At 7:30 in the evening, Peter Parker left his house and walked over to the door across the hall, ringing the doorbell.
"Hey, Peter, come in," Gwen's mother greeted warmly as she opened the door.
"Hey, Peter!" Gwen's two younger brothers exclaimed as they ran to welcome him.
"Hi, Aunt May. Hey, you two, have you finished your homework?" Peter asked.
"Oh! Not yet!" The two boys looked dejected.
"Get it done quickly, and we can all catch up over dinner later," Gwen's mother urged.
"Okay, Mom," they replied, heading back with disappointed faces.
Peter chuckled and asked, "Where's Gwen?"
"She's in her room. You can go find her," Gwen's mother replied.
"Thanks."
As Peter started to head to Gwen's room, his super hearing picked up George's voice coming from the study. It sounded like he was on the phone.
"Is Osborne putting pressure on us? Oh, these big corporations... don't worry, I'll handle it."
"I understand, but if the police don't make some progress soon, they'll be mocked."
"Do you really want to leave New York's safety in the hands of uncontrolled vigilantes like Black Superman?"
"Yes, and I have concerns. Several military families have reported that disabled veterans involved in Osborne's experiments have gone missing. Despite Osborne's attempts to suppress the news, some individuals still hear rumors about the bribery, and that's just a fraction..."
Osborne again? Peter's expression remained neutral as he reached Gwen's door and knocked.
There was no response.
Peter waited for a moment until he heard some shuffling inside the room. He then opened the door.
"Hi, Peter! I didn't expect you to come so early," Gwen said with a smile, leaning against the door.
Peter glanced into the room and asked, "What have you been doing in there for so long?"
"Hey, you know you're not supposed to peek into a girl's room," Gwen replied teasingly.
"Is there something you're hiding?" Peter asked playfully.
"Of course not," Gwen said, avoiding eye contact.
Peter laughed quietly, choosing not to press further with the little Spider-Gwen's attempt at evasion.
Soon, it was mealtime, and a dish of lemon seabass was served at the table, accompanied by some bread and snacks.
Peter had known this family since childhood, and their families often hosted dinner parties together, making them very familiar with each other.
He had eaten lemon seabass many times before and naturally used a knife and fork.
As everyone ate and chatted, Gwen mentioned her plans to visit Dr. Connors at Osborne over the weekend.
"Osborne?" George's brow furrowed.
"What's wrong, Dad?" Gwen asked.
"Nothing, just that there's been a recent case involving them," George replied.
Gwen looked concerned. "What about our visit to Dr. Connors?"
"It's fine, Gwen. Just go as planned," George said, his expression neutral.
"Don't worry, Mr. Stacy. I'll make sure Gwen is safe," Peter assured.
That made George smile. "Peter, you're doing a great job."
Gwen blinked and didn't say anything. She simply cut a piece of fish and ate it.
George was enjoying himself more than he used to. Unlike before, Black Superman now often traveled to other cities, reducing the pressure on local law enforcement as the victims were not just from New York. Despite this, George's disdain for street heroes remained unchanged.
"They're all dangerous elements, disrupting public order and attacking citizens..." George said.
Every time George expressed this view, Gwen's face darkened. She had argued with him before but found it difficult to change his stubborn mind.
Gwen had thought about giving up, but she remembered Peter's words and told herself to persevere. She wanted to live up to Peter's expectations and help more people.
Peter noticed Gwen's discomfort and said to George, "Uncle, it's undeniable that after their arrival, the crime rate in New York has dropped dramatically, hasn't it?"
George looked at Peter, surprised. "Where are you coming from with this, boy?"
Peter grinned and said, "Especially Black Superman. Criminals in New York are afraid to show their faces because of him."
"He did what the police couldn't."
"What the police couldn't?" George shot back. "Peter, do you think we're just sitting around reading newspapers and eating donuts?"
"Do you know how severe the consequences are for Black Superman's victims? They receive punishments far exceeding their crimes! He's a vigilante!"
George's tone was sharp because, in his eyes, Peter was like a second son, and now his 'son' seemed to admire Black Superman? This ideological error needed correcting.
Seeing that the argument was escalating, Peter smoothly changed the subject, "What about Spider-Woman?"
George looked confused. "Um... Spider-Woman?"
"Yes. Uncle, you're right. Black Superman is indeed problematic!" Peter said, feigning indignation. "In contrast, Spider-Woman is a true hero. She works hard to assist New York's citizens and rarely causes serious harm. She uses her spider silk to subdue criminals and wait for police intervention. Unlike Black Superman, Spider-Woman just wants to help."
"I even think the New York Police could build a partnership with Spider-Woman. That kind of news would definitely improve the police's image."
"If we collaborate effectively, it might create some difficulties for Black Superman."
Peter discussed with the police chief how to address the issue without reservation. "The only people who can deal with superpowers are other superpowered individuals."
George was stunned. He couldn't believe Peter was articulating such sophisticated thoughts, almost like a politician. The idea seemed feasible after some consideration.
George wondered if Peter had an interest in politics. The broken windows theory was evident everywhere, and though he didn't want to admit it, Spider-Woman did seem more appealing compared to Black Superman's disruptions.
He glared at Peter. "You seem quite close to Spider-Woman?"
Peter admitted without hesitation, "I'm a big fan of hers, Uncle."
George was speechless.
"Pfft."
The entire family looked at Gwen, surprised by her sudden laughter.
"It's nothing, Dad. I just didn't expect to see you caught off guard."
George shook his head, unable to hide his bemused smile.
After dinner, Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy walked to the rooftop of the apartment. A gentle evening breeze brushed against their faces, perfectly suited for Peter and Gwen, who enjoyed excellent physiques.
"Peter, did you see how my dad was left speechless by you? The look on his face was hilarious," Gwen said, laughing.
"It's nothing. Uncle George had it coming for slandering Spider-Woman," Peter replied.
"Slandering? Haha." Gwen smiled, her eyes widening as she looked at him. "Do you really like Spider-Woman that much?"
"Well…" Peter rested his chin on his hand, causing Gwen to look at him with concern.
"If you don't like her, should I argue with Uncle George? He's the police chief, after all. What if I end up in trouble?" Peter said with a hint of worry.
"Pfft, Dad can't do that."
"By the way," Peter said, leaning against the guardrail, "Isn't it a bit awkward to talk about liking another girl when you're with someone?"
"Don't worry, I don't mind," Gwen reassured him.
"Why not?"
"Um… because I also like Spider-Woman?" Gwen admitted.
"Seriously?"
"Definitely!" Gwen confirmed with a playful tone.
The two stood by the guardrail, enjoying the breeze and taking in the nighttime view of New York City.
"Thank you, Peter. Really," Gwen said after a moment.
"You're welcome. It's the least I could do," Peter replied.
"You didn't even ask me what I'm thanking you for!" Gwen said, surprised.
"Ha, I'm sorry. I'm just used to it," Peter said, smiling.
Gwen felt a bit uncomfortable. "You're quite disrespectful to other people now. Do girls talk like that?"
"Hey, Gwen, when did you start sounding like Uncle George?" Peter glanced at her.
"What do you mean?"
"Slandering! You should know by now that I spend almost all my time with you. How could I possibly interact with other girls?"
"Uh… this…" Gwen thought to herself, feeling frustrated. Why was she so awkward tonight? Her emotions were hard to control. Normally, she wouldn't be so open, but tonight, Peter's actions had made her heart flutter.
For Gwen, sweet words were less effective than real actions. Peter had managed to persuade George, or at least left him speechless, easing the pressure she had felt. Her enthusiasm grew, especially as she had openly admitted to being a fan of Spider-Woman. It was a thrilling moment, and it made her heart race.
"Besides, it's you who's always busy and suddenly disappears…" Peter said, bringing up another topic.
"I have my reasons for that…" Gwen felt a bit defensive. She wondered if she should just tell Peter she was Spider-Woman, considering how much he cared about her.
"What's the reason?" Peter asked.
Gwen gripped the fence tightly, torn between revealing her secret and fearing the consequences. Even though she often appeared mature, she was just an eighteen-year-old girl struggling with balancing her superhero and personal life. Adjusting to her dual identity as Spider-Woman and Gwen was overwhelming.
Even for someone like Peter Parker, who had been Spider-Man for years, finding that balance was an ongoing challenge.
"Sorry, Peter. I need some time," Gwen said, struggling to express her feelings. She held Peter's hand tightly and looked at him earnestly. "But please believe in me."
Peter looked at Gwen, noticing the exhaustion in her eyes despite her bright demeanor. Being a hero was demanding, and balancing schoolwork, superhero duties, and personal relationships was taking its toll on her. If Peter hadn't helped reduce her crime-fighting load, she might have been overwhelmed.
"Don't worry, Gwen. I believe in you. I'll wait until you're ready to share," Peter said, gently stroking her blonde hair. "Take your time, and remember to rest when you're tired. It's okay."
Gwen was touched by Peter's kindness. His gentle touch felt like a comforting balm to her heart. She even wondered if Peter had figured out her secret identity. But no, he couldn't have.
Peter remained the same caring person he always was.
"Well… thank you, Peter. You're really sweet," Gwen said, feeling grateful.
Peter looked puzzled. "Did I get a 'good guy' award or something?"
"Ahem." A sudden, out-of-place voice interrupted them. Gwen turned to see her mother standing in the corridor, having arrived unnoticed.
Gwen quickly stepped away from Peter, her cheeks flushed red. She tried to distance herself, placing her hands behind her back.
Gwen's mother had an awkward expression. "Well, I just came up to tell you to come downstairs… Well, there's no rush…" She waved her hand. "You continue, I'll leave you to it."
And with that, she hurriedly left the rooftop.
Gwen covered her face with her hands, glaring at Peter through her fingers. "It's all your fault for laughing!" she said, embarrassed.
…
On the weekend at the Osborne Industrial Building, Peter looked up at the towering structure. With his enhanced vision and clairvoyance, nothing about Osborne was hidden from him.
