After school, before Gwen could say a few more words to Peter, Mary Jane dragged her away.
"Let's go, let's go! We have to master the new song today!"
Gwen looked back at Peter with a hint of helplessness in her eyes.
Peter waved at her, signaling her to go.
Gwen was dragged into the music room, where Betty and Glory were already waiting. Mary Jane pushed her behind the drum kit and picked up her guitar.
"Alright, let's start from the third section. Betty, keep your bass line steadier, and Glory, don't jump the beat when the keyboard comes in—"
Gwen picked up the drumsticks and took a deep breath.
The drums began to play.
After over an hour of practice, Mary Jane finally nodded with satisfaction.
"Not bad today." She put down her guitar and looked at Gwen. "Gwen, what were you thinking about while playing the drums?"
Gwen was stunned for a moment.
"Nothing much."
"Liar." Mary Jane walked over and sat down next to her. "Your expressions were so varied while you were drumming just now. You were frowning, then zoning out, then smiling for no reason."
Gwen's face flushed slightly.
"Did I?"
Betty leaned in. "You did! I saw it all!"
Glory pushed up her glasses and nodded.
Gwen opened her mouth, not knowing how to explain.
She couldn't exactly say she was thinking about how to patrol tonight, whether Kraven would come back, Peter's plan to follow and photograph her, or Norman Osborn's illness—
"Thinking about Peter, right?" Mary Jane winked. "Girls in love are all like this."
Gwen: "..."
Fine, think whatever you want.
In the hallway, Peter was preparing to go to the library when he ran into Harry.
"Hey, Harry!"
Harry turned around, and upon seeing him, a smile appeared on his face.
"Peter, not going to keep Gwen company?"
Peter blushed. "She went to her club..."
Harry smiled and patted him on the shoulder, his expression clearly saying, "I get it, I get it."
Peter quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, I found a job."
Harry's eyes lit up. "Oh? What job?"
"Daily Bugle, as a photographer."
Harry paused for a moment, then gave a meaningful smile.
"A photographer? The one who specializes in taking pictures of Spider-Man?"
Peter nodded.
Harry patted his shoulder and suddenly became serious.
"Peter, actually, I also have something I want to tell you."
"Hm?"
Harry took a deep breath.
"I've discussed it with my dad—come intern at Oscorp Tower every Saturday and Sunday."
Peter was stunned.
"Harry, you..."
Harry laughed and interrupted him.
"Hahaha, are you too moved? Actually, it's my dad's idea too. He thinks highly of you, said your research report is very valuable, and wants you to get exposed to actual R&D early."
Peter opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.
He knew this was Harry's kindness and Norman Osborn's recognition. Getting an internship at Oscorp Group was an opportunity many dreamed of.
But—
"Harry," he began, "I've already accepted the offer from the Daily Bugle."
Harry waved his hand.
"It doesn't conflict. Come to Oscorp on weekends, go take photos on weekdays. Two jobs, double the income."
Peter looked at him, a warm feeling rising in his heart.
This friend he hadn't known for long was so good to him.
"Harry," he said, "thank you."
Harry smiled and patted his shoulder.
"No need for thanks. By the way, since you take photos of Spider-Man, can you— when the time comes—"
He paused, his tone becoming somewhat complicated.
"Can you help me ask her? About... that matter."
Peter, of course, knew what he was talking about.
"I will," he said seriously. "I'll ask Spider-Man to help, for your dad—if she can help."
Harry looked at him, his eyes slightly red.
"Peter," his voice was choked with emotion, "you are truly my good friend."
Peter felt a bit embarrassed by what he said.
"Don't, don't be like this..."
Harry laughed and punched him lightly.
"Come on, I'll buy you a Coke."
In the music room, practice continued.
Mary Jane clapped her hands.
"Alright, let's do it again! Gwen, keep your strength steadier while playing, that solo just now was a bit floaty."
Gwen nodded.
