Half a month had passed without any trouble.
Late at night, after Harry’s birthday party, Xia Luo cruised through the streets on his old motorcycle.
“Vroom~”
The engine roared, echoing through darkened alleyways, as a shadow emerged from the depths, watching Xia Luo’s back. The figure raised a communicator to his mouth.
“He’s here. If we capture Xia Luo Parker, we can use him to get Spider-Man’s attention.”
But before he could finish speaking, the steel rebar embedded in the wall suddenly twisted into the shape of a serpent, lunging out to pierce through the man’s chest.
Thud!
The body fell. Above, a figure with a buzz cut narrowed his eyes.
“Charles, it’s done.”
“You… killed him?” Charles’s voice sounded uneasy over the communicator.
“It was Erik.”
Expression unchanging, Erik glanced at the body’s attire.
“It was one of the Hand’s ninjas. They were trying to get to Spider-Man, so I had to kill him.”
Charles sighed. “That makes six of them now, Erik. I think you should take a break.”
“No need.”
Erik cast a glance in the direction where Xia Luo had disappeared. “That guy is a friend of Spider-Man’s. We can’t let anything happen to him. Until our master regains full power, Spider-Man can’t be killed or fall into anyone else’s trap. If he’s injured, it’ll be a hassle.”
Charles hesitated, almost saying something. “Actually…”
“What is it?” Erik asked.
“Nothing. You’ll understand later.”
Charles changed the subject. “I’ll keep watch here. Go handle the Hand. A warning should be enough.”
Erik’s eyes glinted coldly. “Understood.”
A mere warning would never be enough. To truly eliminate the threat, total destruction was necessary. As Erik left, Charles sighed.
Ever since that day, Erik’s bloodlust had only intensified—a troubling development. He hoped Erik would come to his senses.
Meanwhile, unaware of the looming threat, Xia Luo rode past, pretending not to know either of them.
Charles was still developing his telepathy, meaning he couldn’t read Xia Luo’s thoughts, nor uncover Spider-Man’s true identity.
For now, his quiet life was thanks to the behind-the-scenes efforts of Charles and Erik, who were secretly neutralizing anyone trying to target Spider-Man.
This gave Xia Luo a sense of “security.”
Who wouldn’t like free bodyguards?
Well, Xia Luo, for one.
With those two constantly lurking around, his chances of “dying and getting stronger” were practically nonexistent.
Given Wanda’s cryptic warning, he was almost certain of who their “master” was. The guy seemed a little too interested in Spider-Man’s “get stronger every time he dies” ability.
Meaning that before their “master” made his appearance, he’d make sure nothing happened to “Spider-Man.”
But that protection didn’t necessarily apply to Xia Luo.
Suddenly, from the incomplete overhead skyway above, a creaking noise sounded. Sheets of glass fractured, raining down in a deadly cascade.
Charles’s face fell as he realized Xia Luo was about to be buried under a shower of broken glass.
“No! I’m too late—”
Before he could act, a dark figure swooped down from between the buildings.
Thwip!
A web shot out as the shadow zipped across the intersection, grabbing Xia Luo and swinging him away just in time.
“Wait—my bike!”
Xia Luo yelped as the glass shards crashed onto the motorcycle. Meanwhile, the dark figure placed him on a nearby billboard.
“You alright?”
Hearing the familiar voice, Xia Luo looked up at Spider-Woman and couldn’t help but smile.
Being saved by Spider-Woman—a Spider-Man’s dream come true.
“That was my only ride,” he said.
Gwen shrugged. “Sorry, but I’m not buying you a new one.”
Xia Luo shook his head. “It’s okay. I’ve saved up a little. Might finally get myself a new hovercycle.”
“You should check this out.”
Gwen held up her phone screen. “Stark Industries is launching a Spider-Man-themed hovercycle. It can climb walls and swing on webs—loads of fun. You should consider it.”
Xia Luo glanced at the ad featuring “Spider-Man” himself, then at Gwen.
“Uh… how much did they pay you for that gig?” he asked, gritting his teeth.
Seems he’d missed a lucrative opportunity.
Gwen shrugged. “Not much. Just enough to buy a new penthouse.”
“Damn it!”
Fuming, Xia Luo glared in the direction of Stark Tower.
Decision made: blackmail fees were going up.
“Thanks for the save. Gotta run.”
