The Eminence in Shadow Vol. 10 raises the stakes with a bold shift in tone and strategy, diving deep into the world of economic warfare. At the heart of this volume is Cid Kagenou, who takes on yet another outlandish persona—this time as the ultra-competent and mysterious John Smith. While Cid’s signature flair for drama and delusions of grandeur are as sharp as ever, this time the battlefield isn’t a dungeon or courtyard, but the economic core of a kingdom teetering on collapse. This clever deviation from the series’ usual fantasy combat offers a fresh and engaging twist that keeps readers hooked.
Cid, operating under his new alias, uses his knowledge of economics and real-world systems to spark controlled financial chaos. From manipulating supply chains to crashing markets and orchestrating mass panic, he launches a campaign of monetary mayhem that leaves nobles, merchants, and shadowy organizations scrambling. What makes this particularly fun is how oblivious Cid remains to the sheer magnitude of his actions—he thinks he’s just playing another one of his fantasy “games,” while his schemes have very real consequences. The absurdity of his unintentional genius continues to be a cornerstone of the series’ charm.
Meanwhile, the Cult of Diablos is caught completely off-guard by this new type of warfare. But it’s not just the villains feeling the heat—members of Shadow Garden begin to feel the pressure as well. Questions about loyalty, strategy, and leadership bubble beneath the surface. The mysterious nature of “John Smith” causes confusion even among Cid’s closest followers, leading to some very compelling character introspection. The internal tension within Shadow Garden adds emotional depth to what could otherwise be a purely tactical storyline.
One of the greatest strengths of this volume is how it balances genre. On paper, combining high fantasy with financial thriller sounds like a recipe for confusion, but The Eminence in Shadow makes it work effortlessly. The storytelling remains tight, the pacing brisk, and Cid’s antics never overstay their welcome. He transitions from unwitting economic saboteur to battlefield tactician without missing a beat, proving once again that this series thrives on its unpredictability and creative worldbuilding.
The art in this volume continues to impress. Whether depicting crowded financial districts or dimly lit secret meetings, the illustrations carry the weight of the story. You can feel the anxiety in every shadowed corridor, the tension in every meeting of cloaked conspirators, and the absurdity in every deadpan expression from Cid. The panel composition is dynamic, bringing energy to even the most static of scenes, and the character designs remain sharp and full of life.
We also get a deeper look into the geopolitical structure of the world, something the series has only hinted at in earlier volumes. The collapse of a kingdom’s economy isn’t just background noise—it has ripple effects across borders and power structures. Seeing Cid inadvertently reshape the political landscape while thinking he’s roleplaying as a “side character” adds layers of humor and brilliance to the overarching plot. The world feels more expansive, more interconnected, and more alive.
Reading The Eminence in Shadow Vol. 10 was a fantastic ride from start to finish. Cid’s journey into financial chaos was just as gripping as any sword fight, and the blend of economic warfare, political maneuvering, and hilarious misunderstandings made this volume one of the strongest in the series yet. The characters continue to develop, the stakes are higher, and the story only gets more addictive with each installment.
I absolutely loved this volume and can’t wait to see how the series continues. If this is where the story is heading—mixing unconventional battles with classic shadowy hero antics—then fans are in for an even wilder ride. With Cid unknowingly rewriting the fate of kingdoms and Shadow Garden grappling with the ripple effects, the next volume promises to be nothing short of epic. Bring on the chaos—I’m ready.