"This place is quite impressive," Peter mused.
Even Superman's incredible powers were limited compared to the vast capabilities of his own abilities. Just thinking about it, he could uncover everything in the United States if he wanted to.
"It's amazing, isn't it? If you hadn't given up, you might have been interning here this summer," Gwen said.
She seemed concerned, unsure if she was more worried about Peter's decision or his lost opportunity.
Peter smiled and looked at her. "I've never regretted it, Gwen."
Gwen averted her gaze, avoiding Peter's eyes. "Even with your talents, it's tough. Do you know how much easier it would be for you to get into Ivy League schools with an Osborne internship on your resume? It could mean more scholarships."
"Gwen, you're sounding more and more like someone else," Peter teased.
"Hey! That's not fair! I'm just looking out for you," Gwen retorted.
They continued their playful argument as they entered the building.
After that night, their relationship returned to its usual dynamic. They remained close friends, but the changes were noticeable. There were more unintended physical touches and shared moments only they could understand. Their relationship was on the verge of becoming more than just friendship, though it had not yet fully crossed into romantic territory.
"Do you have an appointment?" the receptionist asked politely.
"We're students of Dr. Connors and have an appointment with him," Peter explained.
"Let me check… Okay, I found it. Please come in. Dr. Connors's lab is…" The receptionist directed them.
Gwen, familiar with the layout, led Peter to the lab.
"Dr. Connors's office is over here. Follow me," Gwen said.
They walked towards a glass-encased room, only to find the door slightly ajar. Inside, they heard raised voices and arguments.
…
"I'm only one step away now! There's just one final formula left to transfer lizard DNA into humans. You can't stop it now!"
"The final step? Dr. Connors, you said that three years ago, and it's still the same today."
"But this has proven its possibility, hasn't it? It just requires some precise formulas to find the right node…"
"Come on, forget it. It works, and it won't be on you, Connors."
There was a brief silence in the room before Connors continued, "What about… Osborne?"
"Year after year, Mr. Osborne can't wait any longer. Fortunately, he doesn't need to wait any longer."
"What do you mean?"
"There's more than just lizard projects in the company, isn't there? On the spider side, although something unexpected happened a month ago, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise and there's been some new progress."
"I heard that Osborne has been involved in some disputes recently…"
"Those who achieve great things don't get bogged down by trivial matters. For Mr. Osborne, you have to make some sacrifices, don't you?"
"Are you using them for human experiments?"
"Whatever you say, it's time to stop."
"…"
The man who had been arguing with Connors walked out of the room and bumped into Peter and Gwen. He glanced at them briefly but didn't bother to acknowledge them and left.
Connors noticed the two of them, his face showing exhaustion and loneliness. "Gwen… Peter, I'm sorry you had to hear that."
"Dr. Connors, is what you just said true?" Gwen asked, her voice tinged with excitement. She had interned at Oscorp and knew more than she let on.
"Osborn forcibly used volunteers for human experiments?"
"I'm sorry, Gwen. I didn't mean for you to hear that."
"No, Doctor, it's not your fault. I didn't expect Osborn to…" Gwen's anger was evident. As a superhero, she couldn't tolerate such violations of human life.
Connors sighed and said, "Come in first."
His office was cluttered with data and samples from various experiments. Connors, a middle-aged man, was deeply invested in his research, trying to transfer lizard genes to humans to regenerate lost limbs. His motivation stemmed from his experience as a military doctor, having witnessed many soldiers disabled due to war. He himself had lost an arm while saving people. He was fundamentally a good person, hoping to restore his own and others' limbs, but his zeal for this research led him to become obsessive. Unfortunately, he had become a lizard man—a tragic twist of fate.
Gwen seemed distracted, so Peter took the initiative: "Doctor, can you explain your idea? Transferring lizard genes to humans sounds brilliant."
Connors glanced at Peter, surprised at the young man's calm demeanor. "To be precise, this research project is called cross-species gene transfer. Lizards are just one branch of it. The goal is to give people the ability to regenerate severed limbs."
Connors mockingly waved his broken right hand. "The ultimate goal is to enable humans to selectively transplant genes from animals to repair and improve themselves without defects!"
"If this project succeeds, many diseases will become manageable."
"Spiders?" Peter suddenly asked.
"You're quite perceptive, kid." Connors was genuinely surprised this time. "Spiders are indeed another branch of this project."
He looked at Peter intently. Peter's analytical skills were remarkable, analyzing results from just a few clues. Such insight, combined with a rich knowledge base, often led to breakthroughs in research.
Connors valued Peter's talents and began explaining more complex details of the project, sharing some of the research challenges he faced. Peter's knowledge and quick thinking astonished Connors. Despite being a high school student, Peter engaged in a serious discussion with an authoritative biology expert, showcasing his extraordinary abilities.
Connors was both amazed and somewhat disheartened. What kind of prodigy was Peter? Had he unknowingly discovered a super genius?
Instead of being discouraged, Connors's spirit was invigorated. He eagerly discussed the cross-species gene transfer project with Peter, revealing some of the difficulties he encountered. The result was astounding—Peter's knowledge far exceeded Connors's expectations. Although Peter lacked experimental experience, his intellect and rapid problem-solving skills were extraordinary.
Peter, meanwhile, felt a surge of excitement. His [Biology Mastery] was advancing quickly, and his super vision allowed him to gather information from the entire lab, making his assistance invaluable to Connors. Despite his biology skills being at the proficient level, his enhanced brainpower helped him think quickly and provide inspiration, often surpassing Connors's expectations.
Gwen listened intently, her focus mainly on Peter. As the discussion continued, they returned to the core issue—the formula. Connors was struggling to find it.
Peter's mind raced as he absorbed information from the lab, processing and analyzing it rapidly. In the Supernatural movie, Peter Parker had helped Connors with a formula left by his father, but in this world, his parents were ordinary and had left nothing for him. The protagonist here was Gwen, not Peter Parker.
Connors looked at Peter with hope. Perhaps this young man could offer another surprise today?
At that moment, there was a loud explosion not far away, likely from a floor of the Osborne Building!
Peter and Gwen's spider-senses tingled simultaneously, and a wild, high-pitched laugh echoed in their minds.
"Oh Peter, I have to leave for a while…"
Gwen quickly gathered herself and gave Peter one last glance. "I'll be back soon."
"Go ahead. Dr. Connors and I will wait for your return," Peter said.
"What happened, Gwen?" Connors asked, puzzled after Gwen left.
"It's probably just a minor issue; otherwise, the alarm would have gone off. Dr. Connors, shall we continue?" Peter smiled.
Connors, now fully recognizing Peter's abilities as a scientific researcher, agreed. "Of course."
And so, the two of them continued working together to solve the final formula…
Outside the Osborne Building, a figure hovered ominously in the air. Clad in a high-tech green armor, wearing a devilish mask, and standing on a bat-winged glider, he was none other than the infamous Green Goblin.
As many knew, behind the Green Goblin's mask was Norman Osborn, the chairman of the Osborne Group. Osborn's family was plagued by a rare, incurable genetic disease that claimed the lives of each generation prematurely. As the head of the most powerful biotechnology firm in the United States, Norman Osborn was unwilling to accept this grim fate. Desperate to extend his life, he turned to cross-species gene transfer technology.
However, his project continuously faltered at a critical stage due to technical difficulties. A prominent example was Dr. Connors' lizard serum, which had caused the entire laboratory to stagnate for years. Frustrated and unwilling to accept defeat, Norman shifted his focus to developing a mechanical life-support system. Even if it meant being bound to this device for the rest of his life, he was determined to survive.
Despite his efforts, the mechanical suit fell short of its intended purpose. It could heal injuries, sustain bodily functions, and enhance physical strength, but it could not preserve life indefinitely. Norman's health deteriorated, forcing him into bed and leaving him to reflect on his son Harry, who was studying abroad.
Then, a month ago, a breakthrough occurred. An experimental spider project, which had previously failed, led to a mishap when genetically modified spiders escaped their containment. Surprisingly, this accident resolved a persistent issue that had plagued the lab. Although the laboratory was back in operation, Norman couldn't afford to wait for the spider serum to mature. In his desperation, he conducted hasty human trials with the underdeveloped serum. The results were disastrous—all test subjects perished from the toxins.
In a last-ditch effort, Norman injected himself with the immature spider serum. He should have died from the toxins, but the life-sustaining armor he had developed counteracted the poison. Thus, a fusion of two flawed elements gave rise to a new, formidable entity: the Green Goblin.
Clenching his fists, Norman reveled in the newfound vitality coursing through him. "I am reborn... as a more perfect and powerful existence!" With the pain of the past behind him, the Green Goblin's desire for destruction ignited. His hellish essence was unleashed.
He redirected his glider and aimed two small bombs at the crowd below. "Hello! Goodbye! Hahahaha!" The Green Goblin's maniacal laughter echoed as he launched the bombs.
However, the anticipated explosion was thwarted. An agile figure swung out from a nearby high-rise, expertly shooting webbing from her hands to ensnare the bombs. She then performed a spectacular 360° flip, hurling the explosives into the sky.
Boom! Boom!
Two massive explosions lit up the sky. The Green Goblin glared at the figure who had ruined his plans, feeling an inexplicable sense of loathing. The figure was none other than Gwen, who had finally arrived.
"Hey! Do you realize what you just did? You almost killed people!" Gwen shouted.
"Of course, I regret my failure," the Green Goblin retorted, glaring at Gwen. "Who are you?"
Gwen was momentarily taken aback. For someone like her, encountering such a deranged individual was rare, with only the dead Vulture leaving a similar impression. Strangely, the Green Goblin's armor bore a resemblance to the Vulture's, hinting at a common origin.
"Me? I'm Spider-Woman. What's your connection to the Vulture?" Gwen inquired.
"Vulture? Don't compare me to that lowly thief!" the Green Goblin thundered. "I am the Green Goblin!"
With a swift motion, the Green Goblin drew a sharp blade from his glider and charged at Gwen. But Gwen had grown significantly since their last encounter. No longer the inexperienced hero from a month ago, her agility and skill with spider silk had markedly improved.
