Fortunately, the streets had been evacuated, preventing more serious consequences.
After ensuring no one was in his way, Professor Lizard continued his march toward the Oscorp building, bag slung over his shoulder.
---
Meanwhile, Barry carried Gwen on his back, swinging through the city with his web-slinging skills as she guided him toward Oscorp.
Due to their unusual appearance—like a child carrying a large stuffed toy—they moved swiftly but discreetly through hidden routes, avoiding attention.
The police were busy dealing with the Lizard and Spider-Man, leaving Barry and Gwen's path relatively unnoticed.
Navigating carefully, Barry soon brought Gwen to a quiet street near the Oscorp building.
"Ah!!" As they descended, Barry grabbed Gwen by the collar and threw her forward, prompting a startled scream.
Barry landed first, rolling on the grass and catching Gwen steadily in his arms.
"Don't worry, I've got you," he said, setting her down gently.
Gwen, catching her breath, widened her eyes and tried to calm her racing heart.
"Next time, a little warning would be nice! Let me brace myself!" she said, half-annoyed, half-relieved.
"Okay, but this was the safest landing method. If I were human, I could have landed with you on my back," Barry explained.
Gwen pointed at Barry, ready to say something, but remembering Peter's instructions, she let it go.
"I'll deal with you later!" she said, turning to head toward the Oscorp building.
---
Once they reached the building, Gwen noticed staff pouring out, many watching their phones with a mix of panic and curiosity.
The police had issued a warning: the Lizard Monster was heading toward Oscorp via Seventeenth Avenue, urging evacuation.
Determined, Gwen moved against the crowd toward the building.
Barry donned Gwen's coat to cover himself and followed her. Despite the odd sight, the fleeing crowd paid little attention to them.
As they entered, the building emptied quickly. Gwen reached the elevator in the lobby. When the elevator arrived, the people inside exited, and she entered with Barry.
Seeing Gwen and the child-like figure beside her heading upstairs, the exiting staff looked perplexed but hurried on their way.
Riding up, Gwen clutched her work ID, feeling nervous and eager. She had to complete the serum before the Lizard arrived.
"Ding!" The elevator chimed, opening its doors.
"Gwen? What are you doing back?" someone asked, surprised to see her.
"I need to get something. Go on ahead," Gwen replied, brushing past them without further explanation.
"Wait, the Lizard Monster is coming this way. If there's anything, handle it later."
Ignoring the warning, Gwen headed straight for Connors' lab.
"Let's go; others need the elevator too," someone suggested, considering the evacuation.
"Okay."
As the elevator doors closed, the floor's labs and studios fell silent and empty.
"Your coat is really stuffy, but Peter's outfit is more comfortable," Barry complained, handing back the coat.
"I'm more worried about catching a chill!" Gwen retorted, rolling her eyes but feeling her nerves ease slightly.
Following familiar paths, Gwen led Barry to a large lab.
"Beep!" She scanned her ID on the access sensor, and the glass door slid open with a green light.
Inside, Gwen went straight to Connors' workbench, searching for the cross-species research files.
With the file numbers, she quickly located the documents and began gathering the necessary chemical agents and cell fluids. Once she had everything, she started preparing the serum.
---
Finally, after a series of meticulous steps, Gwen placed the completed blue serum into the radiation instrument and waited.
Barry stood by, watching Gwen work, unable to assist but intrigued by the process.
---
"Buzz..." As Gwen and Barry watched the countdown on the radiological instrument, Gwen's phone suddenly rang.
Seeing Peter's name, Gwen answered quickly.
"Hey, where are you now?" Peter's voice came through, urgent.
"I'm at Oscorp. Why?" Gwen asked.
"You need to leave immediately."
"Why? The antidote's almost ready," Gwen said, glancing at the countdown—eight minutes left.
"No, Connors is coming for you. He needs the radiator to spread the virus. You need to leave now," Peter insisted.
"It's okay, Barry's here. He can get me out if needed!" Gwen argued, unwilling to abandon her work.
"This is an order, okay?" Peter said, his tone firm.
"I will save everyone!" Gwen declared, hanging up resolutely.
"Your mother..." Barry muttered, thinking he heard Peter swear as the call ended.
EXTRA CHAPTER IS AVAILABLE IN PATREON
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