There was high-tech equipment ordinary people couldn't make sense of, a fully equipped machine workshop, and all kinds of Spider-Man gear. Most eye-catching of all were the Spider-Suits displayed in a semicircle of cabinets, each with its own style and functions.
At the sight of the hidden wonders of the Spider Base, Peter practically drooled.
He had once owned cutting-edge equipment like this too. As Iron Man's successor, he had possessed even more than what was here.
Unfortunately...
But all that was behind him now. Even without relying on external tools, he was still Spider-Man.
Aunt May clapped her hands, drawing the attention of Josen and the other two.
She smiled. "Guys, it's time to welcome our newcomers!"
The Spider-Senses of Josen and the other two sounded the alarm, and they instinctively looked up.
Three pairs of predatory eyes opened on the pitch-black ceiling.
Peter and Gwen recognized them immediately. Those were the shapes of Spider Goggles.
Three figures landed lightly. Though they differed in height, build, and even species, everyone present knew one thing for certain.
They were all Spider-Man.
Dressed in a black trench coat, Spider-Man Noir introduced himself. "I'm Peter Parker, a detective who loves fighting Nazis. It's currently 1933 in my universe."
A girl brimming with youthful energy patted the round red mech beside her, and its display turned into a heart. "I'm Peni Parker, from New York in the year 3145. This is my partner. We're the best partners ever."
Finally, a little pig in a Spider-Suit, walking on two legs, held out his hand to the three of them. "I'm Peter Porker, from a universe populated entirely by animals. You can call me Spider-Ham."
"Hello. Honestly, guys, I'm a little confused right now... Wow!" MCU Peter shook Spider-Ham's hand. "Why is your hand soaking wet?"
"Because I just washed my hands," Peter Porker said with utter sincerity. "Trust me, there's no other reason."
Peter: "..."
Thanks to everything the spider heroes had in common, they quickly got acquainted.
"Guys," Spider-Man Noir said, taking a boxing stance and unleashing a barrage on a punching bag in the training area, "there are six of us now. Shouldn't we be doing something?"
After drying his hands, the ever-enthusiastic Spider-Ham immediately raised his fist in agreement. "Right! It's time for an all-out attack!"
"Peni wants to go home," Peni said quietly. The mech, controlled by the spider that shared her thoughts, simultaneously displayed an EMO expression.
(⊙﹏⊙)
Of the newly arrived trio, both Gwen and Peter turned their eyes to Josen.
"Let's wait a little longer. Our key player is on his way."
Gwen frowned. "Key player? Who else is there besides us... You mean Miles Morales?"
"From what you told me, he's this world's rightful successor to Spider-Man, isn't he?"
"That's right, but he's still a rookie..."
"Everyone goes through that stage. You've got to give him some time to prepare."
"I agree."
It was MCU Peter who spoke. Josen's words had clearly struck a chord with him, reminding him of himself not so long ago.
"Fine. It's not like we can attack Fisk Tower in broad daylight anyway." Gwen spread her hands, conceding the point. "Then we'll wait until tonight to make our move, whether anyone else shows up or not. What do you think, guys?"
"Agreed!"
"I agree too."
"So do we!"
(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
The afternoon flew by. Josen hit it off with the spider heroes and reaped a plentiful harvest.
[Fantasy Card: Spider Stamina] [Card Type: Ability Card] [Rarity: SR] [Description: Spider Psychic Powers. Never challenge Spider-Man's staying power. He can do this all day too.] [Effect 1: Super Stamina] [Superhuman physical fitness, stamina, and resilience.] [Effect 2: Peak Condition] [All physical capabilities remain at their peak even under extreme exertion.]
[Fantasy Card: Spider Healing] [Card Type: Ability Card] [Rarity: SR] [Description: Spider Psychic Powers. A wounded beast licking its wounds is the most dangerous of all.] [Effect 1: Healing Factor] [A superhuman constitution allows severe injuries that ordinary people cannot recover from to heal completely within hours to days.] [Effect 2: Toxin Immunity] [Accelerated metabolism protects Spider-Man from most drugs and toxins, even granting immunity to vampiric conversion.]
[Fantasy Card: Combat Expert] [Card Type: Ability Card] [Rarity: SR] [Description: Spider-Man Noir's "Psychic Powers." As a veteran fighter against the Nazis, he is proficient in a wide range of combat techniques.] [Effect 1: Martial Arts Master] [A battlefield phantom with maxed-out evasion, proficient in all kinds of practical fighting techniques.] [Effect 2: Firearms Proficiency] [Knowledge of the construction and operation of the vast majority of modern firearms, with the ability to quickly master even unfamiliar weapons.]
There were so many Spider-Men present that, aside from "Combat Expert," which had clearly come from the wartime Spider-Man Noir, Josen had no idea who had dropped the other two Fantasy Cards.
In any case, the card collecting went very smoothly.
Night fell.
The Spider-Men were ready to move out when the elevator overhead finally started up again.
This time, Aunt May brought down two figures supporting each other.
One was tall and the other short. The shorter one was a young Black man, while the taller one was a middle-aged Peter with a beer belly.
Both looked exhausted, and their suits were covered in blood.
At the sight, Gwen covered her mouth and gasped. "Miles Morales! How did you..."
"Gwen? So you're one too..." Miles Morales supported the badly injured middle-aged Peter, his gaze displaying a composure and resolve beyond his years. "Sorry, there's no time to catch up. Everyone, I think we need some help."
Gwen exchanged a glance with Josen, who shrugged. "See? He's ready."
"Fine, you were right." Gwen put her hands on her hips, then snapped back to the matter at hand. "Let's help them!"
"No problem."
Josen stopped Gwen as she was about to jump onto the elevator. With a snap of his fingers, Miles Morales felt middle-aged Peter's heavy body suddenly grow light. Turning around, he saw that an invisible force had lifted Peter and was gently lowering him onto a red-and-blue sofa.
Miles Morales was stunned. "Wow, is that Spider Psychic Powers too?"
Josen smiled. "No, it's unique to me."
Miles Morales raised his hand, a spark of electricity flickering and gathering between his fingers. "Okay, looks like I've got a power unique to me too... Hey, why can you do that too?!"
"Ha, I'll tell you when we get the chance."
Before you continue