"Well…"
Peter Parker woke up from his sleep, rubbed his face sleepily, and narrowed his eyes into a thin line.
Someone seems to be calling me?
Impossible, I obviously live alone.
Peter's vision finally came into focus, and what he saw was the wisps of morning light filtering through the window screen, and a youthful and pretty face. The owner of the face had beautiful short blonde shoulder-length hair, and he was leaning forward to wake him up.
Seeing this face, Peter suddenly remembered that he had transmigrated.
Just a few days ago, he had traveled back in time to be Peter Parker.
Yes, that's Peter Parker, Spider-Man Peter Parker.
When he discovered this fact, Peter was devastated.
It's true that he likes Spider-Man very much, but that doesn't mean he wants to be Spider-Man.
As a hero under the mask, the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. Spider-Man's fate is always tragic.
Losing his parents, losing his Uncle Ben, losing his Aunt May, and losing his girlfriend, he has been losing something throughout his life.
If he just became Spider-Man, although Peter would curse a lot on his lips, his body would probably still be honest and agree half-heartedly.
Becoming a superhero and traveling through time to remain an ordinary person for the rest of his life. I believe many people would make the same choice as him.
Besides, although he is Peter Parker, he is not the original Peter Parker.
He could just pay homage by being a friendly neighbor for two days, and then turn into an ancestor spider.
But what Peter didn't expect was that he was not even qualified to be Spider-Man…
Two days ago on TV, Peter saw that Spider-Man already existed in this world.
This Spider-Man has a black and white color scheme and a white hood.
It's Gwen Spider-Man.
After coming back to his senses, Peter looked at the blonde girl in front of him who was waking him up,
"Hey! Gwen, why did you show up in my room so early in the morning?"
"Peter, I let Gwen in."
Aunt May's voice came from outside the door.
"I obviously locked it!"
"Are you talking about the gadget I made with you? Sorry, I left a back door." Gwen said lightly.
"I will do it again another day." Peter swore, but his body was still obediently pulled up by Gwen.
"I'm going to change my clothes," he said.
Gwen glanced at Peter with some contempt, "It's the same as I haven't seen since I was a child."
But she was finally willing to leave this time.
Peter took off his pajamas, revealing his thin body underneath, and sighed.
That's right, the one who became Spider-Man was the blonde girl just now, Gwen Stacy, his neighbor and childhood sweetheart.
Peter didn't expect that even if he traveled through time and became Peter Parker, he would actually travel into Gwen's Spider-Man universe.
As we all know, becoming Spider-Man always requires the death of relatives and friends, and Gwen Spider-Man is no exception.
And Gwen's relative and friend is him, Peter Parker, in the near future.
Even if he failed to become Spider-Man, he actually had to be sacrificed to the heavens by the beginning. This is really a big ups and downs!
Peter changed his clothes and went out. Aunt May had already prepared breakfast, which was Swiss meatloaf. Uncle Ben and Gwen were sitting at the dining table, one eating, the other holding his chin and looking at Peter.
Uncle Ben secretly told him that no one liked Aunt May's Swiss meatloaf, but he had eaten it for decades.
"Peter, today is the first day of school for your twelfth grade. Gwen came here specifically to wake you up. You have to thank her."
Uncle Ben said while eating meatloaf and reading the newspaper.
Gwen winked at Peter, her cute look asking for credit was unabashed,
Thank me!
Of course, the usually well-behaved Peter Parker couldn't resist. Peter sighed,
"Okay, okay, thank you so much, Gwen. If you can, please don't do it again."
After washing, he sat down and had breakfast with Uncle Ben. Gwen never left, sitting at the dining table and waiting, saying a word or two from time to time.
Everyone is used to it.
Since Peter Parker's parents suddenly left, he and his aunt and uncle moved from Queens to an apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They met their neighbor George Stacy, who was just a senior police detective at the time, and he and Peter Parker's daughter, Gwen, the same age.
Today, George is the chief of the New York City Police Department, and his daughter has grown up with Peter Parker as childhood sweethearts and has a very good relationship. They attend the same high school, Midtown Technical High School.
After breakfast, the two finally went downstairs to go to school.
Uncle Ben shouted from behind, "Peter, did you bring your camera?"
"Don't worry, you have it all with you."
No matter where in the world Peter is, he is always good at photography, and he is no exception.
Downstairs,
Mr. George has been driving his car and waiting on the roadside for a long time.
It's not too much for the police chief to drop by his daughter on his way to work at the police station, right?
Seeing Peter and his daughter coming downstairs, George waved his hand and said,
"Come up, you two, you don't want to be late for the first day of school."
Because they have been neighbors for many years, Peter Parker and George have already been familiar with each other, and they are already familiar with hitchhiking.
George looked at the two children sitting in the back seat, started the car, and began driving.
For neighbor Ben's nephew Peter Parker, he almost grew up watching him, like another son.
Peter has a good relationship with his daughter, but George is relieved that although this child who lost his parents since childhood is a little introverted, he is smart and kind enough.
It's the lesser of two evils. Since my daughter will be with someone else sooner or later, it's better to leave her to Peter, who knows everything.
Thinking in his mind, George looked at the road and said,
"Gwen, how do you feel about going to Osborne Industrial for an internship during the summer?"
"It's very interesting, it opened my eyes! It's a pity that if Peter had fought for it, he would have had the opportunity."
This was what happened before Peter traveled through time.
As an elite high school, Midtown Technical High School has the ability and connections to recommend outstanding students to intern at large companies during the holidays.
Gwen and Peter Parker, who are ranked first and second in school, are naturally strong contenders for this opportunity.
This episode is a bit like the plot of The Amazing Spider-Man.
It is worth mentioning that Peter also saw the playboy Tony Stark on TV these days.
Then the situation is much more complicated. Gwen Spider, Super Spider, and the suspected MCU movie universe, this world is simply a hodgepodge!
This kept Peter's mind a little confused.
As for the intern spot, Peter Parker did reject it at the time. The reason is,
"Because if I fight for it, Gwen might lose." Peter replied.
This is indeed what "he" was thinking at the time.
"Wait a minute, you mean I can't compete with you?"
Gwen, who had a strong self-esteem, suddenly felt like a cat with exploded fur.
"Miss Gwen, maybe you should hear the word 'maybe' in my words clearly."
Peter sighed.
Maybe he should learn how to pet a cat, no, should he pet a spider now?
Hiss ~
George, who was driving in the front seat, suddenly smiled, attracting the attention of the two people who were arguing,
"Peter, you seem to be a lot more cheerful these past two days."
If it were the previous Peter Parker, it would be impossible to say these words.
Peter was stunned.
Was his behavior after transmigration different from before?
Ordinary people may not know it, but people close to them will definitely notice it quickly.
Peter was thinking about whether he should be more careful next, and then he heard George continue:
"That's good. Boys should always be cheerful."
Peter: …
He breathed a sigh of relief. Can he finish the words at once?!
The three soon arrived at Midtown High School.
Saying goodbye to George, Peter and Gwen walked into school side by side.
Gwen's top grades and outstanding looks attracted a lot of attention along the way. Coupled with her father, a city police officer, her popularity in school has always been very high.
As for Peter, although his grades are also very good, because of his personality, he has always been a little transparent and a doormat in school.
Today is the first day of the school season, and it is very lively surrounded by students who have also entered the school.
However, it seemed to be a bit too lively, as the students in front of them who were up to no good formed a group and were making noises.
Then, Peter's sight came out of the window,
[A crime in progress has been detected…]
[The target has been locked for you…]
In Peter's sight, a yellow triangle exclamation mark that only he could see appeared above the booing crowd. Like a game UI, at the same time, after focusing on it, this text popped up:
[A bad school bullying is happening in front of you. How do you deal with it?]
Peter was not panicked by this sudden change. Isn't it just a cheat system? He has transmigrated . What's so rare and weird? This also made him feel relieved. It would be nice to have the matching cheat system, but he didn't know what the function of this cheat system was.
He quickly stepped forward, squeezed into the crowd, and saw Flash Thompson, the classic character in Spider-Man comic movies. He had short blond hair and a strong body, typical of an American high school bully. In almost every Spider-Man movie, he bullies Peter Parker at the beginning, and the original version is no exception. On the first day of school, Eugene Flash Thompson began to bully other students.
The target of the bullying was a bespectacled, thin, and introverted student who, well, looked just like Peter now. But no one around him stood up; instead, they were all booing. The person being bullied is also Peter's classmate, his name is Gordon.
Eugene Flash Thompson also noticed Peter's entry at this time. He picked up Gordon with one hand and said, "Hey, isn't this Peter? Come on, take a picture for me."
Peter did not respond immediately but was thinking about the system prompts. The system asked him how to deal with it. In other words, he is free, even if he wants to join Flash to bully Gordon, it doesn't matter. After all, he is not the original Peter Parker, a hero who helps others unconditionally.
However, as soon as this thought passed by, Peter suppressed it in his heart. Just kidding, the current friendly neighbor Spider-Man is around. Doesn't he think he doesn't live long enough to bully others? Although Spider-Man doesn't kill anyone either.
"No, I won't take pictures of this kind of thing. Put him down, Eugene." Peter refused and chose the safest way to deal with it. At the same time, he also said to the bullied Gordon, "Gordon, get up too, don't let him chase you away."
Unfortunately, Gordon didn't respond at all. Instead, Eugene refused to give up, "Come on, take a picture, Peter."
Peter refused and said, "No, put him down."
"You take a picture."
