Parker Industries.
As the invincible Spider-Man passed by the building, he suddenly remembered his dearest "brother."
Yearning for family, Spider-Man swapped his suit for casual clothes, ready to have a heart-to-heart with his sibling.
Entering the lobby, Charlie noticed the staff exuded a peculiar vibe.
Hmm, the vibe of hired muscle.
They seemed straight out of Hell's Kitchen, likely reemployed former goons of Kingpin.
This had to be Aunt May and Uncle Ben's idea.
Stepping into the elevator, a suited employee instantly recognized Charlie's face, known only from files.
"Mr. Charlie!"
The man bowed quickly, making room for him.
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "You know me?"
His superhero identity was already out in the open.
Ugh, a shining star like him couldn't stay hidden no matter where he went. What a hassle!
But the suited man's words made Charlie feel he'd misread the situation.
"Of course, sir. You're Peter's brother, nephew of May and Ben, the future heir of Hell's Kitchen—our future boss."
Charlie: "…"
"What did you say? Heir of Hell's Kitchen?"
Charlie gave him an odd look. "I never said I'd take over that place."
The man bowed respectfully. "You'll have to face it someday, sir."
Charlie scratched his head awkwardly.
Good grief, was he handed the script of a domineering CEO?
No, a crime lord's heir. The domineering CEO role was for his dear brother.
Too lazy to explain, Charlie found the topic hard to keep a straight face for.
Soon, under the man's gaze, Charlie exited the elevator and headed straight to Otto-Parker's office.
"Hey, dear brother, when are you giving Peter back to me?"
Stepping in, Charlie spoke. Otto-Parker glanced at his secretary, signaling her to leave.
Once she was gone, Otto-Parker frowned.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Charlie sized him up and shrugged. "Fine. Looks like you've forgotten a lot, but there's still time to catch up."
He sat across from Otto-Parker. "I'm on a tight schedule this time, no energy to babysit your promises. But I know you care about family, so I'm giving you two options."
He raised his index finger. "Option one: I take you out, and my brother comes back."
Otto-Parker's eyes flashed with cold intent.
"You can try."
He hadn't expected Charlie to figure out he wasn't the real Peter.
So what?
He wanted to test just how strong the invincible Spider-Man was.
Facing Otto-Parker's provocation, Charlie just chuckled and continued.
"Option two: find a vessel for his soul. I don't care if the real Peter is you or him. He probably wouldn't either."
Otto-Parker still refused.
"What are you trying to do? Ruin me?"
He gripped his pen tightly, torn between unease and anger.
"I have no ill will toward you," he said through gritted teeth.
Charlie spread his hands. "This isn't a discussion. It's not fair to Peter."
"I've taken good care of his parents."
Otto-Parker took a deep breath. "Name your price. I can pay."
"Do I look like I need money?" Charlie rolled his eyes. "I'm actually broke."
Otto-Parker ignored Spider-Man's attempt at humor, staring into his eyes. "If you want to destroy my family, show me what you've got." He wasn't backing down.
Charlie was exasperated.
"That's my family."
"Doesn't matter."
"Fine, you want a duel?"
"Tonight, Liberty Island. No backup."
"Buddy, who taught you to make duel declarations?"
"You can leave now."
Otto-Parker coldly showed him the door. Charlie stood, sighing. "A hit on you hurts me, Richard, Mary, Aunt May, and Uncle Ben. You've got until tonight to change your mind."
With that, he turned and left.
Otto-Parker watched his back, a trace of worry in his eyes.
The invincible Spider-Man's reputation was hard-earned. He had no confidence in beating him.
Not even a sliver.
But that was before.
Now, he wasn't entirely without a chance.
With that thought, he stood, opened a hidden door in his office, and stepped into a shadowy chamber.
…
Back at S.H.I.E.L.D., Charlie found the Dragon Squad training.
"Hey, Coach Charlie, the commander just said I can get a nano-suit made. I designed one myself—check it out!"
Fin Fang Foom excitedly handed over his blueprint.
Charlie glanced at it, his mouth twitching.
"A yellow jumpsuit. Looks familiar."
