I am Charlie, Charlie Parker, a highly accomplished Spider-Man.
I've used my mighty web-slinging arms to take down countless villains, and with my unique charm, I've attracted a crew of ridiculously wealthy friends.
I can swing through the multiverse to save parallel worlds or make a grand entrance when a damsel needs a hero.
I'm the ultimate man in the Marvel universe, the invincible little bug of multiversal legend.
Nine billion cosmic maidens swoon over me, and evil villains scream my name.
Though I've grown from a failed superhero into an unstoppable Spider-Man, I never forget that as a traverser, I could lose everything at any moment.
Because I'm Spider-Man, a lonely fate is written in the stars.
But weirdly, right now, I really want my so-called "good friends" to vanish forever.
Because I've seen the truth.
They're trying to mess with me!!
In a dark alley, Harry lands a swift chop, knocking little Charlie out cold. He then poses the unconscious Charlie in all sorts of embarrassing and sleazy positions, pulling out a camera to capture his friend's humiliating moments.
"Heh heh heh, my friend, from today on, your dark past is under my control!!"
After his stunt, Harry cackles, hands on hips, stuffing the photos into little Harry's pocket.
Watching from the shadows, Charlie's face darkens.
Bitch!
Gritting his teeth, he waits until Harry leaves with a smug grin before stepping out in front of little Harry.
Staring at the timid Harry, Charlie flashes a wicked smile.
"Adorable classmate Harry, you've been kidnapped again."
Little Harry: "..."
He watches helplessly as the man snatches the photos from his pocket, then forces him to pose for an even more humiliating photo shoot.
"Heh heh heh, my friend, from now on, your dark past is under my control!"
Charlie cackles, hands on hips.
Soon, as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents arrive, Charlie swings through time, landing in the timeline set by Gwen.
Empire University.
After visiting her mother, Gwen arrives in a future timeline.
"Beep beep~"
Walking through the school corridor, Gwen overhears whispers from some girls.
"Oh my gosh, you saw it too?"
"Yeah, it's freshman Charlie Parker. He actually has abs."
"Too bad he's a broke loser, or I wouldn't mind spending a hot night with him."
"He texted you again?"
"Yeah, he confessed."
Everywhere she goes, Gwen hears "rumors" about Charlie.
She knows it's the Green Goblin's doing.
That guy's second personality loves toying with people.
But her mission isn't to clear Charlie's name—it's something else.
"Hey, Gwen, you free these days?"
Coming toward her is the school's infamous rich kid, Harry Osborn.
Last night, he realized his best friend has been secretly crushing on sophomore Gwen.
For his buddy's happiness, he decides to bankroll a chance for Charlie.
Ask her out!
But Gwen sees the expectation in Harry's eyes and shuts him down cold. "Sorry, I'm busy these days. And I'll be busy forever."
She rejects Harry, then warns, "Also, tell your friend I'm into women."
With that, she strides off, leaving a stunned Harry behind.
"Into women? What's that got to do with anything?"
He turns, watching Gwen's back, then claps and laughs. "Perfect! Charlie's into women too. You two are a match made in Valhalla."
The next second, a familiar voice comes from behind.
"Excuse me, please move."
Hearing it, Harry whips around.
"Sorry, wait, you're…"
Staring at the Gwen wearing black-rimmed glasses, Harry freezes.
"Gwen, you…"
He turns to confirm the other Gwen, but she's already gone.
A chill crawls up his spine, his scalp tingling as his face pales.
"Oh Asgard, I'm seeing ghosts."
His eyes widen, hand clamped over his mouth, terror in his gaze.
Before he can scream, he spots the calendar on the corridor wall.
It's April Fool's Day.
"Oh Odin, that scared me."
Harry relaxes, patting his chest.
"Gwen, you really know how to play." He exhales slowly.
Gwen looks confused. "What?"
"Nothing, I forgive you."
Harry grins. "You going to the basketball game tomorrow? I'll introduce you to my friend. He's really into you."
