? You mean the one where that boy, Cid Kagenou, is starting school? I bet he's going to be just like the rest—clueless, trying to act tough."

"Maybe, but didn't he come from a good family? He's probably hiding something."

Kazuto's heart skipped a beat. Cid. The Cid. The boy who would become the mastermind of everything, without even realizing it.

He had found the key.

Kazuto approached a group of scholars discussing the upcoming events at the academy and caught their conversation. They mentioned the current year and gave some context about how the school year was just beginning, with Cid Kagenou among the new batch of students.

"Right, the new students start today," one of the older men said. "The famed Cid Kagenou, huh? I'm curious how he'll do."

The mention of Cid's name sparked a thrill in Kazuto's chest. So it's true, he thought. He was in the past, when Cid had just started his journey to becoming a "shadow ruler." It was the perfect opportunity.

Kazuto's mind began to race. He could get close to Cid—work with him, observe him, maybe even become his friend. From there, he could secretly challenge him, seeing just how much Cid was truly capable of. All while building his own power from the shadows, of course.

But most importantly, it would be the perfect stage to begin his role as Cid's antagonist. Not a villain to be crushed, but a shadow to challenge him at every turn. Kazuto knew that it would take time, but this was his moment.

He didn't have to destroy everything in one fell swoop. He could be the rival who constantly pushed Cid to his limits, without ever revealing the full extent of his own strength. And maybe—just maybe—they could become allies, even friends. Kazuto smirked at the thought. He could be both a shadow and a friend, all at once.

"Time to make my move," Kazuto whispered, his heart racing with excitement. He turned toward the academy, a determined glint in his eyes.

It was time to join Cid, but more importantly, it was time to be the shadow who would make sure he would never be the brightest light.