As summer gradually set in, the scorching sunlight along New York's coastline made beads of sweat trickle down the backs of the necks of hurried city dwellers.
Speeders and Sky Trains streaking across the skyline cast fleeting shadows, briefly blocking out the heat and giving pedestrians a moment to catch their breath.
In Tony Stark's private laboratory on the top floor of Stark Tower, Schiller propped up his face with one hand, struggling to keep his lead-heavy eyelids open. Through his hazy, unfocused vision, Peter in black-rimmed glasses and Stark, halfway into his armor, were engaged in their third round of arguing over technical issues.
"No, Mr. Stark, you have to listen to me on this. Miniaturization and civilian applications are the way forward. Think about it—the spacecraft's nano-coating technology could be used in the production of all kinds of civilian goods. Our next phase should be reducing costs and expanding its range of applications."
"Sure, but that doesn't stop us from deepening our research. Listen to me, Peter, you can't keep wasting time in Experimental Group Three. Dr. Connors needs you—needs that genius brain and inspiration of yours."
"But you clearly promised earlier that I could join the magic experimental group. Did you forget? The Symbiote Red Peak inside me absorbed quite a bit of the Morlun Family's power of faith. I'm fully capable of exploring the field of magic..."
"Don't talk nonsense, kid. I'm not letting you go over there. That damned long-faced Sorcerer Supreme has had his eye on you for ages. Next week, I'm getting some tabloid reporter to write an article saying he groomed genius researcher Peter Parker because he wanted to be your sugar daddy..."
"You can't do that, Mr. Stark. You're being too childish."
Within Schiller's Mind Palace, Schiller, who had just taken