"Forget about that for now," Arthur said, running a hand through his hair as he quickly changed the subject. "Cortana, any news about Peter?"
Cortana slowly shook her head, the gesture almost unsettlingly human for an artificial intelligence.
"Unfortunately, Peter Parker has not appeared on any conventional surveillance cameras."
As she raised her hand, the air in front of them lit up. A holographic projection emerged, expanding into a living three-dimensional map.
Above them, dozens—then hundreds—of small windows opened simultaneously, displaying real-time footage from cameras spread across New York City: busy streets, subway stations, intersections, dark alleys, silent rooftops.
"These are feeds from the city's public and private cameras," Cortana explained. "However, if Peter appears in a blind spot, there is no way to track him using only this system."
Gwen frowned, clearly uneasy.
"So… there's no way to find him?"
"There is," Cortana replied immediately. "For that reason, I have expanded my reach. I have breached and integrated all devices with cameras connected to the urban network: active smartphones, home security systems, ATMs, smart traffic lights, civilian drones, and even internet-connected toys."
Arthur blinked.
"Sometimes I forget just how terrifying you can be."
"Thank you," Cortana replied, sounding pleased. "The moment any image matching Peter Parker's biometric parameters appears, I will be notified instantly."
"Thank you, Cortana," Gwen said sincerely.
"It's nothing," the AI replied with a faint holographic smile.
Arthur clapped his hands together, trying to break the heavy atmosphere.
"Alright. Priority number one now: food. Let's have dinner first."
Gwen hesitated for a second, then spoke, her expression serious.
"Arthur… after that, I want to go to the police station. I want to talk to Dr. Connors. I need to know if there's any way to create a serum that can turn Peter back to normal."
Arthur watched her for a few moments before nodding slowly.
"That makes sense."
Before he could say anything else, Cortana interjected.
"If I am given full access to Dr. Connors's research data and a sample of the finalized serum, there is a significant probability that I can develop an antidote."
"Really?!" Gwen's eyes widened.
She immediately looked at Arthur, her gaze filled with hope, as if she needed his final confirmation to believe it.
Arthur crossed his arms, thoughtful.
"Hm… to be honest, advanced biochemistry isn't exactly Cortana's main specialty," he admitted. "But working together… yes. It's possible. Difficult, but possible."
Gwen's face lit up instantly.
"So what do we do now?"
"We need two things," Cortana replied, projecting a list into the air. "First: one of the two remaining vials of the serum stored at Oscorp. Second: a properly equipped laboratory."
Arthur let out a heavy sigh.
"Damn… that means I'll have to ask Tony for help."
He grimaced.
"I don't have a biochemical lab at home, and to be honest, I'd rather swallow glass than ask Nick Fury for help. I'm not giving that bald guy the satisfaction."
"Then I'll talk to Harry," Gwen said quickly. "I can ask him to speak with Mr. Norman."
Harry Osborn, Norman Osborn's son, was a close friend of Peter's—and also an old friend of Gwen's.
Arthur shook his head skeptically.
"That won't work, Gwen. Those data are probably locked down tight by Oscorp."
He continued, more serious now.
"Norman Osborn isn't going to hand over a serum of that level just because his son is friends with Peter."
Gwen pressed her lips together, frustrated.
"Then what do you suggest?"
Arthur smiled faintly.
"Cortana hacks into Oscorp's system, finds out exactly where the serum is hidden…"
He looked straight at Gwen.
"…and you go there and get it."
Her eyes sparkled.
"You mean… steal it?"
"It's not stealing," Arthur corrected immediately. "It's a compulsory loan with no scheduled return."
He smiled innocently.
For a moment, it might have been just his imagination… but Arthur was almost certain that Gwen looked far too excited by the idea.
"Alright," he said, standing up. "We'll deal with that later. For now—food."
---
Meanwhile… in the sewers of New York.
On an old inspection platform hidden deep within the tunnels, dried bloodstains covered the cracked concrete floor.
The Lizard lay sprawled there, his body writhing grotesquely.
His thick, repulsive green skin began to peel away in large plates, tearing like an old shell. The process was slow… painful… yet filled with a twisted sense of ecstasy.
With a wet, sickening crack, he finally tore free of the old skin.
Now he was even larger.
Taller—and far more threatening.
The tone of his flesh had darkened, his muscles more defined, his claws longer and sharper.
At his feet, scattered chaotically, lay human bones—the remains of those unfortunate enough to cross his path in the past few hours.
He had hunted them, dragged them away, and devoured every single one.
"Oscorp…" the creature growled, his voice echoing through the tunnels. "It was thanks to you… that I attained this power."
His reptilian eyes gleamed with fanaticism.
"Soon… I will begin the next stage of human evolution."
He spread his arms wide, laughing maniacally.
"I WILL BE THE GOD OF THE NEW WORLD!!"
---
NYPD — Captain Stacy's Office
Dr. Curt Connors sat across from George Stacy's desk, his shoulders slumped, his expression weary and heavy with guilt.
"Dr. Connors," George began firmly. "Is there any way to turn Peter back to normal?"
Connors let out a deep sigh.
"I… don't know," he replied softly. "And to be honest, I'm not sure I can create a serum that will make him human again."
He looked away.
"All of this… is my fault."
The silence that followed was oppressive.
"But we still have to try," George said at last. "Don't we?"
Connors nodded slowly.
"If you need anything, let me know immediately," George continued. "This is no longer just about saving Peter. He's becoming a real threat to the public."
"I understand, Captain Stacy…" Connors replied, his throat tight.
"I can try to develop something," he said after a few seconds. "But I can't guarantee quick results."
George leaned forward slightly.
"The sooner you start, the better our chances of finding a solution."
Connors closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded.
"Then I'll start right away. I'll do everything I can."
---
(End of Chapter)