So, following such a dangerous incident, what was Spider-Man up to?
Peter Parker was at the Baxter Building chatting with the Human Torch. He had no idea about that vicious murder case, nor did he have any clue that the matter was related to symbiotes.
"So, what you're saying is, you suggested both girls continue dating you, and they agreed—or rather, gave their tacit consent." The Human Torch summarized Peter's situation: "Basically, it's the same as before, except they're no longer demanding you pick one."
"...Right."
"Man, you've gotta be a bit bolder! For instance, try something like: 'Hey, if I survive this time, would you both go on a date with me at the same time?'"
Considering Peter's age, the Human Torch didn't suggest anything further, but he still felt Peter was being a bit too timid. Peter paused, then asked tentatively with some uncertainty: "Isn't that... a bit inappropriate?"
"You're just making a slightly excessive request to two girls you can't bear to let go of, in a situation where you don't even know if you'll live. Even if they're unhappy, you can always take it back in time!"
Actually, that wasn't what Peter was asking. He was wondering if doing that was laying it on a bit too thick with the "death flags"—it felt like he was saying, "I'm going to go home and get married after this war is over."
"If you plan on keeping up this rhythm, you'd better hope there's always a major crisis of this magnitude happening, and that you keep surviving them." After Johnny's helpless remark, Peter asked casually: "Have you never dealt with this kind of situation?"
"What situation? Oh, no. The Fantastic Four usually doesn't run into many cosmic-level crises. Generally, I just need to rely on my handsome face and witty humor. Sometimes I add a bit of 'hero saving the damsel,' unlike you..."
Johnny stopped mid-sentence and looked at Peter. Peter looked back, somewhat confused, and then heard Johnny ask: "Spidey, when... when exactly did you get your powers?"
"Uh, last March."
"So, three months after you got your powers, New York was hit by an alien invasion." Johnny took a sip of Cola as he spoke. "Had you made your debut by then?"
"That was pretty much the first time. I went into New York in my homemade suit to save people and fought quite a few aliens. Why?"
"So, after you debuted, New York started dealing with aliens, alien slime, people from the future..." Johnny felt he had hit upon a key point. "All of this happened after your debut, Spidey."
With so much trouble in the 616 Universe, it must all be Spider-Man's fault!
Peter looked at Johnny, somewhat speechless, and then Johnny himself started laughing, letting the topic slide. "Alright, let's ignore your slow-moving romantic life for now; you're still young anyway. By the way, why did you pull Wolverine into that New Fantastic Four? I get that you're the counterpart to Reed, Hulk is Ben, and that skull guy is on fire like me—though he's not as handsome—but Wolverine clearly doesn't fit my sister's role."
"Why didn't you go find that X-Men girl who can walk through walls? The gender is right, her powers are more suitable, and..."
"We just happened to run into each other."
Peter cut Johnny off with a single sentence, and then the two of them drank their Cola together. Peter didn't yet know that his brief period of leisure was about to end.
Though there was still quite a bit of time before it truly finished.
However, for J. Jonah Jameson, ever since Doctor Octopus died, all of New York had been plunged into a long, painful period. The reason being:
"That new female Spider-Man—forgive me for using such a clunky term, but since we truly do have a Spider-Woman now—has already caused seven accidental injuries! This is ample proof of the danger Spider-Man poses! The pest isn't just a threat to New York himself; he's multiplying! Creating more and more pests! I strongly urge the government to form an anti-Spider-Man task force! Perhaps Spider-Man is harmless, but what about those damned copycats?!"
"Copycat? Seriously? I don't think Peter could pull off the 'Jameson Forgot Ghost-Spider' move; he doesn't even remember my actual codename."
Gwen complained while perched on a wall. As one of the few changes brought by Korvac, Gwen not only retained her memories of the Kang Dynasty but also kept her spider powers—she had now become the literal Ghost-Spider, a spider-totem capable of making everyone forget her existence.
Though from the perspective of the Web of Destiny, Gwen wasn't actually as special as Peter or Cindy.
"But he's right about one thing: you still don't know how to control your strength. You need training." Cindy stood on the roof and glanced down at Gwen. "I think Peter's concern is right; before you master your power, it's not really suitable for you to be a superhero yet."
Both Peter and Cindy had been trained before their debuts. Peter had undergone combat training with Uncle Ben's help, learning to control his strength and specifically exploring the upper and lower limits of his power at the time. Cindy had been trained by S.H.I.E.L.D. as a specialized agency, so they could ensure they wouldn't cause any accidents when they started their operations.
Something like "he was just trying to steal a wallet and had both hands broken by Ghost-Spider" was unlikely to happen with them.
Gwen was different. Her first attempt at using her powers was on Earth-65, and then she received a second injection when the Sinister Six controlled New York. She only truly gained her powers during the Kang Dynasty, and back then, she wasn't facing ordinary enemies that required holding back.
But not every day is the end of the world where you face enemies you don't need to hold back against. So, Gwen wanted Cindy to help train her. As for why she chose Cindy, it was simply because she was freer than Peter.
Besides, the two of them could discuss other things.
"We should still discuss the matter of time management. You know, regarding the dating thing."
"? Didn't he say he'd date both of us at the same time?"
"..." Gwen sighed. "I'm fairly certain you misunderstood what he meant."
"Hey, girls?"
The two looked up to see Spider-Woman flying over. Before they could say anything, Jessica beat them to it: "Do you know where Peter—oops, I mean Spider-Man—went? I have something to discuss with him."
Gwen and Cindy exchanged a glance. They knew their senior's secret identity, but they hadn't told her yet.
How did she know Peter's secret identity?
"I sent him a message." Cindy checked the reply on her phone. "Perfect, there's a place we need to go."
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