The three versions of Spider-Man were, in truth, vastly different from each other.
The Tobey Maguire version was the most mythical—almost an original take on Spider-Man. His powers came from within; he could literally grow organic web-shooters and regenerate like a spider spirit. He was the strongest, but also the most tragic.
The Andrew Garfield version was closer to the comics—a scientific Spider-Man powered by genetically altered spider serum. He wasn't gifted by fate; he had to build his own gear, fight his own battles, and earn his place.
Then there was the Tom Holland version—basically a tech-supported prodigy with a billionaire mentor and a suspiciously lucky origin story.
So, if you summed it up: Maguire relied on destiny, Holland on privilege, and Garfield on intellect.
Naturally, Ryan preferred the Garfield version.
More importantly, this version was controllable.
If Ryan could acquire Peter's blood sample and the Decay Formula, it might be possible to replicate the Spider Serum itself.
With a little cultivation enhancement and spiritual refinement... perhaps even mass-produce Spider Warriors.
Just imagining an army of Spider-enhanced cultivators made Ryan grin.
Ghost Spider. Spider Serum. Lizard Serum. The entire Osborn Group.
He wanted them all.
Taking a deep breath, Ryan watched closely as the group passed by Osborn's Transgenic Radioactive Spider Breeding Room.
Peter Parker, standing in the middle of the student crowd, was visibly restless. His gaze kept darting toward the sealed lab door.
Ryan's mind sharpened, recalling the scenes from The Amazing Spider-Man he had once watched.
In this stitched-together, chaotic universe, not every plotline stayed accurate—but world inertia still existed. The universe followed its own rhythms, its own logic.
He'd confirmed that himself over two years of experimentation with minor story threads.
Within his Sea of Consciousness, the Pure Yang Golden Bell resonated softly, clearing his thoughts. Memories turned vivid.
Yes—this was the moment.
In The Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker infiltrated Osborn to investigate his parents' disappearance and was accidentally bitten by a genetically modified spider.
That bite changed his fate.
But Ryan had no intention of letting fate proceed unedited.
If Peter was bitten now, Gwen would eventually die.
And Ryan couldn't allow that—not when Gwen's transformation into Ghost Spider was crucial to his next cultivation breakthrough.
Seeing Peter inch closer to the lab door, Ryan finally acted.
"Hey, student," Ryan said casually, his tone calm but firm. "This is a restricted research area, not part of the school tour."
His voice, low and clear, drew immediate attention.
Peter froze, looking both startled and guilty.
Ryan's hand rested lightly on his shoulder.
"Uh, I—sorry, I just got turned around…" Peter stammered, his nerves giving him away.
At that moment, Gwen noticed the commotion.
She blinked, recognizing both Peter and Ryan—first surprised, then flustered.
"Peter, what are you doing here?" Gwen asked, crossing her arms. "I don't remember you being on the list for the tour."
"I, uh… Gwen, I…"
"You didn't sneak in, did you? Seriously, Peter, this is not the place for that."
"Huh? No, I just—"
"Alright, enough. If security catches you here, they'll toss you straight to the NYPD."
Defeated and embarrassed, Peter mumbled something and slinked away under Gwen's watchful glare.
Ryan hid a satisfied smile.
Crisis averted.
Once Peter left, Gwen turned to Ryan, her tone softening.
"Ryan Sullivan, right? Don't tell me you're behind this."
Ryan shrugged. "Hey, don't look at me like that. I didn't sneak in. I just happen to be… a shareholder now."
Gwen blinked. "Wait—what?"
"Yup. Just inherited a small fortune," Ryan said with mock modesty. "Got the authorization to tour any Osborn department. If you don't believe me, you can ask Ms. Marlena—Mr. Osborn's secretary."
Marlena immediately caught on and gave Gwen a polite smile of confirmation.
For a moment, Gwen just stood there, speechless.
Ryan chuckled. "Well then, Ms. Gwen, technically I'm your boss now. Shouldn't you greet your superior properly?"
Gwen rolled her eyes. "Greet your big head, boss."
The two started bickering playfully.
When Gwen lightly brushed his arm, she felt a faint tingling on her skin—like a static spark.
She ignored it, thinking nothing of it.
Meanwhile, Ryan, perfectly composed, slipped a tiny containment box into his pocket—inside was the radioactive spider he'd discreetly collected moments earlier.
After a few minutes of teasing, Gwen remembered her duties.
"Ryan, I've got to go. Professor Connors still needs me in the lab," she said, reluctant but responsible.
Ryan smiled. "Dinner after work, then?"
Gwen hesitated just long enough to make him sweat, then grinned.
"Alright. Seeing as you asked so nicely, I'll give you a chance."
She rose on her toes, kissed him quickly on the cheek, and walked off with a spring in her step.
Watching her go, Marlena spoke softly.
"Director Ryan, should I inform Professor Connors to… keep an eye on Ms. Gwen?"
Ryan shook his head. "No need for now, Ms. Marlena. But do tell Mr. Osborn that I'll be supporting him at the next board meeting."
"I'd also like to secure partial leadership rights over Professor Connors' project. For that, I'm willing to invest another hundred million dollars into the research."
Marlena's eyes widened slightly.
Ryan smiled faintly. "If Norman wants to discuss it in more detail, he can call me anytime."
He turned toward the exit. "As for now, Ms. Marlena—no lunch today. I've got a date to prepare for."
With that, Ryan walked away, already planning his next move.