NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Step Further
*Chapter 8: Step Further*
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Calling myself a hero still feels really weird. I remember how embarrassing it was when I first roamed out there, trying to save people in a hoodie, sweatpants, and a ski mask. I looked so ridiculous, like I was trying way too hard without really knowing what I was doing.
But I'm lucky to have a fashion sense that I can be proud of. With a bit of magic, this simple outfit can look aesthetic and beautiful. The outer layer of spider webs on my hoodie adds a unique and fashionable decoration. Even though this costume is still simple, many people like its design.
And I'm not exaggerating. For instance, just look at the comments on the Ghost-Spider YouTube channel. They show that even though my costume is simple, many appreciate its cool design.
Peter doesn't know this, but Ghost-Spider once got a call from one of the top fashion magazines. They wanted to interview me about the ideas behind my costume design. Although I was interested, I didn't respond to their official call for security reasons. Instead, I sent a letter directly to their office to explain my reasons.
Apparently, my letter was enough for them. The magazine featuring my costume as the main content became a sensation in the city and online. Peter was shocked when he found out about it. You should have seen his face; his eyes widened like his glasses. It was so funny seeing Peter's reaction, not expecting Ghost-Spider to attract the attention of the fashion world.
Despite my low-budget costume shaking up the fashion world, life as a hero isn't that bad. Although I felt a bit embarrassed, the feeling I got when I successfully saved someone wasn't bad at all. Their happy faces triggered something inside my chest, something I didn't know existed before.
I didn't want to do this at first. Being a hero, getting attention from strangers, and being idolized by them wasn't in my character. Of course, I admire heroes too. Among the Avengers, I idolize Natasha. But to truly be like them, for some reason, I didn't want that.
If I could choose, I'd rather be like my dad. I think he's the one you can truly call a hero. His profession isn't just about catching criminals; his job is to serve the community, and I've always admired my dad for that since I was little.
But, Peter said, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' I received this power by chance. And honestly, doing nothing and not taking action when I have such a blessing feels really wrong. Even though Peter didn't force me to do it, being a hero, he still wanted me to explore my potential.
Although I didn't fully understand, I'm sure it has something to do with his multiverse knowledge. He hasn't told me yet, but I know there's more to this spider power. So, I listened to him, learning about it, and even training with Master Veronica at Peter's "Hogwarts school."
And it was worth it because Veronica is amazing. Training with her truly opened my eyes. With her, I realized my potential as a fighter. In just two months, I could push that ex-soldier to her limits. Me, with no fighting experience, sparring with a former soldier and ending in a draw. Honestly, spider-sense is a cheat ability.
Training with her for two months wasn't just about fighting; battle tactics, decision-making, and morality were incredible bonuses I got from Master Veronica. Her goal of being a soldier, even though betrayed by her country, remained deeply ingrained, and she passed that message on to me.
Even though Veronica trained me for this, I wasn't entirely sure about my path. Like I said, hero stuff doesn't fit my personality. But over time, I changed. Especially when my first rescue was successful. The grateful look of the mother, the gratitude from the kid, and the reactions around, although embarrassing, eased my pessimistic side.
Since then, for the people who support me, I strengthened my resolve. I try as hard as I can to be a hero that lives up to their expectations.
Ghost-Spider wasn't born just from Gwen Stacy's determination. Ghost-Spider is a combination of the resolve and support from Peter, Master Veronica, my dad, Ned, and those who have been and will be saved by Ghost-Spider in the future.
It's been two months since I became Ghost-Spider. And here I am, helping Grandma Chiyo cross the street. Waiting for the right moment when the pedestrian light turns green before guiding her across the busy streets of New York.
"Thank you, dear. Here, take this." Grandma Chiyo handed me some dried peaches from her shopping bag.
"Don't mention it, Grandma. But I'll take this, okay? Be careful on your way." I replied, politely accepting Grandma Chiyo's gift. I watched her walk down the street until she stopped in front of her apartment.
Continuing my journey, I swung through the busy streets of New York. People greeted me as I swung past them. I returned their greetings while enjoying the sensation of swinging. The feeling of freedom and energy when swinging always becomes my comfort while acting as a hero.
Two months is a long time to get used to being a hero. I'm no longer awkward or self-conscious about how I act. Swinging across the city and helping people now feels quite enjoyable. My days as Ghost-Spider, although tiring, are very satisfying. And I'm grateful to be on this path despite my past views on heroes.
