Chapter 9: Peter Parker's House

In an undisclosed facility, two individuals engaged in conversation—Crossbones and Alexander Pierce. Crossbones was reporting his findings from Dr. Alex's laboratory. "Sir, I apologize. We were unable to locate Dr. Alex, but we did find something," Crossbones formally reported to Alexander Pierce. Pierce responded with an intense gaze, saying, "Go on, tell me. I hope your report proves to be valuable. You've failed so many times now, Crossbones. I'm starting to question if saving you from the brink of death caused by Wanda and giving you the Victor Creed's Healing Factor was a wise investment for Hydra."

"I assure you, sir, that I won't disappoint you this time. As for what we found, sir," Crossbones said, presenting images of the training area. The area was filled with dents and claw marks. Pierce remained intrigued and asked, "Interesting. What about the data you gathered from inside Dr. Alex's laboratory?" He continued examining several images.

"Unfortunately, sir, we were unable to recover any data regarding his experiments. All the data was permanently deleted and cannot be recovered, despite our programmers' best efforts," Crossbones said, his demeanor reflecting dejection as he looked at his report.

"Dr. Alex was never known to be a skilled programmer. How could he have done it?" Pierce questioned.

"We have a theory that one of his test subjects was highly proficient in technology. We also suspect that this test subject killed Dr. Alex, as we found traces of his blood in his office," Crossbones answered.

"If that's the case, then search for this test subject. Dr. Alex may have truly succeeded this time. This could lead to a new serum with significant potential for Hydra. Only report back to me if you encounter this individual. Roam around Queens, and keep an eye out for the spider-guy as well. Do not engage him to avoid attracting the attention of Tony Stark or the Avengers," Pierce ordered, assigning Crossbones on another mission.

Crossbones nodded and uttered, "Hail Hydra." Both individuals synchronized their words before Crossbones made his way towards the exit.

"That training area wasn't made of ordinary metal but a replica of Adamantium called Secondary Adamantium. To cause such dents and five-fingered claw marks is an impressive feat. Capturing this test subject would be a great boon for Hydra," Pierce murmured as he watched Crossbones' fading figure. "That damn Nick Fury managed to almost kill me. If I hadn't injected the Extremis Virus in time, I would have been dead for sure. I will exact my revenge and end you, Nick Fury," Pierce vowed with a menacing tone.

[Shiro's POV]

Ughh... I didn't expect to get involved this quickly. If I were to transmigrate, it would have been helpful to have Shiro's memories in this world.

Now I find myself at Peter's house, waiting for him while Ned and I build Ned's lego toy in Peter's room. "What have you been doing during these 5 days of absence?" Ned suddenly asks me. "Uhh... nothing, really. I just needed a break and wanted to go on vacation," I replied, avoiding eye contact.

"Oh, sure, a vacation, huh? Then explain to me how your entire body suddenly changed. Your muscles have improved, and even your face looks more handsome than Peter's," Ned remarks.

"Did you just work out for 5 days? That's impossible. It's impossible to change this much in such a short time. Maybe you got rejected by Gwen Stacy and went for surgery, or maybe you were bitten by a radioactive spider like Peter?" Ned bombards me with questions.

Wait, Gwen Stacy, my childhood crush from The Amazing Spider-Man, is also in this world? No, perhaps this Gwen Stacy doesn't resemble Emma Stone.

[Name: Gwen Stacy

Age: 15

Gender: Female

Birthdate: March 12, 2001

Place of Birth: Queens, New York

Family Background: Gwen Stacy comes from a loving and simple family. After the untimely death of her mother, Gwen was raised by her father, George Stacy, who worked as a dedicated police officer.

Educational Background: Gwen Stacy is currently a student at Midtown High School, a prestigious educational institution located in Queens. Recognized for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to excellence, Midtown High offers Gwen an ideal platform to further her intellectual growth and broaden her horizons.

Within the halls of Midtown High, Gwen stands out as an exceptional student, consistently achieving top grades across all her subjects, along with Shiro Smith, Peter Parker, Michelle Jones, Liz, and Ned.]

"Uhh... Okay, thanks, Ciel," I thank my AI, even though I didn't ask for the information. My guess was correct; this Gwen Stacy doesn't resemble Emma Stone but is a more realistic version, like the one from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. She is quite beautiful. No wonder Shiro in this world had a crush on her.

Ned also mentioned the radioactive spider, which means the previous Shiro and Ned are the only ones who currently know Peter's secret.

"Ugh, no, I wasn't rejected by Gwen, and I definitely didn't get bitten by a radioactive spider. It's just the result of my intense workouts and a growth spurt due to puberty. This is also my preparation for the Homecoming," I answer Ned's questions. I'm not even sure if Shiro of this world has already confessed his feelings to Gwen.

"I see. So, when are you going to ask Gwen to be your Homecoming partner?" Ned asks.

"Uhh, maybe I'll try tomorrow," I replied just to end his barrage of questions.

"Then I will pray for your success, Shiro," Ned says, tapping my shoulder.

Suddenly, the door to Peter's room opens, and Peter enters, looking surprised when he sees me and Ned together. "Oh, hey Ned and Shiro. How are you guys? And Shiro, where have you been for the past 5 days? You didn't contact us," Peter mutters as he changes his clothes.

"He said he went on vacation and did some intense workouts for the Homecoming," Ned answers for me.

"Thanks, Ned. I'm glad I didn't have to repeat myself," I say, letting out a sigh.

"You're welcome," Ned replies.

"Oh, so you're trying to impress Gwen, huh, Shiro?" Peter says.

"What? No! Ugh... maybe, yes," I reply, realizing I'll have to lie throughout this conversation.

"I knew it, dude," Peter says. "Since you guys are here, I'd like to get your opinion on what I should do for the Homecoming event," Peter adds, determination etched on his face.

"Pete, I think you just need to wear a suit properly and give her a flower when you escort her," Ned suggests. "Also, you need to introduce yourself properly to her parents," I added. Well, I already know what will happen. Should I get involved in his story? No, I'm not actually interested in Vulture. What I'm interested in is the person who helps build the Vulture suit using advanced Chitauri technology. I believe his name is Phineas Mason.

"Ciel, do you have any information about Phineas Mason?" I ask my AI in my thoughts while Peter and Ned are engrossed in conversation.

[Yes, Master,] Ciel replies.

[Name: Phineas Mason

Age: 52

Gender: Male

Birthdate: November 14, 1964

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York

Family Background: Currently unknown.

Work Background: Phineas Mason has spent most of his career working at Bestman Salvage, a salvage yard specializing in retrieving and repurposing various items. As an employee at Bestman Salvage, Phineas has been involved in the day-to-day operations of the salvage yard, assisting with organizing and categorizing salvaged materials.]

"I see, thanks, Ciel." It seems Ciel didn't find any information about him being a skilled engineer and inventor. He's someone who is adept at tinkering with Chitauri technology.

[I apologize, Master, but there is insufficient data available to confirm Phineas Mason's proficiency as a skilled engineer and inventor.]

"That's okay, Ciel," I replied to my AI.

Suddenly, Ned interrupts my thoughts. "What's with you, Shiro? You seem lost in thought," Ned says.

"Ahh, nothing. I think I'm going to leave now. I'm too tired. I'll just see you guys at school tomorrow," I said, quickly making my way to the front door of Peter's house.

"Oh, are you leaving now, Shiro?" Aunt May suddenly says.

She's completely different from the other Aunt May. She's younger and, well, more attractive compared to the other elderly Aunt May.

"Yes, I think I need to rest now," I said, quickly excusing myself from Peter's house and consciously avoiding the captivating gaze of a hot MILF.