The sun had barely risen over Wall Rose, but the city already hummed with tension. Rumors of a political coup, orchestrated by a coalition of disgruntled nobles and rogue Military Police officers, had spread through the underworld. Elias Kruger stood atop a reinforced wall section, cloak flapping lightly in the early morning breeze, eyes scanning the city below.
Vince Carter crouched beside him, ledger in hand, tracking patrols, routes, and potential points of conflict.
"This isn't just a simple skirmish," Vince murmured. "The nobles are coordinating with MPs and trying to seize control of trade routes. The moment they destabilize one district, the rest will follow."
Elias's eyes hardened. "Then we act decisively. No mistakes. Civilians first, siblings second, empire third."
Predator's Hunger activated.
[Calories Consumed: 1,000 → Strength +0.6, Reflex +0.5]
Status Window
Name: Elias Kruger
Age: 12 (Reincarnated)
Lineage: Ackerman (Father cousin to Kenny Ackerman)
Health: 100%
Stamina: 80%
Strength: Very High
Reflexes: Peak
Skill Set:
Swordsmanship: Advanced +0.7
Negotiation: Expert +0.3
Tactical Acumen: Advanced +0.6
Nobility Influence: Moderate +0.35
Stealth: Expert
Resource Management: Intermediate +0.25
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
Sibling POV – Lila, Finn, and Otto
Inside their home, Lila peered through the window. "I heard whispers… nobles and MPs… they're coming tonight."
Finn frowned. "Should we… help him?"
Otto shook his head. "No. Big brother always knows what to do. But… I hope he's safe."
Even from inside the home, they felt the presence of their big brother, a silent protector against the storms of the Walls. Their admiration mixed with fear, knowing how dangerous Elias's world truly was.
The First Strike
Elias moved through the alleys with Vince, civilians quietly following designated escape paths. The first wave of rogue MPs and nobles approached, their intentions clear: seize control of the markets and intimidate merchants into compliance.
"Vince, flank right," Elias ordered. "Distract the MPs, lead the nobles into the alley. I'll handle the center."
Vince executed flawlessly, coordinating movements and guiding civilians. Elias's Ackerman instincts surged, movements precise, blocking attacks, disarming enemies, and protecting both citizens and resources.
Ackerman Tactical Burst ×5
Time slowed. Every strike, every dodge, and every calculation flowed seamlessly. The nobles were surprised by Elias's speed and precision, while the MPs hesitated, unsure whether to attack or retreat.
[System Update: Mission 008 – Coup Prevention & Civilian Protection]
[Reward Pending: Swordsmanship +0.4, Tactical Acumen +0.3, Nobility Influence +0.2]
Escalation – Titan Threat
Suddenly, a Titan was drawn to the district by movement and noise. Civilians screamed, fleeing in all directions.
Elias's eyes narrowed. "Vince, guide the civilians toward the safe routes. I'll divert the Titan."
Predator's Hunger activated: Calories consumed 1,050 → Strength +0.65, Reflex +0.55
Elias ran along rooftops, disarming rogue MPs and dodging debris, leading the Titan away from civilians. Vince's calm instructions ensured no one strayed into danger.
The Nobles' True Intent
Leonhardt, furious from prior defeats, revealed his full plan: a coordinated coup using both noble enforcers and corrupt Military Police, aiming to control trade and seize power in Wall Rose.
"You think a boy cadet can stop us?" Leonhardt sneered. "The Walls are ours for the taking, and you are nothing but a minor obstacle!"
Elias's eyes gleamed. "Minor? Perhaps. But even a minor shadow can topple giants if used wisely."
Tactical Mastery
Elias led a calculated series of maneuvers, using rooftops, alleyways, and barricades to channel enemies into zones where they could be neutralized without civilian casualties.
Vince coordinated logistics, redirecting shipments, and guiding civilians away from danger zones.
Ackerman Family Trigger ×10
Time slowed. Elias struck with amplified strength and reflexes, neutralizing both MPs and noble enforcers. Vince acted decisively, creating openings and ensuring smooth civilian evacuation.
[System Update: Mission Progress – 60%]
Sibling POV – Lila, Finn, and Otto
From a safehouse, the siblings watched shadows flicker across walls.
"He's… incredible," Lila whispered. "He's saving everyone… again."
Finn nodded. "He's calm, precise… but he's risking so much."
Otto frowned. "He must be tired… but he never falters. He's not just our brother. He's… something more."
Even from afar, their faith in Elias's abilities remained unshakable, tempered by worry.
The Combined Threat
Two Titans appeared, drawn by the chaos. Civilians screamed, MPs and nobles attempted coordination, and the operation's stability teetered.
Elias's mind raced. "Vince, take the civilians north. I'll handle the central threats."
Vince executed perfectly, moving shipments and guiding citizens along preplanned routes. Elias moved like a phantom, combining Ackerman power and Predator's Hunger to dodge Titan attacks while neutralizing MPs and nobles.
Predator's Hunger pulse: Calories consumed 1,100 → Strength +0.7, Reflex +0.6
[System Update: Mission Progress – 90%]
Strategic Resolution
Elias guided the final shipments into the safehouse, neutralized rogue MPs and nobles without fatalities, and diverted the Titans into empty districts. Vince assisted with extraction, rerouting remaining threats, and maintaining civilian safety.
[System Update: Mission Progress – 100%]
[Mission Completed: Reward – Swordsmanship +0.4, Tactical Acumen +0.35, Nobility Influence +0.25, Resource Management +0.2]
Aftermath and Reflection
In the safehouse, Elias cataloged every detail. Vince's notes highlighted improvements in logistics, combat coordination, and intelligence gathering.
"They'll escalate," Vince said quietly. "Leonhardt and the MPs won't forgive this humiliation."
Elias nodded. "I know. But we control information, timing, and resources. The Shadows are ours to command if we stay precise."
He glanced at the sleeping siblings, unaware of the battle waged above them. Lila, Finn, and Otto trusted him implicitly, and their faith fueled his resolve.
Closing the Chapter
Moonlight reflected off snow-covered streets as Elias and Vince planned 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, and the Walls were not just protection—they were a stage. And Elias Kruger, the shadowed cadet, was master of every move.