Chapter 29: Another mutation crisis! Spider-Gwen is here! [Extra Chapter]
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Wanda now has chaos magic but lacks systematic training. She's like a kid with a Tiger tank but doesn't know how to drive it! There are two solutions to this problem. One is to go to Kamar-Taj and learn from the Ancient One. The second is to get the Darkhold as soon as possible. The negative effects of the Darkhold aren't an issue for Lorien since he has the ability to purify it, similar to how he purified the will on the Phoenix fragments.
But that's in the future. For now, Lorien doesn't need to intervene. Wanda wouldn't accept such a significant gift from Lorien without earning it. They'll discuss it later.
"Gwen! Here!"
"Come on! You're the only one missing!"
At this moment, Mary Jane Watson and Betty Brant, members of Gwen's band, waved from the stage, calling Gwen over because the performance was about to begin.
"I have to go first, Lorien. Can you help me with my bag?"
"Give it to me."
Seeing everyone in place, Gwen quickly handed her bag to Lorien, grabbed her drumsticks, and headed to the stage. She took her place behind the drums.
"Dong~Dong~Dong~"
The accompaniment started. Gwen glanced through the crowd at Lorien, who smiled and nodded in encouragement. Wanda, standing beside him, mirrored his supportive gesture.
"Ting~!"
With the final note of the accompaniment, the band began their performance. Gwen's bandmates started strumming their guitars and bass, and Gwen herself rhythmically and energetically played the drums in front of her.
"Nice!"
"Not bad."
People around them commented as they listened to the first part. They continued watching the band, moving to the high-energy instrumental metal music. This was the intense BGM that the public often enjoyed.
"Bang~Bang~Bang~"
Gwen's drumming resonated deeply with the audience. Each beat made them nod their heads or tap their feet in sync with the rhythm. This was pure music that moved the body, the hallmark of good music.
Lorien tapped along with Gwen's drumbeats, and Wanda, standing next to him, whispered, "Even though I don't fully understand it, the band's music is great!"
"It's fine as long as it sounds good," Lorien replied with a smile. "The purpose of music is to sound good. If it doesn't, it's not good music!"
Wanda thought about it and agreed.
As the band's music spread, more people gathered in front of the stage. What started with twenty or thirty spectators soon grew to nearly a hundred! The increasing crowd energized the band members, making their performance even more powerful.
Time passed slowly. It was 6:47 pm, and as the sunset faded, the sky grew darker. The band's performance was nearing its end.
"Boom~~~!"
The show concluded with Gwen's final powerful beat.
"Oh~~~!"
"Pah, pah, pah!"
Some audience members cheered while others applauded. Gwen and her bandmates thanked the crowd, then she quickly ran to Lorien, looking up proudly.
"Lorien! How was it?"
Gwen looked up at him, eager for feedback.
"Very good, you…"
"Ah~~~!!!"
Suddenly, a terrified scream came from nearby, followed by more shouts.
"Help! There are mutant rats! Giant lizards!"
"There's a lizard that looks like a human!"
"They're heading for the bridge!"
As the crowd panicked, Lorien and Wanda turned and saw people running on the street. The audience in front of the stage quickly dispersed, and soon it looked like a riot in New York.
Gwen sighed, "Why are they here again?!"
"Again?" Lorien smiled.
Gwen looked down, embarrassed. "Uh… I mean, they were on the news the other day."
As the crowd fled through the streets, it looked like a scene from a disaster movie.
Lorien sighed and, seeing Wanda's calm demeanor while holding his hand, asked, "Do you want to stop it?"
Wanda didn't answer directly. "I have the ability. If I encounter it and turn a blind eye, I won't be able to sleep at night."
Her words made Lorien laugh.
Hearing him laugh, Wanda turned and playfully hit Lorien, but he understood her meaning. If they hadn't come across the situation, it would be different. But now, having seen it, ignoring it would leave a lingering guilt.
Lorien nodded and turned to Gwen. "Gwen, you go back first. Wanda and I will go check it out."
He said this deliberately to give Gwen some time to change into her Spider-Woman suit.
Gwen nodded obediently, "Okay, I'll wait for you downstairs at your building. Come back soon~"
"No problem." Lorien nodded.
Then he rushed to the scene of the incident with Wanda, who was holding his hand.
Before leaving, Gwen glanced at Wanda holding Lorien's hand and playfully curled her lips. Then she quickly left.
Three minutes later, a figure leaped between the tall buildings.
Spider-Gwen had arrived!