Swinging between tall buildings, I can feel the wind against my face, the sound of traffic as background noise, and the cityscape never ceases to amaze me.
The sky isn't very starry; the city lights make them hide their glow. It's a clear, cloudless night, and the moon, in all its glory, shines over New York. It's perfectly round, displaying the magnificence of a full moon.
I keep swinging across various neighborhoods and corners of New York City. Each place has its own story and charm. Every person I meet adds color and life to this city. From towering skyscrapers to narrow alleys, from green parks to industrial areas, they all become part of my journey and adventure as Ghost-Spider.
Passing through various neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics and stories. The towering skyscrapers, old apartments with flower-filled balconies, and narrow alleys bustling with activity.
In Midtown, the modern buildings with gleaming glass walls reflect the sunlight. I can see my own reflection as I pass by these buildings. I love myself, look how cool my costume is!
Tourists standing on top of the Empire State Building look like tiny dots from the height I'm swinging. Times Square, always bustling with crowds and brightly lit billboards even during the day, feels like the center of a universe that never sleeps.
Seeing the beauty of the city, feeling the energy and life around me, and meeting people from various backgrounds give meaning and purpose to every step I take. It's a reminder that although this world is big and complex, every small action I take can make a difference.
As the night grew late, I realized it was time to head home. I swung back toward Queens, where my apartment was. The streets were getting quieter, with only a few cars and pedestrians still around. The city lights were on, casting a warm glow that guided me home.
Once I got near my apartment, I stopped on the rooftop of a building to enjoy the night view of New York City for a moment. Standing there, hearing the city's sounds begin to fade, provided a rare sense of calm. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool night breeze, and reflected on everything I had experienced today.
As Ghost-Spider, I wasn't just protecting this city, but also learning a lot from every experience. Every corner of the city, every person I met, all provided lessons and inspiration. I felt lucky to be a part of this city, and I was determined to continue protecting and serving its people as best as I could.
With renewed determination, I used my invisibility skill and finally returned to my apartment. I climbed into my room through the window that was always open for me.
Once inside, I found Peter, and right now, my best friend had a very serious expression on his face. They say a serious face on a guy can be quite mesmerizing, and unfortunately, I have to agree with that. After years of friendship, that face always caught my attention. And now, that serious expression could kill me if I didn't calm myself down.
"Ah, Gwen! Welcome back." Peter noticed my presence when I deactivated my invisibility skill. He went from serious to smiling, and oh boy, that smiling face was just as dangerous!
"Sorry for using your room this late at night. But since I got permission from May this afternoon, she said it's okay if I stayed a bit late. So I lost track of time while practicing my magic." Peter smiled awkwardly as if he had done something wrong.
Alright, being alone in a girl's room at night is indeed weird, but Peter and I have been friends for a very long time. Dad and May were already used to this, so I didn't mind.
"How's your magic now? Any progress?" I couldn't help but be curious. It's been a month since Peter started learning to weave spells, and since he's always at Kamar-Taj, I also just started getting used to my Ghost-Spider activities. Maybe this is the first time we've talked outside of school.
Even when Peter wanted to take videos of me in action as a hero, he would do it himself in my room like this, edit them, and upload them on my computer. After that, due to his busy schedule learning spells, he had to leave immediately, and I wasn't home at that time. So yeah, this is the first time we've talked after a month.
Peter grinned happily, as if waiting for me to ask that. "Hehe, you won't believe what I can do now. Check this out!" He made strange hand movements, and an orange glow formed a circle with intricate patterns inside it. Honestly, it looked pretty cool, and I waited to see what the circle would do.
After waiting for a while, I saw Peter's face change from enthusiastic to awkward. "Is it done? What does the circle do? Summon a monster?" I asked Peter curiously, only to get a distressed look on his face.
The circle disappeared along with Peter's enthusiasm. He slumped down, sitting in the chair and looking like he was dead, no, he was so depressed that he looked like a dead person. What was wrong with him? Did I say something wrong? I was genuinely curious about what the circle did.
"It's okay, Gwen. It's not your fault because you didn't know. That spell wasn't meant to summon anything; it's a spell to create a shield." The "dead" Peter spoke to me, answering my question.
"Oh, I see. Is the shield strong?" I asked, curious, trying to cheer this kid up. Seriously, what made him so down?
"Well, it actually depends on the person. If they're talented enough, the shield can withstand plasma attacks, but at the very least, it can probably withstand handgun bullets." Ah, his enthusiasm started to return, thanks god.
