No one who loved Quantum Physics would be uninterested in the existence of parallel universes. And no one, especially a scientist keen on pushing technological boundaries like Doctor Octopus, could resist the temptation to personally traverse the Multiverse! This was Peter's bargaining chip!
However, Doctor Octopus was cautious. He didn't immediately believe Peter's claim.
"Do you have any proof?" Doctor Octopus asked Peter.
Peter spread his hands: "I have no proof. But you might want to consider whether you want to bet on my word or continue pursuing your research, which has a failure rate of 99%."
Doctor Octopus fell silent. Peter's words hit his weak spot. In his state of psychosis, if you argued moral truths, he would just attack you. But Peter had directly addressed the fatal flaw in his research, and he couldn't refute it. He couldn't even summon his anger. Whether he was his former self or the tentacle-influenced mad scientist, his core identity was a scientist obsessed with research.
While Doctor Octopus silently considered, Tobey-Spidey walked in from outside. Peter looked behind him but didn't see Green Goblin II.
Tobey-Spidey explained: "Harry went back home already." Peter nodded, unconcerned about Harry Osborn's movements. His actions were only intended to allow Tobey-Spidey to resolve the feud with his friend peacefully.
Peter looked at Doctor Octopus: "Dr. Otto, have you made a decision?"
Doctor Octopus looked back at him: "What do you require of me? Also, what will I gain?"
Peter's body tensed. This is the moment I've been waiting for! "Let's discuss what you will gain first." "Fine," Doctor Octopus agreed readily.
"I can cross into different parallel universes. What do you think I can bring you? Or rather, what is it that you desire most?" Peter tossed the question back to him.
Doctor Octopus fell silent again. What did he want? If the Multiverse existed, his greatest desire was... Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.
Finally, he said: "I want Rosie." Rosie was his wife's name. Rosie's death due to his failed experiment had delivered a crushing blow to Doctor Octopus, making him switch from "Doctor" to "Criminal."
Peter nodded slightly. The fact that Doctor Octopus's first thought was his deceased wife, rather than advancing technology or wealth, spoke volumes about his character.
"That wish can be fulfilled," Peter said, the tone feeling slightly odd, as if he were a wish-granting genie. He continued: "In the multitude of parallel universes, there is a world where Otto lost Rosie, and another where Rosie lost Otto. If the opportunity arises in the future, you will be able to see her again."
This was plausible under the theories of quantum physics. Given the high degree of similarity in their life events, it was possible that in another universe, Rosie had survived the first experiment and Otto had died in the second. To a desperate Otto, that universe's Rosie was essentially his Rosie.
Note: Peter internally rejected the idea of time travel, which could create a temporal paradox, maintaining a cautious approach regarding the power of the "Eternals."
Doctor Octopus knew this was not something that could be rushed, and he simply nodded. Peter noted his reaction, and his last bit of internal tension finally eased. This was his first official attempt to establish a base of power in the Multiverse. He didn't expect a genius scientist like Doctor Octopus to commit to him based on a mere promise. This was just meant to give him a goal. Motivation is key.
Peter said: "In addition, I will find advanced theoretical knowledge, more advanced research materials, and other resources from other worlds for you." Doctor Octopus's interest was immediately piqued. Advanced knowledge from parallel universes! This would save him years of research!
"What can I do for you?" Doctor Octopus's tone became significantly more sincere. Peter stated: "You will be my science consultant. We'll start with helping me improve my Nanometal Suit."
Doctor Octopus was intrigued by the new term: Nanometal. Peter immediately shed his suit, revealing his clothes beneath, and handed the pendant-style control switch to Doctor Octopus.
Doctor Octopus happily accepted the task. He viewed it as Peter's entry test for him.
Regardless of whether Peter's words were true or not, studying this nanometal suit was a gain for Doctor Octopus. He was inherently interested in nanometals. Most immediately, if he mastered this technology, he wouldn't need to haul around those four mechanical tentacles everywhere! A scientific fanatic remains a scientific fanatic.
Doctor Octopus quickly immersed himself in the work.