As I received the grandmother's thanks, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Helping people was what being a superhero was all about, and seeing the joy on her face reminded me why I did what I did.
"Thank you," the grandmother expressed with gratitude.
"I'm glad I could be of assistance," I replied warmly.
The grandmother nodded with appreciation, her eyes showing how thankful she was. "You're a real hero, Spider-Man. Thank you for watching over this city."
With a nod and a small smile, I turned to leave, ready to continue my vigilant watch over the city. But before I could swing away, a notification chimed in from the Spider-Man System.
Ding
Congratulations, host, for completing the quest:
Quest: Help those in need
500 people [Complete]
Reward:
2000 shop points
Additional Reward:
Smoke bomb x3
I felt happy when I saw the rewards. Even though they weren't huge, I appreciate every little thing and besides, the real reward for me is knowing I've helped people and seeing the smiles on their faces.
"Sweet reward," I said quietly to myself. "Even though it's not huge, I'm still grateful."
Just then, my mcall device began to ring, signaling an incoming call. I quickly instruct the system to connect the call to the Spider-Man Program. "System, connect my mcall device to your program," I instructed.
"Affirmative, host. Initiating connection," the AI System responded, seamlessly linking the communication device to my operations.
The one who called me is my father, the captain of the police force, and, of course, he didn't know my identity. So, rest assured, he called one of my mcall devices. This other device is for my alter ego as Spider-Man," I clarified in my thoughts.
"Hello, hello, Spider-Man, are you there?" inquired Edward Wilson, my father.
"Yes, Captain, I'm here," I confirmed.
"After examining the dead man's body during the autopsy, we discovered a tattoo inscribed on his chest bearing the mark (69)." he said, a mix of shock and concern in his voice.
"hmmm" I responded, my tone serious. "Do you have any leads on what '69' might signify?"
My father's voice sounded grave as he replied, "It's a name of a notorious criminal organization operating in the city. They're involved in various illegal activities, from drug trafficking to extortion. Additionally, they are rebels who seek the downfall of the government. They eliminate those who oppose them and use their recruits as pawns for their future success. That's how dangerous that group is."
I nodded, absorbing the information. "I see. So, it seems like this group is bad news"
"I'll ensure to monitor any suspicious activities linked to this '69' group," I reassured him. "Should I encounter anything, I'll handle it and report back to you, and also Captain...."
My father inquired, "What else Spider-Man?"
"I'm asking for your trust in allowing me to manage this operation," I said, my voice filled with sincerity and resolve.
My father responded, "I cannot agree to that request. It's my responsibility as a police officer to help in situations like this."
"Captain, just please allow me to take charge of this situation. You still have other cases to focus on, and there are many more out there that require your attention. Trust me to handle this particular matter," I urged.
Father responded with concern, questioning, "Can you handle it alone, Spider-Man? They're quite influential, after all."
"Yes, I am... After all, I' am hero," I confidently replied to him. Internally, I regretted not revealing my true identity to my father, but I knew it was necessary to protect him. "I'm sorry, Father, but I can't involve you in this dangerous syndicate." I thought to myself.
"Alright (sigh) Spider-Man, always keep in mind that you have support. The police are here to back you up," Father assured me with genuine concern, demonstrating his care for the my vigilante's persona well-being despite his unawareness of my true identity.
"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your support," I replied sincerely, feeling a sense of gratitude for my father's understanding and care, even though he wasn't aware of my identity as Spider-Man.
With that, we exchanged final goodbyes, and I ended the call, then I swung through the city streets.
As I swung through the city streets, I couldn't stop thinking about the dangerous "69" organization. My father said they are big shot, and I knew I had to be super careful when dealing with them.
"But I was determined to bring them to justice and protect the city from their evil schemes. After all, that is the job of Spider-Man," I reaffirmed to myself, my resolve stronger than ever as I swung through the city streets.
[Spider Man theme]
...
[Meanwhile]
The mysterious individual with a tattoo of "69" on his neck declared, "Today, we're going to explode something that could cause big problems for the government."
"I trust you're on board with this, Jord," the mysterious figure affirmed.
"Got it, boss. But could you elaborate on what exactly you're referring to? What's this thing that could shake up the government?" asked Jord, a middle-aged man.
As the mysterious figure revealed his sinister plan to Jord, the air became heavy with tension. Jord's eyes widened in shock and disbelief at the mention of Midtown High School— a typical place associated with innocence and education.
"Midtown High School?" Jord repeated, his voice barely audible as he struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
The mysterious figure nodded grimly, face filled with darkness. "Yes, Midtown High School. It's the heart of this city's education system, but it's also a symbol of the government's control over its people. By targeting it, we send a message—a message that no one is safe, not even the students of Midtown."
Jord's thoughts raced as he struggled to grasp the full extent of their plan. "But boss, what do you intend to do? How will targeting Midtown High School affect the government?" he asked, his voice shaky with uncertainty.
"You know," he continued, his voice dripping with malice, "Midtown High School is the most popular school in this city. It means that the government always takes care and provides protection in that school. But what if we were to exploit that very sense of security? What if we were to shatter the illusion of safety that surrounds Midtown High? The panic, the outrage—it will send shockwaves through the entire system."
Jord's eyes widened as he realized the full extent of the plan. By targeting such a prominent and supposedly secure institution, they would not only cause physical damage but also undermine the public's trust in the government's ability to protect its citizens.
"It's pure evil," Jord whispered, his voice barely heard over his racing heartbeat. "I think it might work"
The mysterious figure nodded, his expression cold and calculating. "Indeed, I trust you on these, Jord. You are my partner during hard times, and besides, you are stronger compared to these useless mutts. I assume you've upgraded your vibranium hand."
Jord felt proud when his boss mentioned his upgraded vibranium hand. "Yes, boss, I've made it stronger," he said, flexing his fist to show how powerful it had become. "With this upgrade, I'll make sure nothing can stop us."
The mysterious figure nodded approvingly, acknowledging Jord's dedication and the formidable asset he had become to their cause. "Excellent, Jord. Your strength and loyalty will serve us well in the days to come."
"Now, let us proceed with our preparations," the mysterious figure commanded, his voice laced with anticipation. "It's time to show the government that they're not as untouchable as they think. And Midtown High School will be the first domino to fall."
To be continued
[The Start of The School Arc]