"Liv," having reached a decision, Peter looked at Madam Octopus, his tone sincere: "I understand you. Frankly, I also hope to figure out what happened to me, and I have a keen interest in researching the relationship between parallel universes. To be honest, I am a researcher myself. But I regret to inform you that my ability has only just activated, and I cannot take you with me right now."
This was not entirely a lie. Although his brief exposure to the particle stream allowed Peter to understand part of his unique power and master the ability to quantize himself and return home, he couldn't apply this method to others. Others did not possess his uniquely quantum-compatible super-gene. If he took her, she would likely face the same annihilation as the other Spider-People were initially threatened with. Furthermore, traversing the Multiverse cost him energy. If his power wasn't sufficient, and she had no collider to replenish her energy in the destination world, the person he brought along would die for real. The risk was too high.
Therefore, before carrying anyone he truly cared about, Peter should first experiment with a few disposable villains. Madam Octopus, while a villain, was too useful to risk in a test run.
"Is that so?" Madam Octopus looked disappointed.
In that instant, Peter's Spider-Sense twitched. His muscles tensed simultaneously. That's the move of a villain! If diplomacy fails, attack!
However, the hostility radiating from Madam Octopus quickly faded, vanishing entirely. Madam Octopus said: "That's fine. I can prepare myself in this world for now. I only hope that one day, you will return and take me with you. Believe me, I can be of great use to you!"
As if afraid Peter wouldn't believe her, she tossed something to him. Peter caught it. It was a clear test tube, about the thickness of a thumb and thirty centimeters long. Through the light, he could see extremely fine, floating metallic particles inside.
"These are self-developed regenerative metallic nanoparticles. My mechanical arms are made from this material," Madam Octopus explained. "You can place them on your suit. They will record your current suit's appearance, dissolve it into nano-form, and can quickly reform it when needed."
As she spoke, her four mechanical arms slowly extended behind her. One of them, the one flattened into a sheet by Spider-Ham's hammer, hadn't been fully repaired yet. This was the best proof. A multi-meter-long mechanical arm couldn't possibly be hidden on her back without using this specialized nanoparticle technology.
This is a valuable asset! However, Peter didn't immediately trust her. Who knew if she had hidden some kind of remote control or backdoor inside? Vigilance was key, especially against a villain with a track record like hers.
But Peter maintained a polite demeanor. "Deal!" Peter nodded solemnly. "I promise!" Peter's promise was deliberately vague. One day? Who knew when that "one day" would be? Peter knew he wouldn't return until he was absolutely confident, he could control Madam Octopus.
If that day did come, however, he would definitely return. Madam Octopus was genuinely useful! The regenerative metallic nanoparticles alone could greatly increase his suit's durability while significantly improving its portability and stealth. He had been wondering whether to wear the suit constantly like thermal underwear or take it off and hide it. Now, if the material was safe, that problem was instantly solved. Hooray, I'm taking flight!
At that moment, both noticed Miles below had finished his conversation with his father and was saying goodbye. It seemed the talk between the "Second Spider-Man" and the "Police Captain" was a great success.
Madam Octopus slowly retreated into the shadows behind her: "I will establish a new research facility and await your return... Please believe in my resolve!"
Peter waved. SWISH— Miles leaped up from below, landing lightly beside Peter.
"Hey, were you just saying goodbye to someone?" Miles asked, confused. Peter smiled: "Yes, I was just getting ready to say goodbye to you."
"Huh?" Miles protested. "Didn't you promise to come over to my house tomorrow?"
Peter shook his head: "I will, but I need to stop by Aunt May's first. You need to go home too, right? You've missed a few days of school and ran away from home. Even though you talked to your dad, you don't want to worry your mom too much, do you?"
Reminded of this, Miles immediately grew anxious. He could easily imagine how worried his mother must be right now!
"Uh..." Miles shuffled his feet awkwardly. Peter laughed softly: "Go on. I'm leaving too."
"Mhm, mhm! You absolutely have to come tomorrow!" Miles gave Peter a quick hug. Peter gently embraced him in return.
They separated, shot their webs, and swung off—one heading toward his own home, the other toward Aunt May's house.
Focusing on Peter (Earth-616) now. The distance from Brooklyn to Queens wasn't too great, separated mainly by a river. Peter took his time, swinging easily.
However, his presence drew a lot of attention. "Wow, my God, it's Spider-Man!" "Mom, look, it's Spider-Man! He's alive! The hero is back!" "Hey, Spider-Man!"
Everyone who saw Peter waved and cheered for him. This deeply impressed upon Peter how incredibly popular the deceased Peter Parker was in this world. But his popularity wasn't easily earned; it was bought by a decade of protecting people and ultimately paying the ultimate price with his life! He deserved this acclaim!
Peter realized that by accepting this mantle, he was also shouldering a heavy burden of responsibility. With great power comes great responsibility. Some say this is a curse placed upon every Spider-Man.
But Peter (Earth-616) believed that this was what drove Spider-Man to constantly rise from adversity and seek hope in despair! It wasn't a curse; it was Spider-Man's second superpower, existing alongside his super-gene! Although he had never met the deceased Peter Parker of this world, Peter (Earth-616) now felt like he had become the original hero's successor, pointing him toward a suitable path!
Peter's movements became lighter and more confident. At this moment, he truly embodied the spirit of Spider-Man!