The moon hung low over Wall Rose, casting silvery light on streets littered with snow and debris. The city seemed peaceful from a distance, but in the alleys and underground chambers, a storm was brewing.
Elias Kruger stood in the dim glow of a backroom warehouse, surveying the organized chaos around him. Barrels of supplies lined the walls, ledgers filled with trade details sat on tables, and Vince Carter moved between stations, double-checking shipments, schedules, and personnel.
Tonight was different. Nobles and rogue Military Police officers—disguised as ordinary clients—were involved in Elias's expanding drug operation. This venture, carefully hidden beneath the guise of merchant trade, provided him leverage, resources, and information. It also made enemies, and the threats were becoming more brazen.
"Check the east shipment," Elias said calmly, tracing the route on his map. "The Von Richts are nervous, and Leonhardt's enforcers have eyes everywhere. We can't afford mistakes."
Vince nodded. "All civilians and staff accounted for. The nobles may test us tonight, but the operation is secure—if we manage it carefully."
Status Window
Name: Elias Kruger
Age: 12 (Reincarnated)
Lineage: Ackerman (Father cousin to Kenny Ackerman)
Health: 100%
Stamina: 85%
Strength: Very High
Reflexes: Peak
Skill Set:
Swordsmanship: Advanced +0.6
Negotiation: Expert +0.25
Tactical Acumen: Advanced +0.5
Nobility Influence: Moderate +0.3
Stealth: Expert
Resource Management: Intermediate +0.2
Special Traits:
Predator's Hunger: Strength and reflex increase by consuming food
Ackerman Lineage: Multiples abilities ×10 when protecting family; tactical bursts in combat
Double Life: Garrison cadet by day, shadow operator and merchant by night
The Double Life
In public, Elias remained the honorable cadet: polite, disciplined, and respected. But tonight, he navigated the underworld, balancing negotiation, influence, and threat management. Nobles and corrupt MPs were covertly involved in his drug operation, seeking a share of profits or influence, unaware that Elias controlled the entire network.
He approached Leonhardt, now disguised as a wealthy merchant, and inclined his head. "Evening, sir. I trust the supplies are satisfactory?"
Leonhardt's cold eyes flickered. "Yes… for now. But remember, young Kruger, influence isn't freely given. One misstep, and the Wall itself could turn against you."
Elias smiled faintly. "I understand. That's why I maintain both protection and discretion. Everyone benefits when the trade continues smoothly."
Vince, standing behind, whispered, "He's testing you again. Watch the subtle gestures—he'll push for advantage if he senses weakness."
Civilian Threats and Titans
Suddenly, alarms rang. One of the outer warehouses had been compromised. Civilians fled as a Titan approached, drawn by the noise and movement.
Elias exhaled. "Vince, secure civilians. I'll handle the Titan and anyone foolish enough to interfere."
Predator's Hunger activated: Calories consumed 1000 → Strength +0.55, Reflex +0.45
Ackerman Tactical Burst ×5
Elias moved like a shadow, disarming rogue MPs trying to exploit the chaos while simultaneously evading the Titan's massive hands. Vince coordinated evacuations, guiding civilians along pre-planned routes.
Nobles and MPs Make Their Move
Leonhardt and his allies saw an opportunity. With the Titan drawing attention, they attempted to claim resources forcibly.
"You don't control this operation," Leonhardt hissed. "The Wall belongs to the strong!"
Elias's eyes hardened. "Influence isn't just brute strength. It's strategy, planning, and control of information. You're welcome to try, but you will fail."
The nobles advanced, swords drawn, flanked by rogue MPs. Vince moved behind crates, using barrels and debris to channel and funnel their movement. Elias read the situation instantly: a direct fight would be risky, but a calculated series of feints, parries, and diversions would neutralize them without unnecessary fatalities.
Combined Threat
Two Titans approached from the south, drawn to the city's activity. Civilians panicked. Rogue MPs hesitated, unsure whether to fight or flee. Nobles tried to coordinate their attack but were unprepared for Elias's tactical awareness.
"Vince, now," Elias whispered. "Distract the left flank; funnel them toward the alley. I'll handle the center."
Vince executed flawlessly, using misdirection, timed noise, and subtle signals to create openings.
Predator's Hunger pulse: Calories consumed 1050 → Strength +0.6, Reflex +0.5
Elias moved with Ackerman precision, striking rogue MPs, subduing noble enforcers, and guiding the shipment and civilians safely. The Titans were diverted into empty districts using debris and barricades.
[System Update: Mission 007 – Multi-Faction Defense & Resource Protection]
[Reward Pending: Swordsmanship +0.35, Tactical Acumen +0.25, Nobility Influence +0.15]
Sibling POV – Lila, Finn, and Otto
From their home, Lila clutched her little brothers' hands, peeking through the snow-dusted window.
"Big brother… he's doing it again," she whispered. "He's saving everyone."
Finn shivered. "I wish we could see him… or help. But he's… he's so powerful."
Otto frowned. "He's calm even when everything is dangerous. I think he's hiding a lot from us… but he always protects us."
Even without full knowledge, the siblings felt the invisible shield Elias cast over them. Their admiration and trust were absolute.
Tactical Resolution
Elias guided the final shipment into the safehouse, ensuring no civilians were harmed and the nobles and rogue MPs were neutralized without fatalities. Vince assisted with extraction, moving crates, mapping patrols, and rerouting remaining threats.
Kenny Ackerman had once warned Elias about managing multiple threats simultaneously. Tonight, he exceeded even that test.
Ackerman Family Trigger ×10 activated once more when a group of MPs attempted a surprise assault near his siblings' home, allowing Elias to move with overwhelming speed and precision to neutralize the threat.
[System Update: Mission Progress – 100%]
[Mission Completed: Reward – Swordsmanship +0.35, Tactical Acumen +0.25, Nobility Influence +0.2, Resource Management +0.15]
Aftermath and Reflection
In the safehouse, Elias cataloged every detail. Vince, meticulously taking notes, highlighted areas for improvement, potential threats, and ways to optimize the operation.
"We handled the nobles and MPs well," Vince said quietly. "But they'll escalate. Leonhardt won't forgive this humiliation."
Elias nodded. "He's right. But we learned tonight: the Wall is full of shadows, but the shadows are manageable if we control information, resources, and timing."
He thought of his siblings, sleeping safely, unaware of the battles fought to protect them. Lila, Finn, and Otto would never know the true risks, but their faith in him motivated every decision, every strike, every negotiation.
Closing the Chapter
The moonlight reflected off the snow-covered streets as Elias and Vince planned the next steps. Nobles, rogue MPs, and underworld rivals would continue testing him—but Elias Kruger, the cadet with Ackerman blood, Predator's Hunger, and tactical genius, was ready.
Together, they balanced strategy, combat, and protection. Their empire in the shadows had grown stronger, but with it came new threats. Every mission, every negotiation, every calculated risk was a step toward securing not just power, but the safety of those he loved.
And as snow fell silently over Wall Rose, Elias knew one thing: the Walls were not just protection—they were a stage. And he, the shadowed cadet, was the master of every move.