Chapter 24: Cyber Games
**Chapter 24: Cyber Games**
After the latest interview, the popularity of "Edge Runner" surged significantly. Following its ranking at 12th in the reader survey for Chapter 7, the subsequent chapters 8 and 9 featured David successfully integrating into the team after completing his first mission with the "Sian Wistan" device. Additionally, the introduction of the new character Rebecca, the younger sister of the fan-favorite Pilar, in Chapter 11 further boosted its popularity, briefly placing the chapter in the top ten.
It's undeniable that well-designed female characters can enhance a work's appeal.
In the storyline of these eleven chapters, David perfectly integrates into the team, using "Sian Wistan" to help the team grow stronger. The QQ group for science fiction enthusiasts, "Magic City Sci-Fi Fan Group 1," has gradually transformed into a fan discussion group for "Edge Runner."
Wielder of Original Force: "Guys, did you see the latest episode?"
Engineering Nerd: "Of course! But the plot seems to be moving fast lately; the battle scenes are just summarized quickly."
Galactic Empire Second Lieutenant: "Of course it's fast. 'Edge Runner' is a medium-length manga, typically around 40 chapters at most."
Engineering Nerd: "Seriously? It's already Chapter 11; that means it might end in 29 chapters!"
Wielder of Original Force: "No way! I feel like it could go on longer. How will David tackle the Arasaka Corporation in twenty chapters?"
Galactic Empire Second Lieutenant: "That's not up to us. It's up to the Manga World magazine."
Wielder of Original Force: "Well, fair enough. But the combat system in 'Edge Runner' is really interesting, don't you think?"
Wielder of Original Force: "It's the most intriguing sci-fi combat system I've seen."
Engineering Nerd: "It seems to only differentiate between hackers and others, which is quite unique."
In the combat scenes of "Edge Runner," the team's hacker, Qivi, hacks into opponents' networks, causing their cybernetics and systems to malfunction. This aspect was well-remembered by most readers.
Wielder of Original Force: "No, no, no. Did you notice Lucy's use of thread-like wires? And Mann's handling of enemies with sword-like cybernetics?"
Galactic Empire Second Lieutenant: "Whatever, I'd just take them out with a single shot. Swords and knives are useless."
Wielder of Original Force: "But what if I had a Sian Wistan?"
Galactic Empire Second Lieutenant: "Can ordinary people even use Sian Wistan?"
Wielder of Original Force: "That's not the point. We're discussing the combat system in the manga. I think if swords and knives had Sian Wistan, their combat power wouldn't be inferior to firearms."
Engineering Nerd: "So it's like a stealth assassin concept?"
Galactic Empire Second Lieutenant: "Wait a minute. If we're talking about hackers, doesn't that make them like mages in online games?"
…
Liang Zhiyuan, the CEO of a game development company, was thrilled by the discussion in the chat. He read the message from "Galactic Empire Second Lieutenant."
"Why do I feel like… 'Edge Runner's' setting could be adapted into a game?" he muttered to himself.
Hackers, swords, firearms… It's almost like the traditional roles in online games: mages, assassins, and physical ranged characters. It just needs a tank to complete the traditional RPG roles!
As the CEO of a game development company, Liang Zhiyuan immediately saw potential in this idea. He was passionate about "Edge Runner" and had a strong intuition that a game based on its setting would be a hit.
But first, he needed to secure the game adaptation rights for "Edge Runner."
So, Liang Zhiyuan picked up the Manga World magazine from his desk, stood up, and headed out of his office.
"Game department and business department, everyone to the meeting room now!"
"Yes, sir!"
[Translation: sauron]
…
"Pochita~"
Gu Qianli bent down and patted Pochita's little head.
"Woof woof!" Pochita responded cheerfully.
Meanwhile, Lin Qingshan looked tired and was sighing heavily.
"Hey Qingshan, did you pull another all-nighter playing games?" Gu Qianli asked with concern. "Staying up late isn't good for your health."
"That's great," Lin Qingshan replied nonchalantly. "I'd rather have a sudden, painless death."
He had been feeling a bit attached to this world lately. Although he had considered ending his life, he realized he had a few connections here. If he did pass away, it wouldn't affect many people, and his work on "Edge Runner" was already completed.
He was currently enjoying the freedom and financial stability he had and planned to see where things would lead before deciding on his next move.
"Why are you saying such things?" Gu Qianli said, glaring at him, clearly upset.
"Alright, alright, I was wrong. Haha," Lin Qingshan quickly reassured her.
Gu Qianli's mood improved slightly.
"By the way, Qianli, don't you have classes today? Why are you here on a Thursday?"
Gu Qianli explained, "One of my courses ended last week, so I had some free time. I needed to talk to you about something."
(End of Chapter)