Fin Fang Foom grinned. "It's a training outfit. Perfect for me."
"Suit yourself. Want some nunchucks to go with it?"
"I don't know how to use nunchucks."
"Shame."
As Charlie spoke, a loud explosion erupted from Old Man's magic lab, followed by thick black smoke.
Oh, sht, that guy failed again.*
"Put out the fire!"
"Grab the extinguisher!"
Agents rushed toward the lab, white mist billowing.
Charlie looked toward Old Man's direction. Agents were carrying out a soot-covered Old Man.
Despite the mess, the gleam in Old Man's eyes hadn't dimmed.
"Hahaha, almost there! My magic—"
"Old Man, you okay?"
Jade rushed over, fake-crying as she hugged him.
Anything to avoid homework.
Charlie turned to Coulson. "Didn't I tell you to watch Jade? How'd she get out?"
Coulson shook his head. "I was watching her!"
Fin Fang Foom, used to this, stepped forward to comfort Jade. "Don't worry, Old Man's bomb-proof."
Charlie checked the time. "Your training's almost done. Tonight, you're ready for your first mission."
"Mission?"
Fin Fang Foom's eyes lit up. "I'm finally becoming a real superhero!"
Jade danced with glee. "Yay! I get to go out and play!"
Old Man adjusted his glasses. "Magic Old Man, ready to strike!"
The trio's enthusiasm made Charlie smile.
"Great. Now, dinner!"
…
Night fell, and the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island glowed divinely under the lights.
The statue held a torch in one hand, a shield in the other, adorned with ornaments representing heroes like Carter, with vibrant webbing draped over it, looking bizarre.
This was the faith of the era.
Of course, Charlie would've preferred a Spider-Man statue.
Fin Fang Foom, Jade, and Old Man stared, mesmerized by the statue.
Then, metallic spider-arms extended from the statue's shoulder, revealing a familiar figure. Jade gasped.
"Spider-Man!"
She glanced at Charlie. "What's going on?"
Charlie shrugged. "He's just a Spider-Man fan. Do as I say."
"Okay."
The Dragon Squad surrounded the area. From the statue's shoulder, Otto-Parker issued a challenge to Charlie in the wind.
"You brought three losers."
Charlie replied calmly, "Test them first."
"Fighting them is a waste of my time."
As Otto-Parker spoke, his spider-arms glowed faintly red at the tips—his upgraded weaponry.
Buzz!
Crimson beams shot from the arms, sweeping the area. Fin Fang Foom shouted, diving to dodge.
Boom!
"Jade!"
As the beams exploded, Jade stood dazed. Old Man, prepared, formed hand seals, chanting.
"Demons and monsters, begone! Demons and monsters, begone!"
Buzz~
A magical shield enveloped Old Man and Jade, neutralizing the crimson beams on contact.
"Hm?"
Otto-Parker was startled. "This old guy's magic…"
Before he could act, the agile Fin Fang Foom climbed the statue.
"Here I come!"
"You—"
Fin Fang Foom charged, his fist closing in on Otto-Parker's face.
"Get lost!"
Clang!
The spider-arms flashed coldly, forcing Fin Fang Foom back. But Otto-Parker didn't see his foe fall pathetically from the heights.
At the statue's waist, Fin Fang Foom clung to a stone belt, wind howling as he shouted.
"Save me! I can't hold on!!"
Otto-Parker's eyes gleamed coldly. He climbed above Fin Fang Foom, a spider-arm stabbing at his hand.
Pfft!
The arm pierced the statue, kicking up debris. Fin Fang Foom yanked his hand back just in time, barely holding on with the other.
"I can't hold on!" Fin Fang Foom's face flushed as he gave Otto-Parker a strained smile.
Otto-Parker, unconvinced, stabbed at his other hand.
Pfft!
Again, he missed. Fin Fang Foom switched hands just in time.
Otto-Parker: "???"
When did this guy dodge?
He hadn't even seen it.
Again!
Pfft pfft pfft!
The spider-arm struck repeatedly. Fin Fang Foom swapped hands back and forth, luckily evading each stab.
"Hey, haha, you can't hit me!" Fin Fang Foom laughed.
