Marvel: Web Of Evolution

The morning air was crisp as Peter walked toward Midtown High, his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. The streets were already alive with students, their conversations blending into a dull hum. But his mind was elsewhere.

Something had changed.

The Harry Osborn he knew was confident, maybe a little arrogant, but he wasn't this... distant. The way he walked, the way he avoided people, it was different. And Peter had a feeling he knew why.

Osborn Disease.

The hereditary genetic disorder that had plagued Norman's bloodline. If Harry had it, then there is chance that Norman might also have it. It was only a matter of time before things got worse. And worse in the Osborn family meant trying to cure it Goblin Serum and worsening it.

Peter clenched his jaw.

He could face the Goblin. He wasn't weak, and he wasn't scared. But fighting the Goblin wasn't the issue. The Goblin wasn't just a villain. He was crazy. Unpredictable. Dangerous beyond reason.

What if I adapt too late?

Sure, his strength could easily let him match the Goblin in a fight, but by the time he figured out how to counter the madness, the damage might already be done. The last thing he wanted was something happening to Aunt May. For she was the only person now, who has genuine care for him and talks to him. His lack of friends has created a certain feeling of loneliness that was eating him up. What if he adapts to loneliness and becomes a solitary person? Becoming a dick... Like Sasuke after his family died wasn't an option for him.

Peter wasn't about to let that happen.

He needed answers.

He entered the classroom and took his seat as the Advanced Physics Model Exam began.

The moment the invigilator handed out the question paper, Peter scanned it.

Easy. Easy. Too easy.

He didn't even hesitate. His pen moved swiftly across the page, solving equations and writing derivations at a ridiculous pace. Within ten minutes, he was done.

Another ten minutes passed before the teacher noticed him sitting idle.

"You're done already?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Peter gave a small nod. "Yeah."

She took his paper, glanced at it, then back at him. "You sure you don't want to recheck?"

Peter gave her a polite smile. "I'm good."

She took the paper, scanning it with a frown. But said nothing.

With that, he leaned back in his chair, letting his mind drift as the rest of the class struggled with their answers.

After the exam, Peter waited outside the classroom.

Harry should be done soon. Might as well use this time productively.

He pulled out his phone and started browsing real estate listings. He needed a place to store his equipment, experiment with his tech, and just have some space of his own.

Scrolling through, he found a house in a quiet area. Decent size, a garage, and most importantly, not too far from his usual patrol zones.

Perfect.

He sent a message to the realtor, booking a house tour for later in the week.

With that handled, he looked up as the bell rang. He weaved through the crowd of students, dodging backpacks, stepping over a forgotten pencil case, and narrowly avoiding a rogue dodgeball. Seriously,.why was there always a dodgeball flying through the hallway?

Now back to his target- Harry Osborn.

The guy was almost running, clearly planning to leave before anyone could get to him.

Not today, buddy.

Peter caught up to him, with his best detective face on. "Alright, spill it."

Harry blinked. "...What?"

Peter crossed his arms. "You've been all broody and mysterious lately. Like Batman, but less richer and somehow even more emotionally unavailable. What's going on?"

Harry scoffed. "Nothing, Parker. Maybe I'm just focusing on my future. You ever think about that?"

Peter gasped dramatically. "Who are you? And what have you done with Harry? My best friend would never voluntarily focus on his future."

Harry rolled his eyes. "You're an idiot."

Peter grinned. "True. But I'm an idiot who's worried about his billionaire bestie. If this is about your dad, you know you can talk to me, right?"

For a brief moment, something flickered in Harry's expression... hesitation, maybe even fear. But it was gone just as quickly.

"Drop it, Pete. I'm fine."

Peter sighed, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Okay, fine, I'll drop it. But only after I pay you back the three hundred bucks I owe you."

Harry's eyebrows shot up. "Wait, what?"

Peter pulled out a wad of cash and waved it in front of him. "Three hundred. Cash. Just take it."

Harry frowned. "I... Forget it, I don't need it."

Peter gave him a look. "Are you rejecting free money? You know what they say about Osbornes. Osbornes are like goblins and they never deny money."

"Urghh", Harry refused again. "I don't need it, Peter".

Peter smirked. "Take it before I fake a scene and make everyone think you broke up with me."

Harry groaned, snatching the cash. "God, I hate you."

"Love you too, buddy". Peter smiled.

For a moment, neither spoke. The tension was still there, but it wasn't as bad as before.

Peter decided to push a little. "You've been different lately, man. Something's up."

Harry's jaw tightened. "It's nothing."

Peter didn't believe that for a second.

But he didn't push further. Not yet.

"Alright," Peter said, stepping back. "But if you ever wanna talk, you know where to find me."

Harry didn't respond. He just walked off, but Peter could tell, he had gotten through, even if just a little.

That afternoon, Peter headed to Oscorp for his internship.

The lab was already bustling with activity when he arrived. Scientists in white coats were clustered around equipment, discussing data in hushed tones.

His team was working on scorpion DNA, specifically, its regenerative properties and potential applications in bio-armor.

Peter joined the group, but he immediately noticed the atmosphere. It was tense. Passive hostility.

The older researchers barely acknowledged him. Whenever he gave a suggestion, they dismissed it without much thought. And when tasks were assigned, he got the most menial ones... organizing data, cleaning equipment, things that didn't need real skill.

Alright. I see how it is. They wanna undermine me and assert dominance.

Peter wasn't surprised, even with his contributions. He was young. No formal degree. To them he was just a kid with a fancy, but paid internship. And there were also 'ego issues' in play.

He wasn't going to complain.

He was doing this just to meet the contribution quota he had according to the agreement he made with Norman. After this he'd be free to get back to his experiments.

By the time he left Oscorp, the sun was setting.

There was one more thing on his list for the night.

Matt Murdock.

Peter needed to set up an offshore account to start investing in Stark Industries. But he couldn't just walk into a lawyer's office and say, "Hey, I need a shadow account, I need a trust worthy lawyer to handle the details. "

That wasn't how trust worked.

And Matt Murdock, Daredevil, wasn't just any lawyer. He was still somewhat new to the hero game. Still finding his footing.

Peter saw an opportunity.

If I help him out, gain his trust. I'll have a solid foundation for later.

And that's exactly what he planned to do.

Peter stood on a rooftop in Hell's Kitchen, watching from above.

Matt was in an alley, dealing with a couple of street-level thugs. Nothing he couldn't handle.

But Peter had done his research.

The Hand had been getting bolder lately. They were testing Daredevil, sending scouts to analyze his fighting style. And with Peter's last massacre, they were extra jumpy.

Which meant, if Peter waited just a little longer…

More were coming.

And they did.

From the shadows, a group of ninjas emerged, surrounding Matt. Their movements were controlled, precise. They weren't like the usual street thugs.

Matt's posture shifted. He knew he was outnumbered.

Peter grinned.

Perfect.

As the first ninja struck, Matt blocked, countering with a brutal elbow to the ribs. Another came from behind, Matt spun, kicking them away.

But there were too many.

Peter waited until just the right moment.

Then he dropped into the fight.

His presence was a shockwave... one moment he wasn't there, the next, he was right in the middle of it all.

The ninjas turned to face the new threat, their stances adjusting.

Matt, panting slightly, frowned. "You shouldn't be here."

Peter cracked his knuckles. "And miss out on the fun?"

The ninjas attacked.

Peter smiled.

Let's make this a good show.

=======

Yesterday's Regular chapter.