Ethan Hayes didn't pursue further after the brief exchange. Gwen pulled back her hood, stood with arms crossed, and stared at him angrily.
"Ethan Hayes, is this some kind of Chinese Kung Fu too?" Gwen demanded, clearly frustrated.
Ethan was ready for this. He smiled and said, "Chinese Kung Fu is unpredictable. What I just showed you is called the Eight-Armed Yuan Monkey Fist."
Gwen rolled her eyes. "Seriously? You're such a liar!"
Ethan chuckled but swiftly changed the subject. "Gwen, that's not the point right now. The real issue is that the spider monster we fought has not only your spider mutation powers but also the Lizardman's abilities. Doesn't that strike you as odd?"
Gwen's annoyance faded as she started piecing things together. "Dr. Connors? You think he's involved?"
Ethan's expression grew serious. "It's highly likely. But consider this—Osborn Industries must have developed the genetic weapon. The creature we fought has abilities too similar to both your spider mutation and the Lizardman's powers."
The pieces clicked for Gwen. Dr. Connors was deeply involved in gene therapy and had worked for Osborn Industries. She struggled with the realization. "Dr. Connors? But he's… he's a respected scientist. There were children on that school bus during the Manhattan Bridge incident… How could he do this?"
Ethan sighed. "It's not that simple. The genetic potion he used has major side effects. The Lizardman isn't just an altered human. There's no trace of humanity left in them—just pure, cold-blooded cruelty."
Gwen's expression shifted from disbelief to understanding. She had known Dr. Connors for his brilliance, but perhaps desperation or pressure from Osborn Industries had driven him to this.
"Osborn Industries must have pushed him too hard. Their research isn't just about advancing science—they're motivated by the Osborn family's need to cure their own genetic disease. They wouldn't give Dr. Connors the time he needed," Ethan explained.
His thoughts drifted momentarily to the immense potential within Osborn Industries. It wasn't just the Lizardman serum—there were countless other breakthroughs waiting to be developed. If handled right, Osborn Industries could become a tech giant comparable to Stark Industries, monopolizing genetic technology.
Ethan's mind raced. Acquiring Osborn Industries… The idea was ambitious, but it was a treasure trove of knowledge. They had the resources and breakthroughs needed to dominate the future.
"If Dr. Connors injected himself with the Lizardman serum, then Osborn Industries should have created a relief serum as well," Gwen noted, snapping Ethan back to the present. She was well aware of Osborn's internal protocols—whenever they created something with dangerous side effects, they would also work on a counter-serum.
Ethan nodded. "That's how it usually goes in the movies, but things have changed. The plot isn't following what we know anymore."
Gwen sighed, understanding. "So, Dr. Connors… he's gone too far."
Just then, the police arrived, cutting their conversation short. But Gwen's glare made it clear Ethan was in trouble for more than just the current situation. Tonight, he'd likely be metaphorically "kneeling on a washboard."
Gwen quickly left to change back into her regular clothes, while Ethan returned to class, headphones on, pretending to sleep on his desk. But his mind was elsewhere. Two monstrous beings roaming the city in broad daylight… it was too risky.
Meanwhile, the Lizardman had returned to his hideout, dragging Peter Parker, now in his altered form, with him.
"Nice place, Doc," Peter said, a cocky grin on his face as he pocketed his hands. His demeanor had shifted dramatically.
Dr. Connors, having reverted to his human form, stared at Peter in amazement. "Peter… you never cease to surprise me."
The son of his former research partner had saved him today, but that wasn't all that intrigued Dr. Connors. "You were at school today. You know about the Ghost Spider's identity, don't you?"
Peter, now fully aware of his genetic enhancements, smiled darkly. "Gwen Stacy. My good classmate."
Dr. Connors observed Peter carefully. The genetic transformation in Peter was far more advanced than he'd expected. He could control his transformations at will, shifting between forms with ease. Peter Parker had become something more than just a Spider-man—he had integrated multiple genetic powers, including the Lizardman's regenerative abilities.
"And her boyfriend," Peter continued, his tone shifting. "Hao Longtao… I mean, Ethan Hayes. He's the one with strange water-controlling powers. He's dangerous."
Peter's instincts were sharper than ever. The multi-gene integration had heightened his senses, and Ethan's presence radiated danger.
"You're right to be cautious. But we're on a path of no return now, Peter," Dr. Connors said, his voice filled with a dangerous ambition. "If we work together, we can unlock the full potential of genetic evolution. We can transform into something more than human. We can become gods."
Peter's eyes gleamed with dark excitement. He already felt the power coursing through him, but the idea of transcending humanity thrilled him. "Can we really?"
Dr. Connors leaned in closer, his voice filled with conviction. "Yes, Peter. Together, we hold the key to unlocking the future of evolution. We will become the most perfect species on Earth—the gods of genes."
Peter smirked. The power he'd tasted so far was intoxicating, but it wasn't enough. He had a new goal now—to surpass Ethan, to transform him into a mindless monster, and to take Gwen for himself.
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