Chapter 15: The Spider's Bite
---
Peter Parker had always known his father, Richard Parker, was a brilliant scientist. He'd seen glimpses of his work in old photographs, heard stories from Aunt May, and occasionally found fragments of research notes hidden in boxes in the attic.
But recently, Peter had discovered something substantial — actual research data his father had left behind, filled with complex formulas and diagrams Peter could only partially understand. But one name kept appearing: Dr. Curt Connors.
Now, standing in Oscorp Tower, Peter realized he was finally face-to-face with his father's former colleague.
After Professor Connors finished introducing the genetically modified spiders, Peter gathered his courage and approached.
"Hello, Dr. Connors," Peter said nervously. "I'm Peter Parker."
Connors looked at him with polite curiosity. "Hello, Peter. Do you have questions?"
Peter's heart raced. This was his chance — not just to learn about gene therapy, but to learn about his father.
"My father was Richard Parker," Peter said. "I found some research materials he left behind, but there are parts I don't understand."
The moment Peter said his father's name, Connors' expression changed completely. His eyes widened and became intensely interested.
"You're Richard's son?" Connors said warmly. "Richard was the captain of our research team. He was a genius."
Connors paused, his expression darkening with genuine sadness. "If he were still here, I think he would have completed gene therapy technology long ago."
Peter felt emotional hearing someone praise his father. It made him feel closer to the man he'd barely known.
The conversation flowed easily after that. Peter, completely trusting, pulled out a notebook from his backpack — filled with his own study notes based on his father's research.
"Professor Connors, these are my notes. But I don't understand this formula here."
Connors took the notebook and scanned the page. His eyes locked onto a particular sequence of equations, and his expression became electric with excitement.
"This formula," Connors said, his voice trembling slightly, "is extremely important. It should be the key to unlocking gene therapy technology. I've been stuck on this exact problem for months, Peter. You've helped me greatly."
Peter's face lit up. "I just want to fulfill my father's wish and help people through gene therapy."
Connors was about to say more when a staff member approached.
"Professor Connors, you need to leave. Mr. Osborn is looking for you."
Connors looked deeply regretful. "Oh. I'll go right away."
He turned back to Peter earnestly. "Peter, your data is incredibly helpful. If you have time, come to my house tomorrow. We can discuss this thoroughly, and I can let you join my research work."
Peter's eyes went wide. "Really?"
"Absolutely. I'll even pay you a salary, and this research achievement will include your contribution."
Peter could hardly believe it. Working with Dr. Connors would make it much easier to get into a good college and find a job. Not only that, he would earn money — money that could help Aunt May, who worked so hard to support them.
"Yes! Okay! I'll come tomorrow!" Peter said, barely containing his excitement.
"Goodbye, Parker."
Peter returned to his classmates, practically glowing with happiness.
His best friend, Ned Leeds, immediately noticed. "Peter, what makes you so happy?"
"Dr. Connors is going to hire me as his research assistant," Peter said, grinning. "And I'll even get paid!"
Ned's eyes went wide. "Oh, that's really cool!"
Peter looked back at the display case containing the genetically modified spiders, feeling incredibly lucky. He picked up his camera and began taking pictures through the glass.
What Peter didn't notice was that one spider had escaped its enclosure. It was crawling silently along the display case edge, descending on a thin silk strand — heading directly toward him.
But Leo noticed.
Leo had been watching Peter closely the entire time, waiting for this exact moment. He moved casually closer, positioning himself nearby, ready to act.
The spider's silk extended slowly, lowering the creature until it landed softly on Peter's hand — the same hand holding his camera.
As if guided by fate, the spider bit down.
Peter felt a sharp sting and jerked his hand back. "Ow!"
He was about to swat the spider when Leo moved with lightning speed. He pretended to help Peter brush it off, but actually caught it carefully in his palm.
Got it.
Leo palmed the spider and slipped it into his pocket without anyone noticing.
Peter rubbed his hand, frowning. "Something bit me."
"Probably a mosquito," Leo said casually.
Peter nodded absently and went back to looking at the display.
Leo turned and moved toward Gwen, who stood a few feet away examining a different exhibit.
He opened his hand slightly, releasing the spider onto the back of Gwen's hand as he pretended to point something out.
The spider bit her quickly, then scurried away.
Gwen winced. "Leo, something just bit me. It feels a bit painful."
Leo glanced at her hand. "Maybe a mosquito."
"Are there mosquitoes here?" Gwen said, looking around doubtfully.
"Who knows?" Leo shrugged slightly.
Gwen didn't show any abnormal reactions yet, so she didn't pay much attention. She rubbed her hand absently and went back to the exhibits.
