Chapter - 8

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Chapter - 8: Spider

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As the morning sunlight gently filtered through the curtains, I slowly woke up, hearing a light knock at the door and a familiar voice calling my new name.

"Peter, breakfast will be ready soon. Once you're dressed, come downstairs," Aunt May said in her usual gentle tone, the warm and reassuring voice I'd known since childhood.

I opened my eyes, trying to adjust to the light. "Yes, thanks for waking me," I replied with a big yawn as I rubbed my still-sleepy eyes. I felt a bit groggy, but the thought of breakfast helped me get out of bed.

The night before, I had gone to bed very late, overwhelmed by a multitude of thoughts swirling in my head. On top of that, I had started practicing some new exercises that Collen had taught me.

These exercises had been designed to help me address the balance issues I was facing with my new body. The idea was that, over time, they would allow me to have better control of it, making my movements more fluid and natural.

Honestly, with the results I had already noticed in myself, I could say with certainty that my decision to follow this training was the right one. Each day, I felt a stronger connection with my body and greater mastery of my powers.

Not that I ever had any real doubts—after all, Peter Parker still manages to keep up with ALL the big brains of the Marvel universe, despite not having the same level of formal education as the others.

As proof of that, in one part of the comics, both Reed Richards and Tony Stark admit that Peter Parker is more talented than they are. The difference is that Peter has to worry about financial issues, while they don't.

Yes, Peter surpasses all intelligence comparisons despite working with a huge handicap. It's crazy to think about what he could achieve if he decided to become a full-time super-scientist with a bit more free time.

Spider-Man could easily create some sort of technology or assistance that would help him defeat specific enemies, even like Iron Man and other top-tier Earth heroes, one-on-one.

But fortunately for Tony, he had the advantage of being able to spend most of his time studying and experimenting. Meanwhile, Peter constantly faced personal and financial problems that kept him from reaching his true potential.

I never understood why most Spider-Men across the universe didn't fully capitalize on their talents. Both their intelligence and their enhanced strength would easily give most Marvel heroes a run for their money.

From a practical standpoint, I had no doubt Peter could find a job that wouldn't compromise his values while still giving him enough money to be Spider-Man without too many issues.

"But he unfortunately lacks any kind of ambition," I muttered to myself, reflecting on his lifestyle. Meanwhile, I felt the symbiote start to change my clothes. Before I knew it, I was dressed in a simple, tight-fitting black T-shirt and a lightweight hoodie that made me feel comfortable.

After getting dressed, I decided to take a quick run around the neighborhood, hoping the exercise would clear my mind and prepare me for the day, which was going to be long for various reasons.

And, of course, to begin training my physical abilities, allowing my spider powers to naturally develop within my body, since my body had yet to fully mature.

With every step, a surge of electrifying energy coursed through my body, making me feel in a way I had never felt before. It was such an intense and indescribable sensation that words would never be enough to explain it.

As my speed increased, my senses sharpened, and I became acutely aware of my surroundings. Colors seemed more vivid, and the air carried scents I had never noticed before.

Even the subtlest sounds became clearer and more distinct, and I couldn't help but think I was developing a sharp, almost spider-like spatial awareness—something that, honestly, I didn't mind at all.

I leaped over obstacles effortlessly, my movements flowing with extraordinary agility. It was as if my instincts were guiding me, helping me anticipate each step, each turn, and every jump with supernatural precision.

As the sun rose above the horizon, I made my way back home, faint whispers echoing in my mind, like a chorus of spiders speaking in an incomprehensible language.

It wasn't new to me, though. Nearly every night, I dreamt of being trapped in a web I had spun myself, imprisoned within my own body. Or at least, that's what it felt like—except, in those dreams, I wasn't just trapped. I was a giant spider.

I wasn't sure anymore if I was truly becoming a spider or if something else was playing tricks on me. But I knew one thing: there wasn't just one entity capable of controlling my powers.

It was as if the line between reality and nightmare had blurred, and I was drifting in a sea of arachnid horrors. And as if that weren't enough, I could feel the spiders growing stronger, their presence becoming more dominant.

Peter's powers had increased significantly over the past year, and it seemed like my mutation was evolving in parallel. The idea of having to embrace this grotesque form, similar to the 1994 Spider-Man, was terrifying, but I knew it was only a matter of time before it happened.

After all, sooner or later, The Other would come to offer me his power, just like he did with all the other Spider-Totems. Deep down, he was truly a part of my abilities.

However, I would only accept what I considered useful for myself. And if he didn't agree with my choice, I was prepared to take much more drastic measures to avoid being controlled.

I had already decided that, like Spider-Man, I would live life on my own terms, without becoming the puppet of some cosmic entity. My life would be mine, and no one else would make decisions for me.

I approached my house and stepped to the side when I saw something that, I have to admit, intrigued me. And honestly, it seemed like I was having better luck than the usual Spider-Man, because, wouldn't you know it...

I was watching a familiar redhead, who began undressing in front of her window, revealing her sinful body that would make many models around the world envious.

Her red lingerie accentuated every curve, with her stunning green eyes and wet red hair making her even more desirable.

Yes, even in this universe, MJ was my neighbor...

It was as if the Web of Life and Destiny was trying even harder to ensure that things didn't stray too far from the actual canon, much to my misfortune.

Well, I could use this to my advantage, but I needed time to come up with a good plan that wouldn't...

Once I got back home, I took a quick hot shower and headed to the kitchen to help Aunt May prepare breakfast. She was a strong and determined woman, but I genuinely wanted to help her, especially since it was just the two of us now.

