"The Eminence in Shadow" is a Japanese light novel series written by Daisuke Aizawa, with illustrations by Touzai. The story follows a young boy named Cid Kagenou, who dreams of becoming a powerful mastermind, operating from the shadows. He wishes to be the "eminence in shadow" rather than being an outright hero or villain.
In search of power, Cid cultivates his skills and knowledge in martial arts and magic, ultimately dying in an accident. However, he wakes up in a fantasy world where he takes on the persona he longed for. Cid decides to create a secret organization called Shadow Garden, which battles a cult known as "Diablos." Although he believes everything is a game and fabricates a lot of his stories, he soon discovers that his actions have real-world consequences, and the fantasy world is more complex than he anticipated.
The series combines action, comedy, and elements of fantasy while exploring themes of identity, power, and the nature of heroism. It has gained popularity for its unique premise and engaging characters, leading to adaptations in other media, including manga and anime.
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