"What is this..."
Manhattan, 890 Fifth Avenue, inside the Dark Avengers' base.
Opening her eyes from unconsciousness, May Parker's mind was a mess.
"Green Goblin? Thunderbolts!"
However, in the next second, the image that flashed through her mind instantly sobered her up. Recalling the previous battle, she suddenly leaped and nimbly landed on the room's ceiling.
"You're awake."
Glancing up at May Parker, who was on the ceiling, Collin Roper greeted her and kindly reminded her.
"Don't worry, you haven't been captured by members of the Thunderbolts."
Hearing Collin Roper's words, May Parker on the ceiling looked down at him. She reached out and touched her face, confirming her mask hadn't been removed. Her Spider-Sense also wasn't detecting any danger. Only then did she cautiously lower herself, landing on the bed and squatting, as she tentatively questioned Collin Roper.
"You saved me?"
From the current situation, it wasn't difficult to deduce this outcome.
"You could say that."
Nodding in affirmation, Collin Roper looked at the wary May Parker and continued, "You should know your current situation. Although I saved you from the Thunderbolts, I can't change the fact that you're a wanted person."
Collin Roper's words silenced May Parker for a moment before she finally said, "I've been framed."
"I know."
In some ways, Collin Roper knew the entire course of events even better than May Parker herself, including Kingpin's plan.
"I'll figure out how to deal with this matter, but before that, you must act carefully. At least, until the truth comes out, Spider-Man needs to disappear for a while."
"You... why?"
Faced with Collin Roper's help, May Parker's expression under the mask showed no joy. Instead, she frowned.
"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Collin Roper, an ordinary news reporter and a member of the Dark Avengers."
"Dark Avengers?"
Hearing Collin Roper's introduction, May Parker subconsciously murmured.
"What is that?"
Good question, but unfortunately, I don't know either.
May Parker's question was, in fact, the very question Collin Roper wanted to ask.
Although he had joined the Dark Avengers for a while, he didn't have much more information other than knowing that their goal was to fight against Hydra.
Perhaps it was because he hadn't been with the Dark Avengers for long.
Of course, a larger reason might still be Howard himself.
From what he had gathered using his [Super Hearing], this leader of The Resistants seemed to have been isolating himself.
Even Nick Fury and the others were the same.
"A resistance organization."
While his thoughts churned, Collin Roper calmly provided the answer on the surface.
A resistance organization?
Silently noting Collin Roper's description, May Parker turned to survey the room. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she asked, "Oh no, what time is it?"
"10:40," Collin Roper replied casually after glancing at his phone.
"At night?"
"In the morning."
Shaking his head, Collin Roper added, "Actually, you've been unconscious for over ten hours."
Hearing Collin Roper's words, May Parker's expression under the mask instantly became flustered. She tried hard to control her emotions and not appear overly anxious, but her small physical gestures clearly betrayed her inner agitation.
"Sorry, I suddenly remembered something..."
It must be because of Peter Parker.
Observing May Parker, who had remained flustered ever since learning she had been unconscious for over ten hours, Collin Roper naturally understood the cause of her anxiety.
After all, in this world, Spidey — no, Peter Parker — was just an ordinary high school student. He hadn't gained Spider-Man's powers, and the only person he could rely on was his closest relative, Aunt May.
[Touched a Twisted Time Node, collected a small amount of Time Shards ×1]
After a period of interaction, new [Time Shards] were also collected.
Withdrawing his gaze from the text, Collin Roper immediately said, "I've already made arrangements for that."
...
"Thank you."
Stepping out of the taxi, May Parker turned to thank Nick Fury, who was in the driver's seat.
"You're welcome, I'm just doing what I should be doing."
Shaking his head, Nick replied with a smile.
"By the way, this is my number. You can contact me through it." Lowering the car window, he handed May Parker a slip of paper with the number on it. Nick also lowered his voice as he reminded her, "Also, you might need to 'rest' for a while from now on, and you don't need to be as busy as you are now."
Taking the slip of paper from Nick, May Parker's hand paused.
She understood very well what "rest" meant in his words.
However, since Ben's death, being Spider-Man had become more than just an identity to her; it was the only way for her to forget him and to feel alive.
"Think about your family."
Noticing the change in May Parker's expression, Nick reminded her in a low voice.
Peter.
Nick Fury's words clearly had some effect. Thinking of Peter, who still needed her, May Parker nodded.
"I understand."
As she spoke, she picked up the bag containing the suit and turned to leave.
...
*Click.*
Skillfully entering the room through the window.
After placing the bag containing the Spider-Man suit, May Parker took a deep breath, carefully opened the door, and walked towards the stairs.
"Aunt May?"
Seeing May Parker descend from the second floor, Peter's face showed a hint of worry.
"Did something happen? I knocked on your door this morning, but there was no response."
"Maybe I was sleeping too soundly."
Reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, May Parker put on an apologetic expression as she spoke.
"Sorry, Peter, I didn't prepare breakfast for you."
Because it was the weekend, Peter had been at home all day.
This was why she had rushed back from the Dark Avengers' base.
"It's good that you're okay, Aunt May."
Shaking his head, Peter didn't think much of May Parker's explanation. "I've already eaten breakfast. Oh, Aunt May, Ned and I agreed to meet up later, so I won't be eating dinner at home."
At any other time, May Parker might have said more to Peter, but considering her current situation...
She immediately nodded, "Okay, but remember to come back early."
"Great, Aunt May, I promise I'll be back before six."
(end of chapter)
"You can read the full novel on my Patreon. You're also welcome to join the Discord server for activities, spoilers, discussions, and recommendations—whether for me to translate or for you to read. All the links are available in my profile."