Chapter 2: Knight Spider
With mixed feelings, Ethan Lee turned to Gwen on his left, wanting to see her expression.
But as soon as he turned his head, something soft pressed against his face, momentarily blinding him.
It turned out that Jessica and Gwen were standing and bending over to read the news on their phones, while Ethan was the only one sitting. When he turned around to wash his face…
"It's okay, Ethan."
"I-I know you didn't mean it."
Gwen's fair face flushed slightly as she placed her hands over her chest.
You're so understanding so quickly. I haven't even said sorry yet.
Ethan was momentarily speechless.
Since Gwen is Spider-Woman, she must have spider-sense.
So she didn't avoid it on purpose.
Still, the sight of a flustered young girl in love was quite endearing...
Just as he was admiring Gwen's reaction, a cold and indifferent voice suddenly rang in his ears.
[The Extraordinary Relationship System has been loaded.]
A system?
Ethan kept his expression neutral, resisting the urge to react too strongly. As a time traveler, it was only a matter of time before a system showed up.
Quickly processing the information given by the system, Ethan grasped its core functionality.
To activate the system, he needed to achieve the status of an [Extraordinary Relationship User], after which the system would issue specific tasks.
The term "Extraordinary Relationship" referred to individuals closely connected to superheroes—people like Pepper Potts for Iron Man, Ned for Spider-Man, or even Uncle Ben, who instilled Peter Parker's heroic ideals.
In essence, only by forging strong bonds with superheroes could someone be considered a "relative" of one.
Once a relationship was established, the system could trigger a corresponding task—bluntly named "XXXX's Relationship Task." These tasks were generally related to a superhero's concerns.
Completing these tasks would grant Ethan rewards.
So, in simple terms, the system wanted him to grow stronger by deepening his connections with superheroes.
Fortunately, thanks to his existing relationship with Jessica, Gwen, and the others, he already met the system's requirements. Now, he just had to wait for a mission to trigger.
"Deliberately?"
Jessica glanced up. "Did you do something, Gwen?"
She had been absorbed in scrolling through the news on her phone and hadn't noticed the brief close contact between her brother and her best friend.
Gwen casually put her hands down. "Ethan just bumped into me accidentally."
With a vague explanation, she swiftly changed the subject. "Jessica, are you interested in Ghost Spider?"
"Yeah, I think she's cool!" Jessica grinned, holding up a striking photo of Ghost Spider and positioning it next to her face. She winked playfully at Gwen. "Don't you think so?"
Gwen stifled a laugh. "Besides being cool, my dear Jessica, is there anything else?"
"Oh… and she has a nice figure."
Jessica stroked her chin, giving Gwen a once-over. "Honestly, she looks a little better than you, Gwen."
Ethan watched Gwen's face twitch slightly. It was clear she was struggling to hold back a reaction.
It must be a strange feeling—to have someone unknowingly praise you right to your face.
"Ethan, what about you?" Gwen turned to him with an expectant gaze. "What do you think of Ghost Spider?"
Go ahead, praise me~
That was definitely what she was thinking.
Having recently become a superhero, she was eager for validation—especially from her childhood friend and neighbor.
Oh wow, you really want me to compliment you?
Ethan had the same thought.
The two of them were in sync in more ways than one.
"I think you have a better figure, Gwen."
Ethan spoke with a straight face.
"Ethan, what are you even saying? That's so embarrassing…"
Gwen's ears turned pink.
She wasn't looking for that kind of praise—though she couldn't deny feeling a little pleased.
Ethan feigned innocence. "Didn't you ask for my opinion?"
"I meant in other ways!" Gwen pouted.
[Novice Benefit Activated.]
[The system will select two superheroes nearby and merge their abilities.]
[After fusion, you will gain corresponding powers.]
A novice benefit?
Ethan, who was about to respond to Gwen, paused.
Among the superheroes nearby, the closest were obviously Gwen and Jessica.
Sure enough, the system continued its broadcast:
[Selected: 'Knight' Jessica Lee. Copying extraordinary template…]
[Selected: 'Ghost Spider' Gwen Stacy. Copying extraordinary template…]
"Ethan?" Gwen tilted her head. "What's wrong? Is that question really that hard to answer?"
"Oh…" Ethan quickly snapped out of it. "Well… Ghost Spider has extraordinary power and uses it to help the weak. I think that's really admirable."
How could it not be?
The powerful Miss Gwen was about to grant him part of her abilities...
"Admirable?"
Gwen blinked in surprise.
She had originally used her powers just to test them out—maybe rough up a few criminals here and there for fun. Of course, her father's strict upbringing as a police officer had also played a role in shaping her sense of justice.
But she hadn't expected Ethan to view her actions in such a noble light.
Is that how you see me, Ethan…?
A mix of shyness and excitement bubbled up within her.
Jessica, meanwhile, thoughtfully flexed her fingers.
[Copying of 'Knight' Jessica's extraordinary template complete.]
[Copying of 'Ghost Spider' Gwen's extraordinary template complete.]
[Fusion loading: Novice Extraordinary Template—Knight Spider.]
[Acquired Extraordinary Ability: Knight-level physical enhancement.]
[Acquired Extraordinary Ability: Spider-Man-level physical enhancement.]
[Acquired Extraordinary Ability: Flight.]
[Acquired Extraordinary Ability: Spider-Sense.]
[Acquired Extraordinary Ability: Static Adhesion.]
[Bonus Suit—Knight Spider Armor: Super-strength defense, automatic repair, absolute concealment, information isolation…]
[Research knowledge related to spider silk launchers included.]
[Template Notes: Physical enhancement abilities will stack exponentially. However, the effect of a lower-tier enhancement will be reduced when combined with a significantly stronger one.]
Ethan felt a surge of power coursing through his body.
And just like that, his journey as an "Extraordinary Relationship User" had officially begun.