Chapter 128 The Spider Squad is Formed
Chapter 128 The Spider Squad is Formed
"So, you mean that on the day we gained our powers, that magical spider bit you too? And not only did it grant you Spider-Man's superpowers, you also gained the ability to become invisible?"
After the initial commotion, the Parker brothers quickly accepted the unexpected surprise that Gwen was also Spider-Man.
Along with the three of them swinging on the web, they returned to school on time, completed their day's studies, and went back to District 13, to the room that had been arranged by Sheriff Black and was exclusively for the Parker brothers.
Peter plopped down on the sofa, glancing back and forth at Riley and Gwen, before finally unable to suppress his urge to complain. He started counting on his fingers, pouting, and muttering aggrieved grumbles.
"Wait, let me sort this out. We were both bitten by the same spider, so why is there such a big difference in our experiences?"
"Take Riley for example. Not only can he shoot webs and generate electricity, but he also possesses terrifying strength and can now run at supersonic speeds!"
"And Gwen, while you're not as exaggerated as Riley, you still have an extra superpower. No matter how you look at it, once you master this power, you'll definitely be stronger than me!"
"So, by comparison, I'm the only one with the most ordinary version! Oh, that's not fair! Or is it that I actually possess some hidden superpower, one that I just haven't developed yet?"
"If there's anything about you, it's that your heart is more upright and kind than anyone else's. After all, both Gwen and I decided to become Spider-Man under your influence, Peter."
Although I knew Peter was joking, I didn't really care.
But as soon as Peter finished speaking, Riley immediately put his hand on Peter's shoulder. He abandoned his usual carefree, bantering manner and responded seriously, word by word.
"Besides, you can also do the same things after the suit is upgraded, right? If that's not enough, I can give you the symbiote and the talismans to further amplify your power. So don't worry, Peter, as long as I'm here, I will never let you suffer."
"...Ahem, I know, I was just saying it offhand, I didn't really think it was unfair. Keep the symbiote and the talismans for yourself, after all, only you can maximize their power... And! What do you mean, 'It's all because of me that I became Spider-Man'? Riley, how could you say that? Don't you find it cheesy?"
Seeing her brother's serious expression, and Gwen smiling and nodding at her, she clearly agreed.
Peter was taken aback at first, but the slight grievance and resentment he had felt were instantly washed away by a warm current.
Then he felt a flush on his face and awkwardly turned his head to mutter to himself.
After a moment of silence, I composed myself.
Peter then turned his attention back to Gwen and asked curiously.
"But speaking of which, Gwen, when you said there was something very important, was this what you meant?"
"That's right. Remember that night you left my house to stop the Lizard Man? That's when I realized you were Spider-Man."
Although I knew Peter was shy and wanted to change the subject.
But now that her identity had been revealed to the Parker brothers far ahead of schedule, Gwen decided to play along. Suppressing her girlish shyness, she sat down next to Peter. She placed her hand on Peter's hand, her beautiful eyes fixed on him without flinching, and softly told him about her inner thoughts, which she usually kept hidden beneath a smile.
"You know, Peter. In the beginning, when I woke up and found that the whole world had become as fragile as an egg, and that things could be broken easily if I wasn't careful, I was really scared. I was worried that I would become like the Hulk in the news, a monster that seemed out of place in the world, easily despised and hunted down."
"Especially when Spider-Man suddenly appeared not long after, and despite being fighting evil, his father saw it as illegal and he was verbally abused by J. Jonah Jameson every day. I became even more convinced that this unexpected power must never be known to anyone."
"That's why, ever since that day, I've been careful to hide my changes to ensure that Gwen Stacy's normal life remains unchanged."
"Until that day, even after a fierce argument with my father, when he forcefully dismissed all of Spider-Man's efforts, I realized that you were still willing to put on the Spider-Man suit and rush to the scene immediately for the sake of other unrelated people. That's when I realized that you had not only undergone similar changes, but were also far braver and stronger than me."
"So, Peter, you need to know that Riley isn't joking with you... I really did choose to imitate you, to create my own web-shooting device and this suit to conceal my identity, in order to catch up with you and, like you, use this powerful force that was originally seen as an ominous thing as a gift from heaven."
"Ahem, but it seems I wasn't prepared enough... especially when it comes to using webs to move between buildings, something you've all gotten used to. Only by experiencing it firsthand can you know how much effort the seemingly cool and stylish Spider-Man in the videos actually put in."
"So, in my fledgling superhero career, would the renowned Spider-Man be willing to guide and mentor this newbie as a senior?"
This series of heartfelt expressions left the eloquent Peter speechless, his mind going completely blank.
Especially when he heard that Gwen actually wanted to acknowledge him as her mentor and humbly learn how to become a true hero, Peter, who had been inseparable from Riley since becoming Spider-Man and was used to asking Riley for advice whenever he was in doubt, was suddenly at a loss.
Then, fearing that he was not good enough to shoulder such a great responsibility, Peter subconsciously turned his head and cast a pleading look at Riley.
"Huh? Why are you looking at me? Gwen is asking you, not me, Peter. Didn't you say before that you're not that clueless newbie anymore?"
But when Peter pleaded for help, Riley, with an increasingly tender and affectionate look in his eyes, shook his head, extinguishing Peter's last glimmer of hope.
Then, before Peter could lament and wail, seemingly sensing something, he walked to the doorway and opened it, revealing Harry, who had rushed over without stopping after receiving Riley's message.
She then led Harry to Peter and Gwen, her smile widening as she revealed her new plan for Peter.
"By the way, it was also because of your influence that Harry changed his bad habits as a playboy and became a vigilante who appears out of nowhere at night."
"With Kingpin's downfall, the number of crimes that have recently occurred will definitely continue to increase. On the contrary, the strength of the Mafia members has increased. In order to ensure Uncle Long's safety and to collect all the talismans as soon as possible before the Mafia, I might have to go out with Uncle Long and the others sometime."
"Therefore, I plan to have Harry and Gwen form a new Spider Team as your students. This way, they can practice against ordinary criminals under your protection and quickly gain practical experience. It will also ensure that after I leave, you won't be isolated and helpless, but will still have trustworthy partners who can stay by your side and stand with you through thick and thin."
"Of course, the choice is yours, Peter..."
"Having graduated from the beginner's area, are you mentally prepared to accept this brand new challenge, Spider-Man?"
After he finished speaking, Riley stretched out his hand.
Seeing Riley's gesture, Harry and Gwen understood immediately and placed their hands on it as well, indicating their stance. They simply waited for Peter, who was currently undergoing a mental struggle, to make his choice.
"Rieley, Gwen, Harry...you guys..."
Looking at the three smiling figures waiting quietly for his reply, Peter's initial bewilderment gradually subsided into calm.
A moment later, Peter, with a smile that had returned to his usual confidence, followed suit and put his hand on top of the line.
"Of course!"
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