The battle between the Green Goblin, on his glider, and Gwen, swinging from her web, raged across New York. Despite her agility and advanced fighting techniques, Gwen struggled against the Green Goblin's ruthless tactics. She managed to jam a spider bomb into the aircraft's propeller, nearly causing him to crash, and used her webs to disrupt the aircraft's balance.
Yet, the Green Goblin's arsenal of explosives created an ongoing threat. His disregard for safety and reckless use of bombs, aimed not at Gwen but at innocent bystanders, pushed Gwen to her limits.
As more onlookers gathered and police helicopters approached, the Green Goblin's impatience grew. He unleashed a flurry of bombs, tossed Gwen aside, and swooped down to grab a young girl. Using the remaining explosives on his body, he destroyed a nearby train track and flew towards a speeding train to sabotage its braking system.
In a flash, the Green Goblin stood on the out-of-control train, his sinister mask illuminated by flashing lights. Ignoring the girl's terrified screams, he confronted Gwen. "Make a choice, Spider-Woman. Will you save this girl's life, or the entire train?"
...
Inside the Osborne Tower, Connors' Experimental Lab.
Peter Parker and Dr. Connors were deep in discussion. Peter, harnessing his extraordinary intellect, had outpaced Connors, who could only watch in awe.
At last, Peter wrote down a formula and presented it.
[Skill Acquired: Biology Master]
Connors was astonished. The solution to a problem that had eluded him for years had been resolved so swiftly. Reverently, he took the formula, considering it his most cherished discovery.
"Peter… Oh, Peter, I can't thank you enough," Connors said, no longer seeing the young man as merely a junior but as someone of extraordinary talent. "You've achieved what I never could."
"You're welcome. I'm just building on the work of those who came before me," Peter responded, acknowledging Connors' contributions.
Peter knew that despite the formula's promise, extensive testing and adjustments were still required before it could be applied clinically.
"I understand. The next phase is the physical work, and I'll handle it," Connors said, eager to get started.
Peter smiled and stepped back, giving Connors space to work. As he watched Connors diligently at the experimental table, he mused, "So, what will you choose, Connors?"
He then left, ready to face the next challenge.
Inside the runaway train, chaos reigned. Hundreds of passengers, realizing the danger they were in, screamed in panic as the train hurtled forward out of control.
"Help!"
"Who can save us!"
In the carriage, Gwen faced the grim choice given by the Green Goblin. Between saving one person and hundreds of others, there was no real choice. She wanted to save them all.
The Green Goblin hurled the girl in his grasp away from the train. Perhaps driven by the adrenaline of the moment and her familiarity with the Green Goblin's tactics, Gwen launched herself using her webbing, catching the girl mid-air. She then used her webs to momentarily hinder the Green Goblin's actions.
But she knew the challenge had only begun.
The train, now wrecked by the sudden braking, made Gwen's spider sense scream in alarm. Lacking the physical strength to halt the train, she relied solely on her webbing. She darted between the carriages, shooting webs to anchor herself to the train and the buildings on either side.
The webs broke quickly, forcing her to shoot new ones continuously. For the first time, Gwen was hyper-focused, her adrenaline surging. She performed feats she hadn't thought possible before. Soon, her webbing began to weave a complex lattice, connecting one point to another in a stunning display. The entire scene was like a giant white silk trap, with only a pair of blue ballet shoes visible against it.
"No!" The Green Goblin, witnessing the spectacle, roared, "I won't let you destroy my masterpiece again, Spider-Woman!"
He charged at Gwen, now visibly anxious. If Spider-Man succeeded, he would be a laughingstock. The Green Goblin couldn't allow that.
He struggled with Gwen, trying to block her with his body. "Get out of the way!" Gwen shouted angrily.
"Absolutely impossible!" he retorted.
The train continued its dangerous course, with passengers crying out for help as it plunged into the abyss.
"No!" Gwen yelled in despair, her heart heavy with helplessness. She had given her all.
"Hahahaha…" The Green Goblin's maniacal laughter filled the air, his destructive urges fully satisfied.
Then, a strange sound cut through the chaos.
"Wooooo!" The passengers' voices rose in surprise.
"Huh?" The Green Goblin was stunned. Where was the explosion? The screams? His grand design?
Gwen was also shocked. She and the Green Goblin exchanged bewildered looks as the car that had fallen from the viaduct appeared to "hover" and even the speeding train seemed to be stopped by an unseen force.
Suddenly, a black figure appeared, lifting the carriage back into place.
"It's Black Superman!"
"Black Superman is here!"
It was Peter Parker, who had come from Connors. Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief. Despite New Yorkers' complaints about Black Superman, they still trusted in his immense power.
Except for the Green Goblin.
His eyes widened with fury, his body trembling with rage. He flew towards Peter and demanded, "Do you know what you've done? You ruined my masterpiece!"
Peter frowned, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and frustration. "Why are we all so crazy?" He glanced at Gwen, ensuring she wasn't seriously hurt.
The Green Goblin's fury reached a boiling point. He maneuvered his glider to attack, thinking it was the perfect moment to strike Black Superman while he was occupied with the train.
But Peter was no ordinary adversary. As a being who had transcended the earthly realm, Peter was far superior. The Green Goblin made the same mistake as the Vulture—poor information.
Peter reached out, grabbed the Green Goblin by the neck, and yanked him off the glider. To the Green Goblin's shock, he didn't panic. Instead, he laughed wildly.
Gwen shouted a warning, "Be careful!"
The Green Goblin's glider, now circling in the air with its blades out, attempted to strike Peter again.
"Go to hell!"
Boom!
The glider collided with Peter, causing an explosion of smoke. Yet, Peter remained unmoved, his dark silhouette untouched by the impact. The Green Goblin's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Noisy."
Peter's deep voice resonated, and with a surge of immense force, he hurled the Green Goblin to the roadside. The ground cracked under the impact as the Green Goblin slumped unconscious.
Gwen stared blankly at the scene. Was it… over?
In mere seconds, the arrival of Black Superman had brought everything to a standstill. Compared to him, she felt like a mere child.
She watched as Black Superman carefully positioned the carriage and then flew towards the Green Goblin. Before everyone, Black Superman's eyes glowed with a menacing scarlet light as he prepared to "execute" the Green Goblin publicly.
No one intervened. Everyone had experienced the Green Goblin's madness firsthand. He had endangered their lives, and many began to reflect on whether Black Superman's earlier harsh methods were ultimately more protective.
"No!"
Only Gwen stood in opposition.
Peter looked at her, his eyes' scarlet light fading. His voice, deep and resonant like Batman's, asked, "What's wrong?"
"You can't kill him!" Gwen protested. "The police and the law should handle his punishment!"
As George's daughter, she naturally felt some alignment with his ideals. One of Spider-Man's core principles was to avoid killing unless absolutely necessary, leaving justice to the legal system.
Though Peter found this approach troublesome, he respected it. Every hero has a set of principles they uphold, even anti-heroes. The key difference is whether the public accepts those principles.
Peter sighed, glancing at the crowd. The New York police were arriving, and a helicopter hovered above, with George among them. It was clear the crowd preferred to leave justice to the police over Black Superman's methods.
Peter floated above, looking down at Gwen with a hint of pity. "So, if he does evil again, will you take responsibility for the injuries?"
Gwen was taken aback by the question. Facing someone so powerful and unpredictable, she was understandably nervous.
"No, he won't have the chance to commit more evil! The law will punish him!" Gwen replied confidently, believing in her father and Peter.
Peter took a long look at her youthful, earnest face and simply said, "I hope you're right."
With a sonic boom, Peter burst into the air and quickly vanished from view. The tension eased as Black Superman departed, leaving the scene behind.
"So, now…" Everyone turned their attention to the unconscious Green Goblin, eager to find out who had caused the day's chaos.
Gwen, too, was eager to uncover the identity of the villain. She stepped forward, removed the Green Goblin's mask, and was stunned to see Norman Osborn's face revealed.
The true villain behind the chaos was exposed.
"Mr. Osborne, do you have any objections to the accusations against you, including the New York police's terrorist attack on you, harm to civilians, and forced human experimentation on veterans, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries and caused serious social repercussions?"
On TV, Norman Osborn sat in the dock, undergoing a court trial. Despite still wearing his life-support device, he appeared disheveled and somewhat despondent.
Two weeks had passed since the Green Goblin attack. The repercussions of the incident had reverberated across the nation. As one of the most successful businessmen in the United States, the billionaire Norman Osborn, head of the Osborn Group, being exposed as a supervillain was shocking. The destructive nature of the event and the sensational gossip had ignited widespread public outrage.
In the aftermath, the Black Superman and Spider-Woman, who had apprehended him, were thrust into the limelight. Gwen received a flurry of praise daily, which was deeply gratifying for her as an 18-year-old burgeoning hero.
Yet, Norman Osborn faced widespread condemnation. The public was closely watching the trial, hoping for appropriate retribution. Before the trial concluded, there was a surge in this sentiment.
However, in the courtroom, the atmosphere shifted.
"Your Honor, before we proceed, my client needs to present a document," said Norman Osborn's lawyer, stepping forward with a piece of paper.
"My client, Mr. Norman Osborn, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia by the psychiatric department at Presbyterian Hospital," the lawyer continued. "The actions in question were carried out by another personality, beyond Mr. Osborn's conscious control. He does not even have any recollection of these events. In truth, Mr. Osborn's work in advancing cross-species genetic modification technology was meant to benefit humanity. His other personality is merely a side effect of his contributions."
He gestured towards Osborn. "Kind Mr. Osborn is also a victim. He has been tormented by this alternate personality during this period..."
Snap!
Gwen angrily turned off the TV, her frustration palpable.
"Dad, is there really no other option?" she asked.
George sighed and replied, "No. Norman Osborn will be institutionalized for treatment and will never be released. While the trial isn't over yet, it's clear that the outcome is set."