With that, Xia Luo awkwardly jumped down from the billboard, dashing toward Stark Tower.
Symbiote Gwen, huh? Which means the other player must be Venom Parker.
Watching him go, Gwen’s eyes narrowed as black tendrils rippled over her skin, forming a feminine demonic face.
“I can taste him… delicious. Let’s devour him!”
Gwen frowned. “He’s my friend.”
The demonic face leaned close, mouth stretching to a wicked grin.
“When I say ‘devour,’ I don’t mean that way.”
“Then what do you mean?”
The demon whispered something in Gwen’s ear, leaving her looking exasperated.
“I’m done with you. When we get home, no more of those movies, got it?”
“Nooo! Don’t take them away! I love those actresses!”
Gwen slapped the demon back into the suit with a firm hand.
“Let’s go.”
“You better buy me a midnight snack.”
As Gwen swung away into the night, Charles observed from below.
“Xia Luo Parker has more than one Spider-friend. He really is fascinating.”
—
The next day, Xia Luo was in a great mood.
After all, the hush money from Pepper was very satisfying.
But his good mood soured instantly when he walked into the living room and found it littered with tissues.
Wade, armed with the power of the Dragon Bone Shard, had gotten completely out of hand.
Glancing at the shard lying by the couch, Xia Luo scowled in disgust, with no desire to reclaim it.
With the Time Monolith shattered, whatever power remained in the Dragon Bone Shard had been entirely squandered by Wade on… well, things best left unmentioned. Xia Luo knew he had to find a way to get rid of him soon.
Wade’s presence had filled his life with a never-ending barrage of lowbrow jokes.
And they weren’t even remotely funny!
Just then, his communicator beeped.
“Spider-Man, we’re hosting an induction party today for the Avengers’ new recruits. Care to join us?” Carter asked.
“New recruits?”
Xia Luo raised an eyebrow. “The Avengers have new blood?”
“Of course.”
Carter’s tone was tinged with exasperation. “There are more and more super-powered individuals showing up lately, and our arsenal isn’t keeping pace with the upgrades we need. I decided to hire some new members to help ease the burden.”
Hearing this, Xia Luo couldn’t help but sigh.
“And yet, I’m still technically unemployed. It’s like these super-powered types are all avoiding me.”
“Invincible Spider-Man, you have to understand—no one committing crimes wants to run into you.”
“Now that’s music to my ears.”
Xia Luo ended the call and slipped on his nanotech suit.
“Let’s go!”
Whoosh
The red-and-blue figure leaped from the rooftop, web-slinging effortlessly between skyscrapers.
“Oh! It’s Spider-Man!”
Hearing the familiar exclamations from the people below, Xia Luo couldn’t help but smirk.
The Age of Mutants…
Looks like that guy’s been busy.
Lost in thought, Xia Luo’s electric spider symbol crackled to life across his chest, and he rocketed skyward as a bolt of electricity.
Zzzz
Before long, he reached the floating island.
S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ.
On the lawn where the party was in full swing, agents clinked champagne glasses, reveling in a rare moment of relaxation.
Natasha wore a sleek black dress, basking in her own allure.
As always, Barton stood stoic, quietly polishing his quiver while observing the new recruits.
In the crowd, a young man in a blue suit was chatting animatedly with Natasha.
On the other side, Coulson and a few agents tested their pulse rifles on a hulking, rocky figure.
Bang bang bang
The energy pulses barely chipped away at the rock-like surface, leaving the stony brute unharmed.
“Whoa, Grimm! You’re solid as a rock!”
Agents gawked, and Ben Grimm puffed up, striking a bodybuilder pose to show off his physique.
In the corner, Alexei watched the scene with envy and a hint of jealousy, crushing his champagne glass.
“Hmph! Hard, huh? But strength—now that’s what matters!”
He stomped into the crowd, pushing his way to Grimm’s side and, striking a more impressive bodybuilding pose, egged the agents into applause.
“Oh! Grimm, let’s see what you’ve got!”
“Yeah, Avengers can’t lose to Thunderbolt agents!”
Spurred on, Grimm flexed even harder, but Alexei wasn’t about to be outdone. They jostled each other, nearly breaking into a fight.
“You pushed me!”
“You pushed first!”
As the two big guys squared off, the agents wisely backed away.
“Look! Spider-Man’s here!”
Someone pointed to the crackling blue arc zipping their way. Alexei immediately straightened up, grinning with pride.
