Chapter 55: Spider-Man's Dilemma

Spider-Man's distress didn't last long because soon enough, the person impersonating him revealed himself.

On the morning after Maverick's confrontation with Peter, a man with a fishbowl for a head, calling himself Mysterio, issued a video statement via the Bugle Daily, claiming to be the true hero of the city.

In the video, he solemnly promised the citizens to catch the despicable thief Spider-Man and restore peace to New York.

Seeing this video, Maverick couldn't help but feel deeply sympathetic towards Peter Parker. It was ironic how someone seemingly emerged out of nowhere to use Spider-Man as a stepping stone for his debut.

In the following days, incidents of Spider-Man's thefts and even crimes surged. Under the influence of public opinion, Spider-Man, once regarded as a city hero, suddenly became a villain.

On the contrary, Mysterio, portrayed as the one who thwarted Spider-Man, quickly replaced him as the true hero under the media's spotlight.

"It's truly ironic. This is the power of public opinion," Maverick, in a disguise, stood on the rooftop of a building, watching the news on the screen across the street, discussing with Venom.

"Human beings are indeed complex and cunning creatures," Venom chimed in, swaying its body. As a single-celled organism, it couldn't comprehend the complexities of human nature.

Just as Maverick was about to continue, Venom suddenly retracted into his body and alerted, "Someone is coming."

Maverick also looked in the direction indicated. After a couple of seconds, a figure in red and blue uniform leaped onto the rooftop and squatted not far from him.

"Hey, Venom, didn't expect to see you here," Peter greeted Maverick awkwardly but still lively.

"What a coincidence," Maverick nodded in response, his tone flat.

Seeing Peter still full of energy, Maverick was somewhat surprised. He had thought Spider-Man would be thoroughly defeated by now, considering the recent news about him.

With this in mind, Maverick asked him, "I didn't expect you to be so spirited. I thought you would be quite downcast because of the news."

"Just now, I saw the news about you and that Mysterio dueling on the Brooklyn Bridge. They said you were defeated by Mysterio and fell into the sea, your fate unknown."

Maverick's question broke the awkward silence, and Peter, upon hearing it, chuckled, "Your observation is not wrong. I was indeed quite defeated a few days ago, even frustrated. That's why I fell into Mysterio's trap and ended up on the Brooklyn Bridge."

"Fortunately, just when I felt defeated and was about to give up being Spider-Man, I encountered some people who still supported me," Peter continued. "They told me that as long as there's a glimmer of hope, Spider-Man would never give up. It reminded me of my initial aspirations and why I became Spider-Man in the first place."

Turning to Maverick, Peter said, "Someone once told me, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' That's been my motto all along. What do you think, Mr. Venom?"

"I think it's very naive and idealistic. Those who believe in such words are often morally manipulating themselves. In today's society, such people are usually the most vulnerable to harm," Maverick said mercilessly.

"Oh, I should have realized earlier. Although you also fight evil, our styles are not the same. Perhaps it's because you have endured some different kind of hardships." Peter responded, unable to refute Maverick's words. He looked at Maverick's cold eyes and the obscured figure under the hood, feeling a pang of realization.

"Although I don't agree with that statement, I still admire those who uphold it as their guiding principle," Maverick said, shifting the conversation. "The person who told you that must be quite admirable, but his experiences must have been very distressing."

Maverick's words cut through Spider-Man's defenses like a sharp blade, reaching the depths of Peter Parker's heart hidden beneath his suit.

Peter remained silent for a long time, trying to steady his emotions. Finally, he turned to Maverick and said, "I need your help, Mr. Venom."

"Considering how difficult it is to find me, fine." Maverick nodded without hesitation.

Maverick sympathized deeply with Peter's plight, so he didn't mind extending some help within his capabilities. After all, that feeling of being isolated from the world was truly unbearable.

Upon hearing Maverick's quick agreement, Peter clenched his fist happily. Then, he scratched his head and said, "Thank you in advance for your help. Everything that happened today is quite fortunate. First, I met those who support me, and now I've run into you."

"So, you're not specifically here to find me," Maverick realized after hearing Peter's words.

"Well, I did want your help, but you're indeed hard to find. I actually came here today to relax and talk to an old friend. I didn't expect to be so lucky to run into you," Peter explained.

"I see," Maverick replied flatly, realizing it was just a coincidence. He felt a bit embarrassed after getting a bit emotional earlier, only to find out it was all in his head.

After silently grumbling to himself, Maverick curiously asked, "Your old friend? Where is he?"

Peter, in response, did a somersault to the edge of the rooftop and pointed to a stone-carved bat-like creature. "This is my old friend. I often come here over the years."

"I call it Bruce. Although I'm not sure if it likes the name, I feel it suits him," Peter said cheerfully, patting the stone-carved head.

"Come on, Bruce, say hello to our new friend Venom. Be polite," Peter continued. "Now, you have one more friend besides me!"

Maverick looked at Peter standing next to the stone carving and remained silent for a moment before speaking with a somewhat serious tone, "How long have you had this symptom? I think you should see a doctor."

Hearing Maverick's serious inquiry, Peter realized how strange his behavior must seem. He awkwardly scratched his head and, with a forced grin, explained that it was just a joke.

To avoid further suspicion about his mental state, Peter redirected the conversation back to Mysterio.

°°°

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