Chapter 27: The Lizardman Appears! The Female Knight Shows Her Power!
"You don't understand!"
Connors raised an arm, determined to stop the workers. "This is a major breakthrough for mankind! You're committing a crime against human progress!"
"This…" Several porters hesitated, looking at their supervisor. They hadn't been told they'd have to fight anyone. If that was the case, they deserved extra pay.
"Connors…" The supervisor spoke coldly. "I'm giving you one more day to clear out. If I see you in the lab tomorrow, I'll have you thrown out myself. Save yourself some dignity."
"Hmph!"
With that, he waved a hand dismissively, let out a cold snort, and led his team away.
"One day… just one day…"
Connors slumped against the metal equipment, sliding weakly to the ground.
"One day isn't enough for a clinical trial!"
His gaze fell on the row of green reagents on the table. A manic glint flashed in his eyes. He lunged forward, grabbed a vial, filled a syringe, and then aimed it at his arm…
---
Stark Tower
"You came all this way just to ask me to make these?"
Tony examined the design for the web-shooter that Black Spider had handed him. "It's not difficult, but the idea is clever—especially the spider silk solvent."
"Yeah, I'll pick them up another day," Ethan Lee replied. "Also, I need a few combat suits for the Female Knight and Ghost Spider. You know, not just any clothes will do, or I'd just go to a tailor."
"More suits?!" Tony sighed, exasperated. "You're asking for multiple sets while I'm still refining my Iron Man suit."
"Fine, but it'll take time."
"By the way," Tony glanced at Ethan's Spider Knight suit, "Are you guys a superhero team now? Your suit's not bad either. Why not just—"
"I didn't make this. And if you know the Female Knight and Ghost Spider, don't tell them about this."
Ethan handed over the designs and turned to leave. "Make the suits however you like. I'd love to see the work of a true genius."
The less Tony knew about Black Spider's identity, the better. The man was sharp—saying too much would only lead to trouble.
---
Early Morning
Ethan sped down the road in his sleek, modified car. Jessica sat in the passenger seat, with Gwen and Skye in the back.
"Wow, Ethan, it's rare for you to drive us to school," Jessica mused, watching the scenery blur past. "I don't have to jump across rooftops today~"
She usually took to the buildings to get to school, using the commute as training. More importantly, it helped her avoid being recognized on the street.
At school, under the watchful eyes of the teachers, Jessica had built up some prestige, ensuring she wasn't bothered much.
"Jessica, you still can't fly?" Gwen teased from the back seat. "You need to work harder."
Jessica smirked. "Oh? And what do you know about superheroes, Gwen?" She deliberately countered, "Just stick to your Ghost Spider cosplay and be the club's mascot."
Then she turned to Ethan. "Hey, don't just stay silent! There are three beautiful girls in this car—say something!"
"I'm driving," Ethan replied flatly. "What do you expect me to say?"
Jessica pouted. "Why are you driving us today, anyway?"
Ethan glanced at Skye through the rearview mirror. "Skye, you explain."
"Because our teacher has to go to school today," Skye said with a playful smile.
"Teacher? Who? Ethan?" Jessica raised an eyebrow, then suddenly remembered. "Wait a minute, Skye, didn't you drop out of school? What are you doing here?"
"I'm teacher's assistant now," Skye replied, blinking innocently. "A very obedient one, too~"
"Assistant?"
Gwen's eyes widened. "Skye, did you seduce Ethan?"
She lunged at Skye, tickling her. "Little vixen!"
"Hahaha! Gwen, stop—nooo!" Skye squirmed, trying to escape, but she was no match for Gwen's agility.
Gwen pinned her down, cradling her like a cat. Tears of laughter welled up in Skye's eyes.
"Skye, aren't you my assistant?" Jessica huffed. "Traitor! My legs are sore from working for Ethan's measly pocket money."
"Huh?" Gwen stopped tickling and looked at Jessica suspiciously. "Jessica, what does Ethan's pocket money have to do with your sore legs?"
"U-Uh, nothing!" Jessica stammered. "I mean… we're good friends! We're like family! Gwen, stop bullying Skye!"
Gwen narrowed her eyes at Jessica, then glanced down at her lower body.
A pair of youthful, toned legs peeked out from beneath tight, stylish hot pants. Her feet were clad in brown-and-black boots.
Since becoming the Female Knight, Jessica's wardrobe had changed drastically. She always wore smooth stockings—changing styles almost daily—leaving the boys at school dazzled.
Gwen put two and two together. "Jessica, are you…?"
"I-I'm not! Don't say weird things!" Jessica quickly denied it.
Ethan sighed, deadpan. Three women in one car. This is exactly why I don't talk.
Suddenly, Jessica pointed out the window. "Whoa! What's that?!"
"Something green just flashed by," Skye, still lying on Gwen's lap, said while rubbing her teary eyes.
"Not just 'something'!" Gwen leaned forward, eyes widening. "Ethan, stop the car! There's an accident ahead!"
Traffic had come to a standstill.
A massive, green-skinned lizard-like creature with thick limbs was leaping from car to car, denting roofs with every landing. Pedestrians screamed and fled. Car alarms blared in all directions.
"What the hell?!" Jessica gasped. "Did a circus lizard escape?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes. "It's Connors."
Jessica blinked. "Wait… are you…?" She hesitated. "Did you have a falling-out with Dr. Connors? Why are you cursing him like that?"
Ethan spoke with confidence. "I see a 70% similarity in their facial structure."
Jessica stared at the monstrous creature's massive, scaly head, the gaping jaws dripping with saliva.
"…You can see that?"
She had a feeling her brother was just insulting him.
Gwen's expression darkened. She recalled Dr. Connors' research—it involved lizard DNA.
Could it really be…?
"ROAR!"
The Lizardman's vertical pupils gleamed with primal hunger. Wrecking cars wasn't enough. It locked onto a little girl lagging behind her fleeing parents and lunged toward her.
"Oh no!" Jessica panicked. She was still stuck in the car.
"I got this!"
Ethan spun the steering wheel. The car drifted into an arc before slamming into the Lizardman, knocking it aside mid-leap.
The impact made the car tremble, but Ethan and Jessica barely flinched. Skye, on the other hand, was left a little dizzy, cushioned in Gwen's arms.
"Whoa! That was awesome, Ethan!"
"Now it's my turn!"
Jessica rummaged through her schoolbag. "Wait, where did I put it—why is there only homework?! Where's my stuff?!"
"Jessica, hurry! It's getting up!" Gwen urged.
"Here it is!"
Jessica pulled out a sleek, metallic mask and fastened it over her face.
Ethan sighed. "You're already exposed. What's the point?"
"It's called a sense of ritual," Jessica replied, tying her hair into a high ponytail. The metal ring securing it bore the words Female Knight.
The Lizardman locked eyes on them, rage brewing in its emerald-green pupils.
It roared—and charged.
Jessica grinned.
"The Female Knight has arrived!"