One week later.
Charlie's soul returned to his body, the vast magical energy within merging with the stored stellar energy, erupting in a powerful aura.
Boom~
An invisible shockwave spread, rattling the windows, scattering tissues across the room.
Wait, tissues?
Charlie froze, sensing something off lately.
The fusion of magical and stellar energy created a terrifying new force.
His strength grew, yet his body felt… empty.
Like… a night of eighteen battles, leaving him drained, listless.
This isn't scientific!!
Charlie scratched his head. "My Spider-Sense should catch anyone messing with me. Is this a side effect of devouring magic?"
He frowned, troubled.
When his soul left his body, his Spider-Sense was at its peak.
Any hostility would ping his soul instantly, which is why he felt safe leaving his body in the apartment.
That left only one explanation: a side effect of devouring magic.
Did Dark Stephen turn into that because of this magic?
The thought sent shivers down his spine.
Going dark feels great, and staying dark feels even better.
But that state was too wild—and ugly.
Most importantly, he already had a side-effect-free "dark" form. No need for this flashy but suicidal move.
After some thought, Charlie decided to pause. Until he found a way to counter the side effects, he'd stop practicing devouring magic.
Resolved, he got up to wash.
But as he stepped off the bed, his legs buckled, and he fell to his knees.
Charlie: "..."
Grimacing, he leaned on the wall to stand.
"No way, the side effects are this bad?"
He hobbled out of the bedroom, wincing.
Seeing Charlie limp out, old Steve turned away, unable to watch.
He feared he'd spill the truth.
Little Spider couldn't even face his ability to sense crap—how could he handle this embarrassment?
No man could endure it.
No way.
Sighing inwardly, Steve forced a smile.
"Breakfast's ready! Hurry and wash up!"
At the bathroom door, Charlie shot him a look.
"Don't talk to me like that. It's creepy."
Steve's smile stiffened. "No one told you to treat old folks like kids?"
"That's no excuse to act cute."
"Sorry, I'm not young or handsome anymore, but I'm free to live my way."
"Your freedom grosses people out."
At that, Steve got annoyed.
"I'm gross, but it's better than being laughed at."
Charlie rolled his eyes. "You know you're a clown."
Steve tore open the breakfast pack, devouring Charlie's share.
"The clown's not me, but someone."
"Who're you talking about?"
"Guess."
"Not me. Some old geezer."
"Hmph, poor guy."
Steve lounged on the couch, legs crossed. "Everyone's laughing at you, and you're the biggest joke. Cherish these quiet days!"
Charlie ignored him, entering the bathroom and shutting the door.
"No clue what you're on about. Nonsense."
A minute later, a anguished cry came from the bathroom.
"No!!!"
"What's wrong? It… it's swollen!!"
"Swollen?"
Seeing Charlie rush out, Steve grew worried.
Did they break him?
Charlie, frantic, wailed, "It's the devouring magic's side effect. I'm ruined."
Steve sighed in relief.
He patted his chest. "Good thing I didn't learn it."
Charlie: "..."
Gritting his teeth, he said, "No, I can't keep going. I'm heading to Kamar-Taj to ask the Ancient One."
Steve stood quickly. "Wait, is the Ancient One a man or woman?"
Charlie thought. "Neutral, maybe female."
"No way."
Steve blocked him. "Little Spider, you can't go to Kamar-Taj."
"Why?" Charlie asked, confused.
Steve's face grew serious. "Because… no reason. I'm scared you'll get hurt again."
Charlie rolled his eyes. "The Ancient One, hurt me? You kidding?"
With that, he waved, opening a portal and stepping into the magical sparks.
Steve shook his head, sighing.
"Ignoring the old man's advice leads to trouble.
But she's the Sorcerer Supreme. She wouldn't do something shameless like those women, right?"
He pondered, deciding probably not.
Relieved, he left the apartment, starting his daily surveillance.
