Otto extended his hand, and under Peter's slightly surprised gaze, they shook hands.
"Thank you, Punisher, thank you for saving my life!"
"In the future, if you need help, I don't mind putting on the mechanical arms again to fight for you."
Peter withdrew his hand.
His voice was cold and emotionless.
"Provided you don't turn into a monster."
"Also, I'm not the one who saved you. If you want to thank someone, thank Peter."
"Peter?"
Otto was slightly stunned, then remembered the young man.
A very good kid.
"One day, I'll thank him in person."
"I don't care."
After saying this, the Punisher disappeared on the spot under everyone's gaze.
Peter had placed Otto under the Penguin's care for two reasons. First, Otto currently needed the Penguin's protection.
Second, it was to have them monitor each other.
To keep each other in check.
Peter didn't like things happening outside his expectations.
On the way home.
The system's electronic voice rang in his ears.
[You have completed the mission: Save Otto Octavius]
[Doctor Octopus has officially exited the stage of history. Looking forward to Otto providing you with equivalent value in the future.]
[Reward: 10,000 points.]
[Your current points: 142,300]
[Total accumulated points: 152,300]
[You have gained an upgrade to one of your abilities.]
[Please choose one of the following three options, or forfeit the choice to gain a special ability.]
[Bulletproof Skull: The upgraded bulletproof effect will cover your entire body. Note: Only effective against bullets. No bullets from any firearm can harm you.]
[Mind Bullets: Original effect description: The number of bullets your pistol can fire depends on how many you want to fire.]
[Upgraded effect: You can fire bullets without a pistol, but the firing interval remains the same as with a pistol. Range is set at 50 meters.]
[Robust Physique: After upgrading, your bones will be strengthened, muscle density will increase, and you will gain a certain degree of self-healing ability. Platelet function will be enhanced, allowing you to recover from gunshot wounds with sufficient rest.]
Peter looked at the options, and his indecisiveness struck again.
This time, he wasn't struggling over which to choose, but whether to gamble on a special ability.
Mind Bullets and Bulletproof Skull were immediately ruled out.
His points had already accumulated to 150,000, just 50,000 short of unlocking the Homelander template.
Once he had that, he'd be immune to bullets anyway, so there was no need to choose the first two options.
As for the last one, it was tempting, but the Homelander template would cover that ability.
Forget it, let's gamble.
"Forfeit the choice and gain a special ability."
[You have obtained: Night Crows × 50]
[Description: Night Crows are flying birds with excellent night vision and speed.]
[Release the Night Crows, and they will share their vision with you.]
[Note: Night Crows have no offensive capabilities and are purely a scouting tool.]
As the system's prompt ended, a thumb-sized tattoo of a black crow appeared on Peter's wrist.
Peter pressed it lightly, and a crow flapped its wings and flew out.
At this moment, Peter felt like he was playing a game with an extra "eye," gaining a broader perspective.
Better than nothing. If special forces had this ability, they'd probably laugh in their dreams.
...
Peter returned home to find Gwen lying on the bed doing homework.
Since they got together, their study efficiency had plummeted. They often sat together in class, whispering and chatting.
The dean had even called them in for a talk.
They were the most likely candidates to get into top universities this year, which was a matter of pride for Midtown Tech High.
But in last month's exams, their grades hadn't dropped, so the teachers gradually stopped bothering them.
As soon as Peter entered, he changed clothes and pounced on Gwen.
As his girlfriend, Gwen naturally didn't resist, and the two spent a long time cuddling on the bed.
"Stop messing around, Peter, I still have things to do."
"I just want to mess with you."
The two were intimate, noses brushing against each other, like two kids playing a game.
"Peter, there's something I need to tell you."
Gwen's tone suddenly turned serious.
They sat cross-legged.
Gwen looked a bit uneasy.
"Peter, I need you to promise not to overthink this or get mad."
"What's so serious?"
"Well, you know how I've been going out every Saturday afternoon for the past few weeks?"
"Actually, I've been learning combat skills... from a man."
"He's really good, and I wanted to learn a few moves from him."
Gwen had been feeling guilty about hiding this from Peter.
She felt like if she didn't come clean, she'd seem like some shady woman.
Peter was slightly stunned.
He hadn't expected Gwen to tell him about this.
"It's fine, go ahead. I trust my girlfriend."
With that, Peter gave Gwen a big hug.
Gwen breathed a sigh of relief. With Peter's support, she no longer felt burdened.
She leaned into Peter's arms.
"You're the best, babe!"
"Wow, since when did you become so dramatic?"
"Peter, how dare you call me dramatic!!!"