Gwen frowned, "Why is this happening? If evildoers can't face proper punishment, then what's the point of the law?"
Even prisons could be transformed into luxury facilities for the wealthy, let alone a medical institution. It seemed Norman Osborn was effectively retiring in comfort.
Moreover, following the trial, various attempts to whitewash Osborn appeared online and in the media, alongside doubts and smears against the Black Superman and Spider-Woman. Since Black Superman's power was formidable, most of the backlash was directed at Spider-Woman, resulting in a mix of praise and derision. Gwen struggled with this turbulent period, feeling deeply unsettled.
"Gwen, the world is far more complex than the sheltered environment of school. Osborn is a billionaire, and this outcome, though unsatisfactory, is perhaps the best achievable result," George explained.
In truth, Norman Osborn's ability to manipulate the situation stemmed from his immense wealth and influence, backed by his interest in cross-species genetic modifications and biological armor. These technologies, despite their detrimental side effects, were highly sought after and had afforded him a certain immunity.
"No, Dad!" Gwen protested, "Even a billionaire shouldn't be able to nearly kill a car full of people and subject countless veterans to cruel experiments while enjoying a peaceful retirement!"
"But sometimes, we must make compromises," George said, patting Gwen's head. "This resolution should be enough to satisfy everyone."
"But I can't be satisfied, Dad..." Gwen said softly to herself.
If she were an ordinary person, she might have accepted the outcome. But as Spider-Woman, she had personally stopped the Black Superman and vowed that the Green Goblin would face justice. The current situation felt like a mockery of her commitment.
She wrestled with the notion that if the law couldn't bring true justice, what was the point of her perseverance? Additionally, the media and online critiques made her question her worthiness as Spider-Woman and her ability to uphold her responsibilities.
She recalled Black Superman's ominous question, "If he does evil again, can you be responsible for the injured?" The question haunted her, casting doubt over her resolve.
"No... no way. He will be locked away in a medical institution for the rest of his life," Gwen muttered, trying to convince herself.
"Gwen? Gwen?" Peter's voice broke through her thoughts. "What can't come out?"
Gwen snapped back to reality, realizing she was at school. "It's nothing, just lost in thought."
"You've been distracted lately, even struggling to answer questions in class," Peter noted, walking beside her. "If you need to talk, I'm here."
Gwen opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by a sudden commotion. Nearby, a group of students shouted, "Look, the little Green Goblin is here!"
Amid the jeering, Harry's name was thrown around. The insults cut deep, reflecting his father's disgrace and his own current predicament.
"Get out of my way, you jerks!" Harry yelled, trapped in the crowd, his self-esteem in tatters.
The pride he once felt in the Green Goblin name had turned into scorn after Spider-Woman had revealed his father's criminal activities. Now, he faced public scorn and bullying, unable to escape the shadow of his father's actions.
"Principal! The principal is coming!" someone shouted, causing the crowd to scatter.
Harry gritted his teeth, watching the crowd disperse. He noticed Peter and Gwen among them and managed a bitter smile. "Thank you."
"No, it's the least I could do," Gwen responded, her feelings conflicted. She knew that if it weren't for her, Harry might have remained in the privileged position he once held.
Harry then addressed Peter directly, "Thank you, Peter. I was right about you; you are a true friend."
Gwen looked at Peter in surprise. Since when had Peter become so supportive?
Peter shrugged, chatted briefly with Harry, and then let him go. Harry was likely in no mood for conversation.
As Gwen watched Harry leave, she couldn't help but think about her own fears. The Green Goblin incident had ignited worries about what would happen if her own identity were revealed. What would her friends and family think of her? How would others view her and her loved ones?
Harry's situation served as a stark reminder, and she knew she had to remain vigilant. The criticism she faced online, including cruel comments about her appearance, was infuriating.
Peter remained a reassuring presence, though Gwen wondered how he would react if he knew she was Spider-Woman. She found herself blushing at the thought, a small comfort in a challenging time.
Suddenly, her spider-sense triggered, signaling imminent danger. The threat was close and extremely dangerous, right at school!
Before Gwen could react, a loud crash echoed through the corridor as a wall collapsed. A massive, two-meter-tall green creature burst through, roaring with fury.
Students screamed and fled in panic. The dust cleared, revealing the creature: a genetically mutated lizard with sharp claws, teeth, and a long tail.
It was Dr. Connors, transformed into a lizard-man.
"Oh... why does it have to be green again?" Gwen muttered, exasperated.
Connors' new appearance left Gwen utterly confused.
Why is there such a monster in my school?
But now was not the time for questions. This giant creature looked dangerously menacing, and it was clear that Spider-Woman needed to step in.
To understand why Connors had transformed into a lizard and appeared at school, we need to look back at the aftermath of the Green Goblin incident.
Norman Osborn's exposure led to a catastrophic drop in the Osborne Group's stock price, plunging the entire company into chaos.
Among the projects left behind by Norman Osborn, the cross-species gene transfer project drew significant attention from various parties.
Fortunately, Connors had recently perfected the genetic formula that had been stagnant for years, suddenly making him the center of attention.
In such cutthroat transactions of money and power, those who shine brightly often face swift destruction without adequate strength.
Connors, a prominent biologist and authority on genetic engineering, found that his fame alone wasn't enough to protect him.
He was quickly dismissed from his position and, using his previous connections, managed to find temporary employment at Midtown Technology High School.
However, with the success of the lizard serum nearing, Connors was unwilling to give up.
He poured all his savings into his research, eventually creating the first version of the serum and successfully regenerating the severed limbs of mice.
This achievement caught the attention of the Osborne Group, which, despite its disarray, swiftly intervened.
They presented Connors with two options in a haughty and domineering manner: either commercialize the serum to rescue the company's stock, or they would shut down further research.
Some might wonder why Osborn would prevent others from conducting research. The answer is simple: Connors had accumulated numerous patents and copyrights over the years while working for Osborn, making it impossible for him to continue without Osborn's approval.
Thus, Connors, who had just taken a step toward realizing his life's goal, found his path obstructed once again.
Ironically, the obstacles he faced were products of his own painstaking efforts.
Overwhelmed by grief, powerlessness, and anger, Connors saw his savings dwindling, leaving him unable to continue.
Desperate, he made the drastic decision to become the first test subject for his own lizard serum.
After passing out, he awoke to find that his long-disabled right hand had regenerated.
It was astonishing, with skin as pink and delicate as a baby's. Connors gazed at his hand in awe.
Then, he felt an intense hunger.
This was expected, given the immense energy required to regenerate the arm.
Connors didn't think much of it and began rummaging through the refrigerator for food.
Milk, cereal, meat, and fruit—he searched frantically… where was the meat?!
Why had it disappeared so quickly? Why couldn't he satisfy his hunger?
In frustration, Connors smashed the refrigerator, reducing it to rubble.
A gigantic lizard emerged from the debris, its eyes filled with primal hunger. The predator's instincts took over, driving him to hunt.
Lizardman Connors extended his massive, sharp claws and began tearing apart lockers in the corridor. His bright yellow, vertical pupils locked onto Gordon, a student nearby.
Terrified, Gordon's legs gave way, and he collapsed, unable to escape.
"Don't come any closer!" Gordon screamed in panic.
To the lizardman, Gordon was nothing more than prey.
The lizardman opened its gaping maw, revealing razor-sharp teeth and drool, and lunged at Gordon.
At the last moment, Spider-Woman swooped in, using her web to pull Gordon out of harm's way, leaving the lizardman snapping at empty air.
"Hey! Eating people is uncivilized, big guy!"
Spider-Woman quickly pulled Peter away to a safe spot, allowing her to focus on dealing with the monstrous lizard.
After sending Peter to inform the teacher, she returned to confront the lizardman alone.
The lizardman's eyes flickered as he growled, "Prey… prey, enemy…"
"What?" Gwen was stunned.
The lizardman lunged at her, and Gwen deftly evaded the attack.
In the lizardman's eyes, the spider was just another predator interfering with his hunt.
The chase ensued through the school corridors. Gwen felt a chill run down her spine.
Unlike the agile opponents she had faced before, this reptilian lizardman was far more formidable, with deadly claws and teeth capable of easily tearing her apart.
Avoiding contact was crucial!
However, when Gwen ensnared the lizardman in spider silk, the creature broke free, whipping its tail and sending her crashing into the ground.
Dazed, Gwen struggled to rise but was momentarily overwhelmed by the force of the impact.
The lizardman, scaling the wall, lunged at her with its maw wide open.
"Despicable thief… die…"
At the critical moment, Gwen could only hold the lizardman's jaws apart with her hands, barely managing to resist.
"Hey! Your breath is really foul!"
"Roar!"
Gwen's taunt seemed to enrage the lizardman, intensifying its bite.
Her arms trembled under the strain, struggling to keep the powerful jaws at bay.
Suddenly, there was a loud crash!
The lizardman's head was struck with a resounding impact, interrupting its attack.
Turning, the lizardman saw Gordon, trembling and holding a fire extinguisher.
"Don't come any closer!" Gordon shouted.
The lizardman was momentarily puzzled.
What? Wasn't this kid attacking me? Now he wants me to stay away?
"Roar!!!" The lizardman roared in fury, extending its massive claws to strike Gordon down.
Swish! Swish!
Two spider lines wrapped around the lizardman's hand simultaneously. A figure dashed from the corner, pulling Gordon to safety once more.
Gwen seized the moment, using her webbing to ensnare the lizardman completely, encasing him in a cocoon.
Gordon, still catching his breath from the ordeal, looked at Peter, who had just saved him again.
"Why did you try to help earlier, Gordon?" Peter asked.
Gordon, trying to calm his racing heart, replied,
"I don't know. I was scared and should have run, but… I didn't want to do nothing while Spider-Woman was in danger."
"I wanted to be useful at least once."
Peter was surprised but quickly smiled. "You did well, Gordon. You made an unexpected choice. But now, you should get out of here. It's too dangerous."
"Oh… okay! What about you? Aren't you leaving?"
