After a pleasant conversation with Peter, he successfully forgot Arthur's question about Norman Osborn. Arthur also agreed to train Peter's fighting skills, helping him to become a better fighter!
As for maturity, that's something that comes with experience. Arthur could help in that regard, but ultimately Spider-Man would have to experience it for himself.
Arthur watched as Spider-Man happily strapped on his beloved big backpack and climbed down from the roof. Arthur raised an eyebrow, feeling that the backpack was quite at odds with Spider-Man's image.
"Still a kid, huh..."
Arthur sighed again and began to scratch his head.
The information he had received from Peter was a bit disappointing. At least for now, this Norman was the one with the genetic disease, not the Green Goblin who rode a hoverboard and threw bombs everywhere.
Although this world seemed to be missing a major villain, it felt like he had missed a major opportunity.
Shaking his head helplessly, Arthur jumped off the roof from several stories up. As he was about to land, his form blinked and he appeared directly on the ground.
In that instant, the space crossed over, nullifying all gravity.
Having discovered this earlier, Arthur felt that under normal circumstances, he was unlikely to fall to his death.
...
...
Starting the next day, Arthur found himself inexplicably busy.
Banner returned that evening with a USB drive containing data. After entering the data into his computer, Arthur began comparing and calculating, trying to complete the incomplete equation.
With the Green Goblin serum route essentially blocked, Arthur had to focus his efforts here.
With the knowledge he had gained from Dr. Erskine, he was able to do so, but it took a considerable amount of time! In addition, Arthur had to spend each night training Spider-Man's combat abilities, which was definitely no easy task.
Whether it was his strength, agility, or ability to cling to surfaces, Spider-Man had extraordinary advantages in combat.
His Spider Senses, which existed like a cheat code, were a weapon of the highest order! This made Arthur's training process particularly painful. At first, he was able to take advantage of Spider-Man's lack of experience, but as time went on, the training became more evenly matched.
Although Spider-Man had yet to defeat Arthur, Arthur knew it was only a matter of time. The only consolation was that Arthur's own skills were improving as a result of this training!
...
...
In the lab!
Banner came down from the ladder holding a plate and saw Arthur sitting motionless at the table.
"Time to eat."
He placed the plate in front of Arthur, but Arthur showed no reaction to his words.
"What's wrong?"
Banner reached out and waved at Arthur.
Arthur grabbed Banner's wrist. Banner was surprised: "What are you doing? Are you trying to call the Hulk?"
"Of course not!"
Arthur quickly released Banner's wrist, let out a sigh, and said, "I did it!"
"What?"
Banner was so excited to hear this that he almost transformed. He quickly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and asked, "What did you just say?"
"I mean... I finished the equations!"
Arthur handed Banner the paper and pen in front of him. "Take a look and see if there's anything wrong with this conclusion."
Banner took his glasses from his pocket and put them on to examine the data carefully. After a moment, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Arthur, you really are a genius!"
"The last person who said that is dead."
Arthur rolled his eyes. It was true; the last person to confidently tell him that was Dr. Erskine.
"..."
Banner almost choked up and said helplessly, "Arthur, I still don't get your sense of humor!"
"Perhaps I am just naturally devoid of it."
Arthur frowned and took the paper back. "I've reorganized all the experimental data at least three times. The incomplete equation has been thoroughly completed. However... it seems completely off."
"Off?"
Banner was confused.
Arthur shook his head without further explanation.
He couldn't very well tell Banner that although this set of equations was derived from the Super Soldier serum, it was fundamentally different from the real Super Soldier serum!
Arthur was careful with his words when he said that it seemed different; it was more like being on a completely different track! A lot of things were retained, but in some key areas, it went completely awry.
The most embarrassing part was that changing any of the numbers could cause the whole equation to collapse!
"Does it... work for me?"
Banner was more concerned with the results than with the seemingly wrong aspect.
Arthur was silent.
After a long pause, Banner sighed and said, "I see."
"But I have an idea. Do you want to hear it?"
Arthur looked at Banner.
Banner smiled and said, "Of course, I haven't given up hope yet!"
Arthur nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and started scribbling on a small blackboard, writing down the equations from earlier.
Banner was puzzled, but listened as Arthur said, "If there was another set of serum equations, do you think the two could be merged? And would their merger result in a peak or a complete collapse?"
"That..."
Banner shook his head and said, "It's impossible to speculate since we only have this one set of equations right now."
"This set of equations..." Arthur paused and shook his head. "No. This set of equations will result in something like a monstrous being with immense healing powers and terrifying strength, but it is completely off track. It creates a super-monster, not a super-soldier!"
"So? You said the Green Goblin serum is basically out of the question. Where would we find another set of equations to merge with this one?"
"...There is."
Arthur looked at Banner but didn't say anything more.
Banner stared at Arthur in astonishment, and after a long pause, finally asked, "What will happen if the two sets of equations are merged?"
"I'm also wondering. The original Super Soldier serum was meant to push a normal human to the limits of human potential. But this set of equations has already surpassed human limits to an astonishing degree! If we can retain all the positives and eliminate all the flaws, could we ultimately create a truly perfect serum?"
Arthur spoke with great seriousness, which indicated that he was clearly not joking.
"Perhaps…" Banner suddenly asked, "If such a serum were really made, would you use it?"
"Yes!"
Arthur's answer was firm and decisive, without any hesitation!
(End of Chapter)
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