The sun was low over Shiganshina, spilling orange light across the cobblestone streets and the massive walls that protected humanity from the Titans beyond. For most citizens, it was just another day, but for Elias Kruger, it was the start of a series of calculated moves that would shape his future.
He adjusted his uniform jacket, ensuring every crease was perfect. To the public eye, he was an exemplary Garrison cadet: disciplined, polite, and reliable. Yet beneath the exterior, another life thrummed with intensity—one of shadows, strategy, and survival.
Vince Carter trailed behind him as they left the cadet barracks. His sharp eyes scanned the streets, noting every merchant, every suspicious figure, every alleyway where danger might lurk. His cautious and thrifty nature made him the perfect right-hand man. Elias relied on him not just for loyalty, but for insight.
"You're thinking too much about the patrol route," Vince said quietly, glancing at Elias. "We also need to track the supply trades from the lower district tonight. The previous merchant contact is unreliable."
Elias smirked faintly. "Exactly why I'm glad you're with me. You notice what I might overlook in the moment of action."
Strategic Expansion
The first step in the evening's plan was simple but critical: consolidate influence over several key merchants who controlled food and resources within the Wall. The system had assigned a new mission, one that would test both Elias's negotiation skills and his combat efficiency.
[System Mission Assigned: Mission 002 – Establish control over local supply network]
[Reward: +0.3 Negotiation, +0.15 Tactical Acumen]
Elias and Vince moved through the dimly lit alleys, slipping past patrolling guards and avoiding the Military Police, who were particularly vigilant near merchant districts. Vince carried a ledger detailing all trades, debts, and contacts, his meticulous nature invaluable to Elias's strategy.
The first merchant was a stout man named Harlen, known for being stubborn but fair. Elias approached him with calm confidence.
"Harlen," Elias said, bowing slightly, "I've noticed your supplies have been under threat from thieves and rival merchants. I can offer protection and ensure your profits remain safe, for a reasonable arrangement."
Harlen's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. Elias continued, "Think of it as a partnership. I gain access to your goods, and in return, you gain protection and logistical support that even the Garrison can't guarantee."
Vince watched silently, noting Harlen's hesitation. He whispered in Elias's ear, "He's testing your sincerity. Lower the interest slightly—he'll agree if he thinks it's fair."
Elias smiled faintly, adjusting his pitch. "I propose a modest cut, enough to guarantee your safety but still generous for your business. You're safe under my watch."
Harlen exhaled slowly, considering. "Alright… I'll trust you—for now."
Another small victory. Elias felt Predator's Hunger pulse faintly, rewarding his strategic approach. He had gained resources without drawing unnecessary attention.
Rising Threat
The night's quiet was shattered when a group of young nobles appeared near the market. They were known for asserting dominance over merchants, enforcing fines, and collecting "protection" under threat of influence or intimidation.
One of them, a tall youth with sharp features, noticed Elias and his entourage. "What is this? A cadet meddling in our merchants' affairs?" he demanded, voice dripping with entitlement.
Elias stepped forward, calm but alert. "I'm merely ensuring fairness and stability in the trade network. Your interference could destabilize the market and harm the citizens we protect."
The noble laughed, a sharp, bitter sound. "You think your Garrison uniform grants you authority here?"
Vince placed a hand lightly on Elias's arm, cautioning him silently. Elias nodded subtly—he didn't need to draw unnecessary attention.
"Authority," Elias said evenly, "isn't given. It's earned. And I have earned the trust of these merchants. You may speak with them, but you'll find they prefer my arrangement."
The noble's eyes flickered with annoyance, but the presence of other merchants, quietly nodding and signaling agreement, forced him to step back. Elias had maintained peace without bloodshed—a skill as valuable as combat prowess.
First Major Conflict
The real danger came unexpectedly. A small band of rogue Military Police officers, bribed by the same noble family, attempted to seize the merchants' goods. Elias and Vince were caught off guard, though Vince's cautious awareness allowed them to prepare.
Predator's Hunger activated.
[Calories Consumed: 500 → Strength +0.25, Reflex +0.15]
Ackerman Power Activated: Tactical Burst ×5
Time seemed to slow. Elias moved with surgical precision, disarming the first officer before the others could react. Vince assisted, his own careful movements ensuring no civilian was harmed. The rogue officers were fast, but Elias's combined system boost, Ackerman training, and Vince's cautious guidance allowed them to neutralize the threat efficiently.
By the time the skirmish ended, the officers had fled, and the merchants' supplies remained secure. Elias's reputation began to spread quietly—not just as a cadet, but as a protector in the shadows. Vince, standing beside him, quietly wiped his hands, observing every detail of the encounter for future planning.
Aftermath and Planning
Back in their modest hideout, Elias and Vince cataloged the night's events. Supplies were counted, notes on rival nobles and corrupt Military Police recorded. Every minor victory was another brick in their expanding empire.
Vince spoke first, cautious yet observant. "If the nobles notice how effective you are, they'll try something bigger next time. We need contingencies—routes, safehouses, allies."
Elias nodded. "Agreed. And we'll need to manage perception. Publicly, I'm just a cadet. Privately… I'm someone who ensures stability and protection. We balance influence carefully, or everything collapses."
The system pulsed lightly, rewarding efficiency.
[Mission Update: Mission 002 Completed]
[Reward: +0.2 Swordsmanship, +0.15 Negotiation, +0.1 Tactical Acumen]
Elias allowed himself a small smile. Vince had proven invaluable—not just in combat, but as a partner in strategy, negotiation, and logistics. He was learning quickly, absorbing lessons from Elias while providing insight and moral grounding that the protagonist had rarely allowed himself in past life interactions.
Personal Reflection
As dawn approached, Elias gazed out over the Wall. Predator's Hunger throbbed faintly in his veins. The Ackerman power remained dormant but ready, a silent promise of overwhelming strength if his siblings or operations were threatened.
He thought of Lila, Finn, and Otto. Each victory, each negotiation, each calculated risk was ultimately for them. They were the reason he endured, the reason he balanced his public persona with his hidden life.
Vince sat beside him quietly, notebook in hand, cataloging the night's events. "You really are meticulous," he whispered. "I hope I can keep up."
"You'll surpass me one day," Elias said, faintly smiling. "But only if you trust your instincts as much as you trust my guidance."
The snow began to fall again, a quiet blanket over a city full of danger. Titans remained outside the walls, ever-present threats. Nobles and corrupt officers lurked in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. And within the Wall, Elias and Vince were quietly building an empire of influence, protection, and power.
The night was long, but their vigilance was longer. Every step, every decision, every bite of sustenance fed Elias's Predator's Hunger. Every observation, every careful plan, strengthened their bond. Together, they were becoming a force to be reckoned with—a shadow empire operating beneath the surface of the Walls.
And Elias Kruger knew one thing for certain: this was only the beginning.
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