Restart, Spider-Man! [174]
She looked toward the night sky where a massive, floating island slowly ascended, her inverted, triangle-shaped eyes narrowing slightly.
This was the new S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.
With nearly unlimited energy at its disposal, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s base had become one of New York's iconic landmarks.
The breakthrough brought by the successful artificial sun experiment was even more astonishing than anyone had expected.
Now, high-tech weapons issued to officers left little room for superheroes to make a difference.
Ordinary supervillains didn't stand a chance against these advanced technologies.
George had been busier than ever lately, and as "Spider-Man," Gwen hadn't caught a single criminal all week.
Whoosh~
Her thoughts were interrupted by the blare of sirens as a police cruiser—modified into a flying vehicle—zoomed between skyscrapers, stirring a gust that blew her hood back.
Watching the police flyer disappear into the distance, Gwen lowered her hand.
At her speed, there was no way she could keep up with a flying vehicle.
Web-slinging was rapidly becoming obsolete.
And this was only the beginning.
If future skyways were fully constructed, police response times would be even faster. Any vehicle would be far more efficient than swinging on webs.
This thought filled Gwen with an unshakable sense of loss.
The world was changing too quickly.
It felt surreal, as though everything had moved forward with only results and no real process.
It was as if this world no longer needed Spider-Man.
Then what was the point of her becoming Spider-Man?
To protect herself?
Gwen thought back to the black-suited Spider-Man she'd encountered, losing herself in that memory.
I will die.
Would she really die?
Suddenly, a booming sound erupted from the coast as a dazzling firework shot up from the sea, illuminating the night sky as if in celebration.
Whizz—BOOM!!
Fireworks burst in the sky, spreading in seven brilliant streaks that spread across the heavens, forming a massive spider emblem, announcing Spider-Man's return.
"Spider-Man!"
Gwen's eyes lit up with a sudden wave of excitement.
"He's finally back."
In the Daily Bugle office, the sleepless J. Jonah Jameson stood at the window, a small smile breaking through his weary expression.
In the new villa by the coast, Otto awoke from his slumber.
Watching the fireworks bloom outside his window, a glimmer of anticipation appeared in his eyes.
"Spider-Man is back. Things will finally be less boring."
Ruth stirred, resting her head on Otto's shoulder.
"Still hung up about that unfinished fight?"
"I'm no brute. I don't dwell on such things."
Otto smiled softly, stroking Ruth's face.
"He saved you and helped me see how much you mean to me. We're happy now, so Spider-Man deserves happiness too."
Hearing this, Ruth shook her head with a sigh.
"It won't be easy. For a hero, once the world no longer needs him, he loses his purpose. Not everyone can handle that kind of fall from grace."
Otto smirked. "Those dime-a-dozen weapons replacing Spider-Man? That's impossible."
Ruth rolled her eyes. "Spider-Man wouldn't want the world to return to the way it was. Peace is what truly matters."
"My dear wife, you're overlooking something."
Otto rose, gazing out into the night, his eyes narrowing.
"The artificial sun did indeed provide infinite energy, and humanity won't start wars over resources anymore.
But at their core, people are selfish; war will never truly end, and crime will never be eradicated.
Most importantly—"
He turned back to Ruth, "The wicked will always find ways to seize power. If Hydra falls, there'll be others just as dangerous to take its place.
Spider-Man's story isn't over yet."
Meanwhile, the vibrant fireworks in the night sky faded, and a red-and-blue figure swung through the air, webs securing him as he landed beneath the Empire State Building's antenna.
Looking over the familiar yet slightly unfamiliar cityscape, Xia Luo scratched his head.
"No welcoming party, huh? And when did this place go full cyberpunk?"
He took in the flying vehicles everywhere, the skyways under construction, the towering tech buildings, and the massive floating island hovering above the city, all reflected in his gaze.
It left him genuinely surprised.
By all logic, he'd only been gone forty days. Such drastic changes in so short a time were questionable—even in the Marvel universe.
Had he landed in a different world?
He tapped his wrist communicator.
"Hello, Carter?"