"Was this the spell you were practicing in my room earlier?" I asked, wanting to cheer him up again.
"Hmm? Ah, no, I was practicing this." Peter replied, taking a two-finger ring from his pocket, putting it on his index and middle fingers, then making hand movements again. The part without the ring was moved in a circular pattern. Peter tried repeatedly, and sparks of light began to appear in front of him, forming a circle and showing a side that wasn't part of my room. After thinking for a while, I finally remembered this spell.
"Wow! A portal!? You've mastered the portal spell!? Isn't that cool!?" I was amazed; he could already create portals like Wong did for us when we traveled from New York to Kathmandu. Somehow, I had forgotten, but yeah, Wong also used that ring when creating a portal.
"Hehe, yeah, they're pretty hard to learn. Even though I can create them, the casting time is still very long. That's why I practice this spell whenever I have free time. Luckily, Master Wong allowed me to bring this." Peter pointed to the ring.
Honestly, Peter is pretty cool for being able to learn these amazing spells. I can't wait to see what else he can do in the future. "So? What other spells can you cast!?" I asked excitedly; in a month, he could already use portals, imagine what else he could do!
"Ugh! Ah… Sorry, Gwen, but it's just those two spells." And… he became a "dead" person again, damn my big mouth!
"I've tried various spells, almost all the books in Kamar-Taj. But it seems like everything is futile." Peter continued to be depressed, but at least he was voicing his concerns to me. And I was happy about that.
Despite still being in a depressed state, Peter started to show some enthusiasm and began his monologue. "If they are spells that use the energy of this universe, I can do them with enough practice. But if they are spells with energy from other dimensions, no matter how hard I try, they seem impossible." Peter's monologue continued, and it's a bit difficult to stop him once he gets lost in his thoughts.
Since Peter was lost in his monologue, I got ready and took off my mask, also removing my hoodie, leaving me in my t-shirt and sweatpants. Seeing him still pondering, I decided to try something.
"Does it have anything to do with the energy you possess?" I asked unconsciously, trying to snap Peter out of it, and surprisingly, it worked. Peter widened his eyes, looking at me like he had seen a ghost. What? I was just guessing, but did I say something wrong again?
"Gwen, you're a genius!" Ah, maybe the opposite, he got an epiphany, and his enthusiasm returned. He started getting lost in his thoughts again, only this time with a happy expression.
If I didn't stop this kid now, he would probably head straight to the New York Sanctum and bother Wong. So I had to force him to stop because it was already very late.
"Alright! Hold your horses, tiger!" I pressed his shoulders firmly to snap him out of his daydream. "It's already late! And I won't let you go anywhere except your room!"
"Ah! Okay! Okay! I won't go anywhere, I promise!" Peter yelled in pain because of the pressure I put on him.
"Good! Now go home and promise me you'll lie down in your bed, not in front of the New York Sanctum!" I looked deeply into his eyes, getting close to his face. Showing him that I was serious about this.
Peter's face looked confused, looking around, and after getting my message, he sighed, looked back at me, and nodded in surrender. Good, I knew if it got to this point, he wouldn't resist.
"Alright, now go home and remember your promise to me!" Peter then left with slumped shoulders because he couldn't immediately bother Wong. But at least I knew he wouldn't be able to sleep tonight and would get lost in his thoughts. I just hoped he wouldn't stay up too late and could go to school well tomorrow.
After seeing Peter out of my apartment, I immediately started preparing myself. Seeing that Dad was still not home, it seemed he would be home late tonight. Although it wasn't often, Dad sometimes came home late because of work. I decided to prepare a simple dinner before resting.
I quickly tidied up and cleaned myself in the bathroom. After that, I carefully completed all my homework. When everything was done, I felt satisfied and ready to sleep.
As the night drew on, I remembered that Dad might be tired after a long day. So, I made sure there was warm food ready on the dining table, so he wouldn't have to bother preparing food when he got home.
With all the tasks completed, I lay down on the bed with a feeling of relief and comfort. Within a few minutes, I fell into a deep sleep, ready to face the next day with new energy.
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Peter woke up the next morning, feeling a bit groggy and late. However, the sound of May shouting to wake him up forced Peter to get ready quickly. He freshened up in the bathroom, brushed his teeth, and got dressed.
After having breakfast with May, Peter headed to school. On the way, he recalled the theory that Gwen had unintentionally shared with him. They made sense, and without a doubt, they were the main reason why Peter had such a hard time learning spells.
