The wind howled through the streets of Wall Rose, carrying the faint scent of smoke from distant furnaces. Night had fallen, yet the city never truly slept. Elias Kruger stood atop a narrow rooftop, cloak pulled tight around his shoulders, eyes scanning the faint glow of lanterns below. His right-hand man, Vince Carter, crouched silently beside him, ledger in hand but alert for any movement.
The mission tonight was perilous: intercept a shipment of rare resources being forcibly claimed by a coalition of corrupt Military Police officers and a noble family, while avoiding Titan patrols lurking beyond the Wall.
"Three of them in the alleyway," Vince whispered, pointing to guards blocking the supply path. "They've got reinforcements on the west side, and civilians nearby."
Elias's eyes narrowed. The system pulsed softly, ready to assist.
[Predator's Hunger Active]
[System Notification: Mission 004 – Secure rare shipment from hostile forces]
Status Window
A faint shimmer appeared before Elias in his mind's eye—a status window only visible to him.
Name: Elias Kruger
Age: 12 (Reincarnated, aware of future events)
Lineage: Ackerman (Father cousin to Kenny Ackerman)
Health: 100%
Stamina: 95%
Strength: Moderate (enhanced by Predator's Hunger)
Reflexes: High (enhanced by Predator's Hunger and Ackerman)
Skill Set:
Swordsmanship: Advanced (system reward + combat training)
Negotiation: Expert (enhanced by past life experience and missions)
Tactical Acumen: Advanced (planning, ambush, logistics)
Nobility Influence: Moderate (public Garrison status, discreet influence)
Stealth: Expert (covert operations, double life maintenance)
Resource Management: Intermediate (underworld empire logistics)
Special Traits:
Predator's Hunger: Gains strength and reflex by consuming food; system upgrades available through missions
Ackerman Lineage: Multiplies physical abilities by 10 when protecting family; tactical bursts in combat
Double Life: Garrison cadet by day, shadow operator and merchant by night
Tactical Planning
Elias crouched low, observing the alley. Vince's ledger was open, mapping guard rotations and patrol windows.
"We need precision," Elias murmured. "We can't risk civilians or exposure. Take out the first wave silently; I'll handle the second if they resist."
Vince nodded, moving with care. The boy's cautious nature complemented Elias's calculated ruthlessness. Together, they formed a perfect balance—one acting as the sharp blade, the other as the guiding hand.
First Engagement
The first officer stepped forward, sword drawn. Elias flicked his wrist, moving like a shadow, disarming the officer with a swift strike. Vince guided nearby civilians behind barrels and debris, ensuring no collateral damage.
Ackerman Power Activated: Tactical Burst ×5
Time slowed. Each movement was perfect, precise. Every parry, every strike, every calculated dodge flowed seamlessly. The system pulsed faintly, recording experience and adjusting stats based on the combat's outcome.
[System Update: Mission Progress – 25%]
[Reward Pending: Tactical Acumen +0.1, Swordsmanship +0.05]
By the time the reinforcements arrived, Elias had neutralized the first wave. Vince acted decisively, disarming and restraining the remaining officers, earning quiet admiration from Elias.
Unexpected Complication
Just as the shipment was secured, a low roar echoed from beyond the Wall. Titans had been drawn to the commotion. Panic rippled among the civilians and guards alike.
Elias's eyes narrowed. "Vince, stay close. We're going to need every ounce of strategy and skill."
Predator's Hunger activated: Calories consumed 700 → Strength +0.35, Reflex +0.25
Elias led the civilians through narrow alleys, using rooftops and shadows to evade both the Titans and the remaining hostile forces. His Ackerman lineage surged faintly, multiplying his strength and reflexes. Each step, each movement, each calculated decision kept the group alive.
[System Update: Mission Progress – 60%]
Coordinated Counter
As they approached a safer district, the nobles' enforcers attempted one last ambush. Elias smiled faintly, reading the pattern instantly.
"Vince, distract the left flank. I'll draw the main force into the alley," he whispered.
Vince executed perfectly, using his cautious yet effective style to pull attention without harming civilians. Elias moved like a shadow, sword slashing, body weaving, and limbs striking with amplified precision.
Ackerman Power – Family Trigger ×10
Time slowed almost to a crawl. Strength, reflexes, and tactical awareness multiplied. The Nobles' enforcers were disarmed, subdued, or incapacitated before they could react. The civilians and shipment remained unharmed.
[System Update: Mission Progress – 100%]
[Mission Completed: Reward – Swordsmanship +0.3, Tactical Acumen +0.2, Negotiation +0.1]
Aftermath and Reflection
Back at their hideout, Elias cataloged the night's events. Vince meticulously recorded every movement, every timing detail, and every strategic adjustment.
"You were incredible tonight," Vince said quietly. "I never imagined the Ackerman power would be… that strong."
Elias shook his head. "It's not just power. It's timing, strategy, and knowing the right moment to act. You complement me perfectly. Without your cautious guidance, I'd have risked too much."
Predator's Hunger pulsed faintly, reflecting the system's subtle reminder that growth was ongoing. Every mission, every encounter, every decision shaped his development, both publicly and in shadows.
Closing Thoughts
Elias gazed out over Wall Rose. Titans beyond, nobles scheming, Military Police watching—the threats were endless. Yet with Vince at his side, a loyal and cautious ally, and the system guiding his growth, he felt ready.
His double life continued, balancing honor with shadows, morality with pragmatism. His siblings remained safe, the ultimate motivation behind every move. And as the snow fell silently over the Wall, Elias Kruger's journey marched forward, stronger, sharper, and more dangerous than anyone could imagine.
Status Window Refreshed:
Health: 100%
Stamina: 90% (slight exhaustion from mission)
Strength: High
Reflexes: Very High
Swordsmanship: Advanced +0.3
Negotiation: Expert +0.1
Tactical Acumen: Advanced +0.2
Nobility Influence: Moderate
Stealth: Expert
Resource Management: Intermediate
Elias knew the Wall held endless threats, but he had become more than just a cadet. He was a shadow in the night, a protector of family, a strategist, and a rising power in a world that underestimated him.