"Me? No, I need to stay and help her. Otherwise, things might get worse."
"Peter! What are you doing here!?" Gwen exclaimed.
"This is my school, what did you expect?" Peter replied. He had already encountered Spider-Man's identity when he had helped Gwen before.
Gwen was clearly frustrated. She had hoped Peter would meet with the teacher in a safer location, not come back into danger. But she couldn't voice her irritation, so she simply made a mistake.
"That's a coincidence, but it's very dangerous here. You need to leave immediately."
"But I think you need help," Peter countered.
Gwen's dissatisfaction was palpable. She gestured with her hand. "Me? No need. Look, I've subdued this big guy."
"Really? I don't think so," Gwen said, glancing back.
The lizard man's claws had already started to tear through the spider silk, and he was breaking free from the spider cocoon.
"Run!" Gwen shouted, pulling the lizard man along with the spider silk.
Gwen was agile and fast, but the lizard man, with his superior strength and defense, was almost on par with her in agility and could climb walls. She struggled to inflict effective damage while the lizard man could end her with a single blow.
Gwen fought and fled through corridors, chemistry labs, and libraries, creating chaos wherever she went. Eventually, the lizard man caught Gwen off guard and struck her with his tail.
The immense force crushed Gwen's slender body, making it hard for her to breathe. She struggled, but it was futile.
"Spider, die!" the lizard man roared mindlessly.
Gwen felt herself growing weaker and was suffocating. Despair began to overwhelm her, and she feared this might be the end.
"Stop! Connors!" A loud voice interrupted the lizard man.
Gwen felt the giant claws loosening, and she hit the ground heavily. Before she could catch her breath, she scrambled up and stood in front of Peter, trying to shield him from the lizard man.
Her hands trembled slightly, and she said urgently, "Peter! Why haven't you left yet!?"
She felt a pang of guilt, worried she might not be able to protect Peter this time.
Unexpectedly, the lizard man suddenly halted.
"Peter…" the lizard man murmured hoarsely.
Hearing the name "Connors" seemed to help him regain some semblance of sanity.
"Connors! I didn't help you just to see you like this!" Peter said firmly.
"Wait! Dr. Connors? Peter, what did you just say? Is this lizard monster Dr. Connors?" Gwen's eyes widened.
Peter nodded and continued to watch the lizard man.
Dr. Connors's mind gradually cleared, but he wished he hadn't.
"I… What have I done?" he said, staring at his monstrous hands in horror.
He had attacked his own students! Connors was overwhelmed by shame and, unable to cope with his actions, fled the scene.
Gwen breathed a sigh of relief, collapsing on the ground as if all her strength had drained. Peter caught her in his arms.
As Gwen rested there, she couldn't help but say, "Well, Peter, you know, Dr. Connors is quite renowned. I just…"
"I understand. I've seen him in newspapers and documents," Peter replied.
Gwen was momentarily unsure whether it was good or bad that Peter was so understanding.
"How did he… How did he become like this?"
Peter explained briefly, "It's my fault. If I hadn't given him those formulas, he wouldn't be like this…"
"I'm familiar with the formula…" Peter elaborated on how Connors had turned into a lizard man. Some details Gwen knew; others were new to her.
"Osborne… Always Osborne!" Gwen said angrily.
Realizing she had been lying in Peter's arms, Gwen sprang up, flustered.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked.
"I'm fine!" Gwen replied repeatedly. "You saved me again. Thank you."
"I told you, you needed help," Peter said.
Gwen was exasperated, recognizing that Peter was right. Her performance today had been poor, especially against Dr. Connors.
"Sorry," Gwen said, lowering her head. "I should have done better."
Peter encouraged her, "You held off Dr. Connors and saved everyone at the school. You did great."
"Everyone needs help, right? We worked together to defeat Dr. Connors. This is what superheroes do, right?"
Gwen laughed, "You want to be my partner?"
Peter blinked, "I wish you would."
As Peter walked out of the school, he saw that police had cordoned off the area. He quickly spotted some familiar faces in the crowd. His classmates and teachers were all safe.
Gordon seemed to have been apprehended again by Eugene Flash Thompson and the others. Peter had initially intended to help him but paused, laughing to himself.
"I'm unnecessary here."
Eugene Flash Thompson held Gordon and said, "Hey, Gordon! I finally found you!"
Gordon shrank back, "You… What do you want?"
"Can you let me go today?" Gordon pleaded.
"What did you say?" Eugene Flash Thompson glared at him and then told the others, "He's fine!"
"Are you okay, Peter?" George asked, hurrying over.
"I'm fine, Uncle," Peter replied.
"Where's Gwen? Have you seen her?" George asked anxiously. "And what happened here today?"
Peter sighed inwardly, realizing he would have to cover for Gwen. "Gwen is okay."
He straightened his face and said, "But there's something more serious!"
George was taken aback. "What?"
"Do you know about the Osborne Group's cross-species gene transfer technology? I suspect a new victim has appeared—a lizard man…"
"Wait, you mean like the kind of lizard man in novels and comics? Are you sure?" George asked.
"Absolutely!" Peter nodded. "I've discussed it with Dr. Connors, an expert on reptiles. He confirmed that it could cause genetic mutations."
"Wait, you talked to Connors? He's an authority on reptiles?" George seemed more intrigued.
"Yes, just last weekend. Dr. Connors even said I was a rare genius."
Peter's diversion worked; George's focus shifted further.
…
Meanwhile, in a classroom approved by the school for Connors' research, Gwen had rushed here after leaving her contact information with Peter. The lab was in disarray, and it appeared Connors had escaped through the sewer.
Gwen checked the vandalized toilet to ensure no one was around, then looked through the classroom filled with research materials. The only thing missing was the remaining lizard serum from the table.
"Something bad has happened…"
Nightfall in the Bedroom
Gwen sat at her computer, her excitement palpable as she sent a friend request to Peter Parker using her newly acquired device.
[The other party has approved your friend request. You can now start chatting!]
Within moments, a reply popped up on her screen. During the day, Gwen, as Spider-Woman, had arranged to contact Peter. All she needed was a new device, ensuring it had nothing to do with her true identity as Gwen Stacy. Humming cheerfully, she typed:
[Hello.]
The response came quickly:
[Hello, Spider-Woman!]
Gwen chuckled as she read the message.
[Don't call me that here.]
[Then what should I call you?]
Gwen hesitated, unsure of how Peter should address her. Peter followed up with:
[Remember when we first met?]
[Of course.]
[Can I call you 'Cat'? Or 'Catwoman'?]
Gwen remembered Peter had once joked with Aunt May, calling her a little wild cat. It was a bit much.
[That sounds a lot like a superhero title, don't you think?] Gwen replied.
[Well, if that's the case, you can call me 'Bateman'.]
Gwen's eyes widened.
Peter, you said you weren't flirting with other girls!
It felt strange—Peter was clearly teasing her, but she didn't have a right to complain. They weren't officially a couple, and in a way, Peter was flirting with her. The realization made Gwen feel oddly tangled, like her emotions were caught in a knot.
Was she considering accepting it?
Gwen found herself pondering superheroes and their relationships, akin to Superman and Lois Lane. Peter would certainly have a unique reaction when he discovered her true identity.
However, this was just a minor distraction from her main objective. After a brief exchange, Gwen shifted the conversation to Dr. Connors.
[Dr. Connors escaped into the sewers. The underground system in New York is so complex that finding him will be difficult.]
[He also took the remaining lizard serum.]
Peter's response came promptly:
[That's actually a good sign. It confirms my suspicion that the effects of the lizard serum might not be permanent.]
[As for the sewers… hold on, I'll send you a document.]
[Okay.]
[Is this a blueprint of New York's sewer system? Peter, how did you get this?]
Peter glanced at his new hacking skills, such as [Computer Proficiency] and [Software Engineering Proficiency], on his panel.
[I picked up some hacking skills and managed to get into the city's system… though it wasn't easy.]
Gwen was impressed. She hadn't realized Peter had such talents. Maybe Dr. Connors was right; Peter was indeed a genius. Gwen felt proud rather than envious and typed:
[Isn't this risky?]
[We're saving New York, after all!]
[Alright, you've convinced me.]
Superheroes might be compassionate, but they weren't clueless. They knew when to act swiftly. Thus, the first collaboration between Spider-Woman and her informant went smoothly, albeit with some ambiguity.
Underground Hideout
Connors, now reverted to his human form, struggled to rise from the ground, nearly collapsing. His arms had returned to their broken state. Connors looked at his damaged arm with disbelief and rage.
"Why!" he roared in frustration.
He had thought he was on the verge of success, only to be mocked by fate. His transformation into a giant lizard had already stripped him of his human dignity, and now, it seemed he had lost his only solace.
He set up a bracket and camera to record his current condition and thoughts. Despite returning to human form, half of his skin was permanently marred with lizard scales, and one pupil glowed a reptilian yellow.
"I... I didn't expect it to end like this. Yes, I failed you, Peter," Connors said, his voice trembling.
He grabbed a handful of his hair in pain.
"He gave me the formula, and I ruined it. Look at me now."
"Why? I only wanted to create a perfect world! A race of strength where no one is discriminated against or excluded!"
He slammed his arm on the table, his voice bitter, "But I failed."
"Why? Humans are fragile, pathetic creatures. They are lowly, slow, and short-sighted. They waste their lives on meaningless schemes… Hehehe…"
Suddenly, Connors's gaze grew manic.
"So why cling to being human? We have a better choice now, don't we?"
Connors stood up and picked up the lizard serum, his hands trembling as he spoke.
"We will become faster, stronger, and smarter… Let everyone embrace a glorious evolution!"
"Oh… no," Gwen gasped, covering her mouth as she watched the video playback. Using the sewer map Peter provided, she had found Connors's hideout, but it seemed she was too late.
All she found was the recorded video. Connors had completely lost it, intent on turning everyone into genetically mutated monsters. She couldn't comprehend why the once respected and humorous Dr. Connors had devolved into this. She needed to find him before he made any irreversible mistakes.
