Role Reversal #12

Author's Note: So, I wanted to give you all a heads-up on what's been happening lately. I've been hit with a wave of negative reviews for the past couple of days – yeah, you know how it goes.

Basically, there was this person who had the audacity to call my story stupid. Of course, I didn't just take that lying down. I shot back, as I usually do, and well, their feelings got a bit hurt. So what did they do? They went on a spree of giving my story 1-star reviews from different accounts. Classic move, right?

But it didn't stop there. Oh no, our friend – let's just call them "Dumb Cunt" for now – took it up a notch. They even started reporting my p-word page from multiple accounts. Like, seriously? As if that's going to change anything.

Now, you might be thinking, "Wow, this must be bothering the hell out of you!" And yes, it has gotten to the point that I'm thinking about unaliving my-- just kidding, I don't give a fuck.

But honestly, it's become a bit of a game at this point. I mean, I just check my notifications every few hours, have a good chuckle, and then hit delete on whatever nonsense Dumb Cunt has thrown at my story.

But here's the twist. While Dumb Cunt was out there spreading negativity, one of my awesome readers – a real legend who goes by the name of Darkling – decided to counteract all those 1-star reviews with a spree of 5-star reviews. Who knows if Darkling was doing it to balance things out or just genuinely loved the story? Either way, I'm grateful. Thank you, kind and awsome internet stranger.

Now, back to our protagonisht (more of an NPC really), Dumb Cunt, who apparently noticed the sudden influx of 5-star reviews, cause they probably see the story's page more than I do with all the negative reviews they've been spewing.

And what do they do? Accuse me of inflating my story's rating. Yeah, you can't make this stuff up. Suddenly, a bunch of other folks jumped on that bandwagon too, leaving more negative reviews.

So, what's the point of this whole ramble, you ask? Honestly, not much. But if there are any more Dumb Cunts lurking out there, sitting in their parents' basement, well, I'm extending a warm invitation. Feel free to follow in the footsteps of the original Dumb Cunt and spam more negative reviews. After all, I totally understand that some folks don't have much going on in their lives and need a hobby, right?

And with that off my chest, go ahead and enjoy the new chapter. Peace out!

...

Spider-Man felt a mixture of astonishment and apprehension at the man's casual demeanor, despite the dangerous situation and the fact that he had just effortlessly handled Rhino like a child's toy. He kept his guard up, cautious yet curious about the stranger who displayed such extraordinary abilities.

"Who are you, dude? Really?" Spider-Man couldn't help but ask, his curiosity getting the better of him.

The man, Evan, flashed Spider-Man a slight smile and replied, "While I'd love to introduce myself properly and shake your hand..." He trailed off, turning his attention back to Rhino, who was slowly recovering from the shock of the encounter, his anger now replacing confusion. "I need to take care of this guy... sit tight for a moment, will you?"

Spider-Man couldn't help but be intrigued. It was usually him telling others to wait while he handled the situation, but now the roles had reversed somehow. Before he could fully process the situation, Evan twirled the knife in his hand with an expert flourish and lunged at Rhino.

The villain's eyes widened as he saw the glowing blade coming at him. He instinctively tried to swing, but Evan was too fast and too skilled. The knife sliced through the air with precision, leaving a faint purple trail behind, and made a clean cut on Rhino's right thigh. The villain howled in pain, clutching his wounded leg as it failed him.

Spider-Man's spider-sense tingled as he recognized the danger in Evan's skillful maneuvers. His instinct screamed at him to intervene before the man went too far, but even with his reflexes, the web-slinger was too late.

Rhino was already on his knees, Evan's knife having slashed through all four of his limbs, rendering them useless. Even now stood behind the kneeling villain, his knife raised high like an executioner prepared to deliver punishment.

Spider-Man quickly gathered his bearings, the adrenaline surging through his veins as he shot his webs at Evan, desperately trying to stop the seemingly relentless man. "STOP!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency and concern.

But Evan merely smiled, displaying uncanny agility as he effortlessly tilted his head to dodge the web fluid, all the while slashing downward with his glowing knife aimed at the neck of the villain, Rhino. Spider-Man's heart dropped at the sight, fearing the worst, but to his immense surprise, there was no blood, neither flying nor staining the blade.

Evan seemed to notice Spider-Man's reaction, the faintest hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, but he paid it no mind as he jabbed his finger into Rhino's now exposed neck. As if by some strange magic, the hulking villain suddenly lost all strength, falling face-first into the dust, completely incapacitated.

"Easy there, tiger..." Evan said, his voice calm and collected, as he twirled the knife with an expert flourish before finally inserting it into the hidden holster in his sleeve. "I had no intention of killing this guy in the first place."