Gwen adjusts her glasses. "Your friend?"
"Yeah, Charlie Parker."
"He's kinda famous lately."
"You heard? I think he's got some mental issues. Can you help talk him through it?"
"No time."
"I know, you just said that."
"Did I?"
"Of course."
As Harry tries to win Gwen over, Charlie intercepts future Gwen at the park.
"Is this really necessary?"
By the lake, the sunset glow shimmers on the water, reflecting their silhouettes.
Gazing at Charlie's face, Gwen lowers her head.
"Sorry, that's not what I meant."
Charlie chuckles, turning to the lake.
A breeze sweeps by. He takes a deep breath, spreading his arms to soak in the moment.
"It's fine. Do what you want. But the past can't be changed—only the future you can."
"Change myself…"
Gwen's eyes drop, shaking her head.
"If it were that simple, I wouldn't… never mind."
She sighs, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Charlie.
They stare silently at the sunset sinking below the horizon.
When the sun finally vanishes, Gwen musters her courage.
"I don't know when it started, but a weird guy crashed into my life.
Whenever I needed help, he was always there in a flash.
Slowly, he became more and more important to me."
Gwen glances at Charlie subtly.
Charlie catches her look but stays still, listening.
No response. A hint of disappointment flickers in Gwen's smile.
She continues, "I'm sure, at first, he was my most important friend.
But somehow, that friendship changed.
Maybe it was when he kept sacrificing himself to save everyone, or that one time he used every ounce of strength to save me.
I'll never forget how determined his eyes were—not his usual goofy self.
That was the real him."
This time, Gwen doesn't look at Charlie.
The horizon grows dim.
"Heroism, family, love, friendship—I can't tell them apart anymore. Is it friendship or love?"
Her voice rises softly. "Spider-Man's fate is to be alone. You're trying, we all see it.
But I can't help wanting to know the answer."
She turns, locking eyes with Charlie.
"Tell me, do you love me?"
Her voice trembles with courage.
In the corner of her eye, Gwen's gaze shines like stars.
No shame, just expectation and nerves.
She only wants one word.
But Charlie won't give it.
He avoids her gaze.
Opening a time portal, he pauses.
"Actually… I've never loved anyone. I only love myself."
With that, he steps into the portal.
As Charlie vanishes, Gwen stands by the lake for a long time.
Finally, she laughs.
"Mary Jane was right. This guy's way too stubborn!"
…
Carter's timeline.
Under a dim sky, old Steve watches Hydra Steve charge recklessly in the distance, sighing.
"He could've been a hero."
Beside him, Carter scans the ground with a device, expressionless. "In this era, heroes are just sacrifices. He made the right choice, but he shouldn't have betrayed everyone."
"Sounds contradictory," old Steve shrugs.
Carter glances back. "Think about it. It's not contradictory at all."
Old Steve nods. "True. If it was our little spider, he'd solve this in a snap."
Flash! A time portal opens, and Charlie stumbles out, frantically looking around.
"What're you looking for?" Carter asks, curious.
Charlie covers his face. "I overplayed my hand. I'm looking for a hole to crawl into." He slaps his thigh, full of regret.
"Damn it, I should've just gone for it!!"
"Argh!!"
He howls to the sky. "Why, why did I play it cool? Going back now would be so awkward. I can't face anyone!!"
Seeing Charlie's meltdown, old Steve strokes his chin, thoughtful.
"Something's up."
Carter's scanner beeps. She crouches, excited. "Found it."
"What'd you say?" she asks old Steve.
He shakes his head. "Nothing."
He steps forward. "You sure it's here?"
"Absolutely."
Carter grins. "Once I knew we could time-travel, I started planning.
Hydra's fortune is buried on this battlefield. If we find it, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s budget won't be so tight."
Old Steve crosses his arms. "Without that fortune, Hydra's growth won't be affected. So yeah, we can take it."
He looks at Charlie, still moping. "Little spider, we're rich."
