Chapter 74: International Impact

**Chapter 74: International Impact

The story of "Edgewalker" delivering a double blow to two popular characters did not result in a decline in popularity—in fact, it surprisingly increased. This was something no one had expected.

However, as one fan on the official forum mentioned:

"Although I'm upset that both the Boss and the Missus died, I understand that in a place like Night City, good people don't live long. It's because of this that I can accept that their deaths were inevitable. Moreover, this plotline elevated the Boss and the Missus, allowing me to see that even in the filth of Night City, they maintained a kind heart, always thinking of their comrades and friends. I'll always remember that in Night City, there was an extraordinary Boss and an extraordinary Missus—Man and Dorio! But in the end, I still want to curse the damn author for writing such a plot—damn you, Aoyama!"

This comment immediately gained thousands of likes on the original post, even surpassing the likes on the official thread for Chapter 23 of "Edgewalker."

Indeed, the deaths of Man and Dorio turned them into legends. Even though fans were pained, saddened, and angered by their deaths, they didn't direct their frustration toward the manga "Edgewalker." They couldn't deny that the storyline involving their deaths actually made "Edgewalker" more compelling.

It's often said that fans and readers hate characters being killed off, but what they really hate are meaningless, senseless deaths. If a story can provide a justified reason for killing off characters and elevate them in the process, then it can be understood.

Take, for example, the infamous anime "Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans" from Aoyama's previous life. There was no real reason to kill off certain characters—there were no foreshadowing or setup. Suddenly, a black luxury car pulls up, a few henchmen get out, and they shoot the captain dead. The supporting characters also die inexplicably. There was no moment of glory—just nonsensical writing. Such plotlines are incomprehensible and cannot be accepted, leading to backlash from fans and turning into a joke.

But in "Edgewalker," the deaths of Man and Dorio in Chapter 23 were well-foreshadowed. Their deaths had meaning and showcased their finest moments. It was like a moth drawn to a flame or a flower that blooms briefly but brilliantly before it fades. So, fans could understand.

[Translator: sauron]

Understanding the plot doesn't mean understanding the author, though. Fans of "Edgewalker" are currently cursing Aoyama for his sickness, even though the manga remains relatively niche. It only gained some popularity within certain circles and on forums where manga enthusiasts spread the word about "Edgewalker." But overall, it's still a small group celebrating.

However, in the Republic—a vast country that includes several neighboring regions—the population might not be as large as it was in Aoyama's previous life, but it's still around 1.4 billion when considering the surrounding regions. Even a small percentage of that is significant.

And in Europe, where many countries are just small territories, this would be equivalent to half the population of a nation. So, "Edgewalker" isn't just a minor success.

Not to mention…

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**Half a Week Later, in the United States**

James stared blankly at the latest chapter of "Edgewalker" sent by the head of the English translation team. His mind was filled with the image of Man, saying "Now… run…" with a mix of madness and tenderness.

For the first time, he felt that a single panel could weigh so heavily on his heart, as if he were witnessing the last frantic work of an artistic genius before their death. The slap Man gave to David felt as if it landed on his very soul, leaving him as sad and helpless as a disciple witnessing Christ's suffering, yet also filled with a reverent sense of awe.

He was heartbroken, but he also felt that if Man had to die this way, it was a form of happiness. So, instead of lashing out on social media at Aoyama this time, he quietly wept while quickly completing the English translation of this chapter.

Not long after, the English version of Chapter 23 of "Edgewalker" was available for the American fans.

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**In a local gang in a New Town in the U.S.**

A young Black boy named Riggs finished reading the entire Chapter 23 of "Edgewalker." He liked "Edgewalker" for a simple reason—the main theme resonated with the "Edgewalkers" like him who were involved in gangs.

The characters in "Edgewalker" who called themselves "cyberpunks," like Man and Dorio, were doing exactly what they were doing—walking the line of the law. The term "Edgewalker" sounded so cool! Much cooler than gang member, thug, or delinquent!

And Riggs's favorite character was the leader, Man, because they shared the same skin color. It was just like in Aoyama's previous life, where a foreign work would feature a character from the Republic with yellow skin. As long as the character was a protagonist and did nothing to betray their country, they would be loved by the people of the Republic.

Man was just like that. He was incredibly righteous in "Edgewalker." While he embodied the common "evil" of cyberpunks, he was unfailingly loyal to his comrades and friends.

This was the essence of brotherhood, which is highly valued in gang culture. So Man was loved by many street kids and even idolized. They wanted to be as strong as Man and become leaders themselves. If cybernetic modifications were available now, they'd be the first to volunteer as test subjects!

Riggs was one of them. He even joined a "cyber protest" on social media last time. But now, Man was dead in this chapter.

"No—!"

Riggs couldn't accept it and started cursing furiously. "You son of a beach, motherfucker, don't let me find you, or I'll avenge Man!"

At that moment, an older white gang member, Tom, approached him.

"Hey, Riggs, what are you looking at? Why do you seem so angry?"

Seeing Tom, Riggs vented, "Tom, Man from 'Edgewalker' is dead! Shit, I really want to shoot that guy from the Republic!"

"What? Man's really dead? But it's just a comic, don't take it too seriously…"

Scenes like this could be seen all over the beautiful streets of America. But it wasn't just on the streets; many law-abiding fans with proper jobs were also reading "Edgewalker." Although they were more likely to understand Man's death, like James, they were still saddened but accepted it.

**(End of Chapter)**