Chapter 896

In the dimly lit laboratory, Otto returned a stack of documents to the shelf, realigning the labels he had disturbed, then glanced at his watch and sighed.

He turned, using a tentacle behind him to shut the filing cabinet door, but in the glass reflection, he saw a familiar figure.

"Spider-Man, how are you here now… wait, you're not Spider-Man!" Otto spun around instantly, all eight tentacles fully extended into a defensive stance, while the Spider-Man opposite said, "Don't tense up—I am Spider-Man, just not the Spider-Man from your world…"

"Of course, I had his permission before coming over, Dr. Otto. I need to speak with you—just three minutes, I won't take up much of your time…"

Otto narrowed his eyes. "You're that lucky kid from before? What do you want with me?"

"Uh, I heard from your world's Spider-Man that you swapped bodies with him, so you're the former Ultimate Spider-Man…"

Otto propped himself up with his tentacles. "If you came here just to catch up, get out now—I've work to do."

"Cough. Spider-Man cleared his throat. "Here's the thing—you should know, humanity in our universe has begun developing the solar system, but we're short on research personnel. We need outstanding scientists…"

"Of course, this isn't unpaid labor. You can freely use our high-tech equipment, and take back a batch of special metals unique to our universe—the same metals used by our universe's Doctor Octopus for his tentacles. The results were excellent—he's already upgraded to the 16th generation…"

"No matter how advanced your world becomes, I have no interest in it. Look outside—this entire city surveillance system was built by me. I'm not behind you, and I don't need you…"

As Otto spoke, Spider-Man kept muttering under his breath, like rehearsing lines. Before Otto finished, Spider-Man interrupted: "Of course, our institute also offers excellent salaries, and research funding is extremely stable…"

Otto snorted. "Do you know I created Parker Industries in this world? Yes, under Spider-Man's name, I became the new richest person on Earth. Do you think I care about your funding?"

Spider-Man didn't respond at all—he kept memorizing his lines. "Besides, our institute has many outstanding researchers—besides Dr. Otto, there's Dr. Reed, Dr. Banner, Dr. Ethan…"

Spider-Man rattled off a string of names. This time, Otto said nothing—only his tentacles slowly retracted. He turned back to organizing documents, as Spider-Man continued:

"Also, our medical research team has developed a lizard serum—it can heal nearly all external injuries and regenerate lost limbs. They also possess another serum capable of significantly extending human lifespan…"

Otto's hand paused. He turned his head and saw Spider-Man's hopeful gaze. Spider-Man looked at him and said, "Alright, I'll admit—I've run into some trouble. Or rather, my world's New York has run into some trouble…"

"I don't know if you know Nick Fury, but a few days ago, he died. So did Coulson, Dr. Dora—all of them. The superheroes are overwhelmed. Now only I—only Spider-Man—can defend New York and protect S. . . . . .'s legacy…"

Spider-Man paused. Then, with a tone Otto couldn't understand—resolute, unyielding—he said:

"Now, I believe I can defend humanity's dream of once again reaching for the stars."

When Otto appeared in Spider-Man's base, sixty percent of the Spider-Men immediately bristled.

All that could be heard was "whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh"—within seconds, the base became a spiderweb. Every Spider-Man shot webbing to hang themselves from the walls, their compound eyes fixed on Peter and Otto as they walked across the floor.

"Is Doctor Octopus invading? How did he get here?"

"What's going on? Who's that Spider-Man below? How did he bring Doctor Octopus here? Where's Amazing Spider-Man? Why isn't he stopping this?"

"That damn Doctor Octopus… they're passing through the portal. Where are they going?"

With a flash of light, Peter and the former Ultimate Spider-Man—now Doctor Octopus Otto—vanished into the portal.

Before the hanging Spider-Men could even breathe, Peter returned. A moment later, he vanished again—obviously sent to another multiverse. Then, after more than ten minutes, he returned with another figure, walked to the portal, and vanished once more.

"If I'm not mistaken, that was Electro. How did the Sinister Six end up with Spider-Man?"

"Wait! Look—he's back again…"

Peter reappeared in the base's lobby, repeating the same routine: walking to the portal, vanishing into the multiverse, returning with another villain, then vanishing again.

Peter and the villains walked from left to right, then right to left. All the Spider-Men, hanging from walls and ceilings, turned their heads from right to left, then left to right.