Eugene ignored him and continued to bully, while Gordon continued to let others have fun. Peter was really angry now, not with Eugene, but with Gordon for being cowardly. But for the task given by the system, he still shouted loudly to stop him: "Put him down, Eugene!"
His outburst caught everyone watching the show unexpectedly, and they stopped cheering. Eugene was obviously stunned for a moment. He didn't know why Peter was so bold today that he had the courage to scold him.
Throwing the thin Gordon aside, Eugene turned towards Peter and bullied him with his tall body, "Okay, Peter, you pissed me off."
He glared, staring at Peter closely, a little disappointed. Peter's eyes actually lost the usual flinch and instead looked at him without any sign of weakness. This made Eugene even more angry, feeling that his dignity had been seriously challenged.
"Are you kidding? You're just a cowardly mouse!" Eugene said angrily, raising his fist to smash it down.
Fortunately, at the last moment, Gwen stood up and positioned herself between the two of them, "Eugene, what are you going to do!"
Eugene's fist stopped abruptly and did not hit.
"Gwen? Get out of the way." Eugene's fist was raised in the air. It would not hit him, nor would he let go.
"No, if you have the guts, just smash your fist down and try it!" Gwen stood in front of Peter without fear and threatened directly. However, unlike Peter, Gwen's threats were taken seriously. Gwen is good-looking, top-notch in studies, quite popular in school, and most importantly, she has a father who is a police officer. If Eugene dares to smash his fist down now, he would have to go to the police station even before he is released from school today. Moreover, even if he really loses his mind and punches out, Gwen, who has now become Spider-Man, will not be weak. It is just a reenactment of the plot of two generations of Spider-Man punching the school bully in the face.
Eugene could only retract his hand angrily, "Damn it, Peter, if you have the guts, don't hide behind women!"
Peter replied without any sign of weakness, "My business is not for you."
Eugene:…
The farce was somewhat anticlimactic, and the crowd quickly dispersed. Peter breathed a sigh of relief, and before he could thank Gwen, he saw Gwen turn around with a serious face, "Peter! Why do you want to provoke Eugene for nothing? Do you know how dangerous it was just now?"
Peter was a little resentful, "It's because of you. Really?"
He was actually a little frightened just now. After all, no matter what, the physical gap between him and Eugene existed objectively. Once that fist hit, Eugene would probably make him beg not to die. Strength still needs strength; he is too weak now. If Gwen hadn't been there, he would have given up on the mission.
"Thank you for being there this time. What if I'm not by your side?"
Gwen was rarely stern and aggressive, but Peter knew that she was caring about him. Peter was thinking about how to respond, and suddenly he had an idea and said, "Because I want to help them."
Gwen was stunned.
Peter smiled at Gwen and said, "Gwen, you know, I was just like Gordon, weak. They didn't dare to resist in the face of Eugene."
"Until I saw Spider-Woman on TV two days ago. She is unique. She has the same power as Eugene and the others, but she uses these powers to help others, which makes me feel deeply inspired."
Peter looked at the palm of his hand, "I was wondering if I could help other people too? Even if it's very trivial."
"Peter, you… what are you talking about! Such words are too embarrassing!"
Gwen was struck by Peter's "unintentional" straight hit and blushed. Because she is Spider-Woman. This happened during a summer internship at Osborne Industries some time ago. That day, she accidentally entered a laboratory full of spiders and was accidentally bitten by one. In a panic, she hurriedly left there. When she woke up, she found that she seemed to have extraordinary abilities. She tried to use these abilities to travel through the buildings and streets to do justice. At first, it was just because she wanted to test her abilities and have fun. Of course, it was also related to the fact that her father, the police chief, gave her the correct education since she was a child. She didn't expect that these actions of hers could actually affect other people, and this person was still her childhood friend. Gwen felt a little shy, feeling that she was not as noble as Peter said. At the same time, thoughts of fun and teasing arose. Look, Peter, the Spider-Woman you admire is right in front of you.
Seeing Gwen squirming for a while, Peter knew things were under control. Sure enough, Gwen eventually said calmly, "Don't be so impulsive next time."
Peter sighed in relief and finally had time to check his system. A window popped up in his sight:
[You showed your unique kindness and successfully protected your classmates who were bullied.]
[But, are you the same on the inside as you are on the outside?]
[Career Choice]
Career One: Superhero
Career Two: Super Villain
[Choosing your career will affect subsequent tasks, rewards, and routes.]
Peter didn't expect the system to present this choice. What did it mean, "whether the inside is the same as the outside"? Was the system questioning his sincerity?
He was about to select [Superhero] without hesitation but paused. He suddenly thought of Spider-Man, the masked hero who lived by the principle that "with great power comes great responsibility." Spider-Man protected his community and New York, but at a significant personal cost—his life was shattered. His loved ones, his career, and even his financial stability were all affected. Tony Stark had also faced dire consequences, ending with his sacrifice, and even then, his legacy was soon devoured by opportunists.
Peter wondered if he was truly ready to take on the title of "hero."
As he wrestled with this question, the school day ended and the sun began to set.
"What's wrong, Peter? You seem preoccupied," Gwen said casually.
After Peter's blunt words in the morning, Gwen appeared calm, but inside, she was racing with excitement and distraction. The admiration and attention she felt from Peter were new to her, and it left her feeling a bit overwhelmed. This was the first time she had seen Peter show such depth of emotion. Normally, he was like a closed book, though a good person.
In her mind, she was already planning how to subtly guide Peter to talk more about his admiration for Spider-Man, imagining how it might affect their future interactions.
She noticed Peter was unusually distracted.
"Nothing," Peter replied, shaking his head. He was about to make an excuse when he suddenly froze and said instead, "Gwen, can you come with me?"
"Huh?" Gwen asked, holding her book and tilting her head. "Sure, no problem."
Peter led Gwen to the sports equipment room, a remote and rarely visited location. In his sight, three yellow exclamation marks marked the area:
[Stop, ignore, join in, how are you going to deal with it?]
Gwen was puzzled by Peter's sudden detour. When they arrived at the equipment room and heard noises inside, her expression changed. She quickly opened the door, only to be stunned.
Inside the room, the bullies and the bullied were none other than Eugene Flash Thompson, his friends, and Gordon.
"It's you again!" Gwen exclaimed, frowning.
Eugene was equally baffled. Why did he end up in trouble again in such a secluded place? Just like earlier, under the intimidating presence of the city police chief's daughter, Eugene and his friends could only hurl insults at Gordon without physically bullying him.
After Eugene and his gang left, Gwen turned to Peter with concern. "Peter, you should be careful with Eugene. It's best not to leave my side."
Peter nodded, having noticed the triangular exclamation point just before coming here. He walked forward and helped Gordon up.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked.
He expected a word of thanks, but Gordon's response was, "Can you please stop disturbing me?"
Peter was taken aback. "We're trying to help you."
Perhaps knowing Peter wouldn't harm him, Gordon's voice grew louder, tinged with annoyance.
"…" Peter and Gwen exchanged looks, both speechless. They hadn't expected their good intentions to be met with such disdain.
Noticing Peter's sour expression, Gordon flinched. "Sorry…"
"Forget it. You can go," Peter said, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation.
Gordon left quickly, as if escaping a reprieve.
"Peter…" Gwen said, worried.
She was concerned that Peter might feel disheartened by Gordon's reaction. After all, when kindness is met with complaint, it can be discouraging. Gwen empathized with Peter, thinking how she'd feel if her efforts as Spider-Woman were met with misunderstanding and rejection.
Peter remained silent for a while, but his silence was followed by enlightenment rather than depression. He smiled faintly, his mood lifting.
"He doesn't seem to want our help," Peter said with a resigned smile.
Gwen was indignant on Peter's behalf. "Gordon went too far. You were clearly trying to help him, and he just repaid you with ingratitude!"
"It's okay, Gwen. I don't mind," Peter said softly. "Gordon is just scared."
"Scared?" Gwen asked, puzzled.
Peter nodded. "My power isn't enough to make Gordon feel safe from Eugene and his friends. Besides, I help others not for thanks, but because I want to."
"Just wanting to help…" Gwen murmured.
She didn't expect Peter to remain so composed and considerate under such circumstances. His kindness and resilience were striking, making her appreciate his gentleness even more.
Gwen's eyes brightened as she looked at Peter. While she admired Spider-Man, Peter's compassion and perseverance in this moment were truly inspiring. This impression of Peter would stay with her for a long time.
Peter had come to his own realization. Why should he worry about the ungrateful nature of being a "hero"? The world would save itself in the end. As long as he took care of his own life and found some comfort, wouldn't that be enough?
He didn't need to be a self-abandoning loser like Gordon, lost in darkness. Even if light came, he might not grasp it if he were numb to it.
Peter's epiphany was interrupted by system prompts:
[Congratulations on unlocking the hidden profession: Anti-Hero]
[Unlocked profession achievement: Homelander template]
[Acquired talents: Strong Body]
[Acquired talents: Man of Steel]
[Acquired talents: super strength ]
[Acquired talents: Super Speed]
[Acquired talents: laser vision]
[Acquired talents: Super Vision]
[Acquired talents: Super Hearing]
[Acquired talents: Super Brain]
[Unlocked abilities: Biological Force Field]
[After a brief period of confusion, you found your own path and unlocked the career that best suits you.]
A surge of immense power coursed through Peter Parker, infusing his body with boundless energy. His sensory world felt entirely new, and his thoughts became sharper and faster. The cacophony of sounds around him seemed magnified; he could even hear Eugene Flash Thompson, who had already left, grumbling about revenge with his companions.
