After sending Otto Parker back to his original tiline, Peter was deeply engrossed in reading a paper in the laboratory.
At that mont, Amazing Spider-Man knocked and walked in. Peter turned his head to look at him, asking, "You're back from S.H.I.E.L.D.? Did they finally let you go?"
The Amazing Spider-Man sighed, appearing sowhat exhausted. Clearly, Nick Fury's insatiable curiosity about the Multiverse had overwheld him. "I can't even rember how many questions I answered before they let go," he lanted, pulling up a chair and sitting down. Leaning on the lab table, he began to vent to Peter.
"Usually, I only et the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. when the Avengers have a mission. I never expected your world's Nick Fury to..."
The Amazing Spider-Man exhaled deeply, "First, he asked how I travel through the Multiverse. I told him it's using the Spider-Sense, or Spider Totem. He then asked if it would work if a spider bit him."
"He ntioned that all the Spider-n from various universes are now gathering together. He wants to invite them over to discuss if they could transport villains from their universes – ones that are no longer needed – and have them work for him here."
"That's basically human trafficking! Of course, I couldn’t agree. Instead, he talked to for two hours about the necessity of humanity's expansion into space and the dangers of labor shortages during colonization. I'm still trying to wrap my head around that."
"Mr. Stark never lets be alone with Director Nick. He believes Nick would be a bad influence on ," Peter ntioned casually while continuing to read his paper.
The Amazing Spider-Man patted his shoulder, "That's probably wise. I was almost persuaded."
"How did he try to convince you?" Peter asked with a smile.
"He argued that the villains, if left in our universe, would only cause harm. Imprisoning them would be a waste when they could be sent here to contribute to mankind’s journey into space."
Resting his head on one hand, the Amazing Spider-Man pondered, "I never really considered this. If humans truly ventured into space colonization, at least the real estate prices in New York might drop?"
"Spider-Man 2099 once told about their universe. But as far as I know, they haven't started space colonization. They just have more advanced science and technology on Earth. Your universe seems to be progressing even faster," the Amazing Spider-Man reflected.
"I used to think that capturing one criminal ant saving one person. That's true to an extent. But my friends and ntors always said that if I spent that sa ti in the lab, I could save the entire world," Peter flipped a page of his paper.
Taking a brief glance at the complex theories on the page, even the seasoned researcher Amazing Spider-Man felt slightly overwheld. Looking at Peter's youthful face, he said, "Perhaps they were right."
"You still have ti to choose, to be Peter Parker and not Spider-Man," the Amazing Spider-Man stated, turning away. But Peter looked at him, "Why don't you try to be both Peter Parker and Spider-Man?"
The Amazing Spider-Man chuckled, "The only reason you can fully embrace being Peter Parker is that others have taken on the duties ant for Spider-Man. Your teachers, elders, and friends have given so much ti and effort, so you can focus in the lab."
"I work in research because I need money. I have rent to pay and need to save for Aunt May's retirent."
"So have said that if I spent my cri-fighting ti working instead, I'd probably have bought a new house by now. But that's not what I want."
"If Spider-Man keeps appearing in New York, people in danger will always have hope. Whether or not I can save them, they'll always hope for Spider-Man. I know that maybe improving dical technologies or inventing new tools could change the world more effectively. But Spider-Man's existence gives those vulnerable souls a glimr of hope for a safer tomorrow."
"I realize that dedicating myself to scientific research might elevate my career, perhaps even win awards. While that can also benefit the world...” The Amazing Spider-Man looked at Peter and continued, “If you ever walked through the most dangerous streets of Queens after dark, you'd understand. More than a scientist, you'd hope to see a silhouette swinging in the sky, ensuring your safety. That's why I do what I do."
"While so try to ensure the sun never sets, Spider-Man just wants to help you endure the darkest night," the somber tone of the Amazing Spider-Man echoed in the room, softer than moonlight.
Peter looked intently, "What do you think I should do? Continue being Peter Parker or beco Spider-Man?"
