Chapter 15: Departure, Osborn Industries

The next evening.

Alan stepped off the treadmill, drenched in sweat. As he wiped his face, he was simultaneously harvesting a batch of four-leaf clovers in the game.

"The frog has been gone for a while this time," Alan remarked, missing the little frog after not seeing it for two or three days.

He wondered what kind of special items or souvenirs it might bring back from that apocalyptic zombie world.

After finishing the clover harvest, Alan sat down on a yoga mat, preparing to engage in mental training.

At that moment, his phone, which had been charging on the side, chimed with a notification. Alan picked it up and saw a message from Gwen.

He hadn't seen much of her lately as she had been busy with Osborn Industries-related matters. Alan opened the message.

"Meet at the school gate at 8 AM tomorrow. Don't be late."

"Okay!" Alan replied.

Holding his basic phone, Alan still hadn't gotten used to the communication methods of this era.

Despite the advanced technology at the top, it hadn't trickled down to everyday life. Truly, the country's technological disparity was astonishing.

Not to mention Stark Industries' exclusive tech, the vast majority of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technology was also exceptionally advanced and applicable to daily life.

But well... those who understand, understand!

After replying to Gwen, Alan began his mental training for the day.

...

At the Connors Laboratory.

Several newly developed reagents were placed on the workbench. The amputated white rabbits were all set.

"Peter, compare the experimental data again to check for any issues," Dr. Connors instructed.

Having gone without sleep for two days and nights, despite his excitement, Dr. Connors spoke with an unmistakable fatigue.

Peter reviewed the data and confirmed there were no issues. Concerned, he said, "Everything looks fine, Dr. Connors. Maybe you should rest for a while?"

"The reagents will need a day to react."

"No, I'm fine. I want to see my creation come to life!"

Dr. Connors said stubbornly. The moment after he spoke those words, he slumped back into his chair, unable to support himself any longer due to exhaustion.

Peter knew this was not sustainable. If Dr. Connors continued pushing himself, he might collapse before the experiment's results were even known.

The two sleepless nights had left Dr. Connors' mind weakened and erratic. Peter turned around and poured a glass of water for him. Unnoticed, he dropped a small white pill into it.

"Doctor, have a drink."

Dr. Connors, not suspecting anything from his student, took the water gratefully. "Thank you, Peter." He was indeed quite thirsty.

He downed the water in one go. Despite the odd taste, Dr. Connors, now noticeably more sluggish, didn't react to it.

Dr. Connors returned the empty glass and continued to observe the gene reagents on the desk.

After a while, his eyelids began to droop uncontrollably. Finally, he couldn't keep his eyes open any longer.

"Peter, I think you're right. I should rest for a while."

"I'll just sleep for two hours."

"Remember to wake me up!"

Peter nodded. "Understood, Doctor..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he saw Dr. Connors already deeply asleep in his chair.

Peter immediately covered Dr. Connors with a blanket.

In the laboratory, only Peter remained, recording the experimental data.

A night passed.

Dr. Connors slowly woke up from the chair, feeling much better after a full night's sleep.

"Peter?"

Peter rushed over upon hearing Dr. Connors' voice. "You're awake, Doctor."

"How long did I sleep?"

"Twelve hours, Doctor!" Peter glanced at his watch. "It's now 7 AM."

"My goodness, I must have been exhausted."

"How's the experimental data?"

"Everything is normal, exactly as per your calculations."

Dr. Connors smiled with satisfaction. "It looks like we're on the verge of success!"

"Peter, you're tired too. Why don't you get some rest? I'll handle the observations."

"Um, Doctor…"

"Hm?"

Dr. Connors looked at Peter curiously, noticing he seemed hesitant.

"Just speak up, Peter. We're not just teacher and student; we're good friends."

Peter considered for a moment and said, "I'd like to attend the Osborn Industries science exhibition."

"It seems like that's today. Sure, you can go."

"Based on the current reaction speed, we won't be able to start the biological experiments until tomorrow."

"In the meantime, both of us can take a break."

Peter's face brightened. "Then I'll head over now."

"Wait, Peter!"

Dr. Connors called out to Peter with a smile. "Make sure to dress nicely; Gwen will be there too."

Peter awkwardly scratched his head.

...

At the school gate, Gwen was organizing the students for the science exhibition.

Participation was not mandatory; any interested student could join.

Alan was just there for the excitement.

"Hi, Peter!"

Gwen, leading the group, greeted Peter with a smile as he arrived.

"If you had been any later, you'd have missed this bus and wouldn't have made it to Osborn Industries."

"Glad I made it in time."

"Everyone's here, so let's get going."

"Hi, Alan." Peter noticed Alan and greeted him politely.

Alan nodded and smiled. "Hi, Good morning. How is Dr. Connors?"

"He's doing well. The experiment has made significant progress," Peter said proudly.

Once the experiment succeeds, Peter will leave a significant mark in the history of life sciences as an assistant. His status will also change dramatically.

"Is success finally at hand?" Alan thought to himself.

It seemed that not only would Spider-Man emerge today, but also the Lizard. A destined enemy.

Peter was oblivious to Alan's thoughts and focused on Gwen, the blonde goddess ahead.

Soon, he would be able to go out with Gwen without any psychological burden.

"OK, everyone board the bus in an orderly fashion. We're heading to Osborn Industries…"

"To attend the Science Exhibition."

...