Spider-Gwen hung from a lobby pillar, watching Peter and various villains come and go. She turned to Amazing Spider-Man. "Do you know what's going on? Why are you letting them use our teleportation tech?"

"Because it's a win-win," Amazing Spider-Man shrugged. "He's giving the villains in my universe new job opportunities. That way, I don't have to spend so much time maintaining order. Maybe I'll even finish my major project by year-end."

Another Spider-Man leaned in. "You mean he's taking villains from your universe to his? But how does he control them? Doesn't he fear they'll cause chaos in his world?"

Amazing Spider-Man shrugged. "You don't understand his universe—it's…"

Amazing Spider-Man had once visited the future of Peter's universe with him, so he knew exactly how it worked. He explained to the other Spider-Men.

"Simply put, their world is in rapid development—labor is scarce. Anyone with even a minor special ability can be put to work…"

"Most of the villains we usually deal with aren't irredeemable psychopaths. Sandman and Electro became criminals because they suffered unfair treatment. Doctor Otto? Even worse—he was just unlucky after an accident…"

"Once they arrive in their universe, they're not discriminated against—they're fought over by research teams and project groups. I heard two institutes nearly came to blows over who got Electro, the one who controls electricity. Now, at least, there's enough to go around."

Spider-Gwen's eyes flickered. "How many people do they need? I think the Sinister Six from my world should get some real jobs too."

"Are they going there to work? How's their salary paid?"

"Will they be mistreated there? What about their benefits?"

"Can we go visit? Honestly, I've always thought my own universe was boring—I want to see the Mercury Base."

"I heard they got some big spaceships. Can I go fly one? I don't even need to steer—just let me press the accelerator…"

"I heard they blew up a star last time. Too bad we didn't see it—it must've been beautiful…"

"Is their gaming industry more advanced too? Can I get early access to those companies' new games?"

Instantly, the entire lobby erupted into noise. Only twenty or thirty Spider-Men were present, yet they made as much commotion as two or three hundred. Amazing Spider-Man raised his hands and shouted: "Quiet! All of you, quiet!"

"You can't go sightseeing right now. Their New York is having some trouble—apparently the military's behind it. It's unsafe, not suitable for tourists."

"What? The military's causing trouble again? I told you—they never stop!"

"No problem. We can help maintain order once we get there. The solar system's huge—surely there's room for us to stay?"

"Exactly! Wasn't the whole point of forming this group to help each other? If they're in trouble, we should go help them…"

"I originally came for the Vampire Clan, but now their heirs have vanished. Still, helping that Spider-Man isn't a bad idea…"

"Who's going? I'll go prepare gear!"

"Me! Me! Take me too! I want to see how they leave the solar system!"

"I'm coming too. My New York's fine with Iron Man watching over it…"

"Me! I'm on summer break!"

Instantly, dozens of Spider-Men raised their hands. Peter Parker had always been someone who loved excitement—and the idea of traveling to a unique universe had them all buzzing.

Amazing Spider-Man thought for a moment. "Alright. Last time fighting the Heir Clan was exhausting. Let's all go visit his universe for a few days. As for the military's trouble—what can't a group of Spider-Men handle?"

"Hurry up, let's go now! What souvenirs can we buy there?"

"Is our money accepted? Do we need to check exchange rates?"

"Where's my dress? I need to wear a new one…"

The Spider-Men leapt down from the walls. Some headed to the equipment room, others to the wardrobe. Soon, everyone had gathered their gear and stood waiting in the center of the lobby.

When Peter returned, he froze at the sight.

"What are you all doing here?" Peter scratched his head.

Amazing Spider-Man stepped forward, slinging an arm around Peter's shoulder. "I told them what you told me about your universe. They're fascinated—they're demanding to visit your home."

Peter said, "But now isn't a good time to visit. Didn't I tell you? Our place is a bit…"

"No problem," Amazing Spider-Man waved his hand. "We can handle your trouble. Trust us—nothing a group of Spider-Men can't fix."

Peter glanced back at the Spider-Men, some carrying suitcases, others wearing sun hats—they looked less like a superhero team and more like a tour group.

Peter gave a reluctant expression, but finally said, "Alright. I can arrange a camping spot for you—but you must promise me, absolutely no causing trouble…"

Amazing Spider-Man patted his chest. "Relax. Don't you know us yet? We won't cause any chaos!"