Peter's vision, once slightly impaired, was now perfectly clear, allowing him to detect even the smallest specks of dust in the air. He could almost see through objects with ease. As he turned his gaze away from Gwen, his expression remained unchanged.
"Hmmm… Peter, your gaze just now seemed a bit unusual," Gwen remarked, her keen Spider-Sense picking up on the subtle shift. She placed a hand over her chest, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Really? It must be just your imagination," Peter replied, brushing off the observation. He quickly shifted the topic, "It's getting late. Let's head home."
Gwen, unaware of the true reason behind Peter's odd behavior, simply nodded, "Okay."
With the conversation over, Peter felt a rush of excitement. The "Homelander" template? It was essentially like having a bit of Superman's powers. He hadn't anticipated such a reward!
In this phase of Earth's development, aside from a certain mage with a bald head, Peter was virtually invincible.
He then noticed the [Antihero] profession on his system. An Antihero is a character who operates between the lines of heroism and villainy, embodying both virtues and vices. They often have grand ideals but pursue them through unorthodox methods, sometimes even resorting to villainous tactics. This was exactly what Peter desired.
He wasn't inherently evil, but he also didn't possess the self-sacrificial spirit typical of traditional heroes. He wanted to act freely, like his ancestors, without the constraints of being a "hero." Decisively, Peter confirmed his choice.
[Confirmed profession: Antihero]
[Professional stance is fluid and will evolve based on your actions.]
[Combat crime and complete tasks to earn points.]
[The closer your actions align with your profession, the higher your score, with a potential for up to 100% bonus points.]
[Stopped a school bullying incident and earned 100 points. No rating.]
[Stopped another school bullying incident and earned 100 points. No rating.]
…
[Panel]
Name: Peter Parker
Occupation: Antihero
Talents: Enhanced physique, Steel body, Divine strength, Super speed, Enhanced vision, Super hearing, Superior intellect, Biotic force field
Points: 200
[Tasks]
[Shop]
…
Peter finally saw the full extent of the system's interface. Clicking on [Store], he found a range of lower-tier skills available for purchase.
[Combat Mastery] [Swordsmanship Mastery] [Firearm Mastery] [Medical Mastery]… It resembled a department store.
Skills generally cost around 2,000 points, and points could also be used to upgrade existing talents. For instance, the [Superman] talent integration package required 100,000 points for enhancement.
High-level skills were not yet available…
[The store will gradually include talents and skills encountered.]
Looks like he would need to encounter some major figures in the future.
Peter shook his head, pushing thoughts of the future aside as he and Gwen returned home.
"Peter, Gwen, you're back! Dinner's ready, come inside," Aunt May's voice brought Peter back to the present. Gwen also returned to her own home, where the sounds of her mother and siblings filled the air.
The two of them seemed to have descended from a high place into the warmth of everyday life. Peter felt more resolute: no matter the hero or villain he became, his family and loved ones would remain unaffected.
Later that night, Peter climbed to the rooftop, where he could view Midtown's glittering skyline and the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges spanning the river.
Success and wealth might not always feel like home, but not using his superpowers would be a waste. It was time for Peter to test his new abilities.
He extended his senses, his enhanced vision revealing workers burning the midnight oil in Midtown's high-rises. The bustling streets and the laughter from homes resonated around him.
Simultaneously, his vision was filled with a flurry of triangular exclamation marks—alerts from the system about ongoing crimes.
[Crime detected…]
[Crime detected…]
[Crime detected…]
[Crime detected…]
In just a few seconds, his view was cluttered with these yellow exclamation marks, each representing a crime and points.
A wry smile crept onto Peter's face. "Ah, New York… truly a city of sin."
[Ding! New mission: Cleanse]
This city is plagued with crime. As a powerful antihero, you have the responsibility to cleanse the filth.
Mission objective: Prevent 50 crimes.
Mission reward: 4,000 points
"Oh? The mission's perfect timing," Peter mused. He lightly tapped his foot, launching himself into the night sky with a burst of speed.
…
In a dimly lit alley, a burly man brandishing a pistol threatened a woman.
"Please, don't hurt me!" the woman cried out, her voice trembling with fear.
"Quit stalling!" The man barked, aiming his gun at her. "Hand over all your money!"
"Here, take it all!" The woman quickly retrieved her cash from her handbag.
Satisfied with his haul, the man prepared to leave, but then his gaze fell on the woman's face. "Hey… she's not bad for her age." He leered, reaching into her clothing.
The woman, horrified, recoiled in terror. "No… please, don't…"
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed behind the man, startling him. He spun around to find Peter standing before him.
"Who the hell are you?" the man demanded, bewildered.
Peter stood silently for a moment before responding. Yes, who am I? Normally, Peter Parker is Spider-Man, but that title was already claimed by his friend.
Peter's lips curled into a smirk. "I'm Bateman!"
"What?"
A powerful gust of wind accompanied Peter as he forcefully shoved the man against the wall.
Boom!
The wall cracked, and blood seeped down from the impact.
Peter observed the grim scene, realizing his strength was almost too much for an ordinary person. He glanced at the woman, who was now more frightened than ever.
"Ma'am, could you call an ambulance for him?" Peter requested. With any luck, the man would spend the rest of his life recovering from this.
…
Meanwhile, several blocks away, a spectral figure swiftly dispatched gang members one by one.
The gang leader, backing away in fear, faced Gwen in her black and white suit. He had never expected to encounter the infamous vigilante and was powerless to resist.
"Why are you doing this? We haven't wronged you!" the gang leader yelled.
"Because you're committing crimes," Gwen Spider replied calmly.
"Crimes?" The leader was incredulous.
"Every day, this city is rife with robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes. The police can't keep up. Are you any different?" Gwen's voice was resolute. "I don't seek any personal gain; I just want to protect the innocent."
The gang leader stared at her as if she were insane. "Do you think you're a god? Even if you stop me, can you halt every crime happening in this city?"
Gwen had no answer, so she ensnared the gang leader with her web and departed.
Perched atop a building, she surveyed the vibrant city below. What was once an experiment had now become a responsibility. She was determined not to let Peter down and vowed to make a difference, believing that persistence would eventually lead to success.
On this night, New York City's underworld faced its greatest challenge yet.
Criminals were caught off guard by a new force. A thief was hurled into a wall; another was suspended from the top of a tree within moments; smuggling operations had their contraband incinerated by a laser; and street brawlers were swiftly subdued.
Photographers and bystanders captured images of an unidentified figure soaring through the night sky. Analysis revealed that over fifty criminal activities, both major and minor, were thwarted that night by an enigmatic hero.
Hell's Kitchen.
In his underground lair, the Kingpin—New York's notorious crime lord, a muscle-bound man whose physique was almost entirely made up of muscle—was fuming.
"What!? You mean to tell me that my shipments were intercepted by a guy who is invulnerable, can fly, and has laser vision, and who is clearly Superman but claims to be Batman?"
"Enough with the arguments about whether he's Superman or Batman. None of those characters are real!"
"If you're going to give me excuses, find me a better one!"
He slammed the phone down in frustration. It had been a long time since anyone had dared to challenge his reign so boldly. Five separate freight routes had all been compromised!
Kingpin even began to suspect there might be a traitor within his organization. With a dark glint in his eyes, he vowed, "Very well… if I catch you, you'll regret it."
S.H.I.E.L.D.
Nick Fury, the head of the espionage agency, reviewed the dossier handed over by his subordinates. Included was a blurry photo, though it clearly showed a figure flying through the night sky. The figure's face was obscured, leaving it unidentifiable.
"Dammit, it's these superpowered beings again," Fury muttered under his breath.
Cheat System Notifications:
[You stopped a crime and earned 200 points. Rated A, with an additional 160 points.][You thwarted a crime and received an extra 150 points. Rated S, with an additional 150 points.][You prevented a crime and accumulated 400 points. Rated A, with an additional 320 points.]
...
In the early morning, Peter Parker, having returned home through his window, reviewed the records from the previous night. Checking his points tally, he saw:
[Points: 25,920]
The "Cleaning" task from last night was completed, earning him a total of 7,200 points—4,000 plus an 80% rating A bonus of 3,200.
While this was just a fraction of his rewards, the bulk came from the fifty-plus criminal incidents. Even though each only provided 100 to 400 points, the sheer volume and high ratings resulted in his score surging to 25,000.
Peter appreciated the benefits of his chosen role. If he had opted for a superhero profession, despite possessing powers similar to Homelander, his points would have been significantly less.
However, this was a unique situation. His initial display of power had caught criminals off guard, but it wouldn't be so easy to accumulate points like this in the future.
Peter wasn't worried. For now, New York was quiet. He planned to move on to another city—after all, the process only took a minute or two.
At that moment, his alarm clock went off, causing Peter to frown. He glanced at the full-length mirror; his appearance had improved considerably since the previous day.
After integrating the [Superman] talent package, Peter's once-thin frame had become significantly stronger. While he hadn't yet reached movie-star muscularity, progress was evident.
"Thankfully, the change is gradual. I'll need to wear a few more layers," Peter mused.
When Peter emerged from his bedroom in the morning, Uncle Ben and Aunt May couldn't help but notice his new look. The temperature in New York was still mild for September. Despite the onset of autumn, most people wore short-sleeved shirts with a light jacket at most. Peter's combination of a sweatshirt and jacket stood out.
"Oh Peter, why are you dressed so warmly today?" Aunt May asked, puzzled.
