Chapter 6: Whiplash Joins Osborn
Yes.
In this office, Spider-Man's identity isn't a secret either.
When Peter came to the door with the 'Decay Rate Formula' that could change the fate of the Osborn Family, Norman already guessed everything.
After all.
A once scrawny student suddenly produces a genetic algorithm that even top scientists can't master, and his physical fitness skyrockets.
Who else could it be but the masked hero swinging through the New York skies?
Regarding the exposure of his identity, Peter, as a transmigrator, was not as sensitive and fearful as he was in the original work.
In the original comics or movies.
Spider-Man always carefully hid his identity, fearing that his enemies would come after Aunt May.
But in Peter's view, fear stems from insufficient firepower.
Since transmigrating.
He not only strengthened himself through system missions but also drew countless strange and wonderful items.
Many of these items with special abilities were secretly given to Uncle Ben and Aunt May.
The Parker couple now appears to be a kind and ordinary elderly couple.
But in reality...
If there were truly villains like Kingpin, Mysterio, or Venom who dared to kidnap these elders to threaten Peter.
The scene would probably be quite spectacular.
Peter even secretly gave the elderly couple a codename in his heart — 'Xuanming Elders'.
Anyone who dares to touch them will most likely be taught a lesson by this seemingly frail old couple.
After a laugh, the conversation returned to business.
Peter reined in his smile, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest of the leather sofa.
"Right, any news on the person I asked you to find earlier?"
At this, Harry became serious.
He took out a black folder from the drawer under the coffee table and handed it to Peter.
"Found them. Just as you predicted, these people are not simple."
Harry opened the first page of the folder, which prominently featured a photo of a man with a full beard and sinister eyes.
"Ivan Vanko, this Russian was the easiest to find."
Harry said, pointing at the photo.
"Based on the clues you provided, our people found him in a slum in Siberia."
"At that time, this guy was doing quite poorly. His home had nothing but a pile of broken blueprints and vodka bottles."
At this point.
Harry shrugged, a hint of capitalist ease in his tone.
"His father, Anton Vanko, was very ill, on the verge of death. So I just had someone show him the power of money."
"I promised to provide his father with top-tier medical services and give him unlimited vodka and research funds."
"And the result?" Peter asked.
"He signed the indentured servitude contract without a second thought," Harry chuckled.
"Now, Anton Vanko has been placed in a private sanatorium in Switzerland. That's our best leverage to control Ivan."
"As for Ivan himself, he's currently assigned to the underground laboratory. Although he seems ill-tempered, he's indeed a good worker."
Peter nodded in satisfaction.
This was precisely his talent acquisition plan, formulated based on his familiarity with the plot.
In the movie 'Iron Man 2'.
That fool Justin Hammer could even get Ivan Vanko out of prison and use him.
There's no reason why the more powerful Osborn Industries couldn't do it.
Moreover.
Compared to Hammer's crude exploitation, Peter had Harry directly control Ivan's weakness — his father.
This was more effective than any threat.
"Well done, Harry." Peter praised, but then his tone shifted, and his eyes sharpened.
"However, don't let your guard down. Ivan is a madman. He grew up with hatred for Stark and in a harsh environment, twisting his personality."
"In some ways, he's even more dangerous than Dr. Otto, a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Harry leaned back confidently on the sofa.
"This is Osborn, not some shoddy workshop like Hammer's. As long as his father is in our hands, he can't cause any trouble. Besides..."
Harry looked at Peter and winked.
"Isn't there still you? If he dares to act up, who could be more dangerous than Spider-Man?"
Peter smiled noncommittally, then asked.
"What about the other two? Aldrich Killian, and Maya Hansen?"
These two were the developers of Extremis, and an important part of Peter's plan.
Harry's smile faded, and he shook his head regretfully.
"These two are more troublesome. The guy named Killian seems to have vanished into thin air. We found out he was a cripple more than ten years ago, and then he disappeared without a trace."
"Maya Hansen too, no trace can be found. She's probably with Killian."
"Hiding?"
Peter stroked his chin, lost in thought.
This also fits the plot. After being stood up by Tony Stark, Killian secretly accumulated strength and planned his famous revenge.
It's reasonable that he couldn't be found for now.
"Alright, it doesn't matter if we can't find them." Peterdidn't show too much disappointment.
"Anyway, Osborn Industries isn't short of two biologists. Ivan can fill our shortcomings in the mechanical field, and that's enough."
