A happy 'ding!' rang out as Liam crossed the door. It came from a tiny bell placed above the door.
Even in this age where humans were traveling the stars the owner of this pawn shop still liked his old gimmicks.
Liam had a soft smile on his face as a bit of warmth engulfed his body. He carefully put his sister down, leaning her back against the wall.
Taking a short look at the trinkets placed in the shop he approached the counter, his eyes focusing on an old man half dosing off.
Only when Liam appeared right before him did the owner turn his head towards him.
"Oh? Liam? What a rare guest. Did you find something good?"
"Ben."
Liam looked at the old man before him as related memories appeared in his mind.
Ben looked harmless but he was basically a black-market dealer trading stolen goods. However, he had a good reputation among the homeless as he gave them relatively fair prices.
Thus, many of Liam's acquaintances regularly 'found' some valuable things to bring them here.
However, the old Liam never dared to do so despite the terrible situation he was in.
"I found something, yes. Want to take a look at this?"
Liam did know what to feel as he took off the ring around his finger and handed it to Ben.
"A ring? Not bad. I can already tell that this will be quite valuable."
Ben showed a toothless smile as he took Liam's championship ring.
He fished out a magnifying glass from below his counter, expertly studying the ring.
Liam could tell that the old man's face quickly grew solemn.
"How did you get your hands on this, boy? Do you have more?"
"Unfortunately not."
"Pity. This is the work of a master, I tell you. Marvelous. Even I can't tell what gem this is…"
Ben played around with the ring. Liam stared at him closely, making sure the old man didn't show some unreasonable greed.
Fortunately, Ben did his reputation justice as he put the ring on the counter.
"This is really…"
"Impressive."
"What can you give me for it?"
Silence fell in the room as Ben pondered. A few minutes later he spat out a number.
"4k."
Liam had to take a second to put this number into perspective. Ben offered four thousand credits, the official currency since the United Human Federation was established.
In the lowest part of Red Oak City this was enough to live for about two years. In the highest parts it might barely last a week.
Liam looked at the ring, openly displaying hesitation.
For a few seconds no one talked, a silent price war going on.
Eventually Ben gritted his teeth as he relented:
"Four thousand five hundred. My last offer."
"Alright. Deal."
"Good."
Both Ben and Liam were satisfied with the price. The old man put away the ring, handing a black card over to his young customer.
"This is a Black Credit Card. It has your money on it.
But it's best to only use it in the lower city since it's not registered. You better don't get caught with it. And if you do, don't tell anyone where you got it from."
"Thanks."
"Mhm. As for your ring, the same rules as always.
You have the right to buy it back for six months. Interest is fifty percent per month."
Liam was shocked. He never heard of a fifty percent interest rate. But unfortunately, those were Ben's rules, and he could only comply.
At this moment the old man suddenly turned around, taking something from a box behind him.
He handed a thick blanket to Liam.
"Here. For your sister."
For a moment Liam was surprised before letting out a warm smile.
"Thank you, Ben."
"Don't mention it. We all have to survive somehow. Just don't forget this old man when you find something else in the future."
"I won't."
Liam carefully wrapped his sister in the blanket, before nodding goodbye.
He left the pawn shop, the black card in his pocket offering him some confidence.
He turned around, returning the way he came from. His memories told Liam to go straight at the earlier crossing to reach the friendly doctor.
But just as he reached the crossing, a few men suddenly blocked his way.
Dressed in rags and with thin bodies, these were obviously beggars as well. The man in middle put on a threatening expression below his dirty face as he spoke in a hoarse voice:
"Boy! Hand over everything you have!"
Liam was staring ahead in shock, having never experienced such a scene.
"Is this a robbery?"
"Of course it is! What do you think?!"
"But I don't have anything…"
"Bullsh*t! We saw that ring on your finger!", exclaimed another man, licking his dry lips.
"No, no! You must be mistaken. I don't have a ring!"
"You…!"
As Liam shoved his hand out from below the blanket, the three thieves showed confused expressions.
"There really is no ring."
"Did we mistake him?"
For a moment the beggars didn't know what to do. But suddenly one of them came up with a conclusion:
"Didn't he come from over there? He must have gone to Ben's place!"
"Ha! Right, right! You're a genius, Harry!"
The man called Harry smiled foolishly, revealing his black teeth.
"Boy, I won't repeat it again. Hand over everything on you!"
"I…"
"Stop talking!"
Finally, one of the men lost his patience. He took a step forward, trying to grab Liam.
The young man gritted his teeth as he jumped backwards. The floor was slippery beneath his feet, almost causing him to stumble.
"Ok. You can only blame yourself!"
Liam spoke with anger as he carefully laid his sister down. Taking a deep breath, he took on a fighting stance.
In Liam's old life it was common to practice the moves from Fate of Crunaboul even in real life.
Although one's body within the game was able to perform the skills on its own, additional practice ensured smoother movements, something which could make a big difference among the top players.
Thus, Liam often trained in real life, leading him to develop an interest in martial arts. Although he never participated in tournaments, Liam eventually became a master. This was only natural for the athletic man who seemed to find success in whatever he touched.
"Kid, what is this? Want to resist?"
"Just hand over your money and we can let you go!"
"Right, don't get injured or…"
Liam suddenly let out a scoff, having heard enough. He made quick steps, reaching the talking man and plunging his elbow into the man's kidney.
"You little!"
The man took a few steps back with pain on his face.
But Liam wasn't happy. He didn't expect the man to remain standing.
This body is too weak.
"Harry! Grab him!"
The other men felt anxious as they clumsily attacked.
Liam was quick on his toes, dancing around their hands.
Finding the perfect moment his fist suddenly delivered a vicious blow. The opponent managed to raise his arms, but Liam abruptly changed trajectory.
"Ah!"
A scream rang out as Liam's fist hit, followed by the cracking of a rip.
"B*stard!"
Liam felt a cold breeze on his cheek. He hastily turned his head, barely avoiding a blow. His knee immediately counterattacked, landing between the opponent's legs.
Critical hit!
Harry's eyes bulged as he went to the floor.
"We.. we…"
The other two men grew unsettled. They didn't understand how Liam could hold on in a 3v1. But they knew that getting injured out here can lead to terrible consequences.
Thus, the beggars hesitated. They stared at Liam, waiting for any reaction from him.
But as the young man didn't move, they hastily reached out for Harry before escaping into the alleys.
Only as the three men disappeared from his vision did Liam let out a deep breath.
As the tension fell off, his body trembled. He felt incredibly exhausted, having used up all his energy in the short fight.
At this moment a feeble voice reached his ears.
"You're amazing, brother."
Liam stared at Serena in surprise. Clear blue eyes looked back at him with admiration and dependence.
"Serena? You're awake?"
"Y… yes."
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling good."
Liam felt something stuck in his throat as he looked at the young girl trying to be brave. At this moment his heart was moved.
If so far he took care of Serena mainly because of the challenge issued by C, then now his attitude subtly changed.
"Don't worry Serena. Brother will bring you to Doctor Hearley."
"Doctor Hearley? That's good."
Serena stopped speaking, smiling tiredly at her brother. Liam ignored the state of his own body as he picked up his sister again and hastily jogged down the alley.
Soon the duo reached an inconspicuous door only setting itself apart by the red cross painted on it.
As Liam pushed it, the metallic door opened with an ominous creak, revealing a dark staircase.
Pressing Serena tightly against his body Liam quickly went up.