Chapter 34: Chapter 34: The Road is Long and Hard, Indeed!
This is a bonus chapter for the 100 power stones!
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Wednesday morning, nine o'clock.
It was a normal school day at Midtown High School of Science and Technology.
But Peter and Gwen were not on campus.
In a taxi.
The two leaned against each other. The distance from Queens to the courthouse where the Green Goblin was being tried was quite far.
Since they had gotten up early, they could only catch up on sleep in the car.
Suddenly, Peter woke up because a mechanical voice echoed in his ears.
[You have completed the mission: Save Gwen.]
[Reward: 20,000 points.]
[Hidden scoring system activated.]
[Past tragic experiences are not an excuse to turn to a life of crime.]
[Seeking revenge and killing those who have wronged you—that's heroic; bullying and tormenting innocent people—that makes you a criminal!]
[Since you made the Vulture experience utter despair before his death, your evaluation score is 2,000, which can be converted into a special skill.]
[Would you like to convert?]
"Convert." Peter didn't hesitate to take the gamble.
Mainly out of curiosity about what this special ability might be.
[You have acquired a special skill: Instant Costume Change.]
[The next time you switch identities, you won't need to find the nearest restroom. As long as you're in a place where no one can see you, a single thought will allow you to change outfits instantly.]
Peter didn't react much.
He had been hoping for a Talisman.
But having this skill was better than nothing.
What truly made Peter happy was that his exchange points had now accumulated to 60,000.
At this rate, it seemed like the Homelander template wasn't too far off.
To be honest, Peter was already quite strong, but not overwhelmingly so.
While Gwen was still asleep, he did a quick mental rundown.
First, his super speed came from the Rabbit Talisman, which was a permanent ability.
His strength came from the Ox Talisman, but the Ox Talisman's usage period was down to less than two months.
The Ox Talisman not only gave him strength but also enhanced his physical durability.
Force works both ways. Without this enhancement, his ordinary human body wouldn't be able to punch through a wall!
Similarly, his endurance and cardiovascular functions had also been significantly improved.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to run so far.
Then there was the flight ability, which, obviously, came from the Flight Potion.
Finally, there were Yan Shuangying's various unbelievable skills...
He was strong, but not overwhelmingly so.
So, the Homelander template was a must. At least at that level, his physical abilities would be in the superhuman range.
A few days ago, when Peter was dragging the Vulture through the air, he experienced discomfort due to high altitude and lack of oxygen.
The main reason was that his physical condition wasn't up to par.
Peter couldn't help but sigh.
The road is long and hard, indeed.
There were still many shortcomings in his current abilities, such as resistance to mental attacks.
Although he was fast, if he encountered someone like Professor X, he'd probably be in trouble.
Just then, the taxi hit a bump, jolting Gwen awake.
"Peter, why aren't you resting?"
"I was woken up by someone's snoring."
Gwen was stunned and elbowed Peter.
"I don't snore."
The reason the two were able to attend the trial was thanks to Gwen's father.
Through his connections, they were able to enter this high court.
"I believe Osborn will get the punishment he deserves. He killed so many innocent people; he'll definitely be sentenced to death!"
Gwen said bitterly.
"I can't believe the CEO of a major company could be like this. I met him once and thought he was a gentleman."
Peter shook his head, offering a different perspective.
"Probably not that simple!"
"Oscorp has created so much economic value in New York. Presidential campaigns require massive financial support, and Osborn is a major donor to these politicians."
"In short, I feel this trial might not go the way we expect!"
Gwen's eyes widened.
"Peter, you think so too?"
"Too?"
"Who else thinks so?"
"Uh... never mind."
Gwen was shocked that Peter shared the same view as the Punisher.
This made her original conviction waver slightly.
No!
It can't be like this!
"Just wait and see, Peter!"
"I bet the Green Goblin will get the punishment he deserves."
"If you lose, you'll have to treat me to lunch. I know a great restaurant."
Peter raised an eyebrow.
"You want to bet? Alright."
"If I win, I'll treat the beautiful Miss Gwen to lunch."
Soon, the taxi arrived at their destination.
Entering the courthouse, the trial began shortly after.
The courtroom was packed. Without connections, you really couldn't get in.
But this was to be expected. Curiosity is human nature, and Norman Osborn was one of the most well-known entrepreneurs in America.
"Order!"
"Court is now in session!"
After the opening formalities, the judge in a suit looked at Osborn in the defendant's seat.
"Mr. Osborn, you face numerous charges, including the bombing of multiple universities and high schools in New York, causing significant casualties, harming citizens, and inciting social panic. Do you have any objections to these charges?"