Peter's confidence was not unfounded.
In his opinion, the so-called talent acquisition plan was merely icing on the cake.
Osborn Industries' true trump card, and its only 'nuclear weapon,' was actually himself.
Others were at best auxiliary; Peter was the core engine that could drive the progress of the era.
Speaking of which.
Harry suddenly looked at Peter with some curiosity:
"Speaking of which, Peter, I've always wondered, you have to spend time with Gwen, go to school, fight crime, and now you're in charge of company projects..."
"How do you manage your time? Do you never sleep?"
"Time management?" Peter smiled mysteriously.
"This is a trade secret, but it doesn't hurt to tell you, because there are many 'me's' working."
"Many of you?" Harry was confused.
Peter didn't explain much. In his mind, a skill on the system panel was flashing with light.
Shadow Clone Jutsu.
This was the reward he received after completing a mission earlier.
At this very moment.
Deep beneath Osborn Tower, in several confidential laboratories, there were three clones identical to Peter.
They were working overtime, wearing white lab coats and looking miserable.
And Peter's main body?
Of course, he was free to enjoy life, spend time with his girlfriend, and have a good cup of tea on the top floor.
This is called the self-cultivation of a capitalist.
As long as his physical and mental strength were strong enough, Peter would even exploit himself, making the Vampires of Wall Street weep.
"Don't worry about it too much. Just know that my efficiency is several times that of an ordinary person."
Peter stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at the city below, his tone full of certainty.
"So, it won't be long before the perfect Super Soldier Serum is born."
"We will combine Dr. Connors' self-healing factor technology to completely remove the genetic disease genes from Norman and your bodies."
He turned around and looked at Harry with burning eyes.
"It's not just about curing diseases; this is also a huge gold mine. Once successful, we will stabilize our cooperation with the Military and secure massive orders."
Listening to Peter's description, the flame of hope reignited in Harry's eyes.
He walked over to Peter and said sincerely:
"I believe you, Peter. From the moment you saved my father, I knew you were an Angel sent by God to save me."
But then, Harry frowned slightly, expressing his deepest concerns.
"But, Peter, those people in the Military are not good news. They're like sharks that smell blood."
"Once our serum research and development is successful, they will definitely use various means to pressure us, trying to control the technology, and even the entire Osborn Industries, in their hands."
Chapter 7: The Mysterious Military Pawn
Harry sighed, speaking with a hint of helplessness.
"You know as well as I do that compared to Stark Industries, our foundation is still too shallow. Tony Stark's father was a founder of S.H.I.E.L.D., and they've been thick as thieves with the Military since World War II."
"They have deep connections and backgrounds within the Pentagon and S.H.I.E.L.D., while we..."
"To be honest, we have almost no one of our own in the Military. It's hard to stand tall and speak our minds in front of those generals."
This was a very realistic problem.
No matter how good the technology is, without political backing, it's easy to be swallowed whole by those in power.
Hearing Harry's concerns,
Peter appeared quite calm, a profound and mysterious smile playing on his lips.
"You don't need to worry too much about that issue, Harry."
"Why?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"Because..."
Peter lowered his voice, as if sharing a massive secret. "I've already started developing our own person within the Military."
Harry's eyes widened, his curiosity piqued. "Who? We have an ally in the Military? How come I didn't know?"
Peter held a finger to his lips, not directly revealing the name.
"Keep a little mystery, my friend. You'll find out when the time comes. That fellow will definitely surprise you."
Seeing Harry so anxious he was practically scratching his head,
Peter added a hint:
"However, I can tell you this much: you actually know this person."
"We both know them? Someone in the army?"
Harry's brow furrowed as possible names flashed through his mind like a movie reel.
Was it some general who had once come to inspect Osborn? Or a colonel he'd met briefly at a high-society banquet?
"Stop guessing, Harry."
Peter watched his friend's internal struggle and laughed, waving his hand.
"A magic trick isn't as good if the secret is revealed too early. Your task now is to steady the Board of Directors. As for the sharp blade that will pierce the enemy, I'll sharpen it for you."
After briefly discussing a few more details, Peter stood up. "I'm heading out. Don't work yourself to death."
"Until my old man returns to the battlefield, I'm afraid I'll be putting in overtime here indefinitely."
Harry gave a bitter smile, pointing at the mountain of documents. "Go enjoy your date. Give my regards to Gwen."
