"I can't help you." Peter hesitated, but ultimately told Renzo the truth about losing his powers. "Unfortunately, I can't help you right now… even though I really want you to get home."
No matter which universe he was in, Peter was always kind. Looking at the earnest, clear-eyed young man in front of him, Renzo didn't know what to say for a moment.
"There's nothing wrong with your body. You know that," Renzo said, studying Peter's face. "Did you know? Some people are declared cancer-free by mistake, only to be diagnosed again years later—when in reality, the cancer had already been cured long ago."
"What I'm trying to say is… the loss of your powers may not have anything to do with your body, but with your state of mind." Renzo tapped lightly over Peter's chest. "Whether you can be Spider-Man depends on whether you want to be Spider-Man."
"If you subconsciously deny yourself, then Spider-Man won't exist anymore."
After saying that, Renzo stood up to leave.
"Think about it, kid—even if I look younger than you."
He flashed a playful smile. It looked oddly out of place on a grown man.
After Renzo left, Peter stared blankly out the window. The sky gradually darkened, just like the night Harry had turned against him.
Pain… a deep, bone-aching pain…
Peter lay on his bed, sweat beading on his forehead. His brows were tightly furrowed, his body trembling as if trapped in a terrible nightmare.
He dreamed that Mary Jane was marrying someone else—walking down the aisle with a radiant smile, happy and carefree.
He dreamed of Harry—his former brother—staring at him with hatred, his voice filled with anger and despair.
"You're Spider-Man! You killed my father! He treated you like his own son, and you killed him without mercy! All because you're Spider-Man!"
He dreamed of Aunt May—alone, sitting in the house, her face full of sorrow, quietly crying.
"Don't… don't…" Peter murmured in his sleep, reaching out as if to grasp something—but his hands closed on nothing.
"Peter… Peter…"
He froze.
That voice—it was distant, yet familiar. Gentle. Warm. Able to contain all his stubbornness and pain.
"Uncle Ben!"
Peter looked up as the old man walked toward him. Uncle Ben smiled softly, his hair graying, his eyes full of kindness.
"Long time no see, Peter."
Peter's nose stung, and tears spilled out uncontrollably. Even the most reserved person would break down at the sight of someone they missed this much—like a child seeking comfort and love over the smallest things.
"Uncle Ben… I… I…" Peter threw himself into his arms, sobbing.
"I'm sorry… I couldn't do everything right… I couldn't take care of Aunt May… I'm sorry…"
"It's alright. You've done wonderfully," Uncle Ben said gently, patting his back. "You have a beautiful girlfriend, an aunt who loves you, a brother in Harry… and so many people who care about you. Every one of them loves you, Peter. You're amazing."
"But… but…" Peter choked, "I've lost my powers. I'm not loved anymore…"
"No, Peter. You need to understand something." Uncle Ben's expression turned serious. "You made Spider-Man. Spider-Man didn't make you."
"I don't love you because you're Spider-Man."
He held Peter firmly. "Do you remember what I told you?"
"With great power comes great responsibility."
"Uncle Ben…" Peter looked up, tears streaming down his face.
"You need to wake up, Peter."
...
"Ah—! Uncle Ben…" Peter jolted awake, his face wet with tears, his pillow soaked.
He looked out the window. Warm sunlight streamed in, illuminating his now resolute expression.
Peter glanced at his wrist. A sudden heat spread through his body—intense, almost unbearable, as if it might tear him apart. He clenched his teeth, collapsing to the ground as pain coursed through him.
He knew this feeling all too well.
This was his chance to become Spider-Man again—maybe his only chance.
"Ah!" Peter cried out, leaping from the floor and sticking to the ceiling.
Gradually, the heat subsided.
He looked out the window again—this time without his glasses—and everything was crystal clear.
The sunlight. The birds in flight. People walking below. Even the smallest cracks on the wall.
Spider-Man… was back.
...
Renzo leaned against a corner wall, watching Peter celebrate with a faint smile. He rubbed his forehead, sighing.
"Restoring his powers wasn't easy. I stood outside all night, using the Mind Stone on him."
Yes—the dreams Peter experienced were all guided by Renzo. Using the Soul Stone, he had drawn out the deepest desires and memories buried in Peter's heart, carefully shaping every detail.
Especially Uncle Ben.
That memory was Spider-Man's greatest weakness—and his greatest strength. Nothing was more painful, or more motivating.
Watching Peter get scolded by his neighbors for shouting in excitement, Renzo shook his head helplessly.
Now, all he had to do was wait for Dr. Otto to come to him.
To be honest, Renzo had no intention of letting such a scientific genius slip away. Even if Otto's expertise wasn't perfectly aligned, having one more brilliant mind increased his chances of finding a way home.
So Renzo decided to intervene in what came next—to help Otto regain his true self.
After all, Otto wasn't truly evil. He had simply been consumed by his mechanical arms. Renzo respected him. In a world like this, Otto had created something resembling artificial intelligence—a feat worthy of a top-tier scientist.
Disguised as "Paul," Renzo moved through the streets, gathering information about the neighborhood and building relationships with the locals. He might need their help one day.
He had decided to stay here for now. No matter how long he remained in this world, having a place to live was better than wandering the streets.
...
Osborn Mansion
Harry stood by the window, watching lightning flash across the stormy sky. A strange unease crept over him—he felt as though someone was watching him, yet he couldn't see anyone.
Suddenly, a mechanical tentacle shoved him aside and caught the wine glass he had just dropped.
"Hello, Harry."
Otto stepped out of the shadows, a sinister smile on his face. Lightning flashed behind him, casting eerie shadows across the room.
"I believe we share a common enemy."
And just like that, Harry and Otto struck a deal.
*************************************
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