"So, Mr. Jordan, why do you want me to treat you?"
"Because my world doesn't use dollars."
Jordan and Peter sat in a burger joint, surrounded by piles of food.
Perhaps because the dimensional travel distance was too long, Jordan was indeed hungry.
Peter was only wearing a spider suit he'd sewn himself when traveling through dimensions, but now wore a beige trench coat Jordan had kindly provided.
Since it was a coat Jordan had prepared for himself, the trench coat looked bulky on Peter. He had to roll up the sleeves twice to barely reveal his wrists.
Through conversation, Jordan learned from Peter's description of his experiences that this Peter Parker came from Marvel Universe 199999, also known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
He'd been preparing to dismantle a criminal hideout already identified when the wall he was standing on suddenly transformed into chaotic spacetime matter. Simultaneously, strong suction pulled from it. After struggling to no avail, he was forcibly dragged into this universe.
Thinking of the recent Spider-Man death in this world, Jordan couldn't help falling into deep thought.
It sounds like the plot from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, but that animated film doesn't connect with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Could my intrusion have caused the timeline to shift?
Given the Marvel multiverse's nature, it's not impossible. No, it's very likely!
Having experienced Endgame, Aunt May's death, and the fact that his best friends and allies had all forgotten his identity under Doctor Strange's spell, this young Spider-Man now lived alone in a shabby, cheap apartment. He could be considered a mature Spider-Hero.
As is well known, most Spider-Men, except for a few like Superior Spider-Man, share a common characteristic.
Poverty.
At that moment, Saitama jogging in another universe suddenly sneezed. Achoo!! Who's talking about me?
That's why Peter, sitting opposite Jordan, looked aggrieved and whispered, "I've seen what's happening at the cashier. People here use US dollars, but the amounts are completely different from what I'm used to. This means I probably can't spend the money I have!"
"Oh... is that all?"
Peter covered his face. The tall man opposite him, who looked only a few years older, calmly ate his fries, seemingly unconcerned about the bill.
Knowing he had no money to pay, Peter couldn't eat a single bite.
Jordan, on the contrary, was in pretty good mood.
On the way to the burger shop, Element Pickup had captured a spider superpower from Peter.
[Fantasy Card: Spider Power]
Type: Ability Card • Rarity: SR
Spider superpower. The power of a super spider scaled up to human size.
Effect 1: Super Strength
Superhuman physical strength. Capable of easily lifting objects hundreds of times own weight.
Effect 2: Exceptional Performance
When in heightened emotional state (anger, determination, focus), can unleash power several times greater than normal strength.
With continuous enhancement of his Stand's abilities, Jordan's power was no less than Spider-Hero's. But naturally, the more superpowers directly enhancing basic attributes, the better.
After use, the genetic enhancement further optimized his human body structure, increasing strength by nearly one-third. This didn't even account for the bonus after activating Effect 2.
During this meal, Jordan slowly digested the effects of increased power. His spider-type superpowers now numbered two.
Well, all that's missing to become Spider-Man are web shooters.
"Let's not talk about that, Peter." Jordan finished his last fries and picked up his cheeseburger. "We both know Spider-Man, no matter which world he's in, he couldn't have simply died from an earthquake."
"Yes, how could that be? So there's definitely someone pulling strings behind the scenes." Peter's expression turned serious when discussing business. "Someone wants the public to accept this fact to cover up unspeakable secrets."
"Yes, so we need to start with two keywords." Jordan took a bite of his hamburger. "Brooklyn."
"A massive earthquake!" Peter blurted out instinctively, then realized. "You mean the massive earthquake in Brooklyn was man-made!"
"Most likely." Jordan finished his hamburger in several bites, wiped his hands, and stood up. "Time's running out, so we need to split up from now on."
Peter sat up straight. "So, Mr. Jordan, what's the plan?"
"I'll investigate the earthquake's cause, and you..."
Peter suddenly felt kinship with Captain America and Mr. Stark. His expression turned expectant.
"...have to stay and work to pay the bill."
Next Day - Dawn
As the sun rose, the city that never sleeps gradually came back to life after a brief period of calm.
Shops along roadside began opening for business. Main roads bustled with traffic while pedestrians hurried along streets.
New York, Brooklyn
Jordan sat in a coffee shop called "Melody" and looked out at the street through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Unlike Spider-Man, who adhered to principles, Jordan was indeed a registered professional hero with the Hero Association, but his bottom line was quite flexible.
He'd already visited Brooklyn last night.
Previous Night
"Hey bro, first time in Brooklyn?"
"Judging from his appearance, is he lost?"
Seeing Jordan all alone, a group of troublemakers who'd been partying until early morning surrounded him with friendly smiles.
Handsome face. Tall. Well-dressed. Alone.
We have five guys, and the boss even has a weapon tucked in his belt.
Great, the advantage is ours!
If they knew the person before them had just flown over the East River and landed in the neighborhood moments ago, they'd probably run as far as possible immediately.
Unfortunately, no such knowledge existed.
Jordan had long heard New Yorkers were kind and honest. This was his first time experiencing it firsthand.
What a coincidence! He'd been looking for them!
Upon seeing their surrounded prey approach and give them high-fives and chest bumps, the few wild troublemakers were completely dumbfounded.
What's going on? Could the other side also be one of their own?
Haven't heard of any new recruits in the gang recently!
They walked arm in arm into a small alley without surveillance cameras. The group of thugs exchanged glances, their laughter gradually fading, their friendly eyes slowly turning cold.
Seeing the atmosphere was right, Jordan stopped pretending and took initiative. "Hey, um."
"Hmm? You just said something, right?"
"Hey, what do you mean?"
One even pulled out a small knife. "If you don't explain yourself clearly, you'll have a hard time getting out of here intact!"
"I don't mean anything else." Jordan cracked his neck, knuckles making crisp popping sounds. "I just want to say that everyone here is trash."