Leo, meanwhile, discreetly pulled the spider from his pocket and examined it with his enhanced senses.
The system interface appeared in his mind.
---
[Mutated Spider]
- Strength: 202g
- Speed/Agility: 3 m/s
Abilities:
- Super-Strength: Can lift ×250 of its own weight
- Super-Speed: Can move ×200 of its body length per second
- Super-Durability: Exoskeleton density increased by 300%
- Wall-Crawling: Ability to manipulate interatomic forces to adhere to any surface
- Spider-Sense: Psycho-reactive sensory trait. Provides 0.6-second warning of incoming threats
- Organic Webbing (Latent): Unstable. Carries gene for organic silk production
---
Leo mentally commanded the system.
System, copy Super-Strength, Super-Speed, Super-Durability, Wall-Crawling, and Spider-Sense.
[Copying... Successful.]
[Integrating and fusing similar abilities...]
A wave of energy surged through Leo's body. He felt his muscles tighten and compress, becoming denser and more efficient. His reflexes sharpened even further. His senses expanded, adding a new layer of awareness — a faint, instinctual alarm that would warn him of danger before it happened.
The system displayed the results.
---
[Integration Complete]
- Super-Strength: Increased to ×350 of your own weight (26.25 tons)
- Super-Speed: Increased to ×220 of your own height (387 m/s)
- Super-Durability: Enhanced. Muscles and bones density increased by additional 300%
- Wall-Crawling: Upgraded. Electrostatic adhesion now operates at molecular level. Can temporarily charge others with electrostatic energy, providing them wall-crawling ability
- Spider-Sense: Acquired. Warning time: 0.6 seconds before impact
---
Leo exhaled slowly, feeling the new power settle into his body. His already formidable abilities had just become even stronger.
And the spider that had made all this possible?
Leo crushed it silently in his palm. Its purpose was complete.
---
The tour ended shortly afterward, and everyone began heading home.
Leo drove Gwen, Mary Jane, and Betty back, ready to enjoy a beautiful afternoon at his villa.
Peter and Ned, meanwhile, headed to the library to study.
But as minutes passed, both Peter and Gwen began feeling strange. The bite marks on their hands throbbed faintly. A strange drowsiness crept over them, along with a dull ache spreading slowly through their bodies.
Neither paid much attention. They assumed it was just minor irritation — nothing serious.
---
Back at Leo's villa, the group had lunch together — Leo had ordered in advance. Afterward, the four changed into swimsuits and headed to the pool.
When Leo emerged in his swim trunks, his well-proportioned muscular physique immediately drew the attention of all three girls.
"Oh, Leo's physique is simply amazing," Betty said, eyes wide.
"I love these muscles," Mary Jane added, grinning.
Leo carried over a small cooler containing several bottles of drinks and light alcoholic beverages. "I prepared these for you."
He set up lounge chairs by the pool and helped the girls get comfortable. Gwen lay down on one chair, intending to relax in the sun.
But almost immediately, she felt an overwhelming wave of drowsiness wash over her. Her eyelids grew heavy, and within moments, she'd fallen asleep.
Leo noticed and gently moved a large parasol over Gwen's chair to shield her from direct sunlight.
Betty and Mary Jane, meanwhile, settled into their own chairs, content to sunbathe.
Leo lay down on his own chair, relaxing under the warm sun.
Mary Jane glanced over at him. "Leo, do you need sunscreen?"
Leo smiled. "I can't refuse that."
Mary Jane laughed and came over, applying sunscreen to his back and shoulders with careful, gentle movements.
When she finished, she glanced at Gwen, who was still fast asleep. "Leo, why is Gwen asleep? Will she be alright?"
Leo had been wondering the same thing. He wasn't entirely sure what Gwen's condition was at the moment. Was the genetic fusion progressing smoothly? Would there be complications?
He mentally asked the system for confirmation.
[Genetic Fusion Status: Stable. No danger detected. Subject is undergoing adaptive integration. Process will complete within 2-3 hours.]
Leo relaxed. She's fine. Just adapting.
He looked over at Betty, who sat quietly on her chair, her expression a little sad.
Leo sat up slightly. "Betty, what's wrong? You look upset. This is supposed to be a relaxing afternoon."
Betty hesitated, then looked at Leo with vulnerable eyes. "Leo... can you help cure my mother's illness?"
Leo's expression softened immediately. He knew about Betty's mother — she was seriously ill, confined to a hospital bed, and doctors could only sustain her life temporarily. There was no cure available through conventional medicine.
"My mother is in so much pain," Betty continued quietly. "The hospital can only keep her alive, but she's suffering every day."