"It's nothing. Just feeling a bit chilly," Peter replied.
"But even in this weather, a shirt should be sufficient. Are you feeling unwell?" Aunt May's concern was evident.
"I'm perfectly fine! Really!" Peter reassured her.
In truth, his health was excellent—immune to both cold and heat. Even with heavier clothing, he felt comfortable.
Uncle Ben, more composed, offered a knowing glance and said, "Even young people should take care of their health."
"Okay, okay," Peter agreed.
Why did that sound so strange?
Later, as Peter encountered Gwen, she seemed unusually perplexed. Yawning, she remarked, "Peter, no girl will be interested in you if you look too weak."
Peter thought, I can take on ten of these guys now!
Downstairs, George, the New York City Police Commissioner, awaited in his patrol car. Despite his usual demeanor, he looked unusually tired.
"What's wrong, Uncle George?" Peter asked once he and Gwen got in the car.
"It's nothing," George replied, dismissing their concerns.
The car's radio soon revealed the issue.
"Last night, another superhuman was reported flying over New York City, possessing abilities similar to Superman—flight, immense strength, invulnerability, and laser vision."
"The hero—dubbed Superman—traveled across various districts, intervening in dozens of criminal incidents. Almost single-handedly, he eradicated criminal activity throughout New York."
"Unfortunately, despite numerous witnesses, no one has managed to capture his true face."
"Where did this Superman come from? Is it a reflection of comics becoming reality, or is there another reason? Are these extraordinary beings a boon or a threat to humanity?"
"And what does the New York Police Department have to say about being overshadowed by this newcomer?"
...
"Dammit!" George turned off the radio in frustration.
"Dad…" Gwen said with concern.
Initially intrigued by the radio's mention of her, Gwen's interest waned as the exaggerated terms piled up—"Superman," "single-handedly," "one-shot." It seemed overwhelming for a single individual to tackle all the crime in New York.
No comparison to a rookie spider like her.
Gwen, newly inspired as a hero, grappled with mixed feelings. Yet her emotions were mild compared to George's frustration.
The news had directly criticized the New York Police Department, explaining George's haggard appearance this morning.
"Gwen… I'm sorry, I just lost my temper." George took a deep breath, his voice softening.
"It's okay, Dad." Seeing George's expression soften, Gwen responded tentatively. "Spider-Woman and Superman from last night, maybe they just want to help the police fight crime and take some responsibility."
George frowned again. "I don't think they have any obligation to take responsibility. That's the police's job! They're acting as vigilantes, and to some extent, they're breaking the law."
"Really…?" Gwen, who had just put in a lot of effort fighting crime the previous night, felt disheartened hearing such words from her respected father. The continuous setbacks of the morning had taken a toll on her.
"Uncle, Gwen is just concerned about you," Peter interjected quickly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Gwen. I might be very busy today; school is here." They arrived at the entrance of Midtown High School.
"Thank you, Peter," Gwen said.
"You're welcome," Peter replied. "You know, I really admire Spider-Woman. I believe she's a hero who tries to make things better. She must have a kind heart beneath that mask and just wants to help others."
"Thank you, Peter," Gwen said with a grateful smile.
Peter shook his head, feeling that encouraging Gwen was the best he could do right now. He had his own concerns. He wasn't worried about George's opinions or the public's view of him. The life of an anti-hero often leads to a mixed reputation and less favorable behavior in the future.
What Peter was more concerned about was his identity being exposed. If he were alone, he could reveal his true self, but he had family and friends—Uncle Ben and Aunt May—to consider. Even Superman's abilities couldn't protect his loved ones from villains who might target them. Peter knew his actions would always be a mix of good and bad, and though he might not care about public opinion, Uncle Ben and Aunt May certainly did.
Therefore, before he could completely silence society's doubts, he needed to find a suitable suit and mask. Naturally, the best option in the Marvel universe was the Wakandan vibranium suit.
Peter estimated that at his current speed, he could return in half a day, but considering Wakanda's production timeline, he decided to wait until the weekend. Unfortunately, few places are as considerate as that.
A certain Wakandan, unaware of the impending visit, was in for a surprise.
At this moment, the system presented Peter with a new mission:
[Ding! New Mission: Suit]
As a superhero, you must have a suit. Obtain one that fits your anti-hero persona. Higher fashion value earns more points.
Mission Goal: Obtain a suit.
Mission Reward: 2000 points + up to 100% fashion value bonus.
Peter couldn't help but smirk at the mention of "fashion."
Over the next few days, Peter crafted a basic knitted hood and traveled to several cities, earning tens of thousands of points. By the weekend, he arrived in Wakanda.
This high-tech, primitive tribe was about to receive an uninvited guest. A meteor streaked across the night sky, piercing the vibranium barrier surrounding the mysterious nation, and landed among the Royal Guards.
"Hey, lucky I took a little extra time to prepare; your place is really hard to find," Peter complained as he landed.
The layers of vibranium spears caught his interest; he wondered which was tougher than his steel body.
"Tell me why you're here, Superman!" Valkyrie Okoye, leader of the escort team, demanded, her voice unyielding.
"Oh? Do you know who I am?"
"Aside from you, no one on Earth can break in like this!"
"No, as far as I know, there should be a bald guy on Earth who can do this too… Oh, sorry, didn't mean to mock you," Peter said, glancing at Okoye's bald head.
"…"
"Superman! You cannot insult Wakanda!" Okoye shouted angrily, raising her vibranium spear.
"Don't be rude, Captain of the Guard," a sturdy man with a slight beer belly stepped forward from the crowd of Royal Guards, halting Okoye.
The man was none other than T'Chaka, the current king of Wakanda.
T'Chaka eyed Peter, narrowed his gaze, and warned, "Likewise, Superman, Wakanda is not a place where you can do as you please."
Peter smiled slightly, his eyes glowing with a scarlet light. A laser beam shot from his eyes, causing T'Chaka to quickly dodge.
T'Chaka had heard of a hero in the United States with similar powers to Superman, known for his crime-fighting. He was surprised by the hero's aggressive and unreasonable behavior, contrary to his reputed character.
"Your Majesty!" The surrounding guards quickly surrounded T'Chaka, providing cover while aiming their spears at Peter.
Peter floated slowly into the air, overlooking the increasingly anxious and hostile crowd below. He said calmly, "Let's settle this. Alone or together, choose how you want to handle this. I'm in a hurry."
Peter never considered a peaceful resolution. Given Wakanda's attachment to vibranium, a peaceful agreement was unlikely. Conquering them directly was simpler and more effective.
Wakanda's reliance on vibranium meant that once they realized the enemy was too powerful to resist, things would be easier. Moreover, Peter hadn't truly tested his strength since gaining his powers. He needed to be cautious around regular criminals to avoid excessive damage.
Faced with Peter's challenge, T'Chaka, as king, had to act or risk appearing cowardly.
"Don't think you're really Superman!" T'Chaka roared. "Wakanda, advance!"
"Wakanda forever!" The guards charged forward at the king's command.
Peter grinned, expecting that Wakanda's vibranium technology would make their soldiers tougher. He began to fight without hesitation.
By midday, the battle in Wakanda came to an end. The ground was littered with disabled guards and warriors from the five major tribes, along with wrecked aircraft and fighter jets.
The soldiers were left in deep self-doubt. The once invincible vibranium had been thoroughly defeated by a single individual. They looked at the unscathed man in the center of the battlefield with a mix of awe and frustration. His clothes were torn, but it only highlighted their own inadequacies.
Peter felt a rush of excitement. With vibranium protection, he finally had the chance to unleash his full strength. If the Wakandans were stronger, their vibranium technology might have posed a real challenge.
According to Marvel's classification, vibranium was considered invincible below the universal level. Even at the universal level, it performed well. However, the effectiveness of materials and weapons depended on who wielded them.
Peter looked at the still-intact T'Chaka and said, "The vibranium is impressive. It absorbs a lot of my power. I haven't had the chance to use so much power at once."
"Unfortunately, you're too weak. Otherwise, you'd withstand the beating better."
T'Chaka could only smile bitterly. Was Wakanda merely a toy for testing strength? It was still too weak. He realized how absurd it was to have threatened Superman.
"Dear Superman… Your Excellency, what brings you to Wakanda?" he asked respectfully.
As a king, he couldn't afford to be stubborn. He had to consider and compromise for the situation. Wakanda was defeated, and Peter had proven his strength. He deserved Wakanda's respect.
Peter clicked his tongue. "Your Majesty, I still prefer your rebellious attitude."
T'Chaka:…
"It's no big deal."
Peter Parker spread his arms to reveal the stylish outfit with its intentional tears and remarked, "Look, my clothes have been ruined by you. Are you going to compensate me?"
At that moment, T'Chaka had countless expletives running through his mind. Could this really be happening? Was the great Wakanda being touched by someone? Was the one causing this commotion a superhuman? Oh well.
T'Chaka looked at Peter's smiling face and quickly realized what kind of clothes the superhero wanted. He managed a rueful smile and said, "It's just a piece of clothing. There's no need to make such a fuss."
"Actually, it's not easy to get this outfit without making a fuss, isn't it?"
"…"
Indeed, if Peter had threatened to destroy Wakanda at this point, they would have fought to the death. But now, they were only dealing with a request for a vibranium suit? It seemed excessive to use a sledgehammer to kill a fly.
T'Chaka organized the cleanup and medical care for the injured. Peter had shown mercy in the battle. Next, he escorted Peter to the research facility. Although T'Chaka was the master here, the roles had reversed.
