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"So how am I supposed to complete my mission? Dammit, Ancient One... and that damn Riddler, too."
Alex Ray sat helplessly at a café just outside the Columbia University Museum, muttering to himself.
He was recalling his meeting with the Ancient One two days ago, when he'd asked what exactly he needed to do to complete his mission.
The Ancient One had merely replied, calm and cryptic as ever, "You'll know when the time comes."
And then, without warning, she hurled him into a space-time rift.
Alex still wasn't sure whether the Ancient One genuinely trusted his abilities—or if she just wanted to mess with him for showing off during their last meeting.
Now, Alex had been stuck in this parallel universe for two days.
At first glance, it looked just like New York City—same skyscrapers, same skyline. The Big Apple through and through.
But there were differences.
The Stark Tower was missing. In its place stood the towering green glass of Oscorp's headquarters.
This wasn't just any alternate universe—this was clearly one tied to Spider-Man.
There was no sign of Iron Man. No trace of S.H.I.E.L.D. No whispers of Kamar-Taj or the Masters of the Mystic Arts.
And as far as Alex could tell, Spider-Man hadn't even emerged yet. He hadn't seen a single Daily Bugle headline ranting about the masked menace. Not even J. Jonah Jameson's blustery face on a screen.
Which Spider-Man universe this was, Alex wasn't entirely sure.
"If all goes well today, I should get my answer."
He had learned through various subtle channels that a student group from the university would be visiting the Spider Exhibit today—so he disguised himself as a casual tourist and took a seat at the café inside Columbia University.
If everything went according to plan, Peter Parker would show up today.
Meanwhile…
"Hey, stop the bus!"
A bespectacled guy in a striped shirt was chasing a school bus, slapping the window and shouting desperately.
"Please stop!" he begged as he jogged after the accelerating vehicle.
This clumsy, awkward young man was exactly who Alex Ray had been searching for—this universe's Peter Parker.
The driver, far from sympathetic, stepped harder on the gas and laughed as he ignored the student's cries.
"Call a cab, Parker!" someone inside shouted mockingly.
None of the students on the bus tried to help. They just sat back, enjoying the show like a bunch of kids watching a sitcom.
Finally, a red-haired girl—who had been snuggled up with her boyfriend—stood up. That was Mary Jane Watson, Peter's neighbor.
Whether it was out of basic decency or just neighborly instinct, she walked toward the front of the bus, leaned her head toward the driver, and called out, "Stop the bus! He's been chasing us since Woodham Street!"
The driver, clearly not wanting to get reported, sighed and reluctantly stopped the bus.
Peter, panting hard from his ten-minute chase, finally clambered aboard.
"Thanks… sorry. I'm late," he said between gasps.
The moment he got those words out, a fresh round of jeers and mockery erupted.
Paper balls and notes flew toward him like confetti. The other students were clearly enjoying themselves at his expense.
Peter didn't say anything. He just wanted a seat.
He spotted an empty one, but the kid next to it threw both arms out over it protectively.
"Don't even think about it, you idiot," the guy sneered.
Peter swallowed his frustration and moved on, passing seat after seat, each one met with a turned head or a disgusted glare.
He kept walking, his shoulders hunched a little lower each time. By the time he reached the back, he looked completely defeated.
He glanced at Mary Jane as he passed. She was cuddled up with her boyfriend and intentionally avoided his gaze.
Peter forced a weak smile, but it didn't land.
And then—bam.
A classmate stuck out his foot and tripped him. Peter crashed to the floor, his glasses flying.
Laughter exploded again. To these kids, humiliating Peter Parker had become a sport.
The bus rolled on toward its destination, while Peter stayed crouched on the floor, holding in the pain.
Two hours later, Alex finally spotted him—Peter Parker was among the tour group filing into the museum.
Alex stood up, downed the last of his coffee, and walked over.
Peter, meanwhile, was awkwardly trying to wave to Mary Jane again—who was clearly just waving to her friend and not acknowledging him at all.
Peter's shoulders sank. And that's when Alex spoke, his voice casual but sharp.
"Dude, if you like her, just go for it. You're never gonna get a girl acting like a simp."
Peter blinked in confusion and turned around to see a man—Alex Ray—smiling at him like an old friend.
He didn't recognize the guy, but the tone felt oddly familiar.
Alex had already confirmed it: this was the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man universe.
The most human, vulnerable version of Peter Parker. And the most painfully real.
Peter frowned slightly and asked, "Do… do I know you?"
"Name's Alex Ray," he replied easily. "I know you, Peter Parker. We used to be classmates. You don't remember?"
Peter stared at him, trying to recall. No one named Alex Ray came to mind. Especially not someone who looked like this—a confident, sharp-dressed guy who exuded control.
Alex caught the hesitation in his expression and added quickly, "Back then, you were always getting picked on. I got bullied too—y'know, being Foreigner in this country. Kinda sticks with you."
Peter blinked. That did sound vaguely familiar. And this guy did know his name…
Could he really be an old classmate?
Peter's wariness eased a little, and he slowly extended his hand.
Alex shook it with a grin.
Just then, a tour guide's voice cut through the moment.
"Keep moving, students. Let's go!"
Peter looked back at Alex with an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I have to go. But… let's talk later, okay?"
It wasn't often someone treated him like a human being.
Alex waved him off with a nonchalant smile. "Go do your thing."
And then he began to follow at a distance.
He wasn't just here to observe. He was here to witness the moment—the moment—that would give birth to one of the greatest heroes in the multiverse.
The birth of Spider-Man.
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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đź“š Enjoying the Story? Get Ahead Now!
Can't wait for the next twist or epic moment?
Join my Patreon and unlock 40+ advanced chapters—read ahead of everyone else! 🔥
👉 https://www.patreon.com/UK21
Your support means the world to me—thank you so much! 💖
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