He gestured toward Rhino's suit, the thick polymer material designed to protect the wearer. "Polymer mat isn't easy to get through," Evan explained as if discussing the weather. Spider-Man couldn't help but be taken aback by the combination of skill and knowledge displayed by the mysterious individual before him.

Taking a deep breath, Spider-Man took a moment to assess Rhino's condition, his mind still trying to process the extraordinary events that had just unfolded. His spider-sense remained alert, keeping him on guard despite Evan's apparent intentions. As he looked at the fallen villain, he couldn't help but notice something peculiar about his wounds.

The cuts inflicted by Evan's glowing blade were precise and clean, leaving Spider-Man in awe of the man's skill. Each incision seemed to be deliberately aimed at Rhino's tendons, rendering the massive villain immobilized without causing excessive blood loss. It was a surgical level of precision that even experienced doctors would admire.

Yet, despite the simplicity of the technique on paper, Spider-Man knew that replicating Evan's actions, even in a controlled environment, like an operating room, would be a daunting task. The precision required to target specific tendons while avoiding vital blood vessels and organs was a testament to Evan's mastery over his abilities.

Even more impressive was the fact that he did it, not in an operating room or any controlled environment but in the middle of a park while fighting someone like Rhino, a villain capable of bending steel and shattering brick walls with a single punch.

Then there was the knife that the man wielded. Its blade emitted a faint purple glow, indicating some kind of extraordinary power at play. Spider-Man couldn't help but marvel at the weapon's capabilities as he observed how it sliced through Rhino's steel-like skin and the incredibly durable polymer mats armor with ease.

The polymer mats armor was a state-of-the-art material designed to provide impenetrable protection to its wearer. It was known for its extreme resistance to damage, making it a formidable defense against all sorts of attacks, from bullets to explosive forces. Yet, in the face of Evan's remarkable knife, the once-invincible armor became no more effective than a flimsy sheet of paper.

"You... you just stopped him without hurting him?" Spider-Man asked, still trying to process the astonishing turn of events. It was a far cry from his usual confrontations with villains, where he had to balance restraint and stopping their dangerous actions.

Evan shook his head, the smile on his face never faltering. "I wouldn't say I didn't hurt him..." His gaze turned to the unconscious Rhino, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "I imagine the big guy's pride will be quite bruised once he comes to it, and he'll be immobile until his tendons heal..."

Evan's smile remained warm and genuine as he conversed with Spider-Man. While some might consider the web-slinger's unwavering sense of justice to be naive or even irritating, Evan saw it in a different light.

He had come from a graying world slowly spiraling into degeneracy, a place where morality seemed to be fading away, replaced by nihilistic and hedonistic views. In that world, people pursued material wealth above all else, often forsaking even themselves in the process.

But even in this black-and-white world, Evan had spent four years immersed in the gray world of covert operations, doing what needed to be done for the sake of a higher purpose. And even before that, his actions had been morally questionable as he navigated life's challenges.

Evan found solace in encountering heroes like Spider-Man – incorruptible protectors of the weak and beacons of justice-- though he had his own way of doing things, he would never mock or belittle such people.

Spider-Man let out an exasperated sigh, feeling a mixture of curiosity and frustration as he scratched his head, unable to fully comprehend the enigmatic man before him. "Again... who are you? Really?" he asked, hoping for a straight answer.

Evan chuckled, his demeanor remaining relaxed and amiable as he extended his hand toward Spider-Man. "The name's Evan Shepherd. A pleasure to meet you...," he introduced himself with a friendly smile.

Spider-Man awkwardly shook Evan's hand, feeling a sense of trust emanating from the stranger, yet he knew the importance of protecting his secret identity. "I'd introduce myself, but..." he began, trailing off as Evan released his hand.

"Secret identity, I get it," Evan replied with a shrug.

The two were about to exchange more words when the distant wail of police sirens echoed through the city streets. Evan couldn't help but chuckle at the predictable response time of the NYPD. "You can always count on the police to arrive five minutes after it's over in this city," he quipped.

He turned to Spider-Man with a grin, knowing that it was time for him to leave. "Still, I better make myself scarce..." Evan said before stepping away.

"I'll see you later, then..." Spider-Man nodded in acknowledgment, watching as Evan retrieved his two shopping bags from his now-obliterated hiding spot. Despite the bizarre circumstances, Spider-Man couldn't help but feel amused by the nonchalant attitude displayed by this newcomer.

As Evan walked away, maintaining his smile, Spider-Man prepared to swing off and continue his patrol. However, before he could leave, Evan's voice reached him again. "You fight like a complete amateur, by the way... it's a waste of your powers," Evan's words hit him, and Spider-Man couldn't help but feel a mixture of surprise and a tinge of wounded pride.

Evan's casual critique wasn't intended to insult but rather to offer guidance. "Drop by 1407 Graymalkin Lane if you want to learn how to throw a proper punch," Evan offered, his tone confident yet inviting.

...

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