Agent Hill, Carter, Lady Deadpool, G'iah, Gwen…
All under his watch.
He wanted to know who was behind their misdeeds.
Sadly, he was one man, unable to monitor them all at once.
He used a 1-3-5, 2-4-6 schedule.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Hill, Carter, G'iah.
Tuesday, Thursday: Lady Deadpool, Gwen.
Saturday, he rested.
Sunday, spa day for his skin.
…
Meanwhile, Kamar-Taj.
In an elegant attic, the Ancient One levitated a cup with magical energy, offering it to Charlie.
"No cola for me."
Charlie pulled fresh juice from the void. "Want some?" he asked.
The Ancient One smiled, shaking her head.
"No, I don't do juice."
She tidied a mini fridge under her cushion, asking casually, "What brings you here?"
Charlie nodded. "Yeah, lately I've been feeling weak, chilly, tired, dizzy, ringing ears, insomnia, night sweats…"
"Hold on."
The Ancient One waved, eye twitching. "You need a doctor, not me."
Charlie insisted, "I'm serious. I have these symptoms."
"I can tell."
She kept smiling. "Rest more. Don't overdo it. You're young, but even a Vibranium body can break if you're reckless."
Charlie was shocked. "Sorcerer Supreme, you saw it?"
The Ancient One looked puzzled. "It's obvious. Anyone could see your issue."
Charlie frowned. "It's that bad?"
He muttered, shaking his head.
"I admit, devouring magic's tempting, but I'm done with it." His eyes were firm.
"Devouring magic?"
The Ancient One blinked. "Sounds like forbidden magic. Care to explain?"
Charlie was stunned. "You don't know?"
"Should I?" she countered.
Charlie sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"Okay, we're not on the same page, but whatever."
He continued, "Devouring magic is from Dark Stephen's memories. It summons dimensional creatures to this world, turning them into pure magical energy to absorb."
The Ancient One's eyes lit up.
"So it's the forbidden Planet Devourer magic."
"Planet Devourer?"
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Sounds familiar."
The Ancient One smiled. "The Planet Devourer, the God of World Destruction, the Planet Killer, balancing the cosmos.
Legend says a powerful mage mimicked its power, creating this magic, sealed in an unknown dimensional Sanctum. Dark Stephen got it.
But I didn't expect you to learn it from his memories."
Charlie nodded thoughtfully. "So it is forbidden. The side effects are brutal."
"Side effects?"
The Ancient One paused. "Actually, they're minor. With strong mental and physical strength, they're easily overcome.
With your condition, unless you practiced non-stop for a century, you'd have no side effects."
Charlie's brow furrowed.
"But my body's messed up. How do you explain that?"
The Ancient One smiled silently, reminding Charlie of Steve's words.
Everyone's laughing at you, and you're the biggest joke.
An illusion?
Her odd look made him uneasy.
"Ahem, thanks for the insight, Sorcerer Supreme. I'm not feeling great, so I'll head back."
Charlie left hastily.
Back at the apartment, he thought long and hard.
The Ancient One implied his issues weren't from devouring magic.
So…
Right, that's the plan!
Resolved, he closed his eyes to rest, adjusting his state.
As night fell, Charlie sat cross-legged on his bed.
Tonight, no devouring magic. He'd fake a soul-out-of-body state.
His head drooped.
Sleepiness crept in.
Opening his eyes, he was on the building's rooftop.
Under the sunset, a stunning figure sat on the low wall, bathed in golden light, like she wore a holy aura.
"Mary Jane?"
Charlie was surprised.
But on second thought, not really.
Hearing his voice, Mary Jane froze.
She hadn't expected his soul to stay in his body.
Before Charlie could approach, she vanished into the sunset glow.
"Wait… hey! At least say hi!"
Charlie put his hands on his hips. "Rude."
Scanning the dreamlike world, he closed his eyes, focusing to break free.
He didn't know what Mary Jane was up to, but his body's issues were definitely tied to her.