“My friend’s here—gotta go.”
“Your friend?”
Grimm’s eyes widened as the red-and-blue figure landed.
“You mean… Spider-Man?”
“Of course! He’s my best friend.”
“Wow, amazing! I’d love to be friends with Spider-Man. Could you introduce me?”
“Well, let’s see how you behave.”
“I’ll do my best, Alexei!”
“Haha, not bad. You’re in luck—I’ll introduce you to Spider-Man.”
Meanwhile, Xia Luo spotted Carter and walked over with a smirk.
“Hey, you seem to really love red.” He eyed her bright red dress, raising himself on his toes.
“Maybe next time, try skipping the heels.” Xia Luo took a step back.
Yeah, this way Captain Carter’s heels wouldn’t make her just that little bit taller than Spider-Man.
Carter chuckled at his antics.
“Alright, Spider-Man. Let me introduce you to the new recruits. You’re in for a surprise.”
She waved, and a tall, handsome young man approached.
Before he could say anything, Xia Luo’s eyes widened.
“Cap?”
Johnny looked at Carter, then gave a firm nod.
“Avengers Assemble—Flame On!”
With that, Johnny burst into flames, rocketing upward like a blazing comet.
Xia Luo: “…”
He turned to Carter, incredulous. “Seriously?”
Carter shrugged. “I was just as shocked when I met him, but that’s Johnny Storm.”
“He was an astronaut at one of our thirteen bases, specifically the aerospace center. When the artificial sun was activated, he was exposed to a wave of cosmic rays and was badly burned. He recently woke up with the power to control fire.”
She glanced over to the rock-covered guy and the young couple in matching blue uniforms.
“The three of them went through similar experiences.”
Xia Luo rubbed his temples as he looked them over.
“Alright, congratulations, then. These four new Avengers seem pretty strong.”
“Indeed.”
Carter pointed out the couple. “That’s Reed and Susan—they’re engaged. Reed’s powers let him reshape his body, kinda like rubber.”
“I’ve seen One Piece.” Xia Luo chuckled.
“Pirates?”
Carter shook her head. “I don’t get it.”
She continued, “Susan’s Johnny’s sister, and she can turn invisible.”
“And that rock guy, Ben Grimm? We tested him—he can lift around a hundred tons, so he’s a fair bit stronger than Alexei.”
Xia Luo nodded, casting a glance up at Johnny, still floating in the sky.
“Why’s he still up there?”
Carter thought for a moment. “Probably hasn’t learned how to land yet.”
Xia Luo: “…”
Sure enough, Johnny started shouting from above, “Help! I can’t stop!”
Carter sighed, waving at him to come lower.
“Not to worry, I’ve got a solution.”
She signaled Agent Hill, who promptly aimed the garden hose.
“Over here,” she called.
“Got it!”
Johnny dipped low enough, and with a blast of water, mist billowed out as the flames died. Reed quickly stretched out to catch Johnny, and the agents watched the mishap with amusement.
Once the chaos died down, Carter led Xia Luo to the lab.
“We’ve confirmed the Time Monolith can’t be repaired. Its energy has completely dissipated.”
Eyeing the fragments in the glass box, Xia Luo remembered something.
“Felicia’s father?”
“He’s fine,” Carter assured him. “During your absence, the Time Monolith cured Walter.
“But he’s been locked up, considering all the things he stole.”
Xia Luo: “…”
“So his castle’s being seized?”
“No.”
Carter’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “That estate was inherited over generations. What exactly were you hoping for?”
“Shame.” Xia Luo sighed, shaking his head. “Felicia’s still rich, and I’m not thrilled.”
“To free her father, she’s agreed to join the Thunderbolts.” Carter added with a sly smile.
Xia Luo clapped his hands.
“Impressive, Commander Carter. Compared to you, Nick Fury’s as useless as… well—”
“No need to compare. I know you’re complimenting me.” Carter quickly cut him off.
Xia Luo exhaled in relief. “Good thing you did—I didn’t have a fitting word for Fury yet.”
Carter: “…”
She sighed at the mention of Nick Fury.
“I thought once he was unemployed, he’d be picking cotton somewhere. But I was wrong; he’s had a plan all along.”
She looked at Xia Luo. “Ever heard of S.W.O.R.D.?”
—
T/N: WOAH CARTER? well she is…old
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