Don't mention that Peter is a transmigrator; even if he were a native of this world, he would undoubtedly know someone like Tony Stark.
Tony Stark, full name Anthony Edward Stark, was born in Long Island, New York, in 1970. At just 14, he was accepted into MIT, a true super-genius. As an adult, he inherited his father Howard Stark's company and became the chairman of Stark Industries.
At the same time, he was also known as the most infamous playboy in all of New York—no, in the entire United States. He frequented various elite clubs and never slept with the same woman twice. Most Playboy magazine cover models had reportedly spent at least one night with him. That alone proved just how skilled he was at, well, "drilling for water."
Peter never expected to run into Tony Stark at this time and place. The encounter left him in a complex mood.
In a certain Marvel parallel universe, the relationship between Peter Parker—as Spider-Man—and Tony Stark was subtle. While not father and son by blood, they shared a bond close enough to be considered one. Tony was like a godfather to Peter. Because of that, seeing Tony in the flesh now stirred something deep inside Peter, as if some dormant gene had been awakened.
He couldn't help but wonder how his relationship with Tony Stark would evolve in this version of the universe. Hopefully, it wouldn't be as paternalistic. But then again, having a billionaire godfather didn't sound so bad either.
Lost in thought, Peter didn't notice Tony waving his hand in front of his face.
"Hey, is it inconvenient to reveal your name?" Tony asked.
"Hello, Mr. Tony Stark. My name is Peter Parker," Peter replied with a smile, snapping out of his daze and extending a hand.
Tony wasn't surprised Peter knew who he was. As a high-profile public figure constantly in the tabloids, it was normal—expected even—for people to recognize him.
"Mr. Parker, thank you very much for your help just now. To show my gratitude, all your expenses today are on me. Oh, and here's my business card. If you ever need anything, feel free to call."
Despite reeking of alcohol and appearing tipsy, Tony spoke clearly. After handing over the card, he didn't wait for a response. Instead, he staggered out of the restaurant, arm-in-arm with a woman, clearly eager to resume his evening escapades.
Watching him leave, Peter smiled meaningfully. As far as he knew, this version of Tony Stark hadn't yet been kidnapped by terrorists and had not yet become Iron Man. He was still in the first half of his life's turning point. When the second half would begin was uncertain.
Still, Peter was looking forward to it. His rebirth was making life increasingly unpredictable and exciting.
"Future Mr. Iron Man, we'll definitely meet again," Peter muttered as he looked down at the number on the business card.
"Peter, was that the infamous playboy Tony Stark?" Gwen asked, watching Tony's back curiously.
"When did Tony Stark become infamous?" Peter replied with a chuckle.
"Any man who toys with women is no good. Don't you think?" Gwen said, frowning slightly.
Peter sensed a hint of danger in her words—this was a trap.
Realizing the gravity of the moment, Peter immediately nodded seriously. "Yes, yes, you're absolutely right. Men like that are not good people."
"That's more like it. Don't you dare become a scumbag like Tony Stark. If you do, I'll kill you."
"…" Peter said nothing.
Since Tony was paying, Gwen stopped worrying about Peter spending too much. The rest of the meal was quite enjoyable. Peter, deciding to make the most of the opportunity, ordered a few extra premium dishes.
If it's free, why not feast?
Around 10 p.m., after escorting Gwen home safely, Peter wandered down a dimly lit street alone.
He wasn't heading home. Instead, he was going to the home of his former graduate advisor—Professor Curt Connors.
Everything that had happened to him could be traced back to Connors. Now that he had learned the truth from Stone, he was determined to settle the score.
He had looked for Curt several times before, but each time only found his wife and their one-year-old son. Though he hated Curt, Peter never targeted his family. But Connors hadn't played by those same unspoken underworld rules—he had indirectly caused Aunt May's death.
With such deep hatred, why should Peter still abide by any rules? Let the rules go to hell.