On the dining table was my favorite omelet, and just seeing it brought a smile to my face. The eggs continued to sizzle in the pan, filling the kitchen with a pleasant aroma, while the smell of fresh coffee spread through the air.

"Good morning, Aunt May," I greeted her, turning toward her while flipping the omelet with ease. It was almost an automatic gesture, as if I had become a real cook without even trying.

Aunt May joined me in the kitchen, her face showing a faint sign of fatigue, but her eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Peter, but you didn't have to help," she said with a gentle smile, accompanied by a hint of warmth in her voice.

I smiled back, trying to keep our conversation light and our relationship simple. "It's just a small gesture to help you get through the day," I said, not wanting to make too big a deal out of my cooking skills.

"I know, and I'm really glad," May responded, her smile filled with sincere affection. For a moment, it seemed like she wanted to say something else, but then she blushed slightly, turning her gaze away in embarrassment.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, tilting my head, curious about her reaction.

"Well... shouldn't you be wearing something?" she asked with a shy smile, avoiding eye contact as she realized I was still shirtless.

"I've got shorts on. I'm not naked," I replied with a bit of a playful tone.

"No! I meant... a shirt?" she exclaimed in a higher-pitched voice.

"I just got out of the shower and had to wake you up. So, I rushed to make breakfast." I smiled, finishing the meal preparations. "It's not that bad, right?"

May shook her head, trying to change the subject. "How's school?"

As we talked and ate, we turned on the TV to catch the day's news. And there he was, good old Jonah Jameson with an article titled "The Mask Shatters," showing several men with broken bones, unable even to respond to the police's questions.

I watched the screen with curiosity, while a smile crept across my face. This was officially the first article Jameson would write against me.

"Once again," Jonah said with his usual fervor, "we are confronted with the trail of destruction left by Spider-Man... These men, alleged criminals or ordinary citizens? It doesn't matter. What matters is that they've been reduced to a heap of broken bones by a masked vigilante who believes he can play judge, jury, and hangman!"

I paused, my fork mid-air, watching the screen closely. There weren't many details, but the tone in J. Jonah Jameson's voice told me that, in some way, even he was surprised by this development.

It was as if he hadn't expected a situation like this.

It wasn't the first time my name or my actions had made front-page news, but this time it was different. I had really put them in a tough spot, and honestly, I didn't care. They were lucky to still be alive.

Aunt May turned to me, concerned. "Peter, do you think Spider-Man did this? He... he would never do something like that, right?"

I tried to stay calm, not wanting to worry her any more than she already was. "I don't know, Aunt May. It could be anyone. These days, there are a lot of people running around the city in masks."

"Yeah, you're right..." she replied, shaking her head. "But these vigilantes trying to imitate him... I just don't understand how they think they can do good by using violence. Justice isn't supposed to work like that."

I just nodded, trying to hide my guilt. Inside, I silently apologized to her, but the truth was that sometimes violence was the only answer. In the world of superheroes, certain situations demanded drastic decisions.

After finishing breakfast, I got up to help Aunt May with the dishes. As I dried a plate, I said, "I'll be back later today. I need to take care of some things at the Baxter Building with the Fantastic Four."

Aunt May, with a loving yet concerned expression, kept rinsing the dishes before looking at me. "Be careful, Peter. I know you always manage, but every time you go out for your 'internship,' I can't help but worry."

I smiled, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry, Aunt May. I'm in good hands with Reed and the others. It's just a regular workday, nothing dangerous."

She nodded slowly, but her gaze remained thoughtful. "It's not that I don't trust you, it's just... well, ever since you got into this life, I always feel like there's more to it than what you tell me."

I set down the plate I was drying and turned to her. "Aunt May, I promise, if there was something really serious, I'd tell you. But today, it's just work. Nothing to worry about."

She gave me a faint smile. "Alright, I trust you, Peter. I always do."

"I know." After we finished washing the dishes, I grabbed my backpack and headed quickly to the front door. "I'll be back for dinner, promise."

"I'm counting on it," she replied with a warm smile. As I opened the door to leave, I could still feel her affectionate gaze on me, like she wanted to say something more but couldn't find the right words.

When I arrived at the bus stop, I noticed Mary Jane approaching. She was heading to the same stop, which almost seemed like a coincidence meant to bring us together.

As we waited in silence, I could feel her curious eyes on me. I couldn't deny that, in some way, she was intrigued by my recent behavior.

However, when Mary Jane looked at me, I decided to ignore her gaze. Even though I appreciated her curiosity and interest, I didn't want to give too much importance to becoming popular.

When the bus finally arrived, I got on without hesitation, finding a seat by the window. I could sense that Mary Jane was probably confused by my indifference, but I didn't care.

I wanted to keep things simple. And if the "web" of life and destiny didn't agree, well, for now, I preferred not to think about it, knowing I might do something many wouldn't agree with.

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Marvel: I'm Spider-Man in this Damn Reincarnation: 3 advanced chapters

Osmosian Sorcerer?: 3 advanced chapters

Son of Li Qiye?: 3 advanced chapters

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 Chapter - 9: A Web Yet To Be Spun - Chapter - 10: Baxter Building - Chapter - 11: Night Walk

Chapter - 15: Bloom - Chapter - 16: Demon Sorcerers - Chapter - 17: Onmyoji

 Chapter - 7: Hobby - Chapter - 8: New Hunt - Chapter - 9: Past unknown

On the other hand, if you want to see something specific in the next chapters, or even just have some good advice for the story as a whole, I am always willing to read a comment if it is constructive criticism.

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