I feel like I fell into a septic lagoon.

(Yes, these exist and are objectively the grossest of the 3 septic options I am aware of)

Has Cid finally clued into the fact his imaginary evil sub plot is real?

I had to stop reading because his avoidance of acknowledging reality was getting too cringe.

So your friend buys all the components and a case of beer (or non alcoholic equivalent) and asks you to help assemble it?