New Game Plus: I crave challenges

Liam sprinted through snow covered streets soon reaching his new home. He gritted his teeth when he heard a flurry of footsteps echoing from the staircase.

With a worried heart he entered, racing up the stairs.

Soon, he reached the first floor, finding two of the apartment doors open. Distressed voices came from inside.

"Please! Just leave! I don't have anything!"

"What? You live in such a nice flat and tell me you don't have money? Don't lie to me!"

Liam felt his heart sink, his worry only increasing. Similar voices came from another door.

"Just go! Your friends already took everything!"

"Really? But obviously they didn't take you. Haha, this leaves more for me!"

With every word, the turmoil in Liam's head increased. He was torn, not knowing what to do.

But his body was honest. Even while worrying about his sister, he couldn't ignore the plight of others.

Liam approached the open door. He spotted a dirty man, obviously homeless, reaching out for a woman, her face already covered in tears.

The apartment was nothing special. A single room, with all the woman's belongings scattered on the ground.

Liam didn't hesitate. He grabbed a metallic folding chair, the only one the woman could afford.

With a quick step he was behind the man.

Thud!

Without holding back, Liam smashed the chair at the man's head. Naturally the latter didn't have any kind of strength in his body. With one blow he immediately dropped to the floor, the white of his eyes showing, his fate unknown.

"You… thank you! Thank you so much!"

The woman let out a heartfelt cry. The way she looked at Liam was almost worshipful.

But the hero in her mind had no time to waste and turned around abruptly.

"Hide somewhere."

"W… wait. I… where… wait… I'm Tiff!"

"Liam!"

Leaving his name behind, Liam immediately returned to the staircase. His heart raced. He hurried upwards.

On the other floors he found smaller groups of criminals, but obviously the doors hadn't been breached yet. Thus, Liam evaded everyone, heading for Merida's clinic.

"Hey Wait!"

"Who are you?!"

Angry shouts followed Liam, but he was too agile compared to these malnourished figures.

Fortunately, no one else appeared as Liam reached the clinic.

Thus, he took another set of stairs, reaching the door to Merida's apartment.

But right now, it was blocked by six tall men and a woman. All of them wore ragged clothing, banging on the solid metal door.

"Doctor, open up! Don't worry, we will only take the money."

"Yeah! Don't delay! If the boss comes personally, we can't guarantee for anything."

Liam felt complicated emotions. Coming from a mostly peaceful society and even being part of the highest class he never had to worry about anyone.

No one would've ever been able to reach his doorstep, neither clever thieves nor fervent fans.

But now he imagined his poor sister hiding in the apartment, causing rage to boil in his chest.

"HEY! You b*stards! Take your hands away from that door!"

The criminals were startled, turning around.

Liam was surprised as he recognized a few of the faces. They belonged to the homeless who tried to rob him before.

"It's you?!"

"Harry, you know him?"

"Yes. Be careful. That kid has some moves."

The criminals' faces turned stern from the warning. But the woman among them eyed her companions mockingly.

"What? Seven against one and you are afraid?"

"Liz is right. Let's get him!"

Liam took a deep breath, taking on the origin pose as taught by Master Baker. He stood in a narrow path, between the stair's railing and the wall.

The homeless were apprehensive as it was only enough space for two people next to each other.

Eventually someone gathered their courage.

"HA!"

A deep shout was supposed to build confidence for the man as he threw a punch at Liam.

But the latter stayed composed. He reached out with his hands. An iron grip shackled the criminal's arm as Liam pulled heavily.

"Woah!"

The man tumbled forwards, meeting with Liam's knee.

Someone tried to help, sending another fist. Liam scrunched his face as he blocked with his shoulder.

With a pained groan the first man went to the floor.

Liam moved swiftly, a heavy punch leaving the other attacker dazed. Another quick jab sent him to the floor.

Someone gritted his teeth as he trampled on his companion, trying to grab Liam.

The young man dodged backwards. No one dared to move.

