Chapter 205: Superhero John
"Everyone stay alert. Although the main military forces have been drawn away, some are still nearby and will arrive shortly," the Captain warned.
They had to seize the Oscorp Building in the shortest time possible. Once they were entrenched, it would be difficult for the military to do anything about them.
"Charge!" the Captain led the squad as they rushed upward through the building.
The Rooftop
"Oh my, so sorry, Chairman. It seems the helicopter only has enough room for us," Moss sneered, already seated inside the aircraft.
Originally, there were four or five helicopters on the rooftop pad, including the Chairman's private executive transport. But now, they had vanished. One didn't need to think hard to realize Moss was behind this.
"Vice Chairman, the Chairman has the right to board any company aircraft!" Before Harry could even speak, his female secretary grew frantic. If Harry couldn't get on, she—a mere secretary—had no chance at all.
"Is that so? When did the company establish such a rule? Do any of you know?" Moss turned to ask the other board members.
The directors remained silent, keeping their heads down and staring intently at their phones.
"See? Doesn't seem like there is one. However..." Moss paused for a transition, "If the Chairman were willing to transfer his shares to me, I wouldn't mind squeezing in a bit to make room for him."
"Moss... you'll regret this decision." Harry finally spoke. His eyes were filled with fury, but the fire was quickly extinguished by a cold, calculating calm.
"I never regret anything, Chairman." Moss continued to use the title to mock Harry.
BOOM! Another explosion rocked the floors below. The terrorists were getting closer.
"I agree," Harry answered quickly. Only by staying alive could he get his revenge.
"Sensible!" Moss pulled a digital voice recorder from his pocket and waved it in front of Harry. He had come prepared. Moss reached out and pulled Harry onto the helicopter, laughing, "Harry, from now on, we're truly family."
Harry's face remained dark. He didn't reply, but he silently looked back at the board members. Sensing his gaze, they lowered their heads further, not daring to make eye contact. Harry memorized every single face. He would have his retribution.
"Hey! What about me!" the secretary screamed, jumping desperately on the pavement.
But both Harry and Moss ignored her. Harry was barely surviving himself, and Moss had no use for a secretary who had always been loyal to his rival. The helicopter lifted off quickly, flying into the distance and leaving the despairing secretary behind.
"No! Why!" she shrieked.
BANG! The rooftop door was blown open. A group of terrorists swarmed in, pinning her to the ground before she could even react.
"Captain, they escaped," one subordinate said, pointing at the receding silhouette of the helicopter.
"Too slow," the Captain muttered, striking the secretary in the stomach with his rifle butt. He expected to face the Boss's wrath for this. But there was still time to make up for the failure.
Oscorp Research Lab
Another team of terrorists had taken over the lab. The researchers were all huddled in a corner, hands over their heads.
"What's the progress?" the leader asked.
"Five percent," a subordinate replied.
"Why so slow?"
The subordinate explained, "Their research data is massive. We don't know exactly what we need, so we have to copy everything." They didn't trust the researchers cowering in the corner, so mass duplication was the only option.
"Estimated time?" the leader asked, checking his watch.
"Ninety minutes."
"Tell the others: we hold this position for at least ninety minutes." The leader signaled to his companions. Over a dozen men armed with assault rifles took up positions at the main entrance to prevent anyone from interfering.
Simultaneously, terrorists on all floors received the message. They set up heavy weaponry, cut power to the elevators, and planted explosives along the stairwells. They were ready for the military's arrival.
Outside Oscorp
The area surrounding the Oscorp Building had been cordoned off. A large number of police officers stood guard outside, but no one dared to move in without orders and reinforcements.
"This was supposed to be a nice weekend," a rookie-looking cop said, lighting a cigarette.
An older officer nearby chuckled. "Get used to it, John. From now on, things like this will only happen more often. Though, I have to admit, this scale is rare." He had seen attacks before, but a total takeover of a skyscraper was a first.
"While we're still waiting to charge, if you have anything to say to the folks at home, say it now. You might not get another chance." The veteran took the cigarette and inhaled deeply. He had a habit of texting his family before every major operation.
"No, I'll tell them after the mission!" John was more optimistic.
The veteran laughed. "I used to be like you. But after seeing friends fall one by one, I realized how fragile life is."
"It won't be like that. Trust me," John smiled.
"I hope so."
John pulled a photo of his wife from his jacket, then stood up. "I'm going to the restroom."
"Go ahead, but be quick. It looks like the assault starts soon," the veteran, who was also the squad leader, nodded.
"Got it, Captain." John ran to a secluded corner, checked to make sure no one was watching, and whispered, "Time to try this."
He peeled off his police uniform, revealing a black skintight suit underneath.
John was the train conductor Spider-Man had saved. After receiving the vial from Silas, he had hesitated for a long time. But every time he thought about giving up, the image of Spider-Man flashed in his mind. He wanted to be like that.
Gritting his teeth, John had injected the fluid into his veins. Initially, it felt like he was being consumed by fire, and he had blacked out. He woke up a day later with extraordinary strength. He quit his job as a conductor and used his new abilities to join the police force.
"Spider-Man is out there. It's my turn to save the city." John pulled a black mask over his face.
The mask featured a snake-like design, with a white snake emblem printed on his chest. The suit was a basic imitation of Spider-Man's, but he had swapped the webbing patterns for serpentine scales.
"Moving out!"
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