Presbyterian Nursing Home
Harry navigated through layers of security and reached the deepest part of the facility. In a small visiting room, through a window and iron bars, he confronted his father, Norman Osborn.
Harry's emotions were conflicted. Norman's face was pallid with strange green veins, his eyes bloodshot and cloudy. His mental state was unstable; he was nervous, clad in biological armor, and shackled. He was a far cry from the imposing, intelligent man Harry remembered.
"Father," Harry began.
"Harry…" Norman extended his hand and looked out with wide eyes, "You finally came to see me."
Harry nodded.
"Is everything they said true?"
"What do you mean?"
"What the world is saying—that they've framed you, right?" Harry asked hopefully.
Norman chuckled darkly.
"No, I did it, kid, and even worse."
Harry looked at this strange yet familiar man, confused.
"Why? I don't understand why you would do this."
Norman locked eyes with Harry.
"I suppose I haven't told you yet."
"What?"
"Do you remember your grandfather?"
"No, he passed away before I was born."
"Yes, that day is etched in my mind," Norman said, narrowing his eyes.
"I never wanted to be like him. He couldn't see the day my grandson was born."
Harry was taken aback.
"Father, what do you mean?"
Norman explained, "The Osborn family suffers from a genetic disease. Every Osborn dies from it in their prime. They all struggled and perished, just like my father and grandfather…"
"Only me!" Norman suddenly grabbed the iron railing, his face contorted with a fierce look.
"I am the only one who survived. Even in this state, I still live!"
"No…" Harry couldn't accept it. "You're lying…"
He felt as if he had plummeted from a great height. The transformation of his world due to the "Green Goblin" was overwhelming. Everyone viewed him with suspicion and hostility. Now, Norman's words seemed to drag him into the depths of despair.
Norman grinned, his expression wild.
"Sooner or later, this is the fate you'll accept."
Harry collapsed, murmuring to himself.
"I… what should I do?"
Norman looked at Harry. Perhaps it was a paternal instinct or a final flicker of humanity. Before Harry left, Norman said:
"Find Spider-Woman."
Harry looked at him in confusion.
"Why?"
"She's the only perfect cross-species gene transferrer so far. I felt the genes in my body react when I met her; they were eager to devour her."
"Only she can save you now."
As Harry left, disoriented, Norman lowered his head, lost in thought. When a nurse came in to escort him back, he suddenly went berserk, tearing off his handcuffs with ease. The alarm blared throughout the nursing home.
At the Apartment
Peter lay on the sofa, the piano music playing to its final crescendo. The news on TV flashed urgent updates:
"Mr. Stark, chairman of Stark Industries, billionaire, and playboy, was attacked by terrorists while testing weapons with the US military in Afghanistan. His current whereabouts are unknown…"
"The military has dispatched rescue teams, but there is no news yet."
Stark Industries' stock plummeted today. Tony Stark's role in the company was undeniable.
[Ding! Mission received: Save Tony Stark]
"When you need help, you can call my name."
"Useful?"
"Maybe."
Mission Goal: Respond to Tony Stark's call before his life is exhausted and rescue him.
Mission Reward: 6000 points
"Who am I? Where am I?"
"Oh yes… I am Tony Stark." As Tony Stark slowly awoke from his coma, he gradually regained his senses. He noticed the wires connected to his body and the mechanical device strapped to his chest. Despite his confusion, memories started to come back.
After receiving a commission from Superman, he had been eagerly awaiting the chance to start researching and upgrading Suit 3. He was baffled by the advanced technology—though similar to human designs, it had many intriguing new features. Tony was brimming with inspiration.
Unfortunately, his uncle, Obadiah Stane, had insisted he travel to Afghanistan with the army to test the Jericho missile, aiming to boost weapon sales. It was a routine scenario: Tony created, and Obadiah profited. Though Tony felt a twinge of regret, he complied, expecting the trip to last just a day or two, giving him ample time to continue his research.
But things went awry. Tony was attacked by terrorists and hit by a weapon of his own making. Before losing consciousness, he realized that his injuries were life-threatening without immediate intervention. Afghanistan, of all places, offered no medical equipment.
Yet, he was still alive. Determined to understand why, Tony turned to the man beside him. "What did you do to me?"
"I saved your life. I removed a lot of shrapnel, but I'm afraid there are still many fragments that couldn't be extracted," the man, a doctor named Ethan, explained. "The electromagnet connected to a car battery is preventing the shrapnel from reaching your heart. You have about a week left."
So, Tony had a week to live. Then, terrorists burst in, demanding he build missiles for them.
"No," Tony replied.
He endured brutal torture, beatings, and waterboarding—a dark chapter in his memory. Yet, he never lost faith. His weapons, he believed, were meant to protect people and his country. But then he saw Stark weapons in the terrorists' camp—many of them. The faith he clung to shattered.
In his despair, he shut himself off from the world until Ethan addressed him, "This week is crucial for you, isn't it, Mr. Stark?"
Tony decided to comply with the terrorists' demands, but only as a temporary measure. He recalled the suit Superman had given him, and with renewed determination, thought, maybe he could make a difference and be a true protector.
Clang! Clang! Clang! The rhythmic sound of metalworking echoed through the cave cell. Outside, the terrorist leader observed Tony's efforts. Tony's every move was under scrutiny.
"Boss, should we…?" one of the subordinates asked quietly.
"No, let him continue," the leader replied with a relaxed demeanor. "Let him believe he's succeeding, only to be crushed in the end."
He glanced at a quiet piece of battle armor on the other side. The leader caressed the armor, saying, "Our Mr. Kingpin in New York has sent us a significant gift. Oh, these Americans."
…
In New York, Gwen had not heard any news about Dr. Connors since that day. Her concerns, however, were elsewhere. Black Superman's prophecy had come true—the Green Goblin had escaped and committed several heinous crimes, resulting in numerous casualties. Gwen felt guilty.
"If he continues his evil ways, can you take responsibility for the injured?" Black Superman's words echoed in her mind. She wondered if she could have prevented this disaster.
"What should I do?" Gwen asked herself, feeling lost.
Perhaps she should consult Peter, Gwen thought. But before she could act, her communicator buzzed.
The gadget she and Peter had developed together was now alerting her. It could hack into police communications and help her reach crime scenes swiftly.
"Alert! Alert! There is an attack at the Osborne Building by a giant lizard monster!"
"The creature possesses immense strength, self-healing abilities, and is carrying toxic gas. Many police officers are infected!"
"Danger! All officers who inhaled the gas are experiencing severe symptoms. Mutation reported!"
"Report! The lizard monster has entered the Osborne Building!"
George's voice crackled through the communicator, "All officers, converge on the Osborne Building!"
…
"Damn it, it's Dr. Connors," Gwen realized, recalling Connors' plan to transform humans into lizardmen. It seemed he had succeeded and only needed to finalize his plan.
The laboratory! Gwen remembered that Connors would need more serum to spread his transformation on a larger scale, which was stored in the Osborne Building's lab.
"I have to get there quickly…" She swung through the city, heading for the Osborne Building. Along the way, she encountered numerous police officers heading in the same direction, with patrol cars and helicopters converging on the site.
The officers aimed their weapons at her. "Hey, I'm on your side!" Gwen called out urgently. "The Lizard Man is at Osborne, trying to turn everyone into monsters like him!"
George, now in a helicopter, recognized Spider-Woman from their previous encounter at home, which had changed his perception of her. Though he once regarded her with suspicion, he now saw her as an ally against the threat.
"Alright, Spider-Woman. We'll give you a ride," George said.
Gwen was taken aback by her father's sudden willingness to cooperate, "Okay! Dad… Mr. Police!"
With the helicopter's assistance, Gwen reached the Osborne Building faster. Familiar with the layout, she quickly located the laboratory and saw Dr. Connors through the window.
She leapt inside. "You shouldn't have come…" Connors said as he saw Gwen.
"I have to stop you, Dr. Connors," Gwen declared as she landed.
"Stop me?" Connors pulled out an enormous vial of lizard serum he had just prepared. "I am stronger and smarter than you. Why would you stop me, Spider-Woman?"
"Stop this, Dr. Connors. Humanity doesn't need to evolve into monsters."
"Have you seen the video I left behind? It should give you a better understanding of my vision. I want to create a world without defects."
"By turning everyone into monsters?" Gwen challenged.
"Monsters? No, a superior race…" Connors retorted.
"Peter won't agree."
"Enough!" Connors shouted angrily. "Peter will understand my vision! He will!"
He turned and leapt out of the building, scaling its height. "I will launch the serum from the top of the Osborne Building, dispersing it over all of New York to usher in a glorious evolution!"
"You won't succeed!"
Gwen had no choice but to pursue him. The two climbed and scaled the building's exterior, chasing each other to the rooftop.
Connors positioned the lizard serum at the top spire and set a countdown timer: 10:00.
Gwen shot spider silk to restrain him but was yanked back by Connors, held in his grasp. "This time, no one can save you…"
Bang! Boom!
Two gunshots rang out, interrupting Connors. Gwen seized the moment to break free as she saw George on the building's edge, gun in hand.
"Monster, don't forget, there's the New York Police!" George shouted.
Several police helicopters encircled the building, moving in.
…
Connors passed away peacefully.
The rooftop fell into a somber silence following George's statement. In a world where superheroes are the main characters, the police often get overlooked. They usually arrive at the scene after the heroes have already resolved the situation, much like the background characters in some tales who exist merely to highlight the protagonists.
Tonight, however, the police played a crucial role. Connors faced a formidable battle against a father-daughter duo: Spider-Woman and the New York Police Commissioner, Gwen and George. The Lizard Man possessed regenerative abilities, but that didn't make him invulnerable to firearms—especially not a shotgun at close range.
Despite Gwen's agility and webbing, which were a nuisance to the Lizard Man, her lack of firepower meant she couldn't deliver a fatal blow. George's support was critical. Every time the Lizard Man targeted Gwen, George would fire a precise shot, causing severe damage. Whenever the Lizard Man attempted to attack George, Gwen would intervene, allowing George to fire two more rounds.
