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"Luke? Becoming a superhero?"
Mike asked in confusion, "What's going on?"
"It was Uncle John who said it," Gwen answered, gently clenching her fist. "He said Luke went to Star Company to become a superhero candidate."
"Star Company?" Mike frowned slightly. "But why would John agree to that?"
Weren't they always hoping Luke wouldn't know about his own powers, so he could just live as an ordinary person?
"It was Luke!" Gwen explained. "During a crisis, when superheroes from Star Company were handling it, Luke happened to be there. Because of his abilities, he was nearly killed."
"After that, people noticed him. Star Company's people came knocking, convinced Uncle John and the others, and took Luke to join them."
Gwen repeated everything she had learned from John, her eyes shining as she looked at Mike.
But Mike didn't notice her gaze. Instead, he rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. "To convince John… was it because of today's social environment?"
This was the age of superheroes. After everything that had happened, even mutants were no longer shunned as before. In fact, many superheroes themselves were mutants.
Perhaps that was the reason John had been persuaded.
But was Star Company really a good choice?
"Dad." Gwen clenched her fist, eyes bright with excitement. "I want to be a superhero candidate too. I want to go to Star Company!"
"No!"
Mike refused immediately.
That was something she shouldn't even think about.
"Why not?"
Like a balloon suddenly deflated, Gwen's enthusiasm instantly withered.
"Because Star Company has problems."
"Problems?" Gwen asked, puzzled. "What problems? Aren't they there to serve superheroes?"
"Serve?" Mike gave a faint laugh. "They only treat superheroes as products. Do you also want to be treated as a product?"
Products?
Thinking of the goods lined up on supermarket shelves, waiting to be picked, Gwen shuddered.
She definitely didn't want to become a product.
Then, with some worry, she asked, "But what about Luke? Doesn't that mean he's in danger now?"
"Danger? Not quite."
Mike smiled faintly. "Don't worry. Dad will keep an eye on things."
"Okay!"
Gwen let out a sigh of relief.
"Ding-dong."
The doorbell rang.
Gwen exclaimed with delight, "That must be Peter! I'll get the door!"
She had already called Peter and Harry earlier when she went to Luke's house. By now, it should be about time for them to arrive.
Opening the door, she saw two familiar faces. She smiled, then asked curiously:
"Why did you two come together?"
Harry, wearing sunglasses, one hand in his pocket and the other draped over Peter's neck, raised his hand toward Gwen. "Long time no see."
His eyes sparkled with happiness as he patted Peter's shoulder. "I just happened to be with Peter."
Peter pushed up the glasses on his nose, his eyes fixed entirely on Gwen.
Gwen happily hugged them both.
At that moment, a red-haired girl peeked her head out from behind them.
Gwen froze for a moment. "And this is…?"
Harry introduced, "This is Mary Jane. She transferred to our class five months ago."
Mary Jane smiled warmly, stepping out from behind the two. She extended her hand confidently. "Hello, you can call me Mary."
"Gwen!"
Gwen shook her hand, smiling as she nodded and quickly looked the girl over.
She was about the same height as Gwen, with beautiful red hair. Though her clothes looked a little old, they were clean. What stood out most was the bright smile on her face.
Sunny and strong.
She was a good girl.
Gwen clasped Mary's hand in return and said, "Nice to meet you, Mary."
Mary blinked in surprise, then the two girls exchanged smiles.
Seeing this, Harry winked at Peter. "See? I told you they'd get along."
Peter muttered his agreement, then stole a cautious glance at Gwen, as if making sure she was really okay.
Only God knew how heartbroken he had been while Gwen was missing, and how many times he had cried in secret.
"If only Luke were here."
Gwen mumbled under her breath.
At this, Harry scoffed. "He's a superhero trainee now. How could he still hang out with us?"
Peter whispered, "Luke's not that kind of person. He's training, not avoiding us."
Harry still looked displeased.
Seeing this, Gwen stepped forward and smacked him lightly on the forehead. "Say that again?"
Harry rubbed his head and forced a grin. "I was wrong."
Gwen huffed. "Say nonsense again, and I'll bust your head open."
Harry shrank his neck.
He really couldn't beat Gwen.
Peter chuckled at the sight.
Only Gwen could keep Harry in line.
Meanwhile, Mary Jane's eyes widened in disbelief. She had never imagined that Harry, the wealthy heir of Osborn Industries, would actually be afraid of Gwen.
This was the future head of Osborn Industries!
Gwen stuck her tongue out playfully at Mary, then grabbed her hand. "Come on, let's go shopping."
"I'll take you. My driver's waiting for us."
Harry pointed to a car parked on the street.
Gwen nodded, called back into the house, then left together with Harry and the others.
A while later, Mike also left the house, heading toward the nearby supermarket.
There was nothing to eat at home. He couldn't even imagine how Clark had managed.
Walking down the street, Mike could truly feel how much the world had changed.
Superhero posters, superhero-endorsed products, merchandise designed with superhero images—these things were everywhere. To Mike, it felt unnatural, even irritating. Especially when he saw that a condom brand called Durex had chosen some so-called "Air Hero" as its spokesperson—he was left utterly speechless.
After buying groceries, Mike carried two large bags home. Halfway back, he stumbled upon a battle between a supervillain and a superhero.
Their strength, in Mike's eyes, wasn't much. But when he saw who the superhero was, he felt utterly exasperated.
Once known as Killian, now called Firework Man, he was one of the seven shining superheroes of Star Company's most famous team—the Justice League.
Just hearing that name, "Justice League," made Mike's stomach ache.
Watching Killian capture the villain, Mike shook his head.
"Now even random clowns can become superheroes? What a joke."
Listening to the crowd cheering, he muttered under his breath and walked away with long strides.
(End of Chapter)