Peter turned and walked out of the Chairman's office.
Outside the door,
two tall, exquisitely made-up female secretaries immediately stood up, respectfully watching him leave.
They then hurried into the office clutching tablets to assist the young heir in managing the affairs of this massive business empire.
Afterward,
Peter skillfully avoided the surveillance cameras and found a deserted spot.
[Shadow Clone Jutsu]
Poof!
Accompanied by a soft popping sound, white smoke rose.
As the smoke cleared, a figure identical to Peter in appearance, clothing, and aura appeared out of thin air.
The two Peters looked at each other, no words needed.
"The original goes back to accompany the girlfriend. The daily tasks aren't over yet; I can't let Gwen down."
The original Peter straightened his collar.
"I'm heading to the underground lab," the shadow clone Peter said, flexing his wrists.
"I'll go check on that restless Russian and prepare for the 'Big Toy' while I'm at it."
With the division of labor clear, the original turned to leave.
He returned to the 33rd floor as if nothing had happened, continuing his role as the gentle, considerate, and omniscient genius boyfriend and mentor.
Meanwhile, the shadow clone Peter turned toward a hidden elevator.
This elevator led directly to the underground laboratory and could only be used by those with special clearance.
He intended to see for himself
how the newly arrived Ivan Vanko was doing.
If necessary, he might have to give the guy a bit of a warning.
In Peter's memory,
this villain codenamed 'Whiplash' was, in terms of motivation and style,
even more pure and dangerous than Dr. Lizard or Doctor Octopus.
Connors, Otto, and even Norman Osborn—their descents into darkness followed relatively clear paths and reasons.
Peter could use his advantage as a transmigrator to apply the right remedy and prevent their tragedies in advance.
But Ivan was different.
This guy could be said to have been completely blackened from the moment he appeared.
He inherited his father's hatred for the Stark family; he was perverse and cruel, a thoroughgoing dangerous element.
Leaving such a time bomb inside the company meant someone had to keep an eye on him.
...
Osborn Tower, Basement Level Four.
If the thirty-three floors above ground represented the glamorous biotechnology of Osborn Industries,
then this laboratory buried deep underground was the heavy-metal-styled industrial heart.
Here lay Osborn Industries' most dangerous projects: the Mechanical Weapons Research and Development Centerand the New Energy Laboratory.
Peter's shadow clone stepped into the laboratory.
What met his eyes
were two completely different experimental zones, like two polar opposites with vastly different personalities forced under one roof.
Originally,
this laboratory was entirely Otto's responsibility, but now it had Ivan's forceful addition.
The left side
was neat and orderly, with a rigor that bordered on obsessive-compulsive.
A massive Tokamak device stood in the center, with several octopus-like mechanical arms performing precise operations.
That was Dr. Otto's domain.
He was conducting a grand and dangerous research project he called the 'Artificial Sun,' a controlled nuclear fusion device.
It was true high-tech, high-risk work.
The right side, however, was a chaotic 'junkyard.'
Copper wires scattered across the floor, circuit boards piled haphazardly, and a crude workbench that was currently sizzling with sparks.
The air was thick with the smell of vodka and tobacco.
That was the territory of the new guest, Ivan.
The burly, heavily tattooed man was focused on building an 'Arc Reactor' identical to Tony's.
This was a new energy device that simulated cold nuclear fusion.
It aimed to operate stably at room temperature and could even be miniaturized to become a super clean energy source.
Of course,
before Tony used his father's legacy blueprints to discover a new element,
this type of Arc Reactor, which used Palladium as fuel, was inherently toxic and couldn't truly be called clean energy.
"It seems the atmosphere in the lab isn't very friendly."
Peter stood on the metal walkway, looking down from above at the two busy figures.
Aside from a few assistants whispering nervously to each other,
there was absolutely no communication between the two technical giants, Otto and Ivan.
They were like two parallel lines.
Even their occasional eye contact carried obvious disgust and disdain.
Peter understood perfectly.
Ivan had likely put on a facade of repentance before Harry, acting like an honest man who only wanted to save his father.
But deep down,
that arrogance and wildness hadn't changed at all.
He clearly looked down on Osborn's rules and had no intention of collaborating with anyone.
In fact, he probably just wanted to use Osborn Industries' funding and equipment to secretly carry out his plan for revenge against the Stark family.
Peter first went to the left side.
"Hey, Dr. Otto," his voice cut through the roar of the machines.