"Betty, you too. Don't let the bass line always follow the drums, have your own melody."
Betty gave an OK gesture.
"Glory, play a bit lighter when the keyboard comes in, don't drown out the lead singer."
Glory pushed up her glasses, indicating she understood.
The song ended, and Mary Jane was finally satisfied.
"Alright, that's it for today."
Several of them packed up to leave. Gwen put the drumsticks back on the stand and suddenly spoke up.
"Mary Jane."
"Hm?"
"You mentioned before that you wanted to release an album. Have you considered looking for an investment?"
Mary Jane was stunned.
"Investment? Who should we look for?"
Gwen thought for a moment.
"Harry."
The three of them looked at her simultaneously.
"Harry Osborn?" Betty's eyes widened. "That super rich second generation?"
Gwen nodded.
"His family's resources are more than enough to release an album. And—"
She paused.
"Besides, he's one of us; there won't be any shady business or anything."
Mary Jane was silent for a few seconds.
"We haven't known him long," she said. "Would he be willing?"
Gwen thought about it.
"He's a pretty good guy. And Peter is so close to him, we can ask."
Mary Jane looked at her and suddenly smiled.
"Gwen, when did you start thinking about these things?"
Gwen shrugged.
"Someone has to think about it."
Several of them walked out of the music room laughing.
Night fell.
Gwen put on her new white and pink suit and stood by the window.
Moonlight shone in, bathing her in a silver glow. The black web patterns were faint under the moonlight, with pink lines accentuating them, and the cape behind her hung slightly.
She took a deep breath and pressed her earpiece.
"Alfred, ready."
Peter's voice sounded immediately.
"Received, Spider-Woman. Oracle is ready."
Gwen couldn't help but smile.
"Don't lose me."
"Don't worry, I have a motorcycle."
Gwen opened the window and leapt into the night.
The white and pink figure traced a graceful arc under the moonlight and disappeared among the buildings.
The nights in Manhattan are never short of stories.
Gwen swung across a street and saw an old grandmother standing tremblingly by the roadside, wanting to cross the street, but the traffic was too heavy.
She landed and gently held the old woman's arm.
"I'll help you across."
The grandmother looked up and saw her, stunned for a moment.
"Are you... Spider-Man?"
"Yes. Walk slowly, no rush."
She safely escorted the old woman to the other side of the road, and the grandmother wouldn't let go of her hand.
"Thank you! You are a good child..."
Gwen gently pulled away, smiled, then flicked her wrist and swung back into the night sky.
"Did you get the shot?" she asked.
"Got it," Peter's voice came through. "Very heartwarming."
Gwen continued swinging forward.
Screams came from ahead.
She looked down and saw an out-of-control car rushing toward the sidewalk, with a child standing by the roadside, completely unaware of the approaching danger.
Gwen's Spider-Sense exploded.
She didn't hesitate and flicked her wrists, shooting two strands of webbing simultaneously—one wrapped around the car body, and one around the child's waist.
She pulled hard, pulling the child into her arms, while using the leverage to change the car's direction, causing it to crash into a fire hydrant by the side of the road.
A column of water shot into the sky.
The child in Gwen's arms was crying loudly in terror.
Gwen gently patted his back.
"It's okay, it's okay."
The child's mother rushed over, hugged the child, and thanked Gwen while crying.
"Thank you... thank you..."
Gwen shook her head and then looked at the out-of-control car—the driver was crawling out of the car, looking terrified.
It wasn't intentional, just an accident.
She breathed a sigh of relief and swung back into the night sky.
"Can this photo make the front page?" she asked.
"Definitely," Peter's voice was filled with excitement. "I took over a dozen shots just now, it was amazing!"
Gwen smiled and shook her head.
Continued patrolling.
The sound of breaking glass came from ahead.
Gwen sped up and landed at the entrance of a jewelry store.
Several masked men were rushing out from inside, carrying bags, with jewelry tucked into their clothes.
Robbery.
Gwen landed in front of them.