Peter took full advantage of the personal favors that came with his show of power. Clearly, being a prominent figure allowed him to get whatever he wanted. If he had chosen the path of a hero, this level of ease would have been hard to come by.
After walking through the long corridors and grand halls, they finally arrived at the laboratory that had been shown in the films. Only one researcher remained there. Peter asked, "What are we going to do next?"
"What kind of suit do you want?"
"Well… make it primarily black and it must have a strong fashion value. I mean, it should look cool. Lastly, there should be a ring logo on the chest."
"Of course, that's no problem." T'Chaka instructed the researchers to begin designing and producing the suit.
When the final result was revealed, Peter was quite pleased. The suit resembled a black superhero costume, but with a golden ring logo on the chest, featuring three overlapping arcs symmetrically.
Additionally, the suit was adorned with golden patterns and included body armor and arm guards, adding a touch of vitality and majestic mystery to the otherwise heavy black design. The shoulders and neck featured additional armor that connected to a bat-style cape and hood. The cape was black on the outside and red on the inside.
Want to look stylish? Mix Superman with Batman? Unfortunately, even though Wakanda's technology was advanced, it was still limited. Nanotechnology hadn't been developed yet, or it would have been more convenient.
However, with Peter's [Superior Speed], donning the suit took less than two seconds.
[Ding! Mission completed: Battle Suit] [Reward: 2000 points for basic value + 2000 points for fashion value + 2000 points for S-level rating] [You conquered Wakanda in a supremely domineering manner and forced them to create a fusion suit for you. A stylish and valuable suit that combines Superman and Batman elements. You demonstrated your strength without causing excessive harm, perfectly fulfilling the anti-hero code and completing the mission successfully.] [Note: Be cautious about copyright issues.]
Peter frowned at the mention of copyright. Could the Legal Department really come after him here?
"By the way," Peter, now clad in the vibranium suit, smirked. If T'Chaka were familiar with American hero comics, he would recognize that Peter was emulating Batman.
"You can make me another suit as well."
T'Chaka was puzzled. "What suit?"
Peter produced a photo of Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman and said, "Make it like this."
T'Chaka sighed in relief; this task was much simpler than creating the first suit. He was eager to send this troublesome guest away.
"No problem, it will be done soon."
"Yes, but I have a few requirements for this suit," Peter said.
"It doesn't matter; just tell me," T'Chaka replied nonchalantly. It would take a little extra time.
Peter's list of requirements continued: "The suit must be comfortable, have kinetic energy absorption, optical invisibility, artificial intelligence assistance, gliding capability, discharge function, infrared detection, and more."
T'Chaka's face turned redder with each requirement. Did Peter really need so many features? Some of them involved advanced Wakandan military technology. Even if they could be incorporated, compressing them into a single suit in a short time was impossible.
Peter looked at him with some disdain. "Is Wakanda's technology so inadequate? Fine, just include kinetic energy absorption and optical invisibility in the front, and I'll handle the rest."
T'Chaka: …
What does he think Wakanda is? And how dare he say that!
Eventually, after placing the semi-finished Spider-Woman suit into a vibranium file box, Peter patted T'Chaka on the shoulder and said, "Good brother, thanks for everything. I'll visit again when I have time for tea."
"If you run into any trouble in the future, you can come to New York to see me."
Ignoring T'Chaka's frustration and anger, Peter left the building with a dark expression.
Along the way, he resolved several criminal incidents in Africa and earned thousands of points.
[Points: 88150]
With the total nearing 100,000 points, Peter flew back to New York. Due to the time difference, it was almost dusk.
Instead of heading home immediately, Peter hovered above Manhattan. He hadn't expected Wakanda to deliver a complete Spider-Woman suit. The timeline didn't allow for it, and Peter had a better candidate in mind.
While Wakanda's technology was top-notch, it was focused on vibranium. As long as they completed the kinetic energy absorption and optical invisibility aspects, Peter would be satisfied. The remaining features would be handled by Tony Stark, who had a higher technological ceiling.
Especially in artificial intelligence, Jarvis was world-leading, and Peter had long coveted that capability.
As Peter surveyed Manhattan from the air, he used his clairvoyance and super hearing. Soon, he smiled and said, "Good luck, I found it."
In the Stark mansion, Tony Stark, having just completed the new Jericho missile, yawned.
While everyone thought Tony Stark was a cynical playboy before becoming Iron Man, he was indeed extravagant but also a brilliant scientist, sustaining Stark Industries with his expertise.
Tony returned to his room, ready to nap before a date with a supermodel. Unexpectedly, he heard persistent knocking on his window. Annoyed, he said, "What the hell? Who keeps knocking on my window?"
"Wait, who could climb up to my window?"
Tony quickly realized something was amiss. He looked towards the large floor-to-ceiling windows and saw a man in a black battle suit with gold patterns holding a file box, floating outside.
When Tony glanced over, the man shattered the glass with his palm and floated inside.
Here's a revised version of the chapter based on your specifications:
"Hey! Man, are you the Superman from that newspaper? Wait, your new outfit is so cool!"
Even Wakanda in Africa knows about Superman in New York. It's a big deal, and as a local, Tony Stark isn't oblivious to it. He's also eager to know more.
Tony was surprised by Superman's sudden visit, and he was puzzled about how he had become involved with such a high-profile character. However, he wasn't worried about what Superman might do to him. Instead, his concern was his own ability to handle the situation.
On the contrary, he was keenly observant and recognized the extraordinary quality of Peter Parker's vibranium suit at once—whether it was the advanced technology or the unique materials. Even the file box in Peter's hand seemed to be of the same high quality.
As a scientist, Tony was immediately intrigued, his curiosity outweighing his concern about the broken windows.
"Thank you. I like the new one too," Peter replied.
"Where did you get it? If possible… Oh, never mind. Forget I asked," Tony said, shaking his head mid-sentence and slipping back into his billionaire playboy persona.
"Speak up, Superman. What brings you to my house?"
Given Superman's tone, it didn't seem like he meant any harm… right?
Peter was about to respond when the bedroom door burst open and a nimble, portly man rushed in.
"Boss, the alarm just went off! Someone broke in… Uh?"
He looked at Peter and Tony, who were now facing each other in awkward silence.
"Did I come at a bad time?"
Tony rubbed his temples, hesitating, but eventually said, "It's fine… Just wait outside for a moment."
"Are you sure?" Happy scrutinized Peter's unusual attire. Superman + Batman? That's wild.
"Absolutely! Do you want me to repeat myself?"
"Okay, okay, boss," Happy said nervously, casting one last look at the two men before closing the door behind him.
"Alright, now it's just the two of us. Where were we?" Tony asked, sitting on the sofa.
Peter smiled slightly. "You asked if I could get you a suit as well…"
"Isn't that right? I was clearly asking you what's going on…" Tony said, suddenly pausing in realization.
"Wait, is it true? Can you really get me another suit?" he asked eagerly.
"Of course, but there's a condition."
"No problem, how could I get such a cool thing without paying a price?" Tony replied nonchalantly, as though it was a minor expense.
"It doesn't cost much; I just need you to lend me your expertise." Peter said calmly.
Tony, who had been grinning, suddenly went stiff. "My expertise?"
"Yes," Peter said with a smile that made Tony feel uneasy.
Inwardly, Tony panicked, thinking: This guy really does have sinister intentions! He wants to cut off my head!
Seeing Tony's reaction, Peter knew he had teased him enough and finally said, "You're the smartest mind on Earth. I need your help to research something."
This was music to Tony's ears. He sighed in relief, realizing he had broken out in a cold sweat.
"You have good taste," Tony said stiffly.
"Do you agree?" Peter asked.
"Can I refuse?"
Peter smiled. "No, you won't refuse, right?"
Tony rolled his eyes.
"So, what do you need me to help you research? Is it in this box?"
He eyed the vibranium file box, curious about the suit and the fact that even Superman needed help with it.
Peter tossed the file box to Tony, who let it land on the sofa. Peter wasn't bothered and said, "Open it and take a look."
"What is this thing, so heavy?" Tony said, grabbing hold of it.
"That's what you need to work on."
"Real or fake?"
Tony couldn't wait to open it. Inside the box was a black-and-white battle suit, which appeared to be a women's model.
"Is this the suit you were talking about?" he asked, his expression frozen. This wasn't what he had expected.
Peter nodded. "This suit is only a semi-finished product. I need you to complete it. During this period, the suit is yours to use."
While it wasn't as much as he had hoped for, Tony thought the cool suit was still a great deal. It might even make some of his previous ideas feasible.
Then he heard Peter's list of dozens of features for the suit, which left even Tony Stark looking pale. It might be possible to add these features in a few years, but for now, it was a significant challenge for Tony, who had yet to complete Mark I.
"Alright, alright," Tony unfolded the suit. "I'll do my best… huh? Why does this suit look so familiar? I feel like I've seen it before."
Peter wasn't surprised. "It's Spider-Woman from TV. If you're interested, you can look into it. Just don't disturb her."
"Can I ask… what's your connection to her? I don't mean to pry, but you're both… superheroes? I'm curious."
Peter smiled slightly. "You can investigate if you like."
Tony reluctantly gave up, "Alright, I won't investigate any further."
He examined the suit more closely, realizing how valuable it was. Just this piece alone could fetch billions if sold, and it was only a semi-finished product.
Even though he had the funds, the scientific knowledge and materials were priceless. Giving it away to a street heroine seemed like a waste.