"How have you been lately? Without funding constraints, this feeling of spending money at will must be quite refreshing, right?"
Dr. Otto, who was currently debugging a mechanical tentacle, turned around.
He wore a specially made dark green lab coat and his signature round sunglasses.
Although the famous four mechanical tentacles hadn't been installed yet, the look in his eyes as he watched the data was already filled with a certain fanaticism.
Seeing it was Peter,
a rare trace of a smile appeared on Otto's usually stern face.
Chapter 8: A Show of Force Against the Whiplash
"Of course, it's excellent, Peter."
Otto pointed to the giant spherical device behind him.
"At the current pace, I will soon complete the ignition process for the 'Artificial Sun.'"
"The fusion reaction of tritium is stable. As long as the final magnetic confinement issue is resolved, all of humanity will have access to inexhaustible, clean energy."
Saying this,
Otto spread his arms, as if he could already see that utopian future.
"At that time, all the poverty, hunger, and wars caused by energy scarcity will be eliminated. This is the true meaning of science!"
A hint of admiration flickered in Peter's eyes.
"That sounds wonderful, Doctor. Your ideals are always so grand."
It had to be admitted.
Before his brain was affected by the mechanical tentacles, Dr. Otto was a respectable idealist.
Although his experiments carried enormous risks—a slight miscalculation could blow up half of New York City.
This did not diminish his lofty status in the scientific community.
"However..."
Peter shifted his tone, his gaze drifting toward the smoky corner on the right.
"You don't seem to be getting along well with your new colleague?"
Hearing this, Otto's expression instantly chilled, and a sneer of disdain curled his lips.
"Colleague? Ha!"
Otto didn't even bother to lower his voice.
"That barbarian from Siberia? Don't joke, Peter. He doesn't understand what industrial art is!"
Otto pointed mockingly at the rough metal ring Ivan was polishing.
"Look at the things he makes. They lack any aesthetic quality; they are just violent and crude patchwork."
"He's like a blacksmith picking up scrap in a junkyard, trying to hammer out a spaceship. It's an insult to engineering!"
This was the typical conflict between the academic elite and the self-taught rogue.
Otto was a genuine top university Doctor, a titan in the field of physics, valuing theoretical perfection and precise data.
And Ivan Vanko?
This guy probably hadn't even finished middle school, having grown up in the chaos of the collapse era.
He was wild and rough in temperament.
But who told him he was exceptionally gifted? By fighting, smuggling weapons, and surviving in prison, he had maxed out his natural talent.
"We are making weapons! They are meant to kill!"
A rough voice suddenly cut through Otto's mockery.
Ivan turned around.
He had a toothpick in his mouth, held a still-smoking welding torch in his hand, and was covered in tattoos with gang affiliations.
His stubbled face was etched with defiance.
"Look at you guys, wearing clean white coats and drinking coffee, yet you can't even tighten a single screw."
Ivan spat out the toothpick, looking provocatively at Peterand Otto.
Peter narrowed his eyes slightly. This guy really was a troublemaker.
He smiled at Otto, reassuring him:
"Alright, Doctor. It seems ideological conflicts are indeed hard to reconcile, but it's fine. I will make him cooperate with you obediently."
Upon hearing this,
Otto raised an eyebrow, crossed his arms, took a step back, and adopted a look of someone waiting for a good show.
"Then I shall wait and see. This guy is a mad dog who even dares to hit security guards."
Peter walked unhurriedly toward the other side.
Ivan clearly did not recognize the young man before him, who was the famous Spider-Man.
In his intelligence reports, only Norman and Harry Osborn, father and son, were worth paying attention to at Osborn Industries.
As for Peter?
He looked like an intern who had just entered the lab and hadn't been weaned yet, or perhaps some rich second generation visiting.
"What's the matter, little kid?"
Ivan looked at the approaching Peter, raised the welding torch spewing blue flames, and deliberately waved it.
"Stay back. This isn't an amusement park. Do you need Uncle to teach you how to shoot? I've been playing with AK47s since I was little. Or do you want to try having your eyebrows burned off by this thing?"
"Is that so? That's really impressive."
Peter stopped half a meter in front of Ivan, his expression calm, even carrying a hint of a gentle smile.
"But I didn't hire you to perform acrobatics here."
Before his voice faded, Peter suddenly moved.
There were no flashy moves, just a simple reach, but in Ivan's vision, that hand was as fast as lightning.
