Snow fell over Wall Rose like a muted blanket, softening the harsh edges of rooftops and streets. Yet the quiet was deceptive. Rumors of a coup, orchestrated by a coalition of disgruntled nobles and rogue Military Police officers, had spread through the underworld. Tonight, their plan would collide with Elias Kruger's shadowed empire.
Atop a reinforced rooftop overlooking the eastern market, Elias crouched with Vince Carter at his side. The city below was a chessboard of potential danger, and each alley and rooftop could conceal a threat—or a civilian in peril.
"They're moving from three directions: eastern market, northern warehouses, and the southern alleyways," Vince whispered, pointing to lines on a weathered map. "If they coordinate, civilians could be trapped and trade routes compromised."
Elias's dark eyes narrowed, hands tightening around the hilt of his sword. "Civilians first, siblings second, empire third. Timing is everything. One misstep, and lives are lost."
Predator's Hunger activated.
[Calories Consumed: 1,050 → Strength +0.65, Reflex +0.55]
Status Window
Name: Elias Kruger
Health: 100%
Stamina: 75%
Strength: Very High
Reflexes: Peak
Skill Set:
Swordsmanship: Advanced +0.8
Negotiation: Expert +0.35
Tactical Acumen: Advanced +0.65
Nobility Influence: Moderate +0.4
Stealth: Expert
Resource Management: Intermediate +0.3
Special Traits:
Predator's Hunger: Strength and reflex increase by consuming food
Ackerman Lineage: Multiplies abilities ×10 when protecting family; tactical bursts in combat
Double Life: Garrison cadet by day, shadow operator and merchant by night
The First Engagement
From the rooftops, Elias observed the nobles and rogue MPs advancing with arrogance. Their confidence was palpable; they believed their numbers could overwhelm a single cadet.
"Vince," Elias said quietly, "guide civilians toward northern safe routes. I'll handle the central threats. Keep communication open; deviations could be fatal."
Vince nodded, adjusting his ledger. "Understood. Civilians are already moving along designated paths. No one strays."
The nobles lunged first, swords glinting in the moonlight, while MPs attempted to flank from the rear. Elias's smile was faint, calm. "Even shadows can topple giants."
Ackerman Tactical Burst ×5 activated.
Time seemed to slow. Every movement was deliberate: feints, parries, steps calculated to neutralize threats without causing unnecessary casualties. Rogue MPs stumbled into barricades set hours earlier; nobles misstepped into narrow alleys designed as chokepoints. Elias moved like a phantom, fluid and precise.
Predator's Hunger pulse: Calories consumed 1,100 → Strength +0.7, Reflex +0.6
Titans Enter the Battlefield
Two Titans appeared on the outskirts, drawn by the noise and chaos. Civilians screamed as panic rippled through the streets.
"Vince, now," Elias commanded. "Lead the civilians north. I'll divert the Titans."
Vince executed flawlessly, using debris and makeshift barricades to funnel MPs and nobles into zones away from innocent civilians. Elias moved with Ackerman precision, utilizing rooftops, narrow streets, and vertical maneuvering.
The Titans' massive hands crashed against walls and barrels, but Elias darted around them, neutralizing enemies caught in their wake while preventing civilian casualties.
Ackerman Family Trigger ×10 activated.
The Nobles' True Intent
Leonhardt, watching from a distance, revealed the full scope of the coup: a coordinated plan to dominate trade and seize power across Wall Rose, leveraging rogue MPs and his loyal enforcers.
"You think a cadet can stop us?" Leonhardt hissed. "The Walls are ours!"
Elias's eyes glimmered. "Even a minor shadow can topple giants if used wisely."
Leonhardt's fury escalated as he advanced, aiming to directly confront Elias.
Coordinated Counterattack
Elias struck with perfect timing, channeling Ackerman agility and Predator-enhanced reflexes. MPs were funneled into narrow corridors, nobles blocked in chokepoints, and Titans diverted strategically. Vince coordinated logistics, guiding civilians and shipments through safe zones, ensuring no one was trapped.
Predator's Hunger pulse: Calories consumed 1,150 → Strength +0.75, Reflex +0.65
[System Update: Mission 009 – Coup Resolution & Civilian Protection]
Sibling POV
Lila, Finn, and Otto watched shadows from a hidden safehouse.
"He's… incredible," Lila whispered. "Saving everyone…"
Finn's hands clenched. "He's calm, precise… so dangerous. I hope he's safe."
Otto frowned. "He's more than just our brother. He's a protector, something beyond what anyone can understand."
Even from afar, they felt his presence—an invisible shield guarding their lives.
Final Confrontation
Leonhardt launched a desperate final maneuver, attempting to overwhelm Elias with combined forces.
"Vince, now!" Elias shouted.
Vince executed flawlessly, misdirecting enemies into isolated positions. Elias moved like a phantom, combining Ackerman bursts and Predator-enhanced strength, neutralizing all opposition.
Ackerman Family Trigger ×10 reinforced.
Leonhardt realized defeat. "You've won… for now," he spat. "But shadows hide many dangers. You will face them."
Elias's sword glinted in the moonlight. "Then I'll be ready."
Aftermath and Rewards
The city was secure. Civilians returned to safe zones, nobles and MPs neutralized without fatalities. Vince cataloged every action, noting areas for improvement and future threats.
System Notification: Mission Completed – Coup Resolution & Civilian Protection
Rewards:
Swordsmanship: Advanced → Expert +0.4
Tactical Acumen: Advanced +0.3
Nobility Influence: Moderate +0.25
Resource Management: Intermediate → Advanced +0.2
New Skill Unlocked: Omni-Directional Mobility Gear (ODM) Proficiency +0.3
Updated Status Window:
Name: Elias Kruger
Health: 100%
Stamina: 75%
Strength: Very High
Reflexes: Peak
Skill Set:
Swordsmanship: Expert +1.0
Negotiation: Expert +0.35
Tactical Acumen: Advanced +0.65
Nobility Influence: Moderate +0.4
Stealth: Expert
Resource Management: Advanced +0.3
Omni-Directional Mobility Gear (ODM): Proficient +0.3
Special Traits:
Predator's Hunger: Strength and reflex increase by consuming food
Ackerman Lineage: Multiplies abilities ×10 when protecting family; tactical bursts in combat
Double Life: Garrison cadet by day, shadow operator and merchant by night
Closing
Snow fell softly over Wall Rose, blanketing rooftops and streets in pale light. Elias and Vince surveyed the rooftops from their vantage point. The coup had been foiled, civilians were safe, and Titans diverted.
Elias flexed his fingers around his sword, feeling the edge sharpened by experience and system upgrades. With ODM proficiency, he could now maneuver with precision across walls and vertical terrain, enhancing his tactical advantage.
Tomorrow would bring new threats. But tonight, the shadows belonged to Elias Kruger—young Ackerman, master of the Walls, strategist of the unseen empire, and protector of those he loved.