The Eminence in Shadow season 2 has returned, captivating fans with its Isekai storytelling. It continues to follow Cid Kagenou as he strives to become the most powerful figure in the world. In this sequel, Cid embarks on a journey to the Lawless City, an intriguing new setting that will become his new playground.
New characters are introduced in this season, leaving fans eager to uncover their roles in the unfolding story. The sequel also brings back the mysterious Shadow Garden, a feared clandestine organization, even by the formidable Cult of Diablos.
The anime introduces Rose Oriana, a new member who is familiar to everyone but has left fans bewildered due to being labeled as No. 666. This captivating twist has further heightened the anticipation for the series and its future developments.
Disclaimer: This article contains significant spoilers for The Eminence in Shadow, including the anime and light novel adaptation.
The Eminence in Shadow season 2: Why was Rose given a new identity as No. 666
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In The Eminence in Shadow episode 20, the season 1 finale, Rose Oriana had no other option but to join Shadow Garden after being falsely accused of killing her father. Despite knowing that the Cult of Diablos was behind the assassination of the King of Oriana, Rose was unable to clear her name.
Desperate for strength, she decided to become a part of the mysterious secret society that operated in the shadows. With the help of Alpha, she was taken to Alexandria, the ancient capital and the hidden headquarters of the organization. It was there that Rose was assigned to Lambda, one of the esteemed "Named Numbers" and the drill instructor for Shadow Garden, who would oversee her training and integration into the group.
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Prior to combining Rose with No. 664 and No. 665 to form a trio, Lambda granted her a brand-new identity as No. 666. Lambda proceeded to announce that, from that point onward, Rose was to view herself as a nonentity, completely erased from the world. She was required to relinquish her birth name, past, and any other ties in order to transform into a pure and untainted soldier of the Shadow Garden.
The significance of the number 666 is well-known, drawing connections from both biblical and mathematical angles. It has gained notoriety due to its association with the "Beast of Revelation", leading to a somewhat unfavorable reputation.
Nonetheless, there is a more optimistic interpretation of its spiritual meaning. It represents the chance for personal rejuvenation and starting fresh, which resonates with Rose' current situation and her explorations in the Shadow Garden.
Fans who have been following Daisuke Aizawa’s light novel and the anime adaptation from the start are fully aware that once they become part of the mysterious Shadow Garden, each member undergoes a complete transformation and gains a fresh existence, along with a new identity. Just like Alpha, the second most powerful member of the organization, who was named after the initial Greek alphabet by Shadow, also known as Cid Kagenou.
Similarly, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and finally, Eta, have all been assigned Greek alphabet-inspired names. Intriguingly, the underlying meaning behind these fresh labels seems to reflect their respective distinct personalities. The reasoning behind Cid's decision to name the Seven Shades of the Shadow Garden after Greek letters remains veiled in mystery.
Cid's unconventional approach suggests that he randomly chose these names, thinking they would create an aura of mysteriousness in his Shadow Garden. However, not all members were named by Cid, as each of the Seven Shades took it upon themselves to create their own platoon and name their members.
In episode 2 of The Eminence in Shadow season 2, it becomes clear that Rose, now known as No. 666, genuinely wants to distance herself from her past. Yet, her emotions almost overpower her when she discovers that Cid's life is in jeopardy, causing her emotional defenses to weaken.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rose's journey and her determination to overcome the upcoming challenges in season 2 of The Eminence in Shadow. Keep an eye out for the latest news on the anime and light novel as we move forward into 2023.