Chapter 53: Anticipation from All Sides

**Chapter 53: Anticipation from All Sides

"Huh?" Lin Qingshan responded, surprised by the call from Itou Ayumi. "*Edge Runners* is temporarily taking over *The Gods Are Closed*'s weekly serialization slot?"

"Yes, Teacher Qingshan. Please prepare the next chapter of *Edge Runners*, and I will come to collect it," Itou Ayumi said respectfully. "This week's payment will be settled together with next week's."

Lin Qingshan responded with a "Okay" and thanked her. He then resumed working on the plot for Chapter 16 of *Edge Runners*, awaiting Itou Ayumi's visit.

Meanwhile, Yang Shuzhun, the author of *Spirit Sorcerer* under the pen name Itchy Mouse, received the same news.

"Alright, I understand." Yang Shuzhun hung up the phone, gripping his mobile tightly. His knuckles turned white, and the phone creaked under the pressure.

[Translator: sauron]

*Edge Runners* taking over the weekly slot meant increased popularity and unfair advantages over other new authors, including himself. Especially with the upcoming new author awards, the situation seemed dire.

Sitting despondently on the floor of his dimly lit rental apartment, Yang Shuzhun questioned the value of his efforts.

...

Soon, fans who followed Mangaverse's official website and media were abuzz with the news. Many fans of *The Gods Are Closed* expressed their sympathies and well-wishes to Lin Guangjun.

On the other hand, fans of *Edge Runners* were ecstatic, thrilled that they would now get weekly updates instead of waiting two weeks for each new chapter.

*Edge Runners*' popularity had been steadily increasing. With its 15th chapter featuring a romantic scene under the moonlight, it had surged to sixth place in the popularity rankings. This made the decision to move *Edge Runners* to a weekly slot a logical one.

In a WeChat group for sci-fi fans in the magical city, a member eagerly spread the news.

"Wow, did you see? This week's *Comic World Gogo* has *Edge Runners* serialization!"

Wang Wenwei, who was at work but taking a break, glanced at the group chat and asked, "Wait, wasn't it bi-weekly?"

He hadn't checked Mangaverse's official announcements or media updates. Many fans, like him, were unaware of the recent changes.

"Didn't you see the official announcement?" another member responded. "An author is on medical leave, so *Edge Runners* is now serialized weekly."

Wang Wenwei's excitement grew. "I didn't know. But this is great! I can't wait to see the new chapter of *Edge Runners*."

He decided to buy this issue of *Comic World Gogo* right after work on Saturday.

...

Three days later, the new issue of *Comic World Gogo* was released.

Fans, whether long-time subscribers or those buying from newsstands, eagerly grabbed the magazine and flipped to their favorite series for the latest updates.

Wang Wenwei was no exception. He sat at his computer desk, opened the latest issue of *Edge Runners*, and began reading Chapter 16.

However, the chapter did not directly follow the previous romantic scene from Chapter 15. Instead, it started with a dramatic twist.

David looked at the golden, gleaming prosthetic hand of Pirana, slightly taken aback.

Mann, standing nearby, grinned and asked, "What do you think? Want to try it?"

David was silent and replied, "I can't afford it."

"Rebecca said she could give it to you."

"No, thanks."

"I thought you wouldn't mind a prosthetic taken from a corpse."

Mann assumed David was reluctant because the prosthetic had belonged to someone he knew. The flashback of Pirana's death appeared.

David responded, "Isn't that meant for technical experts?"

"Ah, so you're just picky."

"I'm interested in something else."

David's gaze shifted to Mann's large iron fist.

Mann immediately realized, looked at David, and said, "You mean this?"

"It's bigger than you."

"It's not that exaggerated."

Seeing that David genuinely seemed interested in his prosthetic, Mann joked, "Alright, if I die, I'll give this to you."

"Until then, get more prosthetics."

"Deal."

David smiled back at Mann.

Wang Wenwei frowned at this scene. He had an uneasy feeling but continued reading.

At that moment, Mann looked at David with a peculiar expression, commenting, "You seem different today…"

David was puzzled, asking, "Different how?"

The scene shifted to Qiwai, who was connected to the network while submerged in an ice pool. Though Lin Qingshan had drawn her in a black uniform to avoid censorship, her figure was still noticeable.

Meanwhile, David and Mann continued their conversation.

"You're usually so gloomy and annoying."

"Really, I'm just the same as usual."

"No, you've changed."

Mann leaned close to David, asking with a mischievous grin, "Did you do it?"

Wang Wenwei's face turned strange as he recognized the implication. David and Lucy's progress seemed to be moving too quickly…

David, visibly nervous, avoided answering and continued retreating.

"It's all written on your face," Mann teased.

Just then, Qiwai appeared to have completed her task and emerged from the ice pool. Mann's previously lecherous demeanor turned serious.

*(End of Chapter)*