Chapter 32: Fishing Competition, If You Lose, Promise the Other Party One Thing

Out on the Atlantic Ocean.

"It's here, I can feel it. Tonight, I'm going to catch a big fish," Ethan Hayes grinned.

Gwen was equally excited, though at first, she'd been a little hesitant. Now, with the fishing rod in her hands, she was filled with anticipation. This wasn't the vacation she'd initially imagined, but deep-sea fishing was thrilling, something she had never tried before.

Ethan, on the other hand, was deep in thought, wondering how many agents might be keeping tabs on him. I hope there aren't any cameras on this boat, he mused. Broadcasting this live would be a disaster. Deciding to take a luxury cruise was a spur-of-the-moment decision, leaving the agents no time to track him. Plus, out here, there was no signal—no surveillance, no interruptions.

Though the wind was strong and the waves choppy, Gwen, despite being a first-timer at sea, stood firm. No seasickness. After all, she was Spider-Woman, and her enhanced physique was more than enough to handle the rough conditions. Ethan, strengthened by the powers of the Frozen Fruit and his mastery of Phantom Fist, felt at ease as well.

Gwen was strong, but Ethan's control over his own abilities was more refined. If they fought, Gwen might have the upper hand in strength, but Ethan's precise mastery over his body and his powers would give him the edge.

"How about we make this interesting?" Gwen suddenly suggested, her eyes sparkling. "Whoever catches the heaviest fish wins. The loser has to promise the winner one thing—no matter what it is."

Ethan nearly laughed out loud at the challenge. Gwen, you may be Spider-Woman, but when it comes to fishing, I'm unbeatable. Especially with my ability to control water.

Gwen was already gripping the rod with her Spider-senses tingling. She could feel the vibrations of the water, almost like the extension of a spider web, sensing the fish below through the fishing line.

"Miss Stacy, don't regret it. If I win, my request could be quite… outrageous." Ethan smirked, eyes glinting with mischief.

"Definitely, any request," Gwen shot back, confidence oozing from her smile.

"Alright, what are the rules? Price of the fish? Quantity? Or weight?" Ethan asked.

Gwen thought for a moment. Price would be too hard to calculate, and quantity? She wasn't worried about that. Weight seemed like the fairest option. She could reel in something big—perhaps a great white shark—and totally shock him.

"The weight of the fish," she declared. "One hour. Whoever catches the heaviest fish wins, and the loser has to keep their promise."

Ethan raised his brow. "One hour, huh? Sounds fair."

It was already past nine, so the timing was just right. As the wind howled and the waves crashed against the side of the boat, the competition was on.

"Alright, let's start." Ethan hooked a palm-sized fish as bait and cast his line into the deep water. He refrained from using his water-controlling abilities to cheat. After all, where was the fun in that?

Meanwhile, Gwen was focused, letting her Spider-senses guide her. Through the fishing line, she could almost visualize the sea, feeling the subtle movements of fish below the surface. Adjusting her rod, she positioned her bait just right, luring in a big one.

Within minutes, she sensed a tug. A smile spread across her face as she began reeling in her first catch. With her enhanced strength, the fish stood no chance.

She dragged a massive grouper onto the boat, easily over a hundred pounds. Her face lit up with satisfaction as she turned to Ethan with a smug grin.

"Hao, this one's got to be at least a hundred pounds," Gwen teased, playfully.

Ethan watched her, amused. This girl thinks she's already won. He smirked and subtly used his power to manipulate the water. The bait in his line found its way into the mouth of a much larger fish—a great white shark.

"Got one!" Ethan announced calmly, reeling in his catch with ease.

As he turned the winch, a massive silhouette began to rise from the depths of the ocean. Gwen's eyes widened as she realized what he had on the line.

It was a great white shark.

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