Leo reached over and gently took Betty's hand. "It's alright, Betty. We'll find an opportunity to treat your mother soon. I promise."
Betty's eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Leo."
Leo squeezed her hand gently. "You don't need to thank me. From now on, you're my girlfriend. We take care of each other."
Betty's cheeks flushed pink, and a small, genuine smile broke across her face. She felt warmth in her chest — a feeling of being cared for, of being safe.
Leo stood and stretched. "Alright, enough sitting around. Let's swim."
He jumped into the pool with a splash. The cool water felt refreshing after sitting in the sun.
"Betty, Mary Jane, stop marveling at my amazing physique and come swim with me," Leo called out playfully. "Or we can play water volleyball."
Betty and Mary Jane exchanged glances, then both jumped into the pool, laughing.
---
Meanwhile, Gwen stirred.
She wasn't fully awake yet, but even with her eyes closed, she could sense everything around her. She could hear the water splashing and falling. She could feel the leaves rustling in the breeze beside her. She could sense Leo, Betty, and Mary Jane's movements in the pool — their heartbeats, their breathing, the way the water displaced around them.
It was overwhelming.
Gwen's eyes snapped open, and she sat upright suddenly, as if waking from a nightmare.
Her breath came fast. Her heart pounded.
What's happening to me?
She looked down at her hands. They looked normal. But she could feel the difference. Her muscles felt stronger. Her senses were sharper. Everything around her seemed more vivid, more immediate.
In the pool, Leo noticed immediately. He stopped mid-game and looked at Gwen.
"Gwen's awake," Leo said to Betty and Mary Jane. "I'll go help her for a bit."
He climbed out of the pool and walked over to Gwen, who still sat upright on the lounge chair, looking disoriented.
"Gwen, don't be nervous," Leo said gently, sitting beside her. "And don't be afraid."
Gwen looked at him, eyes wide. "Leo... do you know something?"
Leo nodded. "Earlier, at Oscorp Tower, you were bitten by a mutated spider. That bite gave you superpowers — abilities similar to a spider's."
Gwen stared at him, processing this. "Superpowers?"
"Yes. Enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, and senses. You can also stick to walls and climb them like a spider."
Gwen's breath caught. "Leo... will I turn into a spider? What if I have children? Will they be affected?"
Leo gently took her hand. "I promise, that definitely won't happen. You're still completely human. The spider's DNA has just enhanced your natural abilities. Nothing more."
Gwen exhaled shakily. "That's... that's good."
She looked at Leo with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "Leo, how do you know about my superpowers? Was being bitten by the spider related to you?"
Leo didn't hesitate. He looked directly into her eyes and admitted openly, "Yes. I did it. That spider bit Peter first, and it will make him become Spider-Man."
Gwen's eyes widened. "Peter?"
"Yes. But in a certain parallel universe, it's you who becomes Spider-Man — or rather, Spider-Woman. So you were always destined to be a hero, Gwen."
Gwen stared at him, trying to wrap her mind around this. "Me? A hero?"
"Yes," Leo said simply.
Gwen was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. She'd always admired heroes. The idea of becoming one herself was both terrifying and exhilarating.
Then she remembered something. "Leo... you're a hero too, aren't you? The one who saved me from those men?"
Leo smiled. "Yes."
Gwen's expression brightened. "Then can I fight bad guys with you?"
Leo grinned. "Of course, Ghost-Spider."
Gwen blinked. "Ghost-Spider?"
Leo stood and walked to a nearby table, where he'd prepared a small gift. He returned with a folded piece of paper and handed it to Gwen.
"Look. I designed this for you."
Gwen unfolded the paper and gasped. On it was a beautifully detailed drawing of a sleek, stylish superhero suit — white and black with hints of pink and blue accents. It looked modern, powerful, and unmistakably her.
"This is... this is amazing," Gwen whispered.
Leo reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bracelet. It looked simple — almost like jewelry — but Gwen could see faint technological patterns etched into its surface.
"Put this on," Leo said.
Gwen took the bracelet carefully. "What is this?"
"Nanotech. After you put it on, you can control the suit, just like me."
Leo activated his own suit briefly — the nanomachines spreading across his upper body in a ripple of dark material before retracting.
Gwen's eyes went wide. "My suit uses the same tech as yours? That's so cool!"
She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. Immediately, she felt a faint vibration, and a small light blinked on the surface.
"It's scanning your biometric data," Leo explained. "Fingerprint, DNA, everything. Once it's done, only you will be able to control it."
A moment later, the light turned solid.
"Try it," Leo said.
Gwen concentrated, thinking about the suit. Instantly, the nanomachines spread across her body, forming the exact design Leo had drawn — the Ghost-Spider suit.