…
Meanwhile, outside.
The nightmare energy receded like a tide, giving some people their chance.
On a nearby rooftop, a sharply dressed man stood, hands behind his back.
Under the moonlight, Killian's white suit glowed.
He watched a red shadow flee, smirking.
"She's gone."
"Yes, our chance."
Beside him, a seductive woman in a python-patterned robe licked her red lips. "Your opportunity, and my experiment can restart."
Killian nodded.
"Mess up Spider-Man's life, and he'll have no energy for villains like me," he grinned.
Ophelia glanced at him. "Rare to hear someone admit they're a villain."
Killian shrugged. "When everyone thinks it, it's true."
"That's not your real belief."
Ophelia's words silenced him.
After a pause, he dropped his smile.
"Justice is theirs to define. I can't argue."
Ophelia chuckled. "Interesting guy. Without Spider-Man, you'd be my target."
Her chilling laugh gave Killian goosebumps.
"Good thing Spider-Man exists. Thank Asgard," he thought.
He knew how terrifying this Viper from another universe was.
Not just her crossing universes—her obsession with Spider-Man was scalp-tingling.
He knew this world's Hydra Madame.
But this Viper was sexier, more beautiful, and utterly despair-inducing.
The Extremis virus, unbreakable to him, was perfected by her in one night—more destructive, more stable than he'd imagined.
It gave him confidence to face Tony Stark.
But Stark wasn't alone. His friend Spider-Man was the world's strongest hero.
No one could beat Spider-Man.
Not him.
So he stayed hidden.
Until this woman approached with a partnership.
He agreed.
He had no choice, nor dared refuse.
Their plan went smoothly.
Spider-Man was strong but had clear weaknesses.
Chaos in his life would let Killian target Stark.
Ophelia's plan was simple.
She wanted a perfect child but hadn't succeeded.
With a mysterious figure's help, she came to this world, finding the perfect genes.
Yes, this Spider-Man was even more perfect than before.
So perfect she couldn't wait.
But she knew she wasn't his match.
She needed other women to get his genes.
She targeted several ideal candidates.
Sadly, most had superpowers, strong physiques, and willpower.
Her toxins couldn't affect them silently.
Last time, without Spider-Man's reckless move, she wouldn't have escaped the Resurrection Match.
So she wouldn't force it.
If Spider-Man sensed her, she'd lose everything.
No one knew his terror better.
So she targeted an ordinary agent.
Maria Hill, senior S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, no powers, no resistance to Spider-Man, with easy access.
Hill became her test subject.
Under Ophelia's mental toxins, Hill acted.
It went smoothly.
But Ophelia didn't get what she wanted.
Spider-Man's genes, beyond mortal limits, were too complex to analyze from small samples.
She needed more.
But Carter, Lady Deadpool, and Gwen stopped Hill.
Even an old man joined in.
It frustrated Ophelia.
Then a dream-manipulating figure stalled her plan.
They guarded Spider-Man for a week, greedier than her.
Her toxins didn't work fully, yet seemed to.
A slight nudge, and they bit.
Ophelia didn't understand.
Maybe they never resisted their primal urges.
Wasting samples.
She couldn't access them.
But now, with them gone, her plan could resume.
"That agent's useless. Time for a new target."
As Ophelia spoke, a grappling hook swung through the night, a black-clad figure nearing Eisen Apartment.
Under the moonlight, a white ponytail danced.
Black Cat Felicia landed on the balcony.
Seeing Charlie "soulless," she smirked, quietly opening the window and slipping in.
She didn't notice a gray mist entering her nose.
Felicia eyed the sleeping Charlie, arms crossed, smiling.
"Sorry, my Spider-Man friend. A fan offered a fortune for your old suit."
She rummaged through the room.
She avoided his nano-suit—too well-guarded, and she knew Spider-Sense's power.
Her target was his old suit.
