English Dub Review: The Eminence in Shadow: “The Goddess’ Trial”

Overview: After a surprise meet-up with Alexia (Olivia Swasey), Cid (Adam Gibbs) acts as both a spectator and combatant in Lindwurm’s Goddess’ Trials. 

Our Take: Cid running into Alexia at a hot spring, sparks the bouncing conversation we know and love from them. And yes, bouncy means exactly what you think in this scenario. Their euphemisms are ridiculously fun, but how Alexia still shows care for Cid is nice through wanting to help him get into the knights. 

Alexia highly suspects the newly appointed archbishop, setting up a coming conflict. Alexia and Beta’s vitriol is amusing in the irony of how similarly deplorable they think the other is. 

The trials are underway and that provides more time for Cid to shine, unbeknownst to him. Cid wanting the main character treatment, breaking down his grand entrance, acts as a hilariously delusional fourth wall break. His decision to appear as his other persona, Shadow, is a thrilling left turn for the event.

His presence summons Aurora, the witch of calamity. What ensues is a stylistic and fun battle with her red tentacles. It’s enthralling to see how their fight evokes the strongest reaction from Cid in the innate respect and love at the core. While compelling in what it does for Cid, it continues to enforce how unrivaled he is. As a result, it sweeps away any stakes surrounding the bout, making one wonder if there will ever be any. His victory, just as interestingly, invokes the arena barrier to break and a new summoning spell to envelope it.