"Snap!"
Peter precisely clamped down on the wrist holding the welding torch.
Ivan instinctively tried to resist. He was very confident in the brute strength tempered by the Siberian harsh wind.
But in the next second, his expression changed.
That hand, which looked fair and slender, was now like a hydraulic clamp, locking his bones immovably.
"Huh?!"
Ivan roared, his arm muscles bulging violently as he tried to break free.
However, Peter's arm didn't even tremble once.
"Is that all your strength?"
Peter's voice remained calm, but his grip slowly tightened.
"Crack... crunch..."
The grating sound of bones being compressed was exceptionally clear in the noisy laboratory.
"Ah!!"
Intense pain drilled into Ivan's marrow, and the welding torch clattered to the ground with a clang.
He felt like his wrist was about to be crushed. That kind of power was simply not human!
"Wait! Let go of me! Who are you?!"
Large beads of cold sweat instantly broke out on Ivan's forehead, and his knees involuntarily bent due to the severe pain.
"I said earlier, I am the person who recruited you into Osborn Industries."
Peter looked at Ivan, who was kneeling on the ground, his eyes devoid of the usual gentleness.
"In front of Harry, you pretend to be quite the dutiful son. Why, when you get here, do you want to bare your fangs?"
He leaned down slightly, his voice like a devil's whisper:
"You better behave yourself, Ivan. You wouldn't want your father to suddenly die of a heart attack, would you?"
Ivan's pupils contracted sharply. This was his fatal weakness.
"You... you wouldn't dare..." Ivan gritted his teeth, still trying to put up a brave front.
"I wouldn't dare?"
Peter chuckled lightly, increasing the force on his hand by another fraction.
This small increase in force made Ivan scream in pain, nearly passing out. He could even hear the sound of his own wrist bone cracking.
This young man was a demon!
Ivan was terrified to the core.
Harry was just a rich young master, and Otto was an arrogant bookworm.
But this kid... he looked harmless, yet when he acted, he was more terrifying than a Siberian black bear!
"Listen, Ivan."
Peter looked into Ivan's terrified eyes.
"Osborn Industries will give you the best treatment and all the resources you want, as long as you listen obediently and work as my assistant."
Peter paused, a kind yet chilling smile appearing on his face.
"But if you dare to be dishonest again, or try any tricks... believe me, I won't just make your father drop dead."
"I will capture both you and your father, subject you to a sex change operation, and then throw you into the red-light district of Manhattan to work as prostitutes. I imagine you two would be very popular, right?"
This threat, filled with malicious humor and humiliation,
was like a basin of ice water, extinguishing the last spark of resistance in Ivan's heart.
The laboratory fell into a dead silence.
The surrounding staff were so scared they didn't dare to breathe, wishing they could bury their heads in their chests.
Ivan's face turned from red to white, then from white to blue—extremely unpleasant.
This threat was too vicious.
"It... it was my fault..."
Ivan finally lowered his proud head, his voice trembling with a hint of pleading.
"Let go first, sir. I promise I will cooperate fully."
Peter snorted coldly and released his grip as if tossing away trash.
Ivan collapsed onto the floor, clutching his swollen and purple wrist, gasping for air.
He looked at Peter's retreating back. The contempt in his eyes had vanished without a trace, replaced by deep apprehension.
"What in the world is this guy?"
Ivan roared internally.
"A secret modified human from Osborn Industries? Or a Mutant? He said he was the one who recruited me. Could he be the mastermind here?"
At this moment, Peter's image in his mind
transformed instantly from an arrogant kid who didn't know his place into an unfathomable, ruthless devil.
Chapter 9: The Spider Mecha Project
Dr. Otto, standing to the side, pushed up his glasses, the corners of his mouth unable to stop curving upward, revealing an expression of schadenfreude.
"It seems the barbarian has learned what rules are."
Otto was in high spirits.
He had long disliked this rude and insolent newcomer.
This laboratory clearly belonged to him.
Yet after Ivan arrived, he acted as if he wouldn't take orders, insisting on tinkering with the Arc Reactor by himself.
Now, seeing him subdued, Otto felt immensely satisfied.
Peter clapped his hands, as if he had just swatted a fly.
"Alright, the farce is over."
Peter's clone turned around, his gaze sweeping between Dr. Otto's artificial Sun device and Ivan's Arc Reactor.
