**Chapter 23: Say Hello**

**[Midtown Science and Technology High School]** is abbreviated as Midtown High School. 

This name might sound awkward to a certain traveler, but in New York, it represents **elite**.

Attending an elite high school, then getting into an Ivy League university, and finally joining a prestigious company as an executive or becoming a highly regarded scientific researcher—this is the life of the elite.

Some of the students at this high school are there because of their parents, while others are there due to their genuine talent.

Take Peter Parker, for example. Unfortunately, because of his personality, though his grades are decent, his popularity at school is nowhere near that of his old neighbor Gwen Stacy.

Then, a classic bullying scene that happens in countless parallel worlds played out once again.

In front of a group of classmates, the tall and burly, crew-cut Eugene "Flash" Thompson bullied his classmate Gordon on the first day of school. Afterward, he spotted Peter, who loves photography, and immediately called him over to document his "glorious achievement."

To be honest, it took some effort for Thompson to arrange Gordon in such a humiliating position—after all, even a skinny high school boy weighs over a hundred pounds. Yet, Thompson managed to lift him horizontally and press his head onto a table to "eat steak," or more accurately, to face-plant into the food.

When Peter refused to aid in this wrongdoing, Thompson beat him up.

Gwen hesitated, wondering if she should step in as a heroine.

Honestly, any boy who needs a girl to protect him will be labeled a **wimp**, no matter where he is.

Just then, Mr. Flash realized something was off.

Three burly men in black suits, each wearing a headset, stood in front of him. The surrounding students, intimidated by their presence, began to slowly back away.

Students at an elite high school are anything but clueless.

These men, dressed like this, were undoubtedly bodyguards.

There were three of them, and in the distance, there was a black SUV and a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom parked on the roadside.

Eugene's mind went blank—did I mess with the wrong person?

The lead bodyguard walked over and said, "Hello, my name is Louis. My boss has a small matter he'd like to discuss with Mr. Parker. Would you mind letting him go for a moment? You can settle your little disagreement later."

Louis's words weren't overly aggressive, but his presence was something no ordinary student could withstand.

"Uh, I, sorry, I don't mind." Eugene *Flash* stammered, his tongue practically tying itself in knots.

Gwen found the whole thing odd but bravely stepped forward. "Excuse me, what do you need Peter for?"

Louis gave her a gentle smile. "Oh, you must be Miss Stacy? It's nothing serious. My boss is looking to make an investment and wanted to inquire about Mr. Parker's father."

Gwen was taken aback. "You know my name?"

"In fact, Miss Stacy, your name was also on our list, but unfortunately, Oscorp Industries invited you first. If you don't mind, you can join us to observe."

The other students stared as the bodyguards helped Peter pick up his belongings, dusted him off, and tidied his clothes.

Throughout the process, the three bodyguards didn't so much as glance at Eugene *Thompson*, but Eugene felt immense pressure.

"Peter, I, uh, didn't really mean to hit you."

"It's fine, forget it. I don't mind," Peter, ever the good guy, replied.

When they reached the roadside, one of the bodyguards opened the car door, and Peter and Gwen got into the vehicle, nearly stunned by the luxury inside.

There were no overly extravagant embellishments, but the hand-stitched leather seats, artistic decor, and various personalized features made an impression.

Gwen noticed an inconspicuous "handle" on the car door. In fact, it was a hidden umbrella—just a particularly expensive one, priced in the five-figure range.

Once they sat down, and the bodyguard closed the door, the two young people felt uneasy as they looked at the person sitting across from them.

To be honest, the young man didn't seem much older than them.

But looking at his clothes, his watch, and the stylish secretary with a laptop by his side, Peter and Gwen realized they were likely dealing with someone on par with Tony Stark.

"Hello, Mr. Parker, Miss Stacy, I'm Atreus from Gotham City. Please forgive me for interrupting you so suddenly."

As Atreus spoke, his assistant, Dana, handed them business cards adorned with 18k gold trim.

"Stark Group's Biotech Research Division?" Gwen was genuinely shocked.

If she were to investigate, Tony would undoubtedly confirm it, as certain dividends and other businesses under his name were indeed managed through this division.

Atreus didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I'm planning to invest in the field of biotechnology. Mr. Parker, how much do you know about your parents, Richard and Mary?"

Peter grew tense. "Uh, my parents left me when I was very young. I was raised by my uncle and aunt. I don't know much about them."

After a dozen questions, Gwen, who was merely listening in, felt secondhand embarrassment.

Because…

Peter knew absolutely nothing!

"Oh! That's really unfortunate. Your father was a remarkable scientist. If you ever plan to pursue a career in this field and have a suitable project, feel free to come to me. I wouldn't mind investing in you," Atreus said, glancing at Gwen. "And of course, you too, Miss Stacy. I've seen your grades, and in time, you could lead a department. If things don't work out at Oscorp, you're welcome to join me."

"Oh, thank you for the offer, Mr. Atreus," Gwen said, nearly dragging the dazed Peter along to wrap things up.

Once they got out of the car, the two young people still felt like they were dreaming.

"Peter, are we dreaming? Someone that important actually noticed us."

Peter, lost in thought, suddenly said, "Could he have another motive?"

"Come on, with our background? Why would someone like that bother scheming against ordinary people like us?" Gwen said, though she was confident in her looks, she couldn't compete with the secretary in terms of appearance, especially given how good her voice was.

In fact, it wasn't just Peter and Gwen who were confused; even the Lance sisters were puzzled.

Gotham City wasn't far from New York—they were both on the same coastline.

With a smooth ride and no traffic, the drive would take about an hour at most.

Did Atreus really come all this way just to meet two students?

Believe it or not, yes.

Even though Gotham was currently in chaos with gang wars and Batman was frantically trying to restore order, all of this seemed trivial to Atreus.

Those small-time thugs with no superhuman abilities were Batman's problem to deal with.

Atreus's main target had originally been the famous Spider-Man, Peter Parker. But after seeing blurry black-and-white photos of a female Spider-Man costume online, Atreus knew that in this merged world, there might not be a Spider-Man, but there was certainly a Spider-Woman—Gwen!

According to the "history," with Gwen as Spider-Woman, this Peter should have turned into the Lizard by accident.

However, given the ongoing invasion of zombie heroes, Atreus wasn't sure of anything anymore.

After all, whether rich or poor, it was all about **technology or mutation**. Both Spider-Men were excellent investment opportunities.

But more importantly, Atreus was interested in their enemies…

Beneath Atreus's seat, along with Kratos' outfit, lay a pair of reverse-engineered **Blades of Chaos**, made from the same material as Tony Stark's armor and enhanced by the Red Soul.

"Hehe! My blades are itching for action!"

(End of Chapter)