Chapter 9: Shadows in the Court
The day dawned clear over Arcellia, but the peace was an illusion.
The Cult of Diablos, reeling from the loss of two generals to Cid's Atomic Sword, had not retreated. They were reorganizing, recruiting, and hiding among nobles, merchants, and academicians alike.
Cid sat in his classroom, pretending to take notes while his mind calculated probabilities, enemy movements, and the best way to strike next.
> "Patience," he murmured.
"The shadows move fastest when no one is looking."
Recruitment of New Shadows
That night, Cid summoned three promising individuals who had caught his attention at the academy young prodigies overlooked by everyone else:
1. Kiera "Frostfang" Lyre Ice and Crystal Mage
She could create crystalline prisons stronger than steel and launch shards sharp enough to pierce dragons. Her frost magic could immobilize entire battalions in moments.
2. Darian "Windreaver" Solis Master of Speed and Aerial Combat
Darian could manipulate wind currents to move faster than the eye could follow. His strikes sliced like razor winds, and he could fly silently above enemy lines.
3. Velora "Shadow Vein" Ardyn Manipulator of Mana Threads
Velora could control and sever magical connections, rendering enemies powerless. Her threads could also heal allies, making her indispensable in battle.
Cid welcomed them into the Shadowbane Order, bringing their total strength to ten elite operatives each deadly, each loyal, each a living weapon.
> "We are the unseen," he said.
"The kingdom believes they are safe. Let us remind them why they are not."
The Court of Nobles
Using his new recruits, Cid began subtly manipulating the political elite. Through whispers, evidence, and controlled "coincidences," he sowed mistrust among those secretly aiding the cult.
By night, Shadowbane operatives intercepted assassinations, ambushed spies, and recovered stolen artifacts all under the guise of coincidences or heroic luck by unknown guardians.
> "The shadows are everywhere," Cid mused.
"No one can hide, and no one can resist."
Even at the academy, Iris Noctra became increasingly suspicious. Cid maintained his calm facade, pretending to stumble in magic class or lose duels on purpose.
> "He's playing a game," she whispered to herself.
"But the game… is dangerous."
The Cult Strikes Back
Two nights later, a ritual site was discovered near the eastern border. The cult had managed to summon a minor demon a twisted creature of fire and shadow, far larger than any they had previously seen.
Cid watched from the hills, cloak billowing in the wind.
> "Let's see how this one fares against Shadowbane."
The Shadowbane Order moved in perfect synchronization. Atomic Sword himself leaped from the shadows, cutting a path through the demon's minions. Black blades sliced, fire met fire, lightning struck, and ice shattered stone.
Kiera's crystalline prisons immobilized the demon's limbs. Darian's wind currents redirected attacks back at the enemy. Velora severed the demon's mana connections, preventing it from regaining strength.
Finally, Cid approached the demon, shadow blades extending from his sword, energy radiating like a black sun.
> "I am Atomic Sword," he whispered.
"And you… will end here."
With a single, flawless strike, he cut through the demon. The ground shook. The skies above split with black lightning. The creature dissolved into nothingness, leaving the cultists fleeing in terror.
Aftermath
By dawn, Shadowbane Order had become the kingdom's unseen guardian. Nobles whispered of miracles, strange disappearances of enemies, and a hooded savior who could not be traced.
Cid returned to the academy, walking among students as a quiet, "average" boy.
Iris Noctra watched him again, suspicion deepening into fascination.
> "He isn't normal," she thought.
"He can't be."
And Cid smiled faintly, thoughts already on the next move.
> "The Cult of Demons thinks they are clever," he murmured.
"But every step they take… I am already ten moves ahead."