"For the next period, I will be staying in this laboratory."
Peter walked to the middle of the two men's workstations.
"Dr. Otto, Ivan, you are both among the smartest minds in the World."
He pointed at Ivan, then at Otto.
"I want you two to cooperate to combine the portability of the Arc Reactor with the ultra-high energy output of nuclear fusion."
"We are going to create an entirely new energy core that surpasses Stark's!"
Otto frowned.
"What do you need such immense energy for? That level of energy output would be more than enough to power a battleship across the Milky Way Galaxy."
Peter smiled mysteriously, not answering directly.
In his mind, a ultimate weapon originating from "Toei Spider-Man" surfaced.
[LeoParagon]
That was a giant combat robot, 60 meters tall and weighing 25,000 tons!
In the Marvel Universe,
Instead of engaging in close combat while wearing an Iron Man Suit that resembled an iron can, why not just pilot a Gundam to crush the enemy?
How could Spider-Man not have his own mecha?
Imagine.
Just when villains despaired over Peter's physical strength, he would then summon LeoParagon and cleave a skyscraper in half with a sword...
That scene.
Just thinking about it made Peter eager to try.
And to power that level of behemoth, the ordinary Arc Reactor wasn't nearly enough.
Only by combining Otto's artificial Sun technology with Ivan's Arc Reactor could they forge a heart worthy of LeoParagon.
"For the future, Doctor."
Peter's eyes burned, "Of course, it's to ensure no one dares trespass on my territory."
"As for you, Ivan."
Peter glanced at the strong man still rubbing his wrist on the floor.
"Stop playing dead. Get up and work. If you perform well, I don't mind teaching you some mechanical knowledge you've never seen before."
"Yes... Sir."
Ivan painfully struggled to his feet. Although his eyes still held fear, he picked up his tools.
Peter nodded in satisfaction.
The main body is upstairs spending quality time with his beautiful girlfriend, while the clone is down here squeezing knowledge out of villainous scientists to build a Gundam.
This is the lifestyle a Transmigrator should have.
...
Night slowly descended, like a massive curtain gently covering the hustle and bustle of the day.
New York City immediately lit up with countless lights.
Innumerable neon signs flickered, adorning the city with dazzling colors, and streams of traffic converged into a golden river, rushing ceaselessly through the canyons of skyscrapers.
Viewed from high above, this place truly resembled a "Night City."
However, those familiar with the Marvel Universe all knew.
Beneath this city's glamorous exterior hid chaos far more exaggerated than Night City in "Cyberpunk 2077."
Super-criminals, alien invaders, and all sorts of incredible supernatural events.
Could erupt in this city at any moment.
But all of this felt somewhat distant to Peter, who was sitting in the back seat of a taxi.
He had already systematically assigned all research work from Osborn Industries to his shadow clones.
These clones were advancing various projects in different laboratories.
With Peter's current inhumanly strong physique and mental power,
He could fully support multiple shadow clones working long hours, while his main body barely felt any fatigue, still maintaining his daily life as if nothing had happened.
This was the true essence of the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
As long as his stamina and mental energy were sufficient, he was truly a master of time management.
"Ding—"
The moment the taxi crossed the Queensboro Bridge, a prompt sound, audible only to Peter, echoed in his mind.
[Daily Quest: A Worthy Boyfriend and Mentor (Settled)]
[Quest Evaluation: Perfect. You not only impressed your girlfriend academically but also gave her a double shock in genetics and biology.]
[Reward Obtained: 1000 Experience Points, 1 Free Attribute Point.]
Looking at the fluctuating numbers on the system panel, Peter's lips curved slightly upward.
The rewards after completing a quest included various strange items, as well as a fixed experience point mechanism.
Experience points were the key to leveling up.
With every level increase, Peter's attributes would improve, and he would gain precious skill points.
But his current level had reached LV7.
Although these 1000 experience points were not insignificant, they were merely a drop in the bucket compared to the massive experience bar required for leveling up.
What truly concerned Peter was the [Free Attribute Point].
Attribute points directly enhanced life itself.
Unlike physical training, which required years of accumulation, this was an instantaneous boost.
Peter's gaze swept across the attribute panel.
Strength, Agility, Spirit... finally resting on the [Constitution] column.
"Add it to Constitution," Peter silently commanded.
Without any hesitation, the 1 point of free attribute instantly transformed into a warm current, surging into his limbs and bones out of thin air.