"So, what's your relationship with her?"
"I must say, you're very generous, so much so that I'm a bit envious," Tony sighed.
Why is it that only Spider-Man gets such a great hero as a mentor, while Spider-Woman doesn't?
Peter privately scoffed and said, "As an extra reward, you can call on me for help anytime."
"Will it be useful?"
"Maybe."
"…"
Due to the delay, Peter arrived home later than expected. Even though he was a prominent figure abroad, he still had to face his aunt and uncle's stern gaze and finish his cold dinner at home.
Tony wouldn't be able to complete the suit quickly. He needed time to refine his skills and find a way to deliver the suit to Gwen.
After dinner, Peter was in his bedroom, deep in thought. Suddenly, his expression changed.
At the same moment, there was a loud crash outside the window.
He rushed to the window and saw a white figure struggling to hold onto the edge of the window. A long wound beneath her ribs was pouring blood, staining her black-and-white suit red.
It was Gwen!
"Are you okay? You've lost so much blood!"
Gwen heard Peter Parker's voice from the window.
"I'm sorry, I just accidentally—" She winced, trying to hide the gash on her ribs. She hadn't expected her other identity to cross paths with Peter like this.
She had planned to return home and tend to her wounds, but the injury was too severe this time. This was the first time she had encountered such a dire situation, and she was too disoriented even to swing from her webs properly. She collapsed just outside Peter's window.
What a coincidence, she thought, feeling a pang of panic. "I need to go."
"Wait!" Peter called out, quickly stopping her. "You need help right now."
Gwen turned to face Peter. "I know you're Spider-Woman. I really admire you; you've helped so many people," Peter said, his voice earnest.
Gwen thought to herself, Of course, I know this. You've confessed your admiration more than once.
"I happen to know emergency first aid," Peter continued. "I can help you with that wound."
Gwen was skeptical. Had she ever known Peter to have medical skills? Was he just trying to keep her there? But Peter wasn't the type to deceive her, and the pain in her ribs was unbearable. She reluctantly agreed.
Peter let out a sigh of relief. He was shocked to see Gwen injured and wanted to assist her as best as he could.
At the same time, a notification flashed before him: [Do you want to spend 2,000 points to purchase the skill: Medical Mastery?] [Purchase successful] [Do you want to spend 3,000 points to upgrade your skill: Medical Proficiency?] [Successful upgrade, congratulations on obtaining the skill: Medical Master.]
Emergency treatment should be sufficient, he thought. Despite having accumulated various talents like Gwen's [Spider-Sense], Wakanda's [Blessing of the Panther God], and even several [Scientific Research] skills from Tony Stark, Peter hadn't invested in them yet.
He knew that the best way to enhance his abilities was to save up 100,000 points to upgrade the [Superman] talent package. This upgrade promised a significant improvement in his powers, including surpassing his current limitations.
Gwen's unexpected injury had disrupted his plan, but Peter had no regrets. Though he had only recently arrived in this world, the memories of growing up with Gwen were deeply ingrained. The time traveler and Peter Parker had become indistinguishable, but the time traveler was dominant.
Gwen was worth the deviation from his plan.
"Peter? Is everything alright? I just heard something break in your room?" Aunt May's voice came from outside the door.
Peter ushered Gwen inside and replied, "It's nothing, just a small incident with a stray cat."
"A stray cat? We're on the 8th floor!" Aunt May exclaimed.
Peter glanced at Gwen and said, "You know, there are always stray cats. They like to climb and explore…"
Gwen was not amused and thought, If it weren't for the need to maintain a facade, I'd let Peter know what real trouble is!
"By the way, Aunt May, where's the first aid kit? This 'stray cat' is injured, and I need to bandage her up."
"You're quite the caring soul. The first aid kit is right here…"
Peter retrieved the kit and handed it to Gwen. She couldn't help but comment, "Stray cat, huh?"
"Just a term for dealing with family and tending to you," Peter said, shrugging.
Gwen was taken aback by his casual attitude.
Peter added, "Besides, you're a spider."
Gwen's irritation flared, and her pain seemed to intensify.
"Hey, be careful!" Peter said, noticing her discomfort.
Gwen was frustrated and thought, I've never been this annoyed while fighting villains!
Peter, oblivious to her feelings due to her mask, said, "Please take off your suit."
"Pardon?" Gwen was stunned. "You want me to undress?"
"Of course. Miss Spider, if you don't remove your suit, how can I treat your wounds?"
Gwen knew he was right but felt embarrassed about revealing her skin. Despite America's liberal views, her upbringing had been strict, especially as a traditionalist.
Peter reassured her, "Don't worry. I promise not to look around."
Gwen sighed internally. It's Peter, she reasoned. He's seen me like this before, and he's not going to make a big deal out of it. She slowly unbuttoned her suit, exposing her back. Her skin was smooth and flawless, though marred by the serious wound.
Peter began to tend to her injuries with professional precision. His newfound medical skills were more than sufficient for such wounds. Thanks to his superhuman abilities, Peter anticipated that with proper care, the wound would heal in a few days.
"Don't go swimming or engage in strenuous activities for a while…" Peter instructed as Gwen put her suit back on.
Gwen was surprised by Peter's expertise in first aid and his detailed care. "I didn't realize you were so skilled at this," she said, genuinely impressed.
Peter's instructions were meticulous, and Gwen found them surprisingly comforting despite the pain. She looked at him with softened eyes, feeling a renewed sense of trust.
"So, who caused this injury?" Peter asked suddenly, the atmosphere in the room seeming to grow colder.
Gwen hesitated but responded, "It's okay. I spend my days fighting evil, so injuries are inevitable."
Peter turned on his phone and searched for Spider-Man news. The latest headlines featured a video of Spider-Man battling a villain in dark green armor with mechanical wings—the Vulture.
Gwen's injury was clearly inflicted by the Vulture's wings.
"It was my first encounter with him, and I was caught off guard. I won't make the same mistake again," Gwen admitted.
Peter nodded, understanding her plight. "Thanks for telling me. And by the way, what's your name?"
Gwen smiled and replied, "Thank you, Peter. I'm Gwen, and I appreciate your help. I'll keep in touch."
"Great! Can I get an autograph? I have a friend who's a big fan," Peter asked eagerly.
Gwen agreed, and after a brief farewell, Peter closed the window and his smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. His eyes narrowed with a dangerous glint.
"Vulture, huh?" Peter muttered, a sense of determination growing within him.
[Ding! Mission Acquired: The First Villain]
The Vulture has hurt someone you care about, igniting your anger. Show him the consequences of crossing you.
Mission Objective: Defeat the Vulture Mission Reward: 5,000 points
New York, Night
In the abandoned church on the outskirts of New York, a group of heavily armed individuals gathered. Their presence was marked by violence and disorganization, far from the discipline of soldiers. They were operatives and criminals aligned with the notorious Kingpin, making this decrepit church one of his key strongholds.
Kingpin was meeting with another significant figure in this grim setting. This person, responsible for the recent injury of Gwen Stacy, was none other than Adrian Toombs, also known as Vulture. Toombs was a brilliant electronic engineer previously employed by Oscorp. His work involved developing advanced aircraft and suits that granted flight and immense strength. However, after completing his project, Oscorp betrayed him, not only firing him but also framing him for crimes he didn't commit. Vulture knew that a prison sentence would mean losing control of his life forever.
During these tumultuous times, Kingpin had been occupied with purging his ranks to root out spies and searching for a powerful warrior. Vulture, with his technological prowess and battle armor, appeared to be the perfect addition to Kingpin's operations. They quickly struck a deal. With Kingpin's assistance, Vulture completed his current suit—a powerful combination of flight and enhanced strength—allowing him to escape law enforcement and embrace his role as a supercriminal.
Tonight marked Vulture's debut. His formidable armor allowed him to subdue Spider-Woman on their first encounter. Although he didn't manage to finish her off, the result was satisfactory to Kingpin. After all, Spider-Woman was a far lesser threat compared to Superman. Kingpin had seen his empire shaken by Superman's presence, with criminals cowering in fear and his own operations disrupted.
"Mr. Toombs, you performed admirably tonight," Kingpin remarked, maintaining his veneer of politeness despite being the most feared criminal in New York.
Vulture, embodying the arrogance of a skilled scientist, responded, "Believe me, Mr. Kingpin, I'll take down Spider-Woman next time."
His armor had a unique side effect: it amplified the user's desires and kept their spirits in a heightened, unstable state.
"Spider-Woman isn't your primary concern. Superman is," Kingpin reminded him.
"It doesn't matter. Whether it's Spider-Woman or Superman, I'll defeat them both!" Vulture declared, spreading his arms confidently.
Kingpin's brow furrowed. He noted a disturbing change in Vulture's demeanor but chose not to comment. He forced a sinister smile and said, "Not just yet. You have a more important role, Mr. Toombs."
"Do you want me to assist with research on the armor?" Vulture speculated. Despite his arrogance, he was sharp enough to understand Kingpin's intentions.
"No, I'm done helping others. I'm a Vulture now!" Vulture retorted defiantly.
Kingpin's expression darkened. "The situation has changed," he said coldly. "No one deceives me. You've broken the rules, Vulture."
Vulture's bloodshot eyes met Kingpin's without flinching. "But the rules have changed, Kingpin."
The atmosphere grew tense, and just then, a rumbling noise erupted from outside, followed by a chorus of screams. A panicked henchman burst in, exclaiming, "Black… Black Superman!"