With the Lizard Man's frustration growing, his blood pressure soared. He was eventually forced into a horizontal ditch by their combined efforts. Gwen then used her webbing to restrain him.
"Spider…Woman," George said with effort, "You go dismantle the Lizard Man's device, and we'll keep him here."
Gwen, concerned for her father, replied, "Are you sure you'll be okay? I don't want anything happening to you."
Though George was puzzled by Spider-Woman's concern, he couldn't let anyone insult the police in his presence. At that moment, the Lizard Man began to break free from the webbing, and Gwen braced herself for the challenge.
George, coldly determined, ordered, "Fire!"
The police helicopter that had been prepared for this scenario erupted in flames.
The machine guns opened fire, unleashing a barrage of bullets into the ditch where the Lizard Man was confined. Gwen gulped nervously behind her mask, thinking, "I need to remove the Lizard serum quickly." If she were hit, she would be in serious trouble, but the Lizard Man was still resilient.
Before Gwen could act, a sharp, mocking laugh echoed from the air. It was the Green Goblin, the villain she had been searching for. He appeared on his new aircraft, launching several bombs at the helicopters, causing them to crash. The assault on the Lizard Man was abruptly halted.
George was stunned as his colleagues, who had just been joking with him, were now dead, casualties of the Green Goblin's attack. Amidst the chaos, the Green Goblin taunted:
"I brought you a big gift, Spider-Woman."
Meanwhile, Tony Stark's Mk1 suit was nearing the final stages of testing. Tony, suited up, stood in his armor while Ethan operated the computer under his command. With no terrorists to interrupt, the progress was unusually swift, much faster than expected. Tony wondered if the terrorists had deliberately allowed this.
Regardless, this was his only hope of escaping. He had been imprisoned for so long, and now, he had to rely on himself. The Mk1 suit was his ticket to freedom.
"Ethan, once it's ready, we'll proceed with the plan," Tony instructed.
"Of course, Mr. Stark. I'm eager to return to my family," Ethan replied.
Tony was silent for a moment before saying, "You will."
Boom!
With the suit operational, Tony blasted open his cell door. Outside, terrorists awaited with various firearms. Tony, unfazed, activated his suit's full firepower, confronting the storm of bullets, missiles, explosives, and flame jets. He charged into the fray, clumsily but effectively neutralizing his enemies.
"It's truly impressive, Mr. Stark," Ethan remarked as he emerged from the corner, admiring Tony's prowess. Tony, somewhat proud, acknowledged Ethan's praise. They had supported each other through tough times; without Ethan, Tony wouldn't have endured.
"Let's get out of here, Ethan, without delay," Tony urged.
"Okay, Mr. Stark," Ethan agreed.
As they neared the cave's exit, Tony felt a pang of alienation from the world he once knew. After such a prolonged imprisonment, seeing daylight again was both exhilarating and disorienting. However, before he could celebrate, he heard a series of "pop, pop, pop" sounds.
Turning, he saw the terrorist leader waiting outside, clad in heavy armor!
"Damn! How did you get that?" Tony exclaimed, astonished.
The leader's advanced armor made Tony question his own innovations. It seemed the enemy had a more sophisticated version of the technology he had worked so hard to develop. Tony, who had always prided himself on being ahead of the curve, felt a pang of frustration.
The leader, showcasing his armor, said, "Not bad, huh? As expected of Tony Stark, you managed to escape, but this is where it ends."
Ethan translated the leader's offer: "If you agree to help me make missiles, I might pretend nothing happened."
"No," Tony refused outright, firing the remaining micro-missiles. Unfortunately, their limited power was easily blocked by the leader's armor. Most of Kingpin's armors were designed for close combat, focusing on defense and strength rather than long-range weaponry.
The leader advanced, but Mk1, though clumsy, could not evade the leader's powerful attacks.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The two armored giants clashed head-on, their metallic bodies colliding with a deafening crash.
Tony Stark didn't expect his first battle to be this intense. Clearly, he had anticipated being more agile and proficient with long-range attacks. Moreover, the Mk1 didn't have the durability of the more advanced Iron Man suits.
Of course, this isn't to say that Tony's armor was inferior to Osborn's biological armor. It's just that the Mk1's creation environment was too rudimentary.
Ultimately, it was the leader who managed to remove a piece of the Mk1 armor first. After that, it was a series of defeats, one after another. The Mk1 was thoroughly battered and could not escape disintegration. The leader was very pleased with this outcome, exclaiming, "With this suit of armor and Stark's missiles, I will become the ruler of this land!"
He then instructed Ethan to translate and get Tony to work for him.
"No," Tony replied firmly.
The leader's patience ran out, and he roared, "If you refuse, you'll die!"
"No! You can't do this!" Ethan quickly intervened, "If Mr. Stark dies, you'll gain nothing."
"It doesn't matter; I already have this suit of armor!"
Seeing the leader's determination, Ethan realized the gravity of the situation and shouted to Tony, "Mr. Stark, execute the final plan and escape!"
"What?" Tony was taken aback.
"Run! I'll buy you some time!" Ethan positioned himself in front of the leader, trying to delay him.
"No… we agreed to return together as planned! You still have family…" Tony's words faltered as the leader seized Ethan and slammed him into the ground. Tony's eyes widened in horror.
"What are you doing! Your family is still waiting for you. Didn't you say you have a lovely daughter?"
Tony was visibly distraught.
"You can't let her lose her father at such a young age!"
Ethan coughed up blood and said, "Mr. Stark, this is my plan."
He smiled weakly,
"My family… has long been gone, including my daughter. I... I want to be with them again…"
"No…"
"Run, Mr. Stark, I'll hold him off for you…"
The leader observed the scene with indifference, raising his iron fist once more, this time targeting Tony.
"Damn it!" Tony gritted his teeth, but his expression was eerily calm. His face twitched as he shouted, "Superman! Where's Superman! You promised to save people! Where are you!"
"Are you calling me?"
"Yes!"
Tony was stunned and looked up abruptly.
He saw Superman descending from the sky, grabbing one of the leader's iron arms and looking down at him. Superman cast a shadow over everything, with only his refracted light visible.
Tony's lips quivered before he said, "Help."
"As you wish."
The leader, momentarily stunned, couldn't comprehend how someone had appeared beside him and restrained his arm. His strength was rendered useless, unable to break free from the opponent's grip.
"Who are you!?" The leader demanded, feeling like he was facing a formidable foe. The next second, he lost consciousness.
After dispatching the terrorists, Peter Parker glanced at Ethan. With his enhanced perception, he could immediately assess Ethan's injuries.
"Don't worry, we can still save you," Peter said.
He found some first aid supplies in the terrorists' camp and helped Ethan stabilize his condition. The process was quick and efficient.
The real challenge was finding people. These terrorists were exceptionally adept at hiding. Peter's mission system only provided a vague location, indicating they were somewhere in Afghanistan.
Peter conducted a thorough search during the school suspension, uncovering many terrorist hideouts and earning a lot of points.
Seeing that Ethan was finally safe, Tony exhaled in relief, "Thank you. You truly arrived just in time, Superman."
"I don't know how to repay you…"
"No, your suit isn't finished yet," Peter said seriously.
Tony's expression twitched uncontrollably. The emotions he had been holding back were abruptly interrupted.
"Emotionally, I'm just a tool for you to finish your suit, right?"
Exhausted, he had no choice but to change the subject, "So, how are you planning to get us back now?"
"Get you back? Did you misunderstand something, Mr. Stark," Peter replied.
"What do you mean?" Tony was confused.
"I've already cleared the area for you. The rest is up to you. I have urgent matters in New York."
"Ah…"
"Goodbye."
In the next moment, Superman vanished from sight.
"…"
Ethan slowly came to and saw Tony Stark's annoyed face. He asked, "Mr. Stark… have you come to heaven too?"
Tony rolled his eyes.
"I said, wake up! You're not dead yet. Prepare yourself; we need to head back on our own."
In New York, at Osborn Tower, the arrival of the Green Goblin dramatically altered the situation. All foreign aid was eliminated, leaving only Gwen and George. The lizardmen crawled out of the ditch, looking pitiful with bullet wounds and injuries all over their bodies. They barely resembled humans, more like monsters. The wounds on their bodies continued to squirm and heal themselves, driving their sanity to the brink.
"Damn… it hurts…"
"Oh, Connors, I didn't expect you to be in such a state," the Green Goblin said, approaching on his glider. "We share a common ailment, so why don't we work together to save Spider-Woman?"
Seeing the two villains unite and the loss of their troops, Gwen and George felt uneasy. Dealing with one lizardman was already difficult, but now another enemy had joined!
The lizardman suddenly grabbed the Green Goblin, yanking him off the glider and slamming him into the ground.
"Osborn, damn you!" he roared.
Gwen and George watched in shock as the two adversaries began fighting among themselves. They hadn't anticipated that the Green Goblin and the Lizardman would turn on each other.
The Green Goblin, surprised by the Lizardman's sudden attack, took a moment to recover, despite his enhanced physique and biological armor. Seeing the Lizardman about to attack again, the Green Goblin quickly maneuvered his glider to strike him and then fled.
"Damn it! Connors, has your brain turned into a reptile?" the Green Goblin yelled as he escaped.
The Lizardman retorted, "Osborn, if it weren't for you, none of this would have happened!"
The Green Goblin, realizing that he was on his own, spat in frustration. He turned to Gwen and George, who were still observing, and said, "Spider-Woman, I've prepared a special gift for you!"
"I can't accept it," Gwen said.
"Don't refuse so quickly. I've been working hard these past few days to set this up." The Green Goblin revealed a remote control, activating it and saying with a grin, "There are dozens of bombs placed all over this city. How many, specifically? Honestly, I can't remember. But now, they're all set."
He waved the remote, declaring, "In ten minutes, the city will light up like fireworks."
"Damn it, are you insane!?" George shouted, "What good will this do for you?"