This warm current was not scorching hot, but rather resembled a pool of clear spring water.
Gently nourishing every one of his cells, strengthening his mitochondria, and widening his blood vessels and meridians.
For Peter now, the Constitution attribute was the foundation of everything.
He did not have the 'Chakra' from the Naruto World, nor the 'Magic Power' of a mage, or the 'Internal Energy' of martial arts novels.
Many skills granted by the system,
For example, the Shadow Clone Jutsu, fundamentally drew its energy from his stamina.
Currently, stamina was Peter's mana bar.
A well-trained ordinary adult male had an average Constitution attribute of about 1 point.
This meant.
The 1 attribute point Peter just added was equivalent to directly stuffing the entire endurance of an adult strong man into his body!
This level of improvement was terrifying for ordinary people.
But now, the column for Peter's Constitution attribute conspicuously displayed a staggering number—167.
This was not just an accumulation of numbers; it was a qualitative leap.
Possessing over one hundred and sixty times the endurance, recovery, and vitality of a normal person.
This meant.
The blood pumped by Peter's heart was comparable to a large water pump, his lungs could store oxygen like a whale, and his muscles were strong enough to withstand firearms.
This was also why he could maintain multiple shadow clones working intensely around the clock.
While his main body could still accompany his girlfriend shopping or even engage in vigorous 'exercise' at night as if nothing were wrong.
This faint warm current, merging into this iron-like body, did not cause any major ripples.
It was like a drop of water joining a surging river.
But Peter could clearly feel the slight fatigue caused by maintaining the clones dissipating.
"Hoo..."
Peter gently exhaled a breath of stale air, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Chapter 10: Veteran Parker
What's wrong, Peter? Are you tired?"
Gwen beside him noticed the change in his breathing, turned her head with some concern, her blue eyes full of tenderness.
She had burned her brain cells for a whole day at Osborn Industries.
At this moment, she was completely spent, leaning softly against Peter's shoulder like a lazy cat.
"No, quite the opposite."
Peter reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender waist, his thumb gently caressing the soft flesh at her side.
He smiled.
"I feel like I just got fully charged. It's you; you were almost asleep in the car earlier."
Gwen yawned and did not deny it.
"Of course. Professor Parker's lectures are too profound. I think my brain hasn't recovered yet."
The taxi slowly stopped by the roadside.
"We're here, sir, ma'am," the driver turned back and said.
Peter paid the fare and led Gwen out of the car by the hand.
This was Forest Hills in Queens, a typical middle-class street in the United States.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, this place seemed exceptionally quiet.
Tall maple trees lined both sides of the road, and the streetlights cast a warm, dim halo.
On both sides were uniform two-story red-brick houses, each with a neatly trimmed lawn in front.
The air was filled with the aroma of dinner, and occasionally, they could hear distant dog barks and the sound of television programs.
"This is the feeling of coming home."
Gwen took a deep breath, and her originally tired nerves relaxed.
Peter held her hand and didn't walk directly toward the main door; instead, his gaze was drawn to the light coming from the garage next door.
The garage, where the old Ford sedan should have been parked, now had its door wide open, with the car parked alone on the street outside.
And the inside of the garage had been completely transformed.
It had been converted into a makeshift home gym.
Dumbbell plates of various specifications hung on the walls, and in the corner sat some used cable machines, Roman chairs, leg press machines, and so on.
In the center of the garage.
A thick galvanized steel pipe was firmly anchored to the load-bearing wall with several expansion bolts, serving as a pull-up bar.
A figure, slightly aged but still lean and powerful, was hanging from that steel pipe.
It was Ben Parker.
He wore a white tank top soaked with sweat, revealing two thin but clearly defined arms.
Although they weren't exaggeratedly full, every muscle fiber was twisted together like steel wire, brimming with explosive power and resilience.
What was even more astonishing was.
Uncle Ben also had a heavy chain hanging around his waist, with two barbell plates weighing at least 40 kilograms attached to the lower end.
"Eighteen... huff... Nineteen... huff..."
Uncle Ben gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead.
Sweat slid down his graying temples, dripping onto the floor to form a small puddle of moisture.
Every time he pulled his body up, the muscles on his back contracted and squeezed like a grimace.
"Twenty!"
With a final low roar.
Uncle Ben exerted a sudden burst of strength, his chin rising above the bar. He paused for a second at that moment, then slowly controlled his body as he descended.