Kingpin's eyes narrowed. "So, Superman has arrived, Vulture."
Vulture smirked. "I'll handle him, just as I did with Spider-Woman."
Kingpin turned and left, his steps hurried and uncharacteristically flustered. Vulture, unfazed, faced the entrance just as the church door was blasted open. Peter Parker, clad in a vibranium suit, flew in with a determined stance.
Vulture extended the steel wings on his back and took to the air, shouting, "Superman, I will end you today!"
After rescuing Gwen, Peter quickly set out to find Vulture. Using his super senses, he pinpointed Vulture's location with relative ease. Yet, despite intercepting the conversation between Vulture and Kingpin, Peter was taken aback. How could Vulture be so reckless?
The discrepancy in their attitudes stemmed from a lack of accurate information. Kingpin, as one of Superman's significant victims, had closely studied Superman's capabilities and read every Superman comic available. He understood the full extent of Superman's powers. Vulture, however, had been preoccupied with his work for Oscorp and had little time to follow Superman's exploits. His belief that he could match Superman's powers was misguided, influenced by his own delusions and the enhancement of his armor.
Vulture charged at Peter with his Iron Wing, a lethal weapon made of Oscorp's hardest composite steel. He was confident that it was one of the toughest materials in existence. This weapon had already proven its worth against Spider-Woman.
"Cha!"
The feathered blade struck Peter, but instead of the anticipated result, there was no visible damage—just a sense of striking solid steel. Vulture's smile faltered.
"Impossible…" he gasped, but was cut off abruptly.
Peter appeared before him in an instant, gripping Vulture's throat with his hand.
"Had enough?" Peter asked, tilting his head.
Vulture trembled, realizing that his confidence was misplaced. Despite his previous bravado, he was now overwhelmed by fear.
"Let… let me go!" Vulture pleaded, struggling in vain. His attacks, whether from his fists or claws, failed to make an impact.
Peter's response was a dark, chilling statement: "Do you enjoy flying?"
Before Vulture could react, he experienced a sudden and intense sensation of weightlessness. The fierce winds of the night sky engulfed him as he found himself outside the church. Superman's eyes glowed crimson, and a manic smile stretched across his face.
The Vulture went away, feeling utterly defeated.
Peter Parker had gripped him by the neck, and despite the Iron Wing turbines at full power, he couldn't shake Peter off. At this moment, the Vulture understood the vast difference between them and why Kingpin had fled so quickly.
He couldn't defeat Peter. Not in the slightest!
Peter dismantled the Vulture's iron wings and cast them aside before speaking.
"Do you understand what you did wrong?"
"If you answer incorrectly, I'll drop you," Peter warned.
At this height, even with battle armor, the Vulture couldn't guarantee his survival.
"No, you can't do this. You're a superhero! You can't do this to me… ahhh!"
Peter tore off one of his arms with a detached calmness. "My patience is limited."
The Vulture, once an electronic engineer, had never faced such a situation. He was encountering the true terror of dealing with a superhero—or an anti-hero for that matter.
"I-I'll tell you! I'll tell you!" He cried, tears and blood streaming down his face. The arm was bleeding heavily, and he knew he would bleed out soon.
"I was wrong. I shouldn't have committed the crime. I regret it deeply. I used to be an engineer, the kind who worked in the lab all day. I'm a good person! I was framed and had no choice but to commit these crimes!"
Peter's expression softened. "So, you're saying you're a supervillain forced into this?"
Peter's demeanor suddenly changed, exuding a sense of righteous grandeur, which was somewhat unexpected.
But the Vulture seized on this chance for salvation.
"Yes, yes! My real name is Adrian Toomes. I have some reputation in the industry. You can verify it!"
"It's all my fault, all my fault! Damn Osborn!" The Vulture's eyes flashed with anger.
"It's him! He tried to frame me by burning bridges, making me commit these crimes…"
Peter interrupted, his tone playful. "No, no, Toomes. I'm not interested."
"What?"
"I'm not interested. Actually, I don't care if you commit crimes and become a supervillain."
"It's not your fault, Toomes. There are always people committing crimes, even without you. The real issue is this society itself—the corruption, the decay. Peter looked at the Vulture with a forgiving gaze, like a father to a sinner.
"I don't blame you."
The Vulture was stunned by Superman's unexpected words. Overwhelmed with gratitude, despite being strangled, he nodded fervently.
He knew he was doing wrong, but Peter's words gave him a form of comfort.
It's not me, but the world that's wrong!
Amidst his suffering, he even entertained the thought of following Peter faithfully.
"Unfortunately, you answered incorrectly."
The cold finality of Peter's words jolted the Vulture back to reality.
Suddenly, the suffocation around his neck lessened, and he felt himself being enveloped in weightlessness, plummeting towards the ground.
He was disoriented, staring blankly as Peter grew smaller against the backdrop of the moonlit sky.
From above, he saw Peter's masked figure saying something, though all he could read was "Spider."
The Vulture's eyes widened in disbelief until he struck the ground with a thud.
Up in the sky, silence reigned.
After a moment,
"Ho ho ho…"
The Vulture was still alive. He coughed up blood and gasped for air.
"I didn't expect this… The armor saved my life…"
Even though his bones and internal organs were shattered, and he owed his survival to the armor, there was still hope while he lived.
He extended his remaining hand, struggling to crawl forward.
"Superman… Spider… Superman… Spider…"
His face, pale and sickly, was filled with resentment. "I see… I can't defeat you, can I?"
"Even if I die, I will…"
Suddenly, a red laser shot out and hit his head with precision.
Peter yawned in the sky, seemingly bored with the spectacle. He glanced distastefully into the distance, smirked, and then vanished into the night.
Kingpin, the underground king of New York, was watching from a few kilometers away, his telescope trained on Peter.
He had seen Peter incapacitate the Vulture, dismantling his wings and arms, and then heard what he said to the Vulture. Kingpin was unsettled by Peter's merciless act.
The sight of Peter's laser finishing the Vulture was alarming.
The danger level of Peter had skyrocketed in Kingpin's mind.
No one wanted to be at the mercy of such a powerful and ruthless hero.
Even with the telescope, Kingpin couldn't make out the words between Peter and the Vulture.
But Kingpin felt an icy chill when he thought Peter had glanced in his direction.
He quickly abandoned the telescope and climbed into his waiting limousine.
Once they were a safe distance away, Kingpin punched the car, creating a sizable dent.
"Damn it!"
As Peter's biggest fan, Kingpin knew that Peter could end him anytime if he wanted to.
The car's speed was nowhere near Peter's. Superman's speed was measured in multiples of the speed of sound.
The 200-kilogram man felt utterly vulnerable, as though a knife was constantly poised at his throat.
"Boss, calm down. He didn't follow us," Murdoch, Kingpin's blind lawyer, said in a soothing tone.
Indeed, in Gwen's universe, Daredevil Murdoch had become Kingpin's second-in-command lawyer.
Kingpin glared at him. "Murdoch, I see you're in the car too."
"Of course, but there's no use getting angry now. We can't defeat him anyway," Murdoch chuckled. "He could destroy us in the blink of an eye."
The atmosphere in the car grew darker as Kingpin remained silent.
"Relax, boss. Things might turn around. I don't believe Superman can be invincible forever," Murdoch said, his tone optimistic.
"We've gained a lot this time. Once Vulture dies, all his information will come to us. With time, replicating his armor will be easy."
"There's also news from below. A person with extraordinary abilities has been discovered. This guy is a big fool."
Kingpin's eyes gleamed. "Let him come to see me."
"Sure thing, boss," Murdoch replied, his voice tinged with amusement.
…
[Ding! Mission Completed: The First Villain]
[Reward Obtained: 5000 Basic Points + 5000 S-Class Rating Points]
[With your formidable presence, you overwhelmed the Vulture, instilled in him a fanatical belief in you, and then abandoned him ruthlessly.
At the same time, you struck fear into your enemies and took your first step on your path as an anti-hero, completing the mission perfectly.]
The lunch bell rang, signaling the end of classes and the beginning of the lunch break. Students from Midtown High School streamed out of their classrooms, chattering excitedly as they headed to the cafeteria.
Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy joined the throng, making their way to the lunch line. Midtown's cafeteria boasted a decent selection: beef stew, cheese sandwiches, broccoli, clam chowder, and even a little ice cream for dessert. Gwen loaded her plate with a bit of everything, reflecting on how her daily street-fighting activities in New York City had drastically increased her caloric needs. Her superhuman physique required far more fuel than the average person's.
She glanced at Peter beside her, feeling a twinge of guilt. To her surprise, Peter's plate was even more heaped with food than hers.
"What's up?" Peter asked, noticing Gwen's surprised expression.
"It's nothing… Did you get more food than me? Have you finished eating already?" Gwen inquired, a bit flustered.
"Of course, I'm working out more these days," Peter explained. His increasingly muscular physique was a testament to his rigorous training, which had transformed him from the "frail" kid he used to be.
They found a table and sat down. Gwen, still processing the sight of Peter's substantial meal, remarked, "You've definitely gotten stronger recently."
"Want to test it?" Peter offered playfully.
"Test what?" Gwen asked, blinking in confusion.
"I'm pretty sure I could knock you down with one punch now," Peter said with a grin.
Gwen's eyes narrowed, and she felt a flicker of annoyance. "Seriously, Peter Parker? You've only been training for a month and already you want to hit a girl?"