"Xia Luo? You're back?" Carter's voice was filled with delight.
Hearing her words, Xia Luo breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness—he was back.
"Yes, I'm back. Something feels off, though."
"I know what you want to ask. Come see me first."
Carter continued, "You see that island floating above the city? Yes, that's where we are now—S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters."
Xia Luo looked up at the airborne island, falling silent for a moment.
Then he replied, "I'd have thought a Helicarrier was more S.H.I.E.L.D.'s style."
"The original plan was just that, but we received a massive investment, so we upgraded to an island."
"An investment?"
"Yes. Tony Stark's investment."
"Why?"
"He's trying to protect his... less flattering history."
As Carter finished, Xia Luo instantly pieced it together.
"Of course—I know all about his past with Red Skull. Looks like I might get a nice mansion too," Xia Luo chuckled.
"Hold on, the artificial sun data was my contribution. What about the patent fees?" he suddenly remembered.
"Spider-Man, if you'd like to reveal your identity to the world, the patent fees are yours, no problem."
"Uh... forget it. I didn't invent the thing anyway."
Ending the call, Xia Luo shot out a web and swung toward the floating island.
Boom!
A civilian flying vehicle—bright yellow and modified to look like Bumblebee—zoomed past Xia Luo.
"Hey! It's the Spider-Man in pajamas, out for a midnight runway walk. Haven't seen you in ages!"
A blonde inside the car gave a mocking whistle. "How about a race, outdated superhero? If you lose, you have to take off that pajamas and bark like a dog for me."
At his words, the other teens in the car erupted in laughter.
"Haha! Not a bad idea."
"Spider-Man's such a has-been. He should switch to being a clown."
"I'm getting a video of his pathetic defeat. 'The Darkest Moment of a Forgotten Hero'—this'll get so many views!"
"Yeah, yeah, let's do it!"
Listening to the mocking jabs from the teens, Xia Luo merely cast them a calm glance.
"Just forty days, and I'm already 'outdated'? Seems like you all forgot one thing."
"What's that?"
"We're a hundred meters off the ground. Buckle up."
"What?!"
In an instant, Xia Luo's red-and-blue form blurred as he vanished from their sight.
The next moment, sparks shot from the vehicle's rear thrusters, thick smoke billowing as it plummeted toward the park lake below.
"Help us!"
"Spider-Man, save us!"
As the panicked cries rang out, Xia Luo's figure zipped by their window, unfazed, disappearing into the night sky.
"Nooo—"
SPLASH!
The vehicle plunged into the freezing lake. Alarms blared as emergency divers moved in.
Meanwhile, on the floating island, Xia Luo landed on the grassy clearing where Carter and her team were waiting.
"Back for less than an hour, and already stirring up trouble," Carter said, exasperated.
Xia Luo shrugged. "Spider-Man doesn't take things lying down."
He looked her over. "Did you wear a skirt just for me? Normally, you'd be in uniform."
He leaned against a nearby tree with a dramatic sigh. "Can't believe it—you look all businesslike. Next time, go for a floral dress; it's much softer."
Carter rolled her eyes. "When I had frequent field missions, I needed to be ready at all times. Not as many now, so I wear what I like."
"Is that so?"
Xia Luo's gaze lingered on the emblem on her shoulder, his eyes widening slightly.
"You got promoted?"
Carter nodded, gesturing for him to walk alongside her. "I did. Let's walk and talk."
"Sure thing. Got my juice ready?"
"Two cups, just for you."
"Thanks."
As Xia Luo followed Carter, agents they passed looked at him with unfamiliar indifference.
"They're not as warm as they used to be," he observed.
"Before, you were a superhero. But now, with the tech revolution from the artificial sun, superheroes aren't exactly 'special' to them."
"Damn... guess I really am outdated," Xia Luo muttered, looking glum.
"Did you just swear?" Carter paused, glancing back. "I haven't heard that word in ages."
Xia Luo: "???"
"Fury?"
"Left on his own terms. This place is mine now."
Carter smiled. "Hydra infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. so deeply, he couldn't stay on with a clear conscience."
