Chameleon's Performance

"So, the next guy I have to face is Mysterio? 'Can't wait'," Spider-Man's new suit rustled in the New York night wind as he zipped past neon-lit skyscrapers. Peter really couldn't muster any interest in this upcoming enemy, especially after recalling Quentin Beck's hypocritical face in Far From Home. Although this universe's "Mysterio" was quite different from the MCU's setup, and his power source wasn't the same, Peter just had a preconceived dislike for him.

What's more, Mysterio's power had an incredibly high ceiling. The movie version was considered weak. If it were only movie-level strength, that would be fine. But some versions of Mysterio's illusions could even interfere with Spider-Sense, manipulating senses beyond vision and leaving one completely lost in a false reality.

"I hope this universe's Mysterio isn't that messed up..." Peter muttered. He had specifically upgraded his infrared vision for Mysterio, hoping it would be useful.

But the problem didn't stop there.

Behind those stolen high-tech devices, there was clearly a more dangerous figure—a genius capable of integrating cutting-edge technologies like light particle projectors and neural connectors. Doctor Octopus? Norman Osborn?

Peter rubbed his temples. He knew too little about this world.

In reality, Peter Parker wasn't the only one having similar thoughts. MacDonald Gargan, a notorious detective in New York who specialized in collecting dirt on various crime bosses and threatening people, was looking up at the new Spider-Man flying overhead at that very moment. He couldn't help but sigh, realizing he still knew too little about Spider-Man. After confirming that Spider-Man had indeed changed into a brand-new uniform, he quickly called Kingpin.

"Mr. Gargan, what is it? Have you found out Spider-Man's true identity?"

"Not yet, Mr. Visk."

Gargan glanced around and ducked into an alley, starting to speak in a low voice. "But has your plan to ruin Spider-Man's reputation been launched? If not, delay it immediately!"

"I'm afraid Chameleon has already started his operation. Did something happen?"

"No, nothing," Gargan didn't dare speak loudly to Kingpin, so he suppressed his emotions as much as possible, pretending everything was fine. "It's just that Spider-Man has a new outfit. If you plan to proceed, you'll need to consider a new image."

Kingpin hung up, and Gargan had to continue his aimless search for Spider-Man's true identity. As for the plan, it was indeed too late to stop it, just as Kingpin had said.

Chameleon was ready. His custom suit could allow him to transform into anyone he had seen. Its essence was a bionic artificial skin created by Mystique, the leader of the current Brotherhood of Mutants, and it was an absolute one-of-a-kind item. He heard S.H.I.E.L.D. had similar mimic masks, but they were nowhere near as convenient as his suit.

He was communicating with his special effects artist, Quentin Beck, via a tiny earpiece.

"Are you sure the equipment is ready? I've spotted a good target."

Quentin Beck was stuffed into a panel van disguised as a delivery truck, his back pressed against the cold metal interior. Two burly men flanked him like guards, and the three monitors in front of him were rendering a 3D projection of Hell's Kitchen in real-time.

"Ready anytime, Mr. Dimitri."

Chameleon, pretending to be a passerby on the street, threw out a small spherical object. The light began to shift, and he disappeared without anyone noticing.

Not far away, two thugs were robbing a pedestrian. This was Hell's Kitchen, and such incidents were not uncommon. However, Quentin was quite curious about Chameleon's choice.

"Mr. Dimitri, why did you choose to start in Hell's Kitchen? If you want to ruin Spider-Man's reputation, shouldn't you go somewhere more recognizable like Times Square?"

"It's simple logic. If you want to frame someone, you can't do the exact opposite. That would arouse suspicion," Chameleon said as he transformed into the appearance of Spider-Man's old suit and picked up a web-shooter. "You have to fit the persona, with slight modifications."

"It's like making a cocktail, my dear Beck. You can't mix milk into whiskey; you have to add vodka—strong enough, but not so much that people can immediately tell it's fake."

If the pedestrian looked up, they would see Spider-Man swinging on webs, circling buildings and entering the street. Even the sound of his landing was so realistic. Chameleon rolled, and under Quentin's cover, he used light projection to perfectly merge with the projected Spider-Man striking a pose.

"Guys, I have to say, can't you find your own way to make money?"

"Spider-Man" stood up and said this to the two thugs, who immediately fled upon seeing him. Then "Spider-Man" fired a web, snagged one of them, and pulled him over, punching him directly in the face, drawing blood.

"Sorry, I didn't expect you to be so fragile. Are you okay, friend?"

"Uh... I'm fine, thank you, Spider-Man."

The pedestrian cautiously came forward to thank him, then watched as "Spider-Man" bent down, pulled out the thug's wallet, took all the money out, and stuffed it into his own pocket.

"You're...?"

"Nothing, really. Being a superhero doesn't pay any salary, you know. Want some? Perhaps as compensation."

"Spider-Man" smiled slightly, then leaped away. Chameleon, however, didn't go far.

Several of Kingpin's henchmen exchanged glances. So this was what he was up to?

"Don't rush. We have a lot more of this to do today. Spider-Man fights crime, but takes money from criminals. Is that theft? Perhaps, but it's not enough to shake the image of Spider-Man being a hero."

"People will only discuss his moral flaws, not think he isn't a hero."

Dimitri chuckled. The next steps would be much simpler. Next, Spider-Man would occasionally act without restraint, injuring a few people. After that, Spider-Man would "execute" a few villains.

As public opinion became increasingly divided on Spider-Man, his performances could become more extreme, as if the public's accusations had made Spider-Man give up on himself. Even if the real Spider-Man showed up, it wouldn't matter, because all Spider-Man could see were the illusions created by Quentin.

He couldn't possibly distinguish between himself and the illusion.

Quentin became unusually excited about this. He could see in the holographic projection that Chameleon not only mimicked Spider-Man's motives and tone but also perfectly replicated the hero's habits, even minor movements like the slight tilt of his head.

"This, this makes so much sense, Mr. Dimitri! You're the best actor I've ever seen... Your performance just now was perfect, just like Spider-Man..."

Although Quentin Beck was a minor character looked down upon by Kingpin, Dimitri was still very pleased to hear such praise. He could tell that Quentin actually envied his performance, or rather, his ability to perform.

He was a talented special effects artist, but perhaps he wished to be an actor.

Thinking of this, Chameleon pondered whether he could use this to build a good relationship with Quentin and lure him to his side. With such a special effects artist, his commercial espionage and assassination business would undoubtedly reach new heights.

Never mind, he'd help Kingpin deal with Spider-Man first.

With that thought, Chameleon couldn't help but laugh. He didn't know yet that Spider-Man had already changed into a new suit.

That evening, a post titled "Spider-Man Started Robbing?" began to spread. In the blurry video, "Spider-Man" was stuffing banknotes into his belt. Kingpin's online trolls began to promote its spread on a large scale.

Only Chameleon quietly observed it all.

Chameleon is a character who first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (March 1963). His real name is Dimitri Sneshkov. He is an enemy of Spider-Man, a former Soviet/Russian spy, and the half-brother of Kraven the Hunter. He possesses the ability to transform into anyone, and his true face has never been revealed.

This book has been adapted to a Russian defector agent to fit the timeline.