Then Otto-Parker smiled too.
A second spider-arm extended. Fin Fang Foom's grin froze.
"No way, right?"
"Oh, yes."
Both arms struck. In a panic, Fin Fang Foom let go, grabbing the embedded spider-arms instead.
Otto-Parker marveled at his unreasonable reflexes, while Fin Fang Foom was near tears.
"Can you not let go?" he asked, trying to look cute.
Otto-Parker nodded. "Sure, but these aren't my hands."
"No—"
As the arms shook, Fin Fang Foom lost his grip, plummeting.
"Save me~"
"I'm here!"
At the statue's base, Old Man timed it perfectly, raising his hands to summon a magical surge that caught Fin Fang Foom.
Seeing this, Charlie relaxed, sitting back to munch on sunflower seeds.
Supported by Old Man's magic, Fin Fang Foom flipped upright, climbing the statue and weaving through webs, seeking Otto-Parker's weakness.
Facing Fin Fang Foom's relentless attacks, Otto-Parker's spider-arms trembled, firing crimson beams to knock him down.
But Fin Fang Foom's agility was unreal, slipping through like an eel.
Old Man pulled a green potion from his pocket. "Demons and monsters, begone~"
With a shout, the potion spread under his magic, enveloping the statue.
Otto-Parker's movements slowed in the green magical mist.
"Damn, what is this?"
He stumbled. Fin Fang Foom seized the chance.
"Here I come!"
"No!"
Fin Fang Foom dodged the spider-arms at an odd angle, landing a flying kick that sent Otto-Parker tumbling.
Before he hit the ground, Old Man's magic formed a cage around him.
"Damn it, get lost!!"
Enraged, Otto-Parker shot webbing laced with flames through the cage toward Old Man, only for Jade to hurl her homework book, blocking it.
Whoosh~
The book burned to ashes. Otto-Parker was stunned.
What did he just see?
Flaming webbing that could melt vibranium walls—stopped by a homework book?
Who were these weirdos?
Finally, Old Man chanted, unleashing more magic to fully trap Otto-Parker. Charlie stood, clapping.
"Well done. Fight's over."
"That was an awesome battle!" Fin Fang Foom beamed, proud of himself.
Otto-Parker scoffed. "Three against one. Unfair."
Charlie nodded. "True. So I won't force you."
He waved, and the Dragon Squad retreated.
"You…"
Otto-Parker stared at their backs, then turned to Charlie, confused. "What are you doing?"
Charlie walked away without looking back. "Have a good chat."
"Chat?"
Otto-Parker sensed something, turning slowly. Across the shore, terrifying mechanical tentacles shot out.
Clank~
The tentacles locked onto Liberty Island. A figure vaulted across the water, heading straight for it.
Boom!!
Doctor Octopus landed, retracting his octopus arms.
Otto-Parker was floored.
Even he couldn't craft infinitely extending mechanical arms.
But this world's Otto…
He admitted he was outclassed.
"You're here to kill me for Spider-Man, right?" Otto-Parker didn't hide his disdain for Doctor Octopus. "Ironic that this world's Doc Ock is friends with Spider-Man."
Doctor Octopus smiled faintly. "We just want to be friends with Parker. You know that."
"Parker…" Otto-Parker lowered his head. "True. Before Peter revealed he was Spider-Man, I'd have called him a friend, but…"
"But you killed him."
Doctor Octopus stepped closer, studying Otto-Parker's body with complex emotions.
"I'm glad to meet another me. Your story must be more exciting than mine."
"It is. You see it—I get better every day."
"Of course. You became Spider-Man—and a thief."
"That's not true!"
"Don't lie. You're clinging to that body or that identity. You know it better than anyone."
Doctor Octopus's gaze sharpened. "But don't forget, you're Spider-Man now. Spider-Man doesn't steal.
He's a hero. You're just a thief, a coward dodging your true self.
You don't deserve to be Spider-Man!"
The words hit like thunder, leaving Otto-Parker dazed.
At some point, he'd forgotten.
He wasn't Spider-Man.
Beneath the Statue of Liberty, Otto-Parker sank to his knees, head bowed.