A strange silence fell on the room as the situation reversed. Now it appeared to be Liam who blocked the path, with the criminals turning apprehensive.

"He's just a kid, damn!", cursed Liz. "Grow a pair you dirty losers! Get him!"

The men looked at each other. None of them expected to be met with trouble. So far, their superior numbers allowed them to easily overwhelm some weak citizens.

"AHH!"

Suddenly it was Harry who dashed forward with a weird shout. He didn't know what he was doing, his defense wide open.

Liam waited for the perfect timing.

Now!

A vicious kick lashed out. Liam's foot moved incredibly fast, letting Harry no time to react.

"Why?"

The man pressed his hands between his legs, barely suppressing his urge to vomit as he dropped to the floor.

The other criminals gulped, feeling a pain between their legs just from looking at Harry.

Liz shook her head.

"After this he really needs to grow a new pair."

No one moved for a few seconds.

"Are you guys not coming anymore?", taunted Liam.

"Why don't you come over here?"

Liam's sharp eyes looked at the criminals. Although he was confident against one or two opponents, there was no need to take the risk of fighting against four.

"I can just stand here all day. When the army comes, you guys are done for."

"Should we bet if the army comes first or your boss?"

Liam saw the frown on Liz's face, calling her bluff.

The criminals felt uneasy. If the army really came it was difficult to say what might happen to them.

"Guys. We need to leave.", whispered Liz carefully.

"Let's not fight. Just try to get past him.

On my signal. 3, 2, 1… go!"

Suddenly all four criminals moved.

Liam readied his muscles, staring at his opponents. The two tall men in the lead held their arms close, sticking out their shoulders.

Like angry bulls the criminals threatened to collide with Liam.

Moving swiftly the young man took a step to the right, his leg shooting through the air.

An ugly cracking sound sent shivers down everyone's spines.

"AH!"

One of the men felt an enormous pain in his knee. Dropping to the floor he rolled and came to a stop before Liam's feet.

The other man's eyes lit up. With the path no longer blocked he dashed past Liam, Liz following directly behind him.

Liam wanted to stop the woman, but suddenly he felt something on his leg. He was shocked as he found it difficult to move.

The man with his knee shattered had a vicious expression. With revenge on his mind he embraced Liam's legs, yelling loudly:

"NOW! Liz!"

The woman gritted her teeth, suddenly pulling a knife from below her clothes.

In the dim hallway it was difficult to spot.

"Rot in hell!"

Liz swung her arm.

Liam's chest tightened. He felt death approaching, acting purely on instinct.

A loud clank echoed in the hallway. Metal clashed against metal.

Liz froze, staring at her own hand in surprise.

Liam realized that the VR console saved him. He was the first to move, shoving Liz away, somewhat panicky.

"No! Ah!"

Everyone watched in horror as the woman received a strong push. Not able to keep her balance she crashed against the low railing, toppling over.

"Liz!"

A horrified scream rang out.

Even Liam was shaken, afraid that the woman might die.

"Ouh!"

"Damn!"

"Quick, let's get out of here!"

Liam watched in relief as the man who escaped first awkwardly stopped Liz from falling on her head.

He leaned on the wall, not pursuing as the last man rushed past him as well.

Liam took deep breaths. The criminal who grabbed his legs let go and played dead.

Liam scoffed, hoping for the army to arrive soon. He didn't care for the people on the floor, looking forward to seeing his sister.

Right now, he needed a family to calm his chaotic, adrenaline-fueled nerves.

Liam looked at down on his chest, where the VR console just blocked the knife.

He absentmindedly typed in the security code. With a swish the door before him opened.

"Now!"

Liam raised his head in confusion as two small bags came flying at him.

He looked at Merida, who barely stopped herself from throwing.

"Liam!"

Serena's joyful shout registered in his mind.

Liam had a bad feeling, trying to dodge it but it was already too late.

The bags crashed around him, popping open, spreading a yellow powder in the air.

"What?!"

Liam felt as if all his organs were assaulted by an unbearable itch. He fell to the floor, questioning his life.