Inside the classroom.
After the professor briefly introduced Alan, the new transfer student, he began what turned out to be a long, boring day of lectures.
During the break, Gwen enthusiastically approached Alan, reminding him that he could always ask her if he had any questions. Then, she left the classroom.
As a student council member, Gwen had other responsibilities aside from attending classes.
Meanwhile, Alan's schedule was packed for the day. He couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.
He never imagined that even after transmigrating, he'd still have to attend school. The lectures were so dull that he nearly dozed off in class.
"How strange… It's almost as if Peter Parker doesn't exist at this school," Alan thought, puzzled.
Logically, if Gwen was here, there was no reason for Peter Parker not to be. Yet, it seemed that this Marvel Universe was somewhat different from the one he knew.
However, it was understandable. The vast Marvel Universe was far more than just a few movies.
Meanwhile...
Inside the biology lab at Empire State University, a middle-aged doctor furrowed his brow as he worked on a green biological serum.
All around the lab were specimens of various reptiles, giving the room an eerie atmosphere.
Oddly, the sleeve of the doctor's right arm was empty, tied off with a string.
This one-armed doctor was well-known among the university's students— Dr. Curt Connors, a researcher in reptilian regeneration.
Watching the reaction in the test tube, Dr. Connors exhaled in frustration. "Peter," he called out.
"I'm here, Dr. Connors," replied a young man who emerged from a corner, holding lab materials, a smile on his face.
Seeing Peter's cheerful expression, Dr. Connors' own disappointment seemed to ease slightly. "You seem to be in a good mood."
Peter smiled shyly, "Maybe because it's the first day of school."
Dr. Connors raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Excited to see Gwen again?"
"Then we'd better speed up the experiment so you'll have time to ask that lovely classmate out for dinner later," Connors teased.
"No need, Dr. Connors," Peter replied, a bit embarrassed. "Today's the start of the new semester, so she's pretty busy. Besides, I doubt she'd accept my invitation. After all, I'm just an ordinary student, and she's so... extraordinary."
Noticing Peter's dejected expression, Dr. Connors chose not to press further. He admired Peter—an exceptional student in many ways. His only flaw was his lack of confidence.
Considering Peter's family background, Dr. Connors could only sigh and offer some encouragement.
"Don't worry. Once we succeed with this project, you won't be just an ordinary student anymore. You'll be able to pursue anything you want with confidence."
"I understand, Dr. Connors," Peter replied earnestly.
"Record the results of today's experiment. Unfortunately, we've failed again," Dr. Connors said, his tone tinged with disappointment.
He slumped into a nearby chair, his gaze drifting toward his empty right sleeve.
Peter remained silent and focused on documenting the experiment's data.
...
Inside the Classroom.
Alan sat in class, bored out of his mind, twirling his pen. His eyelids were heavy, but no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't fall asleep. His thoughts kept drifting back to his little frog.
Which world did that frog go to?
What will it bring back?
And why hasn't that dumb frog sent any photos? Doesn't it know its owner is worried?
It wasn't until the end of the day, right before class was about to finish, that a notification finally echoed in his mind.
Ding-dong! Your little frog is back!
Your frog has brought back a travel souvenir. Go check it out!
In an instant, Alan was wide awake. Finally! It's back!
At the same time, the bell for the last class of the day rang. Alan hurriedly gathered his things, ready to head home.
Suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder. Alan instinctively turned around and saw Gwen standing behind him, dressed in a sleek white outfit that perfectly hugged her curves.
The other guys in the class couldn't help but stare at her with fiery eyes.
"Alan, there's a freshman welcome party tonight. Would you like to come? We could also take some time to tour the campus again," Gwen warmly invited him.
"Freshman welcome party?" Alan hadn't heard anything about it.
Gwen quickly explained, "It's an event to welcome the new freshmen. You probably weren't informed because you're a transfer student."
Alan nodded but wasn't really interested in attending such a boring party. Besides, he had something far more important to do right now.
"Gwen, you know I just moved to New York and still have a lot to take care of. How about next time, I'll treat you to dinner, and you can show me around the campus properly?"
Gwen's eyes briefly flickered with disappointment—this was the first time a guy had turned her down. Normally, she was the one rejecting invitations.
Gwen smiled and said, "Alright! I love steak, by the way."
"Deal!" Alan replied, shouldering his backpack and dashing out of the classroom.
Women only get in the way of the bond between me and my frog!
Half an hour later...
Alan stepped out of a taxi and arrived downstairs at his place. The cab driver peeked out curiously. "You really live here?"
Alan chuckled, "Of course!"
"Another damned rich kid," the driver muttered before speeding away.
Back at home, the sun had already set. Alan immediately opened the game interface in his mind.
Several notification boxes popped up. He dismissed the earlier ones until a small icon finally appeared in the last window. This was the special souvenir his little frog had brought back after its journey.
The icon was small, but it was unmistakably a bright golden belt. Alan's heart began to race. No way... Could it really have brought that back?
He tapped on the belt icon, and a detailed information box appeared.
[Emperor's Belt]
Origin: World of "Armor Hero"
This is the summoning device for the most powerful Emperor's Armor. Wear it to summon the Emperor's Armor of Light.
(Note: This item is bound to the owner of the little frog. Once worn, the armor can be summoned without the need for bloodline requirements. The strength of the armor depends on the user's own capabilities.)
...