Venom seethed in rage.
"This host doesn't even understand how terrifying I am. No—he needs to be taught a lesson."
The symbiote hissed in Maguire's ear.
"Insolent creature! Do you know how lucky you are to be chosen by Lord Venom?"
Maguire's lip curled.
"Shut up. Say one more word and I'll deal with you myself."
Venom roared back, furious.
"You dare! I'll show you who I am!"
His face warped—half Maguire's, half Venom's slavering jaws snapping inches from his cheek, a grotesque attempt at intimidation.
Inside, the symbiote smirked.
*Scared now, boy? My face alone terrifies worlds.*
But Maguire just stared blankly.
"If you're going to bite me, then do it. I'll even feed you my head."
Venom froze.
*What the hell? He's not afraid? First time I've met a creature like this. Is everyone on this planet insane?*
He switched tactics.
"Don't you feel it? The power in your body? That's me. My gift. Don't you want to keep it?"
"Yeah, I feel it," Maguire said flatly. "So what?"
Venom gave a smug, eerie laugh.
"Heh heh… That's *my* doing. With me, you'll be unstoppable. You could—"
"I don't need you. Get lost."
The blunt dismissal left Venom stunned.
*Who *is* this lunatic? He doesn't want more power? Is everyone on this planet impossible to reason with?*
Venom snarled.
"Then I won't leave. What can you do about it, fool?"
Maguire's grin sharpened.
"You really think I can't get rid of you?"
Suddenly, a pulse of violent tremor energy burst from his body. The shockwave tore the symbiote off, flinging it across the ground.
Venom lay there, dazed.
*What… what was that? That vibration—it ripped me off like I was nothing.*
It tried lunging back, only to be blasted down again, slammed into the dirt.
Venom's confidence wavered.
*Impossible. This world's creatures… are they all this strong? My future here… is doomed.*
Fear clawed at it.
*Forget this host. I need another. Someone else.*
The black liquid slithered, trying to escape.
But Maguire's eyes gleamed, his face twisting.
"Run? After all the Bully Points I can get from you? No chance."
He stalked forward, each step deliberate.
Venom recoiled at the sight, panic rising.
*No! He's going to eat me alive. This isn't a host—he's a monster. Mother… I want to go home.*
It bolted, streaking desperately through the grass.
Maguire followed at a leisurely pace, hunting, savoring the chase.
…
Ahead, an old Ford rumbled to a stop.
The young man from the Bugle climbed out, camera in hand, muttering as he trudged toward the glow of fire in the trees.
Unaware.
…
Venom's frantic eyes caught him.
*Another host! Yes… stronger than the nightmare chasing me. I refuse to believe they all reject me. He'll want my power. He *has* to.*
It surged toward the unsuspecting youth.
The man froze, a black shadow suddenly blotting out his vision.
…
Maguire saw him too. A slow grin crept across his face.
"Perfect. Another person. Another ATM waiting to be cashed."
…
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