Spider-Man's fans were wild, but Felicia loved the thrill.
Money didn't drive her.
Stealing his suit would make her a legend in her circle.
Assuming Charlie's guard was down after her truce with Carter, she pursued her dream.
To surpass her father as a world-class thief.
She found a moldy Spider-Suit at the closet's bottom.
Unfazed by the smell, she stuffed it in her bag, ready to leap out.
But her nose twitched, catching an alluring scent.
"This is…"
She glanced at Charlie, swallowing hard.
"He smells good!"
Evil thoughts surged. Felicia wasn't one to hesitate.
Do it.
Steal the spotlight!
She tossed her silver ponytail, removing her black lace mask.
Hair cascading, she bit her lip, eyes hazy.
Her black nano-suit vanished. A flick of her hand, and an oversized black "mask" fell to the floor.
"Heh, I'm not trying to hurt you. Your Spider-Sense shouldn't mind, right?"
Mimicking movie moves, she crept toward his unconscious body.
In the dim light, Felicia paused, then moved with expertise.
Downstairs, a kid doing homework shouted, "Mommy, the neighbor upstairs is getting beat again. She sounds miserable."
"Put on your headphones. Ignore it."
"Okay."
The kid obeyed, while Charlie, stirred by the sensation, snapped awake.
Instantly, he saw two mountains crashing toward him.
Eyes wide, he stayed silent to avoid awkwardness, enduring it all.
He finally understood.
This was why he felt drained.
It was her fault!
Utterly shameless!
He's just a 200-month-old kid!!
Slowly, Felicia's figure merged with the villainous Ophelia in his mind.
Charlie wanted to cry.
Why did Spider-Sense fail?!
Spider-Man's fate is tragic, indeed.
With sheer willpower, he endured two hours.
Felicia limped away, erasing her evidence.
Satisfied.
Charlie exhaled.
Friends shouldn't pull stunts like this.
It'd be awkward later.
Before he could think, the door creaked. Hill tiptoed in.
Charlie collapsed back.
No way?
A tear rolled down.
He knew it wasn't that simple.
Felicia's combat skills couldn't wreck him.
There was another bad woman.
Watching Hill's practiced moves, Charlie lost it.
Damn it, is this fun for them?
Are they all insane?
This is so embarrassing. It'd be a laughingstock if it spread.
He realized.
The old man knew all along.
This was Spider-Man's darkest history.
He considered silencing them.
Three hours later.
Hill, legs shaking, left, erasing her traces.
Charlie covered his face.
The ever-strong Spider-Man never lets friends feel awkward.
I've done all I can.
He sighed inwardly.
As he sat up, the door sounded again.
Charlie: "..."
No way?
More???
His eyes went numb.
Even Superman's steel body couldn't take this.
Next up: the legendary Captain Carter, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s current commander!
Seeing her, Charlie despaired.
Everyone knew the Captain's physique was unmatched.
Felicia and Hill combined weren't her equal.
He was done for.
But Carter didn't have a predatory look.
She was clear-headed.
She checked the windows and door, finding traces of intrusion.
Frowning, her face darkened.
"Too late. What's wrong with her?"
She stopped mid-sentence, sighing.
"Fall behind, get beaten. Sorry, Charlie Parker. I didn't tell you, but I'm ready too."
Gray mist passed her eyes. Carter pulled out a prepared whip.
Charlie: "!!!"
Carter tossed her wavy hair, shedding her red dress.
Intricate lace revealed, she radiated allure.
"I'm not like her. I'll give you ultimate mental and physical thrills, so you'll know who's unforgettable," Carter sneered.
As she prepared her big move, Charlie's toes curled.
Done for.
Who'd he piss off? These tigresses were swarming, and little Spider couldn't take it!!
Just as Carter was about to unleash, a loud noise came from outside.
Boom!!
A sharp shield grazed a blazing red arm, drawing blood that splattered the wall, embedding in it.