"You're not righteous, so I won't be benevolent."
Tonight, Peter decided to abandon morality. His plan? Kidnap Connors' wife and child. That would surely lure Connors out of hiding.
Of course, he wouldn't reveal his true identity for such an act. He pulled on a pair of rubber gloves and wore a cartoon-style mask he'd bought from a street vendor. Somehow, with the mask on, he even looked like a superhero.
The nights in Queens, New York, were never peaceful. Drug addicts, homeless drifters, and gangs filled the streets. Once night fell, the already chaotic area became even more dangerous. That's why locals avoided going out unless absolutely necessary.
But Peter was no longer an ordinary person.
Still, that didn't stop trouble from finding him. Before he reached Curt Connors' home, five thugs armed with daggers cornered him in an alley.
"Kid, what's with the cosplay? You a wannabe Daredevil?"
"Hahaha! Fighting for justice, huh? Pathetic. I hate those self-righteous freaks. Don't waste time—rob him!"
"Take off that stupid Peggy Pig mask and hand over your wallet, or I'll poke a hole in you!" one thug threatened, waving his dagger.
Peter tilted his head, amused. "Poke me with what?"
"The dagger, of cour—"
Before the man could finish, he realized the dagger in his hand had vanished. Peter now held it.
"You…!" the thug gasped, his pupils shrinking.
In the next instant, he was sent flying by a powerful kick, crashing into the alley wall with a loud groan. His ribs were shattered.
The others scattered instantly, panicking.
No normal person could kick someone ten meters like that. This guy was a monster.
Peter didn't bother chasing them. He had bigger things to deal with.
But before he could leave, the four thugs who had run off suddenly came rushing back—more terrified than before.
"Oh my God, what is that giant four-legged lizard?!"
These muscular men now looked like frightened children as they ran past Peter, screaming.
Then, before Peter could react, a body was thrown against the brick wall beside him, leaving a massive dent in it.
A shadow loomed. A massive, green-scaled lizard monster emerged from the darkness.
Peter's hands clenched, joints cracking. A terrifying killing intent flashed in his eyes.
The creature before him was none other than Curt Connors—his target.
It was ironic. He'd searched endlessly, and now here Curt was, in full monstrous form.
"You damn Daredevil! You dared investigate my wife and child? That's my reverse scale. I'll kill you today!" Curt roared, charging at the injured man on the ground.
Peter glanced at the dark red leather suit—Daredevil.
Curt raised his claws, ready to kill.
But before he could, Peter grabbed his lizard tail and, with a burst of 30 tons of strength, swung Curt into the street like a ragdoll.
"Boom!" Curt crashed onto a nearby car, flattening it.
Curt climbed off the wreckage, stunned. Then, glaring at Peter, he growled, "Who are you?!"
"Have you forgotten me already, Curt Connors?" Peter replied coldly.
Curt's eyes widened. "You… No, that's impossible. You should be dead!"
"Is my survival disappointing to you, Curt? Why? What did I ever do to deserve this?"
Peter's fury erupted, warping the air around him.
Curt stammered, "Peter, I'm sorry, but I had no choice! The Osborn Group pulled my funding. I had to find a new backer. But first, I needed recognition. Your thesis was brilliant—even I couldn't match it. But I'm old, Peter. I don't have time left…"
"So you stole my work, ruined my reputation, and got me expelled. But why did Aunt May have to die?!"
"What?! May is dead?! No… No one told me that. I never wanted that. I only wanted the data your father left behind!"
"If I had that data," Curt continued, "I could perfect my research. I could go back to being normal—be with my family again. Peter, you succeeded, didn't you? You integrated the lizard gene perfectly! That's what I always dreamed of. Share your results with me! I'll restore your reputation, your degree. We can be rich! Publish the research, and the world will bow to us!"
Peter's eyes burned red.
"Shut up. It's too late. I don't want money, titles, or redemption."
"I just want you dead."