Spiderman retires

**Flashback inside the Flashback**

In that dimly lit basement, as John stood near Paul's cabinet, he ensured the hallways were clear before approaching it.

He knew time was tight, and this was the only way to save Mary Jane. Using a small tool he always carried, he utilized his lock-picking skills to open the cabinet and retrieve Mary Jane's phone. 

Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, but he held his resolve as he pocketed the phone, relieved it still had 5% battery.

What's even better is that she doesn't even have a password for her phone.

Quickly, John typed a message to Peter

"Mary Jane is being held in the basement, at the location described in the earlier message. Go immediately!"

But he hesitated, staring at the screen. One thought plagued his mind: What if Peter doesn't arrive in time? What if I'm her only hope?

Determined not to waste another second, John sent the message and resolved to act himself. There was no room for hesitation—Mary Jane's life depended on him.

Escaping school with a face set in determination and fear, John had a rough idea of where Mary Jane might be held. 

He prepared himself to face any danger, no matter the cost.

If only John had known this decision would be his last, he might have chosen differently.

**End of the Flashback inside the Flashback**

As Peter stared at his screen, his emotions spiraled into a storm of confusion. 

The tension was palpable. Everything seemed to unravel before his eyes, and the knowledge that Mary Jane was still legally listed as his wife felt surreal.

"Mephisto?" Jennifer asked, shocked. "Are you telling me you made a deal with Mephisto?"

Peter felt a wave of dizziness, taking a step back from the table. He couldn't process it. He'd ended his marriage to protect Mary Jane, to start a new life, but this manipulation was beyond comprehension.

"I... I don't know how this happened. But it's impossible! Mary Jane isn't my wife anymore!" Peter exclaimed, almost shouting.

Jennifer took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. "Peter, you know such things don't just disappear. Even if it's a deal with Mephisto, there's always a legal trace."

Peter clenched his fists, his heart pounding. "That's not what matters right now. Mary Jane is in danger—that's all that matters. Can you help me find her?"

"How?" Jennifer asked, her eyes widening. "Are you serious? Do you mean Mary Jane is actually in danger?"

"Yes!" Peter growled, his voice trembling. "I got a message from her. She's trapped in a dark place. I need your help to find her—there's no time!"

Jennifer looked at him intently and nodded slowly. "Alright, Peter. I'll help you. But first, we need to put all legal matters aside. We need to act quickly, or it might be too late."

"Thank you, Jennifer," Peter said, his voice heavy with worry.

---

**Scene Change**

In a high-tech lab illuminated by flickering screens displaying complex data and encrypted analyses, Norman Osborn sat in a luxurious leather chair, dressed in a dark suit, holding a glass of liquor. A shadowed figure stood before him, his face obscured.

"The original plan is underway, but as you know, things don't always go as planned," Norman said with a sardonic tone, raising his glass. "Fortunately, our contingency plan is just as effective."

The shadowed man remained indifferent. "I don't need updates on the plan. Just ensure everything proceeds as agreed."

Norman smirked deviously, swiveling his chair to face Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic.

"I admire your seriousness, Richards. But it always makes me wonder—why such hatred for Spider-Man? You're the ideal man: a genius, leader of a famous super team, a symbol of rationality. So why do you want to humiliate a boy who's barely holding his life together?"

Reed's eyes flared with anger, and his fist tightened as he snapped, "I've told you before—this isn't your concern. I don't need to explain myself to you, Osborn. Just execute the plan."

Norman chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with mockery. "Oh, Reed, don't be so sensitive. I'm just curious. Sometimes I wonder if you're jealous of him—the boy who survives in this cruel world with nothing but his wits and abilities. Does something about him burn you inside?"

Reed stepped forward, his tone icy. "I didn't come here for your lectures. Remember, Osborn, you're my partner in this operation, not my superior. Focus on your role and let me handle mine."

Norman raised his hands in mock surrender, a sly grin on his face. "As you wish, Dr. Richards. But remember, every partnership is built on mutual trust. And as for me, I trust that you hate Spider-Man even more than you hate me."

Without another word, Reed turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Norman staring at the closed door. Whispering to himself with a wicked smile, Norman said, "No matter your reasons, Reed, it will be delightful watching how all the pieces fall apart when my revenge—and triumph—are complete."

He turned to the window, gazing at the city lights shimmering beyond the wide glass pane.

The gentle patter of rain against the glass accompanied his dark thoughts.

In a moment of reflective silence, Norman's mind wandered back to the strange day Reed Richards had approached him.

Never had he expected the famed genius with a reputation for high ethics to stand before him like that. But even the brightest minds, it seemed, could succumb to darkness.

**Flashback inside the Flashback**

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