Silver Superman (Marvel)

Empire State University Campus

After bidding farewell to her bandmates, Gwen Stacy stepped out onto the bustling campus, feeling lighter than ever.

During rehearsal, she'd noticed something different—her drumming had more power, her coordination with the band was sharper, and her stamina seemed endless.

Maybe this is one of the perks of having superpowers…

Her mind buzzed with possibilities.

What else can I use these abilities for?

Suddenly, a commotion near the campus gates caught Gwen's attention.

As she approached, her eyes narrowed at the sight of a familiar figure surrounded by a group of bullies.

Peter Parker…

Without hesitation, Gwen rushed forward.

"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, stepping between Peter and the thugs.

Recognizing her, the bullies hesitated.

Everyone at Empire State University knew Gwen Stacy—both for her beauty and because her father was George Stacy, the Chief of the NYPD.

"He fell down on his own. Ain't our fault," one of the guys muttered.

"Yeah… Look at Peter Parker—needs a girl to save him!" another sneered.

Students gathered around, drawn by the spectacle, their curious whispers filling the air.

Ignoring them, Gwen knelt to help Peter to his feet.

"Are you okay, Peter?" she asked gently.

"I'm fine… Thanks, Gwen," Peter mumbled, brushing off his clothes.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

As Peter turned to leave, the bullies weren't done yet.

"Coward!" one called out.

"Only losers need a girl's help!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd, making Peter freeze in his tracks.

Gwen's gaze hardened as she stepped forward.

"Apologize to Peter," she demanded.

The laughter died down. Even the bullies looked surprised.

"Come on, Gwen—it's just a joke," one of them muttered.

"It's not a joke when you're hurting someone," Gwen shot back.

"The only reason you're acting so tough is because you think no one will stand up to you. Well, I'm standing up to you. Now, apologize."

Peter touched her arm.

"Gwen, it's okay. I'm used to it—"

"Peter, if you keep letting them do this, they'll never stop," Gwen interrupted.

The bullies shifted uncomfortably as more students gathered to watch.

Not worth the trouble, the leader thought.

"Mmm… Sorry," he mumbled without looking at Peter.

"Say it so he can hear it," Gwen ordered.

"Sorry!" the bully snapped, his face red with embarrassment.

Without waiting for a reply, the group turned and hurried off, leaving the crowd to disperse now that the drama was over.

"Thanks, Gwen," Peter said again.

"Hey, that's what friends are for," Gwen replied with a smile.

"What are you doing here, anyway? Shouldn't you be in the lab with Dr. Connors?"

"I was," Peter explained. "But we needed some specialized equipment, so I had to swing by Oscorp to pick up some biological samples."

Gwen placed a hand on his shoulder, her smile turning serious.

"Peter… You've gotta stand up for yourself. If you let people push you around, they'll never stop."

"I know… I'll try," Peter said, though his voice lacked conviction.

"I've got to get back to the lab. See you later, Gwen!"

With that, Peter dashed off. Gwen watched him go, her mind replaying the confrontation.

That rush of standing up for someone…

The thrill of using her strength and confidence to make a difference…

It stirred something deep inside her.

Maybe… this is what I'm supposed to do with my powers.

As she approached the campus gates, Gwen slowed to a stop, her eyes bright with excitement.

"I think… I know where my powers belong."

Lynn's Manor - Rooftop

Waking from his afternoon nap, Ethan stretched and rubbed his eyes.

Almost forgot—time to check in.

"Sign in," he muttered.

[Sign-in Successful: You have received Double-Effect Popping Candy.]

Ethan blinked.

"…Popping candy?"

Is this system serious?

He sighed, shaking his head.

Still, he supposed the candy could have its uses—both as a snack and… otherwise.

Shrugging, Ethan stored the candy in his system inventory.

Alright… Time to discuss that film deal.

Moments later, the underground garage echoed with the roar of an engine.

A sleek black Lamborghini streaked onto the road, tires screeching as Ethan accelerated toward his destination.

Universal Pictures Office

Ethan stepped out of the car, greeted by an assistant waiting at the entrance.

"Mr. Ethan, welcome! Our general manager has been expecting you."

"Lead the way," Ethan replied casually, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit.

Inside, the assistant gestured toward a door.

"Please, go right in."

Ethan opened the door and stepped into a spacious office… only to pause as his gaze fell on the man seated behind the desk.

A burly figure with a tattoo covering half his face sat with a smug grin, a cigar clutched between his teeth.

Perched on his lap was a secretary whose disheveled hair and unbuttoned blouse suggested a recent "business meeting" of a different sort.

"Ah, Mr. Ethan—glad you could make it," the man greeted without standing.

Ethan's eyes flicked over the room, noting the tension in the air.

Something felt… off.

Without preamble, the tattooed man reached under the desk and pulled out a contract, slapping it onto the tabletop.

"Let's not waste time," he said. "The board has decided to buy the rights to all your novels—for a generous price of ten dollars."

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"Ten dollars?"

"Per novel?"

"No. Total."

Silence hung in the air.

"…Excuse me?" Ethan asked, his voice calm but cold.

"Sign the contract, and we're done here," the man continued.

Before Ethan could respond, the door behind him opened, and seven or eight men in black suits stepped inside, surrounding him.

Ah. So that's how it's going to be.

…A shakedown.

Ethan's gaze swept across the thugs, taking note of their stances—some held brass knuckles, others carried batons.

None of them carried guns, likely to avoid attracting attention.

Still… This is New York. You'd think they'd have better taste in crime.

"What if I don't feel like signing?" Ethan asked, his tone steady.

The tattooed man chuckled, taking a drag from his cigar.

"You're a smart guy, Mr. Ethan. Don't make this difficult. Just sign the papers, and nobody gets hurt."

Behind him, one of the thugs cracked his knuckles.

"Otherwise… Well, things might get a little rough."

Ethan tilted his head slightly, a faint smile playing at his lips.

"You know… I really hate people who try to force their way through life."

The tattooed man's grin faded.

"What did you just say?"

"I said… I hate bullies."

The next moment, the office exploded into chaos.

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