"Rich?"
Charlie springs up, grinning.
"Great. That makes me feel a bit better."
"Dear Captain Carter, let's happily move this fortune!"
The trio gets to work.
They prove one thing: wealth doesn't vanish—it just changes hands.
Soon, they finish and use Pym Particles to return to the future.
Stark Tower.
Buzz~
Figures materialize in the time device.
Carter's first move is leading agents to hunt for the treasure.
Gwen acts normal, no hint of awkwardness.
Charlie pretends nothing happened.
G'iah, though, seems off.
Clearly, she visited the Skrulls' darkest era but could do nothing for her people.
Harry smirks provocatively at Charlie, smug.
Charlie grins back. "My friend, I recall you left some photo shoots at my place. Tonight, cash for pics."
Harry: "???"
His face sours, remembering something.
"No way, I need to go back."
Before he can act, Infinity Tony yanks him back.
"Your time-trip's over. Now for the real mission."
Infinity Tony takes the time device, leaving a regretful Harry to sulk and wire Charlie money.
Soon, Infinity Tony and old Steve gather the Avengers, heading back to collect Infinity Stones.
This time, no mishaps, no unwanted guests.
With all six Infinity Stones, they launch the world-shaking "God-Slaying" battle.
…
Quantum Realm. Thanos senses something.
He looks up at the endless stars, trembling, his face shocked.
"He did it?"
After shock, relief washes over him.
He collapses, drained, looking lost.
He never thought that guy could actually slay a Celestial.
Even an unborn one—it's beyond imagination.
Suddenly, he glances at the strange device in his hand.
A mysterious figure gave it to him.
He hesitates. Should he join this unknown game?
…
Meanwhile, in the cinematic universe.
Vrrrm!
A blood-red sword slices through the stars, shattering the massive Celestial on Earth's surface.
[You, the friendly neighborhood hero, slew a Celestial. +1 free Resurrection Match.]
[Free Resurrection Matches: 3]
[Retries: 110]
Buzz~
With the Infinity Stones restoring the crumbling Earth, this universe gains the legend of the invincible Spider-Man.
Empowered by the stones, Charlie detects a trace of dark energy lingering on Earth.
Snap!
Another snap, and a eerie darkness appears before him.
"This is…"
Seeing the faint figure in the dark, Charlie raises an eyebrow.
"It's him."
He lifts a hand, touching the darkness. His consciousness enters a virtual world formed by memories.
It's all Dark Stephen's real experiences.
Yes, the dark energy is Dark Stephen's remnant.
Without the Infinity Stones, this sliver of darkness might've let Dark Stephen resurrect in eons.
Charlie stays calm.
Even if he revives, it'd be ages from now. By then, Charlie wouldn't fear Dark Stephen's dark magic.
His consciousness merges into the virtual world.
On a coastal highway, a silver supercar speeds along.
Vroom!!
The engine's roar surges Stephen's adrenaline.
But he resists flooring it—today's his wedding day.
Beside him, Christine adjusts her veil.
"Slow down. I don't like this," she frowns.
Stephen eases off, smiling. "I'd love to, but our wedding's about to start."
"That's your fault."
Christine sighs. "You should've taken leave. Someone else could've done that surgery."
Stephen shrugs. "You could've taken leave too. The ER's got other doctors."
"It's my job."
"Mine too."
They lock eyes and laugh.
This is love.
Beep beep~~
Suddenly, a truck rounds the corner, its lights blinding Stephen.
"No!!"
Momentarily blind, he slams the brakes. The car spins, hurtling toward a cliff.
Screech~~
Boom!
Soon, amid the wreckage below, the totaled car smokes. Bloodied, Stephen kicks the door open.
Nearby, Christine lies, thrown from the car.
Her white wedding dress is stained crimson, her life gone.
"No, no…"
Like a broken man, Stephen crawls to her.
Finally, he holds her cold body, tears streaming down.
"No! No! No!!!"
"Christine, open your eyes, look at me, you'll be fine!"