"Well, congrats."
Xia Luo paused, grinning. "And congrats to me too, I'm officially the man behind S.H.I.E.L.D. now."
Leaning in, he added, "Don't forget to bump up my budget."
Carter twitched. "You could live off Tony's dirty laundry for years."
"Who would say no to more money?"
"Well, you've got a point."
Carter continued to show Xia Luo around the new S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ.
"This used to be the helicopter pad. Now it's a nuclear-powered hangar, also thanks to Tony's funding."
"He's got deep pockets."
"See that fountain? It's hiding a small nuclear reactor underneath, providing the island with most of its energy."
She pointed to a building under construction. "That's going to be the drone depot—soon, our field ops will rely on them instead of agents."
Soon after, they entered the office building.
"Hey, buddy! Great to see you back!" Harry limped over, pulling Xia Luo into a hug.
"Still not healed?" Xia Luo gave him a once-over.
Harry shrugged. "I was testing an upgraded glider, and let's just say... minor issues."
"Got it. I get it."
Xia Luo's gaze shifted behind Harry, where a sharply dressed Norman Osborn was approaching.
"Hi, Spider-Man. Good to see you again."
Norman shook Xia Luo's hand, then leaned in with a whisper. "Don't worry, Harry doesn't know who you are."
Xia Luo nodded. "Congrats on making it back, Mr. Osborn."
"And congratulations to you as well."
Norman pointed at the badge on his shoulder, smiling. "I'm now with the Thunderbolts. Still technically a criminal, so... I'll need your help."
"Dad, Spider-Man's my friend; he'll help you for sure," Harry said, slinging an arm around his father, their former tensions gone.
Watching, Carter addressed Norman. "How are the others?"
Norman shook his head. "Captain Hydra's black spinal column has been replaced with a standard one. He's lost his power but remains dangerous. He hasn't formally joined the Thunderbolts."
"As for Ophelia... that woman is far too dangerous. I suggest we exclude her entirely."
Xia Luo could see where Carter was going with this.
"In that case, just let it go."
He advised her, "Not every criminal belongs with the Thunderbolts. Don't rush this, or you'll end up like Fury."
Carter's eyes widened in realization.
"You're right. I've been rushing things."
She massaged her temples. "Now I understand what Fury was dealing with. He wanted results so badly that he lost sight of reality."
She turned to Norman. "Let's proceed according to protocol."
"No problem." Norman held up a file. "With what I have on him, he'll rot in prison for a thousand years."
"The number of years isn't what matters," Xia Luo said seriously. "Just don't let them escape."
Villains breaking out—it was a Marvel and DC classic.
Carter, though, seemed confident.
"Don't worry. Escaping isn't an option for them. They either sit tight or get dropped into a nuclear reactor."
She raised an eyebrow at Xia Luo. "I'm curious—if they die on my watch, will they still end up in that place?"
Seeing her eager look, Xia Luo's scalp prickled.
Was this her midlife crisis?
Soon, they reached her office.
"I've refreshed your profile."
Carter handed him a file. "You were gone so long that we couldn't keep up the ruse for Harry and your aunt and uncle. So Xia Luo Parker is now one of our senior agents. That's your new cover."
She continued, "When you head back, you can tell them you were on a secret mission to find Spider-Man. It's a simple mission—an easy story."
Xia Luo's eyes lit up.
"Can I finally get a paycheck? A real one, with benefits?"
Carter: "..."
"Since when do you care so much about a salary? Fury would've paid you even more."
"It's different."
Xia Luo flipped through his file. "In a place like this, no connections means no future."
With Carter in charge, she'd given him a full agent status right away. If it were Fury, he'd be lucky to be a 'senior temp.'
He knew Clint was still on a temporary contract, and his suburban house wasn't even paid off. Just... tragic.
"By the way, calling me in couldn't have been just for this. Is there something else?"
Carter nodded. "Yes. Something odd has been happening with Tony. He asked for my help, but... I'm not sure how."
"Something odd? How odd?"
"Well... it's... strange."
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