Back on the Feet

The scientist raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Why the web-shooter? Are you trying to imitate Spider-Man?" he inquired, his voice laced with intrigue.

The scientist's eyes widened in fear as Leo menacingly approached him, his voice filled with a threatening tone. "You don't understand," Leo growled. "I need that web-shooter. It's crucial for achieving what I need to accomplish."

The scientist stepped back, his hands trembling. "I'm just a humble man trying to pursue my own innovations," he stammered. "I don't want any part in your vendetta."

Leo's eyes narrowed as he approached the scientist, his voice dripping with menace. "You may not want to be involved, but I assure you, it is in your best interest to help me," he warned. "I am not someone you want to cross."

Before the scientist could respond, he spun around and sprinted down the hallway. "Help! Security!" he shouted, hoping to alert the guards and escape from Leo's grasp.

Leo cursed under his breath and sprinted after the fleeing scientist. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the empty corridors. It didn't take long for Leo to catch up to the scientist, his superior athleticism enabling him to close the distance swiftly.

With a swift motion, Leo tackled the scientist to the ground, their bodies crashing against the cold, hard floor. The scientist cried out in pain and fear as Leo pinned him down.

Just as they struggled on the ground, the distant voice of a guard rang out through the hallway. "What happened here?" the guard called out, his voice filled with suspicion.

Leo's mind raced, knowing that time was running out. He glanced at the scientist, his grip firm and unyielding. "Listen to me," Leo whispered urgently. "Help me with the web-shooter, and I promise to repay you with a favor. We can help each other."

The scientist, fear etched on his face, hesitated for a moment. Finally, he nodded, his expression a mixture of resignation and acceptance. Leo released his grip on the scientist, allowing him to stand.

As the guard's footsteps drew nearer, the scientist took a deep breath and composed himself. When the guard arrived, his eyes scanning the scene with suspicion, the scientist spoke with a calm demeanor. "Nothing happened here," he said convincingly. "It must have been a gust of wind."

"What…?" The guard regarded the scientist skeptically but ultimately accepted the explanation.

"Watch yourself, Dr. Anderson! Please do not raise another false alarm, otherwise, we have to escort you out of the building," with a gruff warning, the guard continued on his patrol, leaving the scientist alone once more.

Leo then emerged from the shadow, turned to the scientist, a sense of gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you for not betraying me," he said sincerely. "Now, let's get to work."

"Okay… okay… If you say so…" the scientist hurried to the lab desk, a space filled with innovative prototypes and scattered experiments. The scientist wasted no time, meticulously tinkering with the web-shooter design.

An hour and a half later…

Leo examined the newly modified web-shooter on the table, its sleek design catching his eye. He had to admit, the scientist, Dr. Ralph Anderson, had done a commendable job in such a short time.

"Are you done?" Leo's patience ran thin, eager to pursue him to question.

"Yes!" the scientist replied, relieved and excitement tinged in his tone.

"So, what's so special about this web-shooter?" Leo asked, his curiosity piqued.

Dr. Ralph Anderson took a deep breath, ready to explain his creation. "Well... This web-shooter is an improved version based on the original Spider-Man's design," he began. "I've made several modifications to enhance its performance and efficiency. The formula I used for the webbing ensures greater tensile strength and durability."

Leo interrupted him, holding up a hand. "Spare me the technical details," he said, a hint of impatience in his voice. "All I need to know is if it works."

Dr. Anderson nodded understandingly. "Of course," he replied. "Try it out," Dr. Anderson casually hurled the web-shooter to Leo.

Nodding, Leo caught the web-shooter, and slipped onto his wrist, feeling the weight and comfort of it. He took a deep breath before testing it out, shooting a strand of web across the room. It shot out effortlessly, and Leo couldn't help but be impressed.

"This is definitely an improvement," he remarked, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "I wonder how it compares to Spider-Man's current version."

The scientist smiled, pleased with Leo's reaction. "I'm glad it meets your expectations so that you wouldn't hurt me, right?" he said.

Leo extended his hand, shaking the scientist's hand firmly. "No worries, I'm not interested in harming the innocent. Anyway, thank you. I appreciate your help," he said sincerely.

The scientist nodded. "It was my pleasure then," he replied.

As Leo turned to leave, he paused and glanced back at the scientist. "By the way, what's your name?" he asked.

The scientist smiled. "Ralph Derick Anderson, but you can call me Dr. Anderson," he replied.

"Ralph, it is…" Leo nodded, committing the name to memory. "Thank you again, Ralph," he said before leaping towards the window.

However, before he could make his exit, Dr. Anderson called out, stopping him in his tracks. "Wait! Before you go, I have a favor to ask," he said.

Leo turned back, a curious expression on his face. "What is it?"

Dr. Anderson hesitated for a moment before speaking. "If I got anything comes up as a favor or if you need any assistance. Like if you ever need to recharge your web cartridge, how do we contact each other?"

Leo considered the offer for a moment before re-approached Ralph. "Here's the number. Use it wisely and also give me yours" Leo handed a piece of paper with his numbers, requested Ralph to give him a call for the exchange.

Ralph dialed the given number and Leo watched his phone, nodded and prepared to leave, but a sudden thought crossed Ralph's mind. "Wait!" he called out, causing Leo to pause and turn back towards him. "Before you go, I have something else I'd like you to test with me."

Leo raised an eyebrow curiously. "What is it this time?" he asked.

Ralph's eyes lit up with excitement. "Well, you see, you said in exchange for your web-shooter, you would do me a favor…"

"Yes, indeed." Leo replied.

"It's just an invention of mine, I want to show you," he explained. "You see… I've created a device that allows the material it's attached to enter a phasing state. It essentially detaches the electrons from the atoms of your body, allowing you to pass through solid objects."

Leo scratched his head, trying to comprehend the scientific explanation. "So, you're saying it lets me walk through walls?" he asked, seeking clarification.

Ralph nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! It defies the Pauli Exclusion Principle by disrupting the forces that prevent electron overlap, allowing you to pass through objects without physical contact."

Leo still looked puzzled. "I'm not sure I fully understand, but show me," he said, curious about the device's capabilities.

Ralph grabbed the device from his desk and placed it on top of an apple. "Let me demonstrate," he said. "When the device is activated, it will cause the apple to phase through the floor."

Leo watched with intrigue as Ralph turned on the device using his computer. Almost instantly, the apple began to sink into the desk and through the floor, disappearing from sight.

Ralph's eyes widened in realization. "Oh no! I didn't consider the consequences of testing it in a world filled with objects!" he exclaimed, regret filling his voice. "The device is now lost in the depths of the earth."

Leo couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. "Well, looks like you'll have to work on a better plan for testing next time," he remarked, finding amusement in Ralph's oversight. "But if you manage to make a functional one, I might consider using it."

Ralph's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you! I promise I'll create another one that works, and I'll be more careful with where I test it," he vowed.

With that, Leo bid farewell to Ralph and swung away into the rainy night, the sound of the raindrops accompanying his thoughts. As he swung through the city, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what the future might hold. Perhaps, with the new web-shooter and potential inventions like Ralph's phasing device, he would be better equipped to face the challenges that awaited him.