Chapter 7

Click! The knee that once bore the impact of an arrow couldn't escape its fateful conclusion. The joint bent backward, breaking bones that pierced through the muscle in a grotesque display.

Satisfied, James clasped his hands together, the tall kidnapper long having succumbed to unconsciousness from the excruciating pain.

Addressing the woman huddled in the corner, James reassured, "Miss, you're safe now. You can go home. If you venture out at night again, I wish you a safe journey.

""Thanks, thank you.

"Though trembling, the woman stood up and hesitantly retreated into the corner, not daring to move.

Waving indifferently, James melted into the shadows, disappearing from sight.

As night fell, the name "Benu Bird and Fire" began circulating in local stories.

The next day, James attended school as usual.

Post a night of vigilant activities, he carried positive thoughts, radiating good vibes.

At the lockers, Peter, who had arrived early, leaned against the wall in a despondent state. Regardless of who reached school first, the two would wait for each other here.

"Hey, Peter." James greeted, patting Peter on the shoulder. "Where did you find those old-fashioned glasses to enhance your top-student image?

"Peter typically wore contact lenses, but today sported vintage black-framed glasses, giving him an air of a distinguished student.

Shrugging, Peter replied wearily, "My naturally outstanding good student temperament needs no enhancement, does it?

"After grabbing their belongings, the two entered the classroom and took adjacent seats.

"Yes, you're the top student, first in the class. Well, considering the total number of students at Midtown High School, it's not much of a competition for you.

"Peter confidently smiled, "Naturally.

""Do you both enjoy boasting so much?

"A voice from the side interrupted their conversation, causing Peter to visibly flinch. The voice was familiar, and James turned to look at the girl beside him for the first time.

Gwen Stacey, an attractive blonde, exuded charm in a shirt, pullover, short skirt, and boots. She stood out as the object of affection between Peter and James.

Gwen appeared sweet. Seeing James and Peter, she greeted them generously.

"Hello, I'm Gwen Stacey.

"Peter seemed momentarily flustered, "Oh, I know, I'm Peter Parker.

""James," James nodded at Gwen."It's nice to meet you.

" Gwen smiled kindly."Nice to meet you."James sighed, 'We've been in the same class for four years, what's so thrilling about meeting again.

'"That's right," Gwen said politely. "Classmate Parker is second in the class, not first.

"Parker felt a pang of disappointment. Even as a girl, she couldn't casually dismiss what he was proud of.

"I'm second? Are you sure?

"Gwen nodded, "Yes, believe me, I can't be wrong.

""Who's first?

"James instinctively straightened his posture, hands coming together as he ran his fingers through his hair. "It seems that no matter how hard people try to hide, their dazzling light can't be concealed. It's time for you to meet the number one student in our class."

"It's certainly not you," Gwen smiled gleefully. "Yes, James, I used to see you as the silent classmate who never intended to offend."

"Unexpectedly, you have a humorous side. Also, I didn't attend physical education class yesterday afternoon. I heard you cleared up Thomson?"

James gestured with his hands, indicating he wasn't responsible for that.

"Miss, even though you're beautiful, don't speak nonsense. I was just playing basketball with Thomson. I didn't take any action against him. What happened to him?

"Gwen covered her mouth and smiled, "So, you settled it with basketball. Did you win?"

"Absolutely," James said with regret. "It's a pity you didn't witness it. You know what you missed? It was a spectacular performance comparable to the NBA's top ten plays of the year!"

"That is a shame." Gwen, nodding in agreement, said, "Have you considered which university you want to apply to? Duke University or UCLA? They're both renowned basketball schools.

"James pondered, "I haven't thought about it yet, but I don't want to leave New York for school. Duke University is in North Carolina, and UCLA is in Los Angeles. They're both too far away."

"Why stay in New York? You've been here for years. Aren't you bored?" Gwen asked, tilting her head.

"Why stay here?" James scratched his neck.

"Because of ideals!" James nodded, "Yes, ideals. I was born and raised here. It's my ideal to build and protect this place."

"Your ideal is truly noble," Gwen teased, finding that she knew too little about James.

In the past, James, due to his personality, remained timid and reserved in Gwen's presence. Despite being in the same class for almost four years, he rarely spoke.

However, the James who traveled to this world was different from his previous self. How could a man destined for greatness secretly harbor a crush on a girl? He aimed to captivate her with his extraordinary personality charm.

Behind them, Peter watched James and Gwen with a blank expression, unable to interject.

Feeling a subtle melancholy, Parker lowered his head and began doodling aimlessly on his notebook.

"What's this?" James concluded the conversation with Gwen and curiously asked when he noticed Parker writing on his notebook.

"It's nothing." Parker reacted, tearing the paper from the notebook, crumpling it, and tossing it aside.