Web of Realms: A Multiversal Journey

At this moment, Gwen Spider, who had been quietly listening, interjected, "If that's the case, why not test him in real combat?"

"Real combat? How do we do that?"

Gwen pointed upwards. "The same way we usually do."

"You mean sending him out to the streets to handle some emergencies and gain experience?" Shadow Spider asked.

"That's the best way to evaluate, isn't it? We've all gone through it," Gwen replied.

"You have a point," Shadow Spider admitted, though he frowned. "But do we even have time for this?" He still insisted that staying behind himself was the safer choice.

Of course, it wasn't a death wish.

Someone simply had to take on the responsibility.

Peni chimed in, "We've got time. Since we're planning to destroy the collider, I'm going to add something extra to my little gadget."

"Add something? What kind of something?" Spider-Ham asked curiously.

Peni began explaining excitedly, "When the particle collider is activated, two beams of high-energy particles travel in opposite directions through separate beam pipes at nearly the speed of light. In a strong magnetic field, these beams are kept confined within the accelerator ring, accelerating in segments until they successfully collide."

"To accelerate these beams to near-light speeds, certain conditions are necessary. First, the beam pipes must be in an ultra-vacuum state to minimize particle loss during motion.

"Second, the strong magnetic field that confines the particle beams requires many superconducting magnets. To make these magnets superconductive, they need to be cooled to around -271°C.

"For this, an enormous and advanced cooling system is required—specifically, the liquid helium distribution system."

Peni was fully engrossed in her explanation, but the others were completely lost.

"Alright, Genius Girl," Shadow Spider interrupted, "Why don't you just tell us your plan and how long it'll take?"

Sigh, Peni exhaled, as though lamenting the unbridgeable gap between a genius and the clueless. After organizing her thoughts, she continued, "My plan is to enhance the existing reset program in the gadget by adding a Trojan virus to infiltrate and sabotage the liquid helium distribution system. Without proper cooling, the superconducting magnets will overheat, turning into a massive bomb. Then BOOM!—the collider will be destroyed with the push of a button! I'll need about a day to finish it."

Middle-Aged Peter held up two fingers. "So, essentially, two things: First, you're making an idiot-proof detonator to make it easier for Peter to use. Second, we have half a day for training and proving his combat skills."

"Uh, yeah, that's right," Peni admitted, puffing out her cheeks like a pufferfish, which made her look adorably annoyed.

Peter barely resisted the urge to ruffle her hair. "So, I have until tomorrow afternoon to prove myself, right?"

"Exactly," Peni nodded. She added, "Oh, and don't worry. Based on my calculations, judging by the current rate of dimensional rejection, our bodies should hold up for at least two weeks. That said, we should aim to return within a week to avoid any potential side effects."

Everyone nodded, signaling their understanding.

Gwen Spider's brow furrowed slightly, and her expression turned uneasy, though she said nothing. The others didn't notice her discomfort.

Miles grew excited. "Does that mean I can train too?"

"Sure, but don't bother me," Peni said, her face serious, clearly still annoyed with the group's lack of technical understanding. "The sooner we leave, the better for our bodies."

"Alright, let's set the mission for tomorrow night," Shadow Spider declared. "We'll regroup here tomorrow afternoon."

Middle-Aged Peter Spider wrapped an arm around Miles' shoulders. "So, Miles, are you ready for some special training?"

"Really?!" Miles' eyes lit up.

"Of course," Middle-Aged Peter Spider replied with a smile.

Spider-Ham leapt down from Peter's hand and added, "If you don't mind, I can help too."

Shadow Spider's gaze flicked between Miles and Peter, as if debating something internally.

Just as he was about to speak, Gwen Spider interjected, "Then I'll supervise Peter's combat test."

Shadow Spider let out a relieved sigh. "That's really helpful. Honestly, I'm not a fan of going out during the day, especially in a world as brightly colorful as this."

Peter glanced at Gwen, feeling a strange sense of unease. Something about her behavior seemed off, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was.

Still, the plan was set, and it was already late at night. There was no urgency to act immediately.

The Next Morning

The Spider-heroes were always action-oriented.

Once the plan was finalized, everyone began to carry it out.

After breakfast:

Peni and her spider-mecha stayed behind in the underground spider-lair, working on the enhanced gadget.

Middle-Aged Peter Spider, Spider-Ham, and Shadow Spider took to the underground training field, coaching Miles.

Peter, meanwhile, donned his Spider-suit and left Aunt May's house with Gwen Spider, heading to the bustling city center.

Although Forest Hills was part of New York City, it was a bit removed from the busiest parts of downtown.

So, they planned to take the subway to get there.

The Subway Ride

On their way, Peter occasionally stole glances at Gwen, still unsure of her intentions.

Sure, he was captivated by her looks—Gwen was undeniably charming. Who wouldn't admire her?

But Peter wasn't the type to strike up a conversation simply because of that, nor was he vain enough to think Gwen had created this one-on-one moment because she liked him.

Yet, that seemed to be the case. From the way events unfolded, it was clear that Gwen had orchestrated this opportunity for them to be alone.

Even if Shadow Spider hadn't volunteered to stay behind, Gwen would have likely found a way to make it happen.

But why?

Peter couldn't figure it out, no matter how much he thought about it.

He assumed Gwen would explain once they were outside.

However, even after they reached the subway station, entered, and found a seat, Gwen remained silent.

Peter couldn't hold back any longer.

He glanced around.

It wasn't rush hour, so the train wasn't crowded. The nearest passengers were about seven or eight meters away.

"Uh, Gwen, can I call you that? Is there something you want to tell me?" Peter asked directly.

He felt a subtle sense of worry emanating from Gwen—a contrast to the lively and cheerful girl he had imagined her to be.

There was a story here.

Yet, when faced with Peter's question, Gwen hesitated, as if unsure how to begin.

Seeing this, Peter could only shrug helplessly.

And so, in an awkward silence, the two sat on the same bench, separated by about half a meter, as the subway carried them toward downtown.

(End of Chapter)

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