If anyone else saw this scene, their jaws would surely drop.
A man nearing seventy doing pull-ups with a 40-kilogram weight, and with textbook-perfect form? That was simply a medical miracle.
But Peter knew this was no accident.
Ever since that fateful robbery occurred, after Peterforcefully reversed the timeline and saved Uncle Ben.
The old man's mindset had undergone some changes.
The shadow of death hadn't crushed him; instead, it had awakened Uncle Ben's long-dormant soul.
He was not content to be a retired old man who spent his days reading newspapers on the sofa and waiting for his nephew to support him.
He wanted to become stronger.
He wanted to possess the strength to protect his family, rather than collapsing helplessly when danger arrived.
"Hey, Uncle Ben!"
Peter let go of Gwen's hand, walked quickly into the garage, and his tone carried a hint of reprimand.
"Still exercising so late? Didn't I tell you to progress gradually? Your joints and cartilage don't recover as quickly as a young person's. Too much strain will be counterproductive."
Hearing his nephew's voice, Ben Parker let out a long breath and placed his feet on the ground.
He unhooked the weighted chain from his waist with a crisp "clank," casually grabbed a towel, and wiped off the sweat.
When he turned around.
Uncle Ben's eyes were frighteningly bright—the kind of look only a veteran who had served on the battlefield possessed.
"It's fine, Peter." Uncle Ben grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. His breathing was rapid but steady.
"I'm just doing some recovery training. You know, this much weight is nothing to me. Back in the day, I could run five kilometers carrying your father."
This wasn't bragging.
In the Marvel background story, the brothers Ben Parkerand Richard Parker had served in the military together; both were World War II veterans.
Richard later became a scientist and Agent for S.H.I.E.L.D.
And Ben Parker, in his youth, was a famous member of the Army Special Forces.
He had been selected for the Strategic Scientific Reserve Corps and served as security personnel for Dr. Erskine, the developer of the Super Soldier Serum.
Although time had eroded Uncle Ben's physical body,
leading to dehydration and muscle atrophy, that force application technique and combat instinct etched into his bones had never disappeared.
"That was the past, Uncle Ben."
Peter shook his head helplessly.
"I know you're a tough guy, but life is better for us now. There's no need to push yourself so hard. If it's really necessary, I can help you modify things."
The modification Peter referred to was naturally using the Super Spider technology from Osborn Industries.
Back when Richard completed the Super Spider project.
He secretly embedded a genetic password so that only members of the Parker family could perfectly adapt to the strength of the Super Spider.
And the present Ben Parker, as Richard's brother, was naturally one of the compatible recipients.
He could receive modifications directly.
Unlike Gwen or others, who would require prior genetic tailoring unless selected by the Spider Totem.
"Forget it."
Uncle Ben decisively waved his hand, his eyes firm.
"These old bones of mine are still strong. If Mei isn't feeling well, perhaps you can help improve her health."
"But me? I want to rely on myself."
He looked at Peter, his gaze revealing the stubbornness of an old-fashioned man.
"You said before that true strength comes not only from the body but also from the tempering of the will. I want to learn that move you promised to teach me."
"If I can't even restore this basic physical fitness, what right do I have to learn it?"
Clearly.
Ben Parker had his own understanding of the phrase, "With great power comes great responsibility."
He didn't want to be a recipient who gained without effort, but a warrior who won back his dignity through sweat.
Peter looked at the stubborn old man before him, feeling moved.
In this Universe.
Not only had Uncle Ben not died, but he had experienced a second spring due to Peter's stimulation.
He was no longer the kind elder who was always lecturing but was gradually reverting to the formidable warrior he once was.
"Alright, my dear Uncle."
Peter compromised, or rather, he was persuaded.
"But if you encounter danger, or when you want to perform chivalrous deeds, remember to use the things I gave you."
The things Peter referred to were the props he had drawn previously.
Such as the [Energy Shield Generator], the [Ult Ring], the [Character Summon Card · Sexy Prisoner]...
These items looked ordinary on the surface.
But at a critical moment, they would be enough for Uncle Ben to take on an entire team of fully armed supervillains.
"Don't worry, I will."
A hint of cunning flashed in Uncle Ben's eyes. "I'm not some fool who only knows how to play the hero."
After speaking.
His gaze became eager, like a soldier awaiting inspection.
"Peter, looking at my current physical condition, should it be enough to learn that move now?"