"The multiverse is a complex concept. Its initial definition came from parallel universes, but later we discovered that some universes deviate so abnormally that a significant portion of these worlds are distorted beyond recognition. However, there are exceptions, and every universe itself is indeed capable of birthing its own infinite parallel universes."
"Among them, with Universe 616 as the main axis, the number of other universes born from it is the largest. This is also one of the proofs that Universe 616 is the most powerful universe."
Miguel had Lyla open the map of the multiverse. The multiverse map was not actually a map in the traditional sense, but rather the images of countless Earths overlapping with slight variations. Every universe itself was in motion, and the subtle differences in the vibration frequencies produced by this movement made distinguishing between different multiverses a reality.
"This is also an important way to differentiate multiverses. As long as you determine the resonance frequency band—for example, using Universe 616 as a baseline for differentiation—then you can quickly locate a large number of parallel universes based on Universe 616. For instance, the one I mentioned where another Otto Octavius might have succeeded, right here."
Miguel then isolated a universe. "For now, we are defining the designation of this universe as Earth-TRN95 until we find its exact designation and pinpoint its location. This is a universe modeled after Universe 616, but it is only a prototype. Too many unique events have occurred in your universe."
"? For example?"
There were indeed quite a lot.
The two most basic points were that Cindy Moon did not exist as a totem in other universes; perhaps this person still existed, but her counterpart in other universes was not the "Bride." Similarly, the Peter of other universes was not the "Scion," and Uncle Ben was dead.
These two points gave rise to a considerable number of other deviations: the Avengers had no opportunity to gather intelligence from other universes, nor could they collect the exclusive intel provided by Peter.
This also created a great deal of divergence. For instance, the reason for the reforming of the X-Men changed; what should have been Peter approaching the academy due to his own physical condition became something driven by the White Queen instead. Naturally, the Spider-Man of other universes did not possess Peter's level of strength or undergo as many changes. Mister Negative remained a villain, and the Venom of other universes was far less pure and kind, so Anti-Venom naturally did not exist either.
The Korvac incident was another matter that simply never happened. Captain Marvel, Mar-Vell, exposed his identity in a different manner and granted Carol her superpowers, which meant the Gwen of that universe was naturally not superpowered either. The absence of the Korvac incident meant the Kang Dynasty never occurred, and the Kang of that universe was easily defeated. This led to another consequence, which was that Ultron was never decommissioned by Pym.
Aside from that, Belasco and Limbo were naturally not a part of Illyana's journey in that universe. Peter remembered Illyana saying that, in truth, quite a few Magiks used portals to move in and out of Limbo every day, but most of them wouldn't stop to take a second look. To most people, the environment in Limbo was so terrible that it really wasn't a suitable place for activity.
Furthermore, there was the matter of Mephisto; this guy hadn't entered the Earth of other universes either, which resulted in many events never taking place.
"There might be some other matters, but in short, once you strip away all these events, it forms a 'base universe' modeled after 616, from which a large number of other parallel universes then branch out."
"Take this Earth-TRN95, for example. Initially, I thought the divergence in this universe occurred during the Battle of Octopus City. Because none of the Avengers came to help, it led to Spider-Man fighting the Sinister Six all by himself. Consequently, he grew disappointed with the Avengers and ultimately left the team. But looking at it now, that wasn't the case."
Without the nano-suit, without Anti-Venom and Venom, without other enhancements, and without any other teammates, Spider-Man had narrowly won after facing the entire Sinister Six. Doctor Octopus, the culprit behind it all, died. Then Spider-Man, disappointed that the Avengers had all gone to stop Kang while no one came to help him, left the Avengers.
No, that wasn't it. Instead, Doctor Octopus succeeded in that final battle. He took over the body of that universe's Peter Parker, trapping Peter Parker's consciousness within his own decaying body. Yet, because of this, he underwent a transformation, becoming the "Superior Spider-Man."
Peter remained silent for a long time before looking at Miguel. "About how long ago did that happen?"
"It aligns perfectly with the timeline of Earth-616. We discovered this universe about two weeks ago and tried inviting this 'Superior Spider-Man' to join the Spider-Society, but he was clearly not interested."
"Which means... it was roughly half a year ago."
Peter looked at this universe with a somewhat complicated expression, shifting into a frown. He then shook his head helplessly, while Miguel looked back at him. "You intend to go take a look, don't you? To investigate this Superior Spider-Man who can traverse the multiverse."
"Yes, I need to know exactly what he plans to do and why he's doing it. If a multiverse-level spider-totem organization has been established, then he definitely has his own plans and enemies. We now know that the Web Warriors have a grand plan; they are recruiting an army to fight an enemy, though I'm not sure if that enemy is Shathra. As for us, we need to understand the truth behind the Great Web incident and avoid being hunted by the Inheritors and Shathra's worshippers."
So, why was this alternate-universe Otto Octavius shaping anti-hero Spider-Men across different universes and recruiting them all? Just what kind of enemy was he facing that made him willing to provide such a massive quantity of villain gear to the Jackal of Earth-1616?
Or perhaps, this wasn't an anti-hero at all, but simply a villainous Superior Spider-Man?
"Then when do you set out?"
"When I set out doesn't really matter... Oh, wait, I might have to take Cindy along with me this time, since I already promised her."
Miguel remained silent for a moment before turning his head away from Peter. "This matter has nothing to do with me, and you don't need to tell me, my friend."
"Alright... I'll leave the matters of the Spider-Society in your hands then. You still seem pretty free."
In reality, Miguel wasn't free at all, but he still nodded. "I have a few candidates suitable for management. Hmm... they should be able to help out."