They laughed and bantered for a while. It had been a month since Peter had dealt with the Vulture, an event that had caused quite a stir. The Vulture's death had left the New York Police with a clear and disturbing clue: his head had been destroyed by laser vision, leaving his demise eerily visible. The brutal nature of his death—arms torn off, body shattered, and head obliterated—had led to significant public outcry. Even though the Vulture was a supervillain, the graphic nature of his death had sparked sympathy for him and criticism towards the so-called "Black Superman."
Peter had been under scrutiny as a result, but he continued his vigilant fight against crime. His methods had grown harsher, leading to intensified opposition, yet he remained steadfast in his mission.
Gwen checked her phone and found a video about Black Superman. "What's this about?" Peter asked, noticing her interest.
"Black Superman is all the rage in the U.S. right now," Gwen replied, "He's quite the hot topic."
Gwen had been following Black Superman's activities closely, and Peter had been avoiding her Spider-Man persona to keep his secret identity safe.
"What do you think of him?" Peter asked casually. "The media seems to have mixed feelings about him. Many people dislike him."
"Dislike? I wouldn't say that," Gwen said thoughtfully. "He's certainly effective against criminals, though his methods are sometimes a bit extreme. I understand why people might feel that way, but I also feel like I need to find him and have a word with him."
Peter nodded, understanding her perspective.
At that moment, a commotion erupted nearby. Peter and Gwen turned to see Harry Osborn, who had transferred to Midtown this semester and had quickly made a name for himself. With his green Franklin in hand, he had earned the nickname "Green Goblin" from his fellow students, though he was far from the infamous villain.
"A vivid nickname, don't you think?" Peter commented.
Gwen shrugged and said, "By the way, I'm having a family dinner tonight. You should come along."
"Why the sudden invite?" Peter asked, surprised.
"You don't want to come?" Gwen asked, finishing her sandwich and giving him a playful look. "Uncle Ben's working late, and Aunt May has a charity event in Chinatown. You're the only one left."
Peter chuckled, realizing it had been planned. "Alright, alright. What's the plan for the afternoon?"
"We have Dr. Connors' class. He's my supervisor during my internship at Osborn Industries. He specializes in cross-species gene transfer engineering. Even though I don't know why he's suddenly teaching at our school, he's incredibly skilled," Gwen explained.
Peter was intrigued. "Dr. Lizard is here too? It's like the Amazing Spider-Man and Gwen's universe have completely merged!"
"What's wrong?" Gwen asked, noticing his sigh.
"It just seems like there are so many people from Osborn everywhere," Peter replied.
Gwen laughed. "Well, Osborn Industries is a leading biotechnology company in the U.S. They collaborate a lot with our school."
In the afternoon, Dr. Connors gave his lecture. Peter observed the middle-aged man with a broken arm, yet confident and humorous, and couldn't help but think of the Super Spider version from the movies. Despite his research being damaged by Peter's father in the films, Connors' expertise was undeniable.
Peter, with his advanced intellect, found Connors' teachings useful. His super-brain allowed him to grasp new skills quickly, and he saw combining learning with scoring as the most efficient path. His panel showed:
[Panel] Name: Peter Parker
Occupation: Anti-Hero
Talent: Superman lv2, Medical Master, Physics Proficient, Spider Sense lv2
Points: 192,430
[Mission]
[Shop]
Peter had invested 5,000 points to enhance his Spider Sense to level 2, which greatly improved his perception. The Superman talent pack had been upgraded a month ago, elevating Peter to cosmic-level strength, on par with the likes of Captain Marvel. However, upgrading further required 500,000 points, which was proving to be a challenge.
New York's crime rate had dropped significantly, making it harder for Peter to earn points. He found himself traveling to distant cities, spanning across the United States to fight crime. The increase in required points was becoming a significant concern, given that New York's criminals had become increasingly inept.
Peter sighed, reflecting on the state of affairs. The Kingpin, an underground crime lord, was undoubtedly frustrated with the drop in criminal activity.
And so, Peter Parker continued his quest for justice, navigating the challenges of both his superhero duties and his personal life.
After class, Gwen pulled Peter to the stage to greet Dr. Connors. Connors was packing up his things. With only one hand, he sometimes looked a bit clumsy despite his efforts. Gwen took over, helping him organize his things, and said, "Hello, Dr. Connors."
"Oh, Gwen, I didn't expect to see you here."
"I didn't expect to see you at school either, Dr. Connors."
"It's nothing, just some issues with the research progress. I was sent out to unwind." Connors didn't seem bothered; he still appeared gentle and refined. He glanced at Peter and asked, "Who is this?"
An authoritative expert from the Osborn Building visiting a high school was a notable event. Gwen hesitated, noticing Connors wasn't inclined to elaborate, and she gave up. She introduced Peter, saying, "This is Peter Parker, the person I mentioned before. If he hadn't dropped out midway, he might have been the one interning at Osborn during the summer break."
Gwen hadn't forgotten that Peter had missed a valuable opportunity to learn, and now he was doing his best to make up for it.
"Hi, Dr. Connors," Peter said, following suit.
Besides not wanting to disappoint Gwen, Peter also had a reason to approach Connors. In Gwen's world, Peter Parker was the one who ultimately developed the lizard serum, turned into a lizard, and died in Gwen's arms, leading to her transformation.
Connors glanced at Peter. Since Peter was able to compete with Gwen, he must have considerable talent. He pondered for a moment and said, "If you're interested, you can come to Osborn this weekend."
"That would be great, Dr. Connors."
After finalizing the visit to Connors' research, Gwen said, "I have something else to attend to, but remember to be punctual tonight!"
Peter nodded, "Of course, I won't miss it."
As for what Gwen had to do… Naturally, she was going to be Spider-Man. The chivalrous hero acting out of justice. Peter wasn't too burdened by it. Given that the efficiency of collecting points had slowed down, he didn't need to venture far to gather points. He could focus on enhancing his skills.
Connors had just acquired the [Biology Mastery] skill, and Peter planned to master it fully before the weekend. As a speedster, he had significantly more time than average people.
However, trouble had a way of finding him. In the corridor, Eugene Flash Thompson and his friends were again bullying Gordon by the locker.
Peter passed by and noticed. Perhaps because he had helped Gordon before, Gordon actually looked to him for help. But Peter calmly looked away, showing no intention to intervene. He owed Gordon nothing. On the contrary, he had once helped Gordon, who had abandoned the opportunity himself.
Eugene and his friends noticed Peter and surrounded him. "Hey, look who we found!" They abandoned Gordon and focused on Peter.
Peter, who had been hiding behind Gwen and making them unhappy, was a better target than Gordon. Gwen wasn't around today.
"Peter, why aren't you hiding behind the girls today?" They mocked maliciously, preparing to teach Peter a lesson for provoking them.
Peter looked at the group surrounding him, feeling a bit troubled after a long time.
What if he accidentally defeated them, and the situation escalated to an 18+ scene? Peter's identity as Peter Parker also required a normal life.
At this moment, he realized how challenging it was to be a superhero and the need to be cautious in every aspect of life.
Fortunately, perhaps due to his promotion to level 2, Peter's control over his power was much better now. He swiftly grabbed Eugene's collar, "cautiously" raised him, and slammed him against the locker, sitting down next to Gordon.
"Listen, idiot!" Peter leaned in, staring fiercely. The pressure from his persona leaked slightly, "Don't bother me again, understand?"
Eugene was stunned by the sudden shift. Why was Peter bullying him instead? Facing Peter's intense gaze, he felt a strange fear, as if facing a wild beast, and chose to retreat.
Peter was satisfied to see Eugene well-trained. He glanced at the others and left effortlessly, leaving everyone stunned.
"Motherfxxk, that's Peter? When did he become like this?"
"I don't know, but I think we should avoid provoking him in the future."
"Yeah, I agree."
Gordon, who had been by the locker, witnessed everything and was astonished. He thought Peter was in trouble but was surprised to see it resolved.
Finding some courage, Gordon chased after Peter, the others not in a mood to stop him.
"Sorry, Peter, about what happened last time…" Gordon caught up and apologized, whether out of guilt or fear of Peter's newfound strength.
Peter frowned, turned around, and looked at Gordon without speaking, making him lower his head in discomfort.
Peter said, "Gordon, you don't need to apologize. You owe no one but yourself."
He turned and walked away, leaving Gordon standing there, confused.
Just as Peter got out of trouble, a new issue approached him.
"Hey, man, you were so cool just now." Harry Osborn appeared out of nowhere.
"Tailgating isn't a good habit, Harry Osborn," Peter replied.
"I just thought it was interesting, so I took a second look." Harry didn't find it odd that Peter knew him. He mimicked Peter's earlier actions, "Is this how you dealt with Eugene? So cool! Honestly, I think that guy has been a pain for a while."
"Your approach is quite outdated."
"No, I'm serious." Harry looked at Peter and said, "You remind me of someone… Black Superman! Man!"
Peter looked puzzled and said, "That's a dangerous guy. How could I compare with him?"
"Dangerous? You actually believe the media hype?" Harry was surprised. Looking at Peter, he added, "I thought you'd admire him. The Black Superman is the real deal. Fighting violence with violence curbs crime better. Haven't you noticed? The crime rate in New York has dropped significantly."
Peter was speechless. He didn't expect the little Green Goblin Harry to be his fan. Why were his admirers mostly villains?
At that moment, Harry extended his hand to his new idol and said, "What's your name? Let's be friends. I think we'll get along great."
Of course, you're all my fans, so why wouldn't we get along? Peter thought inwardly. After a moment's consideration, he shook Harry's hand and said, "My name is Peter Parker."