The robbers saw her, were stunned for a moment, and then turned to run.
Gwen flicked her wrists, shooting several strands of webbing, accurately wrapping around their ankles. Several people fell at the same time, rolling into a heap on the ground.
The jewelry store clerk ran out, saw this scene, and their eyes went wide.
"Spider-Man... Spider-Woman, thank you!"
Gwen nodded.
"Call the Police."
"Don't worry," Peter's voice sounded in her earpiece, "I've already called the Police anonymously."
Gwen smiled.
Tonight's job was successfully completed.
Just as she was preparing to leave, she suddenly noticed a familiar figure standing across the street.
A red and black suit, a devil mask, and twin batons.
Daredevil.
He gave her a slight nod, then vanished into the darkness.
Gwen nodded back, acknowledging the greeting.
She turned to leave—Spider-Sense exploded.
This time, it was more intense than any time before.
Gwen whipped her head around.
A dark shadow descended from the sky, landing heavily in front of her.
Moonlight illuminated that face—high brow ridges, deep-set icy blue eyes, thick dark brown short hair, and a rough beard.
Kraven the Hunter.
"Spider-Man," he spoke, his voice low and raspy, "we meet again."
Gwen stepped back, assuming a combat stance.
"Kraven."
"Gwen!" Peter's voice sounded in her earpiece, filled with anxiety, "It's him! Get out of there!"
Gwen didn't move.
She knew she couldn't run.
Since this man dared to come, he was confident he could catch her.
Kraven looked at her, the corners of his mouth curling into a cold arc.
"Tonight," he said, "I am going to hunt."
He moved.
His speed was extreme, like a cheetah. Gwen's Spider-Sense screamed, and she instinctively rolled to the side. A flash of cold light grazed her shoulder—that was the hunting knife in Kraven's hand.
Gwen flipped up, flicked her wrist, and a web shot toward his face.
Kraven tilted his head to dodge, simultaneously sweeping his leg across. Gwen jumped to avoid the kick, only to realize her landing spot was exactly where he had predicted—the moment she touched down, a large net descended from above.
A trap.
Gwen's Spider-Sense warned her frantically. She flipped backward violently, barely dodging the net. But Kraven's hunting knife was already stabbing toward her eyes.
She dodged to the side, simultaneously kicking his abdomen. She made contact.
But Kraven only swayed slightly, then immediately slashed backhanded.
Gwen dodged again, secretly shocked.
This guy's strength was far greater than an ordinary person's.
Moreover, his fighting style—it wasn't the centuries of martial arts foundation like Murakami's, but a more primitive, wild hunting instinct. Every move carried lethal intent, and every strike precisely aimed for her vitals.
What was even more terrifying was that he seemed to be studying her.
Every time she prepared to shoot a web, he could predict the direction in advance. Every time she wanted to swing to a high place, he could block the route beforehand.
He was using traps and tactics to suppress her mobility.
"Gwen!" Peter's voice sounded in her earpiece, "His fighting style is targeting you specifically! Don't try to overpower him!"
Gwen gritted her teeth.
She knew Peter was right.
But she had no way out.
Kraven lunged again, his hunting knife stabbing toward her throat. Gwen dodged to the side, simultaneously flicking her wrist, and a web shot toward a nearby rooftop.
She used the momentum to swing, wanting to increase the distance.
But Kraven was faster—he threw a rope, accurately wrapping it around her ankle, and pulled hard.
Gwen was pulled off balance and fell heavily to the ground.
It hurt. It hurt so much.
But she didn't have time to cry out in pain.
Kraven was already rushing over.
Gwen gritted her teeth and flipped over, simultaneously flicking her wrists repeatedly, firing three webs at once. Kraven dodged two, but the third wrapped around his wrist.
Gwen pulled hard, and Kraven was yanked, stumbling a step.
That one step was all it took.
Gwen seized the opportunity, leaped up violently, and kicked him in the chest.