Unlike other sorcerers who draw energy from other dimensions, Peter had energy from another dimension within himself. This possibly caused him to subconsciously reject other energies. As a result, Peter couldn't weave spells because the dimensional energy he needed would be repelled by his own body.
Perhaps the only spells Peter could use were those that required energy from this universe, like the Tao Mandalas or the Portal. Peter had two theories for this success; first, because he lived and breathed in this universe; and second, because this universe was once revived using his energy when he fell into The Forge.
Peter was eager to discuss this with Wong as soon as possible. However, remembering how Gwen looked at him last night, Peter knew he had no choice but to visit the New York Sanctum according to his scheduled time.
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Arriving at school, Peter walked into the building with mixed feelings. On one hand, he was anxious about the theory he had just figured out, but on the other hand, he tried to focus on school activities. Today, he had a full schedule with various subjects.
In the hallway, he encountered Gwen, who was looking at him intently, just like she did last night. "Ugh… yeah, I get it, Gwen. I'm not going anywhere," he said with a resigned tone.
"It's not that I don't trust you, Pete. But for today, I'm going to be by your side, just in case you decide to make a portal and disappear," Gwen said in her usual cheerful tone.
Peter, oblivious to Gwen's antics, just lowered his head. "We never really part ways when we're in school anyway." Gwen didn't reply and instead, giggling, she wrapped her arm around Peter's shoulder. Peter walked towards the classroom with Gwen following beside him, her steps lively and her expression happy.
Upon entering the classroom, Peter was greeted by his friends. He sat down and prepared for the first lesson. Across the room, Flash Thompson, with a mischievous grin, began throwing out snide comments. "Hey Parker! You look like you didn't get enough sleep again. Don't bother studying so late, because no matter what, you'll never take my spot in the Olympics seat."
Peter ignored Flash's taunts and focused on the theory that kept swirling in his head. The teacher entered the room and started the lesson. Today, they were discussing physics and Newton's laws. Peter nodded along, trying to follow every explanation given.
During the break, Peter walked to the cafeteria for lunch. Flash, seeing Peter alone while Gwen went to the restroom, didn't miss the chance to mock him again. "Parker, looks like you need more energy. Didn't have enough breakfast? Here, have some of this," Flash said, dropping food onto Peter's table.
Peter, snapped out of his reverie, just gave a thin smile and calmly responded, "Thanks, Flash. But I'm fine." Peter knew that engaging with Flash would only make things worse, so he chose to ignore him and continued with his lunch. Flash annoyed by Peter's reaction, and leaving him alone.
Gwen heading back to Peter, and Ned after receiving his food come to Peter's desk. During the break, Peter talked with Ned and Gwen. They chatted about lessons and their plans for the weekend. Ned excitedly talked about the latest game they wanted to try, while Gwen discussed the school assignments that needed to be finished.
After the break, classes resumed. This time it was chemistry. Peter felt a bit more enthusiastic because he really liked chemistry. However, his mind was still occupied with the theory he wanted to share with Wong. Beside him, Gwen remained seated, keeping a watchful eye on her friend. Peter participated actively in the class discussion, though he occasionally seemed lost in thought.
Time passed quickly. When the bell signaled the end of the school day, Peter packed his books into his bag. He sighed with relief, glad that the school day was over. He eagerly anticipated discussing his theory about dimensional energy with Wong.
Peter walked out of the classroom and met up with Ned and Gwen at the school gate. As Ned left them, Gwen said, "Good job, Peter. You managed to hold yourself together even when I left you alone in the cafeteria."
Peter, slightly offended, replied, "I'm not a kid anymore, you know. I wouldn't break my promise, especially when you make that face." Although he said the second sentence quietly, Gwen still heard him.
"Alright, in that case, I'll leave you now." Gwen decided to pretend she didn't hear him and said goodbye to Peter. Although school was enjoyable, especially being by Peter's side all day, she still wanted to explore the city as Ghost-Spider.
"See you later, Gwen. Thanks for the insight, by the way." Peter replied with a hint of enthusiasm, and they parted ways.
Gwen would head home and get ready to go out as her alter-ego and protect the city, while Peter would discuss his theory with Wong, hoping to uncover yet another mystery.
Peter then headed to his old bike and pedaled it with excitement. He sped towards the New York Sanctum since he had already gotten permission from May earlier.
While biking, Peter felt both anxious and excited to explore his powers further. Throughout the journey, his mind was filled with the theories he wanted to share with Wong. Peter hoped Wong could provide further explanations and maybe even find a way to resolve his problem.
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