"Good? It's just for fun. I want to enjoy the benefits!" The Green Goblin laughed, then his tone grew serious, "If you want me to deactivate the bombs, you need to hand over Spider-Woman!"
"No!"
Before Gwen could speak, George was the first to refuse. This made Gwen a little touched; her father was indeed her father. There was no hesitation from George. Despite his distaste for these street heroes, as a policeman, he had principles he couldn't compromise on. If he sacrificed others at will, what would be the difference between him and those villains?
The situation was at an impasse. The Green Goblin, Lizard Man, Gwen, and George formed a tense triangle. As known, the triangle is a strong geometric form. But Gwen and George couldn't let things drag on like this. With dozens of bombs set to explode in ten minutes and the lizard serum ready to launch into the sky, Gwen felt the heavy weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Failure meant risking every human life in New York. She bore part of the responsibility for the current predicament, having stopped Black Superman. He was right; she had to stop the Green Goblin. It was her duty, and she was determined to see it through, even if it meant giving everything.
Gwen took the lead, igniting chaos. The three metahumans clashed, each having to handle the other two simultaneously. Gwen was agile, the Green Goblin could fly, and the Lizard Man had tough skin. The Green Goblin attacked from the air, while the Lizard Man engaged Gwen, and Gwen focused her strength on the Green Goblin. The battle was dazzling.
Each combatant had their goals. Gwen needed to neutralize the lizard serum and deal with the Green Goblin. The Green Goblin targeted Gwen. The Lizard Man's goal was indiscriminate. The battle was chaotic, with disasters looming and hidden dangers increasing.
George, holding a shotgun and unsure who to aim at, felt like an outsider. Without the ability to protect himself, he decided to climb to the top of the tower to attempt removing the serum. The Lizard Man noticed him and rushed to stop him, but Gwen intervened.
Seeing an opportunity, the Green Goblin briefly escaped, swooping in to grab George. "Okay, now I have one more weight," the Green Goblin said. "An ordinary person shouldn't be part of this fight, right?"
"Let him go! Green Goblin!" Gwen shouted, seeing her father fall into the Green Goblin's grasp. She felt overwhelming anxiety. "This is our fight!"
"Do you think that's possible, Spider-Woman?" The Green Goblin laughed. "Listen, this is just a lesson for you."
He released his grip, sending George plummeting. George's mood was unexpectedly calm as he fell. As a police detective on the front line, he had anticipated such a day. But he hadn't expected to die at the hands of a supervillain. His regret was not being there for his family—his wife, daughter, and son. He hoped Peter would take care of Gwen.
As George prepared for death, he heard a voice, "Dad!" He must have been hallucinating. Gwen calling him… Wait, Gwen? Why was she here?
George snapped back to reality as Spider-Woman rushed to save him, disregarding her own safety. Gwen's desperation to save him was evident. This moment was a blessing to George's soul. He began to understand why Gwen had argued about superheroes. Spider-Woman was his daughter.
George's eyes widened as he saw the Green Goblin approaching behind Gwen, aiming a sharp weapon at her. "No! Behind you!" he shouted, urging Gwen to move. Gwen's spider sense screamed at her, urging her to dodge, but she held her ground. If she hid, George might never be saved again.
In a critical moment, the Lizard Man appeared, intercepting the Green Goblin and crashing into the building. "What are you doing, Connors?" the Green Goblin roared, furious at the Lizard Man for interfering. "This reptile has ruined my plans before."
The Lizard Man muttered, "Gwen… Is she Gwen?" He was tormented, grappling with his actions and his guilt. "What did I do? I nearly caused Gwen to lose her father…"
The Green Goblin, furious, kicked off the Lizard Man and ascended back into the air. Outside the building, as he was about to land, Gwen fired a webline at George. Though it caught him, the webbing's strength couldn't stop his fall entirely.
Peter Parker swooped in, catching George. "Promise me not to use spider silk to save people again, okay?" Peter said.
Gwen fell to the ground, tears streaming as she watched Peter hold her father. She never imagined her actions would put George in such danger. If the consequences were irreversible, she would regret it for the rest of her life.
George, recognizing Spider-Woman was Gwen, felt immense sadness seeing her cry. He glanced at the police and onlookers, fighting the urge to reveal Gwen's secret. Instead, he said, "Ahem, um, could you put me down?"
Peter complied, and George was set back on the ground. He looked at Peter, the masked hero he had opposed for so long, and finally said, "There's lizard serum on the roof and a Green Goblin bomb…"
"I know," Peter interrupted. "I'm going to handle it."
As the Green Goblin prepared to escape, he felt a chilling sensation, as if some terrifying force was targeting him.
The Green Goblin met his end quietly. Peter Parker had caught him and, in an instant, slammed him onto the roof of the Osborne Building. Peter had also opened a vial of lizard serum.
As the Green Goblin's consciousness returned, stars danced in his eyes. Gwen Stacy had also arrived at the rooftop. Although she had managed to calm herself, her eyes remained red from recent events.
Peter withdrew his gaze and stared coldly at the Green Goblin beneath his foot.
"Peter Parker, the Green Goblin has planted dozens of bombs throughout New York. They'll detonate soon. We have to stop him!" Gwen said urgently.
"Okay," Peter replied. Then he turned to the Green Goblin and asked, "So, how do we stop them?"
"Let me go," the Green Goblin pleaded, feeling the pressure of Peter's foot intensify. "Let me go, and I'll stop the bombs… Otherwise, bang! We'll all be finished together!"
"How dare you!" Gwen snapped, glaring at the Green Goblin. His lack of restraint often frustrated her.
The Green Goblin gasped for breath. "You have less than five minutes…"
Gwen frowned. In this dire situation, she was at a loss for a solution. Most heroes found themselves powerless until the protagonist's intervention. Was she really going to let him go again?
"Do you need me to teach you how to handle this kind of person?" Peter said with a smirk.
Gwen looked at Peter in confusion. "How do we handle him?"
"It's simple," Peter replied, applying precise pressure with his foot, crushing the Green Goblin's biological armor's healing system. "Be more ruthless than he is."
The Green Goblin, reliant on his armor's healing system to sustain him, felt the toxins from the spider serum flooding his system. He groaned in pain and gritted his teeth. "If you do this, the lives lost in the explosions will be on your head, Peter Parker!"
Gwen stared at Peter, waiting to see how he would respond.
Peter's voice was cold. "You like to threaten people, don't you, Norman Osborn?"
"I'm just giving you a choice…" the Green Goblin retorted.
"You don't deserve it."
"You…"
"I'm giving you a choice as well. Either stop the bombs, or… I recall you have a son named Harry Osborn?"
The Green Goblin remained expressionless. "Threatening me with my son? I don't care anymore, as long as I survive…"
"Then why do you want Spider-Woman?" Peter pressed.
The Green Goblin looked shocked. "How do you know…"
Ignoring his shock, Peter continued, "So, what's your choice?"
The Green Goblin turned pale. "No… It can't be stopped. The bombs will start from the moment they're activated. I can't stop them…"
Gwen was horrified. If the bombs couldn't be stopped, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Peter sighed. "Is that really true? I was hoping to save some money."
"What do you mean?" Gwen asked, surprised. "Do you have a solution?"
Peter shrugged.
[Do you want to spend 50,000 points to upgrade the skill: Spider Sense Lv2?] [Upgrade successful. Congratulations on acquiring the skill: Spider Sense Level 3]
Points: 397,540
Peter had initially planned to save 500,000 points.
In an instant, his super senses and enhanced spider sense were fully activated, covering the entire city. With the upgrade to cosmic level, Peter's senses could now effortlessly span all of New York. Although he usually kept this ability restrained to avoid dealing with overwhelming noise, the Level 3 Spider Sense allowed him to perceive every corner of the city.
At that moment, Peter was aware of everything happening across New York, from current events to impending dangers. It was as though every inch of the city was under his command, like a deity overseeing his realm.
"Give me a moment," he said.
"What?" Gwen was stunned as she watched Peter take off at supersonic speed. The physics-defying maneuver left her speechless.
She watched as Peter Parker streaked across New York. Realization dawned on her, and she gasped, "No way… Can you really do that?"
The Green Goblin, struggling on the ground, looked on in disbelief.
At the top of Osborne Tower, all the bombs were gathered and exploded into an enormous, dazzling display of fireworks. Even the Green Goblin was momentarily mesmerized.
"So beautiful…" he murmured, before a red laser struck him, ending his life as swiftly as the Vulture's demise.
Gwen stared at the Green Goblin's lifeless body, lost in thought.
"Recently, Tony Stark, the billionaire who escaped from terrorists, announced the complete shutdown of Stark Industries' most lucrative division, the weapons department."
"As the largest weapons manufacturer of the new century, this move by Stark Industries is akin to cutting off its limbs. The company's stock has plummeted, and we still can't grasp what Tony Stark, the head of Stark Industries and a renowned billionaire, is thinking."
"Perhaps he has too much money to spend? Our playboy is infamous for his eccentricities."
"We might be witnessing the fall of a giant."
Gwen and Peter sat together on the sofa, watching the news about Tony Stark's latest big move.
It had been over a month since the Green Goblin incident, which had briefly captured a lot of attention. The Green Goblin's death and the bomb's transformation into a spectacular firework by Peter Parker were still topics of discussion.
The New York police had also been forced to reassess their stance.
"After a review, starting today, we will begin a certain degree of cooperation with New York's hero, Spider-Woman."
"Spider-Woman played an extremely crucial role in this incident. She worked with the New York police to stop the supercriminal Green Goblin and the Lizard Man, protecting the city. She also heroically saved many police officers' lives. Therefore, we honor her with the title of honorary police officer. She is our best partner. In future operations, we will consider working with Spider-Woman to solve cases when needed. Additionally, every New York police officer will support her and provide assistance."
Peter, reading the news, could only complain internally, "Spider-Woman is a lawless vigilante if she's someone else, but your own daughter gets an honorary police title? Talk about double standards!"