"You can choose both, Peter. The possibilities for you are endless," the Amazing Spider-Man replied, staring into his eyes.
"Yes, thanks to the efforts of my friends, I now have more choices rather than worrying about daily survival," Peter mused, shaking his head.
Suddenly, he paused and put down the paper in his hand. Standing up and clutching his forehead, he exclaid, "My God... What am I doing? I ca here to..."
"I need to find Dr. Schiller. I have to confirm if he's still alive!" Peter declared, rushing toward the door. "I got distracted by Dr. Otto's experint and almost forgot the main task!"
"Where are you going?" The Amazing Spider-Man asked, catching up to him.
"To find Pikachu! He surely knows where Dr. Schiller is," Peter replied, continuing his run. The Amazing Spider-Man pressed on, "Pikachu? What's that? Where will you find him?"
Peter glanced at his wristwatch and responded, "At this ti, he would only be in one place..."
Half an hour later, in an arcade in Hell's Kitchen, Peter had grabbed Pikachu by the tail, pulling him away from a ga. Pikachu flailed his stubby arms, shouting, "Let go! I inserted two coins!"
"Where is Dr. Schiller?" Peter demanded.
"He... he's on vacation," Pikachu yelled.
Peter narrowed his eyes. He noticed Pikachu's story lined up with Dr. Strange's: that Schiller was on vacation.
Peter knew that Schiller often took long vacations, sotis spanning a month or two. But he distinctly rembered Dr. Strange seeking Schiller for so matter when he was at the Stark Tower lab.
Later, when Peter inquired about Schiller's whereabouts, Strange told him Schiller was vacationing. But why would Strange search for Schiller at Stark Tower lab if he was on vacation? It didn't add up.
They were definitely hiding sothing.
With this thought, Peter grabbed Pikachu's short arms and gently squeezed his cheeks, saying, "Stop joking. I really need to see him!"
"You might need to see the Sorcerer Supre," Pikachu responded evasively, diverting from the topic. Despite Peter's persistence, Pikachu kept mum on Schiller's location.
Sighing, Peter finally decided to call Strange. From the background noise, it was clear Strange wasn't at the Sanctum Sanctorum but at Kamar-Taj.
After explaining his intent, Strange sighed and said, "Stay there. I'll co get you."
"Get ? Where are we going?" Peter inquired.
"To Kamar-Taj."
Shortly after, a portal appeared overhead, and Strange, without hesitation, pulled Peter through.
Upon arriving at Kamar-Taj, a bewildered Peter asked, "Why is Dr. Schiller here? Is he studying magic?"
"No, he's teaching magic."
After their brief exchange, Strange led Peter through the grand hall of Kamar-Taj, around a mountainside, and into a structure built into the mountain.
Navigating the dim corridor, they reached a door. Strange knocked and, upon opening, Peter was t with a familiar face – Dr. Schiller.
However, Schiller's attire was peculiar. He wore a black robe with green and silver patterns on the collar and cuffs. What caught Peter's attention was the silver shield-shaped badge on his chest, with a green background and a silver... snake?
A sense of recognition dawned on Peter, and he gasped, "Professor Schiller? How can you be here?"
"We et again, Peter," Schiller replied with a grin. "Have you learned how to handle the 'snifflers' effectively?"
Peter was fixated on him, especially the object in Schiller's hand – a small wooden stick, which Peter recognized as a wand from his past dreams.
As Peter was engulfed in shock, footsteps echoed in the hallway, and another figure entered the room, addressing Strange, "Stephen, what's up with this invoice?"
Recognizing the familiar voice, Peter stiffened and turned to see another face – one identical to Dr. Schiller, but dressed differently and holding a contract.
With growing disbelief, Peter alternated his gaze between the two Schillers, desperately trying to make sense of the situation.
Echoing through the Himalayan skies was Peter's horrified scream:
"Why are there TWO Dr. Schillers?!"
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