Vrrrm~~
The shield's hum snapped Carter back to clarity.
"Asgard, this is embarrassing."
Blushing, she dressed, tossing the whip off the balcony.
"Oh friggin' Hel—who ambushed me?!"
Downstairs, old Steve tossed the whip, cursing upward.
Hearing him, Carter's face changed. She scurried out.
Seeing her leave, Charlie sat up, wiping cold sweat, then fumed.
"Damn old man, why yell now?!"
He pulled up his pants, leaning out the balcony.
He saw a heat-shrouded man kicked by Steve into the woods.
Boom~~
Heat spread, igniting the trees.
As fire raged, Steve summoned his shield, ready to charge in.
Buzz~
A portal bloomed above. Seawater poured, dousing the flames.
Whoosh
White mist rose, swept away by a magical tornado.
A portal flashed. Charlie arrived.
Seeing the wrecked woods, he frowned.
Shouldn't have been the old man's guardian.
If they didn't catch the guy, he'd owe a fortune.
He formed seals, trying to sense the culprit magically.
He didn't know that magic.
Steve arrived.
"It's Extremis. Tony told me about this mutant gene. Must be this world's Killian, here for revenge."
Certain, he zipped Charlie's pants.
"Killian?"
Charlie recalled Iron Man 3's villain, whose Extremis heat could melt Mark suits, nearly dooming Tony.
But to him now, Killian was no trouble.
He lost interest.
"Oh, that guy."
Relieved, Charlie said, "If it's Tony's mess, let him deal.
Make sure he covers the damages.
This isn't on us," he instructed.
Steve got it.
He gave an "OK" gesture. "Got it. We're broke."
Charlie wagged a finger. "No, we're rich, but money's for priorities—like your pension or my villa."
"You're right." Steve's eyes gleamed.
"How'd you spot him?" Charlie asked on the way back.
Steve fumed.
"I found out. It's Killian and Viper. She used mental toxins—"
He stopped, eyes darting, avoiding Charlie's gaze.
Charlie didn't notice, piecing it together.
This world's Hydra Madame was gone. The Viper obsessed with Spider-Man had to be her.
Her Resurrection Match revival didn't bother him then.
She was in another universe, not his problem.
But she found him, silently screwing him over.
No wonder Carter and the others acted off.
Viper's toxins had grown stronger.
Charlie didn't care.
Since the Resurrection Match, anti-Spider-Man toxins couldn't touch him.
Now, even less so.
If Ophelia showed up, he'd take her out instantly.
Head out, get smoked.
The problem was, his pure, stable friendships were dwindling.
How many? He didn't know.
He'd be more careful when his soul left.
Spider-Sense only caught hostility.
Non-hostile acts?
Spider-Sense played along.
Man's instincts, you know!
Charlie got it.
He didn't blame Spider-Sense.
He's super chill.
As they entered the elevator, Carter was there.
The three stared.
Steve's look was odd. He knew her intent.
Luckily, he'd kept watch. Carter got no chance.
Excluding Mary Jane's hypnosis nights.
Charlie greeted naturally.
"Hey, Captain Carter, visiting this late?"
Carter forced a smile. "Uh, yeah. Couldn't find you. Good timing, I need… yeah, help with something important."
"Talk upstairs."
"No, it's simple."
"Go ahead."
"It's nothing now."
"Wanna grab a drink?"
"Thanks, I'm busy. What'd you have for dinner?"
"Don't recall. Damn, I haven't eaten!!"
"Your humor?"
"Kinda. Hey, I learned magic tricks."
"Uh, magic's tougher, right?"
"Doesn't matter. Watch this."
"No need—"
"Ta-da!" Your stockings."
"Your trick's super impressive!"
Carter, toes curling, took the "magic prop" from Charlie, head low.
Damn, left too fast.
Charlie saw her off.
Behind him, Steve gave a thumbs-up.
Such a pure, simple magician—rare these days.