[bonus chapter for powerstones]
"From what I know, this department is called S.H.I.E.L.D.! Full name: Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. It's a mysterious agency authorized since World War II."
"Their authority is absolute, and they are nearly omnipresent, monitoring every anomaly across every corner of the globe."
"Peter, your act of restoring the school... I'm afraid they've already flagged it! Even though you were masked, with their resources and background, it'll be child's play for them to deduce your real identity!"
As he spoke, Norman Osborn's brow furrowed into a deep 'V', his worry for Peter palpable. No one understood better than he how terrifyingly world-changing Peter's healing ability was.
Once the high-level politicians and power brokers learned of such a power, they would stop at nothing to possess him.
Whether S.H.I.E.L.D. chose to conscript Peter by force or Peter chose to fight for his freedom, it was a dead-end dilemma. Norman couldn't stand by and watch his savior fall into a trap, but he also knew he couldn't fight the entire state machine alone.
He shook his head, adopting the tone of a stern elder. "Your actions were too careless. You cannot act so impulsively in the future."
Even if you love school, you can't expose your supernatural powers just to keep the classrooms open!
To Norman's utter astonishment, Peter didn't look worried at all. Instead, he flashed an "everything is under control" smile.
"Uncle Norman, is it possible... that I was intentionally being careless?"
The gears in Norman's brain stalled for the third time that day. What do you mean, intentionally careless?
Peter wasn't just being stubborn. Restoring the school wasn't merely a prank; it served two deeper purposes.
The first was to catch the Green Goblin's eye and hook him like a prize trout. Looking at the results, that goal had been achieved perfectly.
The second purpose? To proactively draw S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attention!
As for why... the answer was simple: Sacrifice Points.
In Norman's eyes, S.H.I.E.L.D. was a den of wolves that would use "national security" as an excuse to turn anyone into a slave or a pawn. But in Peter's eyes, S.H.I.E.L.D.—or rather, HYDRA-Shield—was a massive, golden fat sheep waiting to be sheared!
The Director, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye... not to mention the shadows like Alexander Pierce, Crossbones, or Baron Strucker. Their equipment, their blood, their unique artifacts—all of them were prime sources for Sacrifice Points!
For Peter, entering S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't like being locked in a cage; it was like being let loose in a buffet. He could pluck their wool whenever he felt like it!
Of course, Peter wouldn't sell his soul for points. He intended to be a hero worshipped by millions, but that didn't mean he would be Nick Fury's lapdog.
He had been a corporate slave in his past life; if he became a slave again after reincarnating—especially to the 'Council'—he might as well have stayed dead.
In this life, Peter Parker was destined to be the freest man on Earth. As for S.H.I.E.L.D. or the Avengers? They would be the ones kneeling and begging him for help.
"Relax, Uncle Norman. I know what I'm doing. S.H.I.E.L.D. can't touch me."
Seeing Peter's absolute confidence, Norman's anxiety eased slightly.
He had seen Peter's power firsthand: raw physical strength that crushed the Lizard, a healing ability that defied death, and that brief glimpse of a "blue magic orb." With such a versatile arsenal, S.H.I.E.L.D. would have to think twice before crossing him.
"If you're sure, I won't pry further." Norman made a decision, choosing to trust the boy. "Just remember, if you need anything, say the word. You saved Harry and me. I will do everything in my power to help you."
As they spoke, a groan came from the sofa. Dr. Connors slowly blinked his eyes open.
"Peter... Norman...?"
Connors wondered if his memory had been wiped. He remembered becoming a monster and being defeated by "The Arbiter." He had been prepared to die, yet here he was, seemingly fine. He looked down at his right side and froze.
What? Is this... my hand?
Seeing his confusion, Norman kindly explained the sequence of events. Hearing that Peter was the Arbiter and had used magic to restore his arm, Connors was overcome with emotion and bowed deeply.
"Peter... I am so sorry. To you, to Gwen, to everyone." He was wracked with guilt for his loss of control. Then, he looked up, his gaze resolute.
"Since you saved my life, Kurt Connors swears in the name of God: my life is yours. I will do anything you ask. I will never betray you!"
Facing their loyalty, Peter didn't act humble or embarrassed. He accepted this "master-servant" dynamic quite naturally. His status was only going to climb; there was no need to maintain a facade of a "perfect gentleman." Helping them reach new heights while achieving his own goals was far more practical than false modesty.
"Actually, I do have two favors to ask of you both."
"First, regarding my identity and Gwen's... please keep it a secret. Don't tell anyone until we decide to go public—not even those closest to you."
Connors and Norman both nodded solemnly.
"Second, I hope you won't reveal anything that happened today to Gwen. Especially don't let her know I am The Arbiter."
The two men were startled, then shared a strange, knowing look. The youth of today... they really know how to play these games.
But if the young couple enjoyed their little "secret roleplay," it wasn't for the elders to interfere. They'd just sit back and watch the drama unfold.
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