Leo pulled out his phone and showed Gwen her reflection.
She stared at the image, her heart pounding with excitement. "It's absolutely perfect."
She moved experimentally, testing the suit's flexibility. It didn't restrict her movements at all. In fact, it felt like it enhanced them.
"From now on, we can act together," Leo said warmly.
Gwen threw herself into Leo's arms, overwhelmed with gratitude and affection. "Leo, I don't even know what to say."
---
For the next hour, Leo guided Gwen through her new abilities.
She tested her strength by lifting heavy pool furniture with ease. She tested her speed by running laps around the villa faster than she ever thought possible. And she tested her wall-crawling ability by sticking to the side of the house.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to!" Gwen said, accidentally pulling a piece of siding loose.
Leo laughed. "It's fine. I'll fix it."
"But Leo, how do I let go? Am I going to be stuck to the wall forever?"
"Relax. Slowly feel the connection. Try to control it consciously. It should be very simple once you get the hang of it."
It took Gwen over half an hour to fully master the wall-crawling ability, but eventually, she got it.
By the time she was done, she was grinning from ear to ear.
Betty and Mary Jane had been watching from the pool, both clearly impressed.
"You're not just stronger now," Mary Jane said. "Look at yourself. You've become even more beautiful."
Gwen eagerly pulled out her phone and checked her reflection. Mary Jane was right — her features had become slightly sharper, more refined. Her skin had a faint, healthy glow.
"I really do look different," Gwen said, amazed.
"Alright," Leo called out. "Enough admiring yourself. Come play volleyball with us!"
Gwen laughed and jumped into the pool.
The four of them played together until the sun began to set, filling the evening with laughter and splashing water.
---
As dusk fell, Leo climbed out of the pool and dried off. "It's getting late. I'll prepare dinner for you all, then take you home."
He paused and looked at Betty. "And Betty, I'll go with you to the hospital afterward. We'll bring your mother home, and I'll treat her."
Betty's eyes filled with tears of gratitude. "Thank you, Leo."
Leo gently pinched her cheek. "You've already thanked me. And besides, you're my girlfriend. There's no need to say thank you again."
Betty's cheeks flushed pink. "I... I don't think that's enough."
Leo smiled. "There's still a lot of time tonight. Why don't we go back to my place after?"
Betty didn't refuse. She simply nodded, her heart full.
---
After dinner, Leo drove everyone home one by one. First Mary Jane, then Gwen.
Finally, it was Betty's turn.
The two went to the hospital together to see Betty's mother, who lay in a hospital bed, pale and weak.
"Betty," Leo said gently. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes," Betty said without hesitation.
"Then let's come back tomorrow and handle the discharge procedures. I'll bring her home and treat her using my own methods. I promise I can cure her."
Betty's eyes filled with tears again. "Thank you, Leo."
Leo gently wiped a tear from her cheek. "You've already thanked me. So there's no need to say thank you again."
Betty smiled through her tears. "I know. But... I still don't think that's enough."
Leo grinned. "Then let's go back to my place."
Betty followed him without hesitation.
---
Later that night, after everything had settled, Leo sat alone in his room, smiling with deep satisfaction.
Today, he'd finally succeeded.
Not just with Gwen, but with Betty and Mary Jane as well.
Mary Jane was supposed to be Peter Parker's official partner, Leo thought. In the comics, she always supported Spider-Man from behind. She was the source of his strength.
But now, she was his.
Leo opened his system interface and checked his updated status.
---
[System Status]
Name: Leo Azmith
Age: 18
Race: Human
Strength: 26.25 tons
Speed: 387 m/s
Abilities:
- Super-Strength (×350)
- Super-Speed (×220)
- Super-Durability (Enhanced, muscle and bone density increased 300%)
- Night Vision
- Wall-Crawling (Molecular Adhesion, can charge others temporarily)
- Spider-Sense (0.6-second warning)
- Magic Genius
- Tech Field Master
- Astral Projection
- Mind Manipulation
- Time Manipulation (Solar System Scale — safe usage)
Skills:
- Driving (High)
- Boxing (High)
- Cooking (High)
- Swimming (High)
- Weapon Mastery (High)
- Martial Arts (High)
- Hacking (Mastered)
- Multilingual (7 languages)
Magical Arts: (All Mastered — require White Dimension power)
- Portal Creation, Dimensional Travel, Illusion Magic, Mirror Dimension, Soul Separating Palm, Energy Barrier, Wind Control, Energy Weapons Formation, Time Stone Magic, Time Slow, Transmutation Magic
Timeline Sight, Time Loop
---
Leo closed the interface and leaned back in his chair, satisfied.