Kraven retreated a few steps, crashing into the wall.
Gwen landed on the ground, panting heavily.
She knew this was her chance.
She no longer tried to increase the distance but instead charged forward.
Kraven clearly didn't expect her to initiate the attack, and he froze for a second.
In that split second, Gwen had already reached him.
She flicked her wrist, a web shot toward the wall behind him, and simultaneously she kicked toward his knee.
Kraven dodged the kick to his knee, but his arm was caught by the web.
Gwen used the leverage to spin, her entire body rotating like a top, firing more webs, wrapping Kraven layer by layer.
This was a technique she had recently figured out herself—the Web-Net Tactic.
Using webs to restrict the opponent's movement, then winning with speed and agility.
Kraven struggled, but no matter how great his strength was, he couldn't break free from these high-strength webs.
Soon, he was wrapped into a white cocoon, with only his head exposed.
Gwen stepped back, panting heavily.
She won. She had won.
Kraven lay on the ground, looking up at her.
The moonlight shone on his face, and in those icy blue eyes, there was no anger, no fear, but instead a hint of—appreciation?
"Interesting," he said.
Gwen gasped for air, watching him vigilantly.
"You lost."
Kraven smiled. The smile was faint, but it was definitely there.
"Yes," he said, "I lost."
Gwen didn't lower her guard.
"Who sent you?"
Kraven was silent for a second.
"A woman named Silk," he said, "she hired me."
Gwen's pupils contracted slightly.
Silk. It really was her.
"What did she give you?"
Kraven looked at her, the corners of his mouth curling into an arc.
"Money. And—information."
Gwen frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Kraven didn't answer directly.
He lay on the ground, looking at the night sky, and suddenly spoke a sentence.
"I am the last survivor of Tony Stark's private army, the 'War Machine'."
Gwen was stunned.
Tony Stark? War Machine?
Wasn't there no Tony Stark in this World?
She had searched before and couldn't find any information at all—
"Later," Kraven continued, "when I was executing my last mission in Africa, I encountered an ambush. The entire unit, only I survived."
His gaze became distant, as if recalling something.
"I was wandering in the jungles of Africa, and when I was about to die, I met a tribe. They gave me a potion to drink—extracted from a special plant."
He looked at Gwen.
"That potion gave me a new life. Stronger strength, faster speed, sharper senses. But it also made me stay in that jungle forever."
Gwen listened to these words, her mind racing.
Tony Stark. War Machine.
If what Kraven said was true—then Tony Stark existed in this World. Only, he was dead?
"Tony Stark," she spoke, her voice somewhat strained, "he is dead?"
Kraven looked at her and nodded slowly.
"He has been dead for many years."
Gwen's head buzzed.
Tony Stark was dead.
No wonder she couldn't find any information.
No wonder Stark Industries was taken over by Hammer.
No wonder this World had no Iron Man, no Avengers.
Because the person who created everything was no longer around.
"The rest," Kraven said, "you already know."
Gwen stood there, silent for a long time.
The night wind blew, carrying a chill.
In the distance, the sound of Police sirens could be heard.
Peter's voice sounded in her earpiece, filled with anxiety.
"Gwen? Gwen! Are you okay? The Police are almost here, you have to go!"
Gwen snapped back to reality.
She looked at Kraven on the ground.
"Why are you telling me all this?"
Kraven smiled.
"Because," he said, "you defeated me. You are qualified to know."
Gwen was silent for a few seconds.
Then she flicked her wrist, and a web shot toward the rooftop across the way.
Before leaving, she looked back at him.
"Next time we meet," she said, "don't help bad guys again."
She leaped into the night sky.
Kraven lay on the ground, watching that white figure disappear into the moonlight.
After a long time, he laughed softly.
"Interesting."
When the Police arrived, they only saw a man wrapped in a web cocoon, lying on the ground, looking up at the night sky.
"Who are you?"
Kraven didn't answer.
He just looked at the moon, with that faint smile still on his lips.