He sobs her name.
In that moment, he loses his world.
The scene shifts. A disheveled Stephen wanders the streets aimlessly.
Without Christine, he's lost interest in work.
He saved countless lives in the OR but couldn't save the one he loved.
It's not fair.
So he abandons everything, exiling himself.
Whiskey bottle in hand, he stumbles toward an unknown future.
Three years later, he meets strange people.
Mages.
Their leader, Wong, sees Stephen's despair and takes him to Kamar-Taj.
There, Stephen's magical talent outshines all.
He progresses fast, pleasing the Ancient One.
Until she retires, and Stephen becomes the new Sorcerer Supreme, inheriting the Eye of Agamotto.
Guided by Wong, he discovers the Time Stone within.
Buzz~
Under its green glow, an apple on the table shifts—bitten, then whole again.
With time's power, the dead can return.
But the Ancient One warned all mages.
Using the Time Stone against cosmic laws weakens the universe, risking collapse.
Stephen doesn't care. He wants to resurrect Christine.
Wong regrets revealing the secret.
Later, Stephen leaves Kamar-Taj.
Using the Time Stone, he jumps to his past self, trying to change that tragic night.
But the past is fixed.
No matter what, Christine's fate remains.
She's doomed to die.
Just like Spider-Man's lonely fate.
Heroes rise with innocent sacrifices.
It's not fair.
So Stephen abandons his last principles.
He'll use the Time Stone to bring her back.
But at the critical moment, the Ancient One's projection stops him.
"This is wrong. It'll collapse the universe. Everyone, including Christine, will vanish."
She pleads, but near-mad Stephen doesn't listen.
He opens a portal, leaving for the fabled Sanctum of Magic.
An unknown dimension.
The Ancient One can't find him.
He'll grow stronger here, then resurrect Christine.
In the Sanctum, he finds an ancient grimoire, learning to amplify magic.
Charlie, through Stephen's memories, sees this "magic."
Summoning void dimension monsters, absorbing their power.
Charlie reads every word, every rune in the book.
Stephen starts with weak creatures, building strength, until he consumes an octopus monster's full power.
Centuries pass. He grows immensely powerful.
But he overlooks something.
He's becoming rational.
Between saving the universe and Christine, he chooses the former.
His obsession to save her slips away, becoming another Stephen.
Dark Stephen!!
When he realizes, it's too late.
"Stop! We'll lose everything!"
In the mindscape, Stephen tries to reconcile with his dark side.
But Dark Stephen only wants to consume him.
After a battle, Dark Stephen wins, devouring his other self.
Whole, he gains power to challenge the world.
He returns, defeats countless foes, and uses the Time Stone to revive Christine.
In his arms, Christine opens her eyes, confused.
Seeing the monstrous Dark Stephen, she screams, backing away.
But there's nowhere to go.
The universe collapses, shrinking.
"Argh!!!"
Dark Stephen unleashes all his magic against the shrinking cosmos.
The universal barrier, unyielding, ignores him.
In endless darkness, only a few square meters hold under his dark magic.
Christine despairs. So does Dark Stephen.
Then, he sees a massive head.
The Watcher, beyond the Marvel universe, observes silently.
Dark Stephen thinks he's a god.
He kneels, begging.
"I was wrong. Please, restore everything. I was wrong!"
Tears stream down, but the Watcher remains indifferent.
He never interferes.
He only—watches!
As he stands by, the universe collapses.
In the dark, Christine melts in Dark Stephen's arms.
He kneels, broken.
"No!!!"
A wretched scream ends with the universe's collapse.
Dark Stephen pays for his actions.
Not just Christine, but every innocent life in that universe.
Snapping back, Charlie sees the dark energy fully dissipated.
He frowns slightly.
Compared to Dark Stephen's deeds, his own are far worse.
Yet no universe has collapsed for him.
For this mystery, perhaps only that guy knows.
He thinks of the Watcher from Dark Stephen's memory.