"So, it's for that Spider-Man?"
Peter Parker finally understood why Bruce had acted the way he did.
Because he was responding to Mysterio.
Responding to the way Mysterio had unearthed a child's deepest nightmare.
This was vengeance.
Bruce didn't say a word. He simply stared coldly at Peter Parker.
Even the innocent and naïve little Spider found himself at a loss under the Bat's gaze.
All he could do was awkwardly fidget, unsure of where to place his hands.
Bruce yanked Mysterio up without hesitation.
At this point, Mysterio was an absolute mess, tears and snot running down his face. He had been completely terrified by what he had just witnessed.
To him, Bruce's bat-like visage was no longer that of a man.
It had become the most terrifying demon in his mind.
"N-No, stay away!"
Despite his desperate attempts to struggle free from Bruce's grasp, it was clear that he stood no chance.
Bruce leaned in and spoke coldly, "What deal did you make with the Tinkerer?"
The Tinkerer was dead. And while Bruce had pieced together some truths from the Prowler, he only believed part of what the man had said.
But Mysterio was someone who could be properly interrogated.
Staring at the demon before him, Mysterio trembled with fear and stammered out, "A device… that could make me famous."
His fear was so overwhelming that he could barely string his words together.
"One that… lets me travel… to another universe."
Still, his meaning was clear enough.
Bruce released his grip, letting Mysterio fall to the ground.
Bruce simply couldn't comprehend it. With the kind of technology Mysterio had developed, he could have lived a life of wealth and fame without any trouble.
Yet he had chosen to use his skills for something like this.
What a waste.
Peter Parker, listening from the side, sighed helplessly.
This guy was truly a genius—just one whose ambitions were unacceptable to normal people.
"Am I too late?"
A breathless voice rang out.
Miles appeared at the entrance of the abandoned warehouse, which had been wrecked by the Batmobile.
Judging by his appearance, it was clear that he had pushed himself to the limit to get here in time.
But the fight had ended too quickly.
Peter Parker glanced at Bruce, signaling him to say something. After all, the two of them were at least somewhat familiar with each other.
But Bruce merely secured the trembling wreck that was Mysterio, tossing him into his car.
Peter had no choice but to step forward and face Miles himself.
Without saying a word, he extended his fist toward Miles.
Spider-Man's fist was right in front of him, yet Miles hesitated.
He hadn't done everything he could. He hadn't been perfect. What right did he have to call himself Spider-Man?
Suddenly, a hand grabbed his.
Peter Parker clasped Miles's hand, forming it into a fist.
Then, without his mask, he revealed a bright, reassuring smile, signaling Miles to bump fists with him.
That warm smile gave Miles the courage to finally return the gesture.
"That's more like it. Spider-Man never lacks courage. Show me the same guts you had when you went up against the Bat."
Hearing this, Bruce narrowed his eyes at Peter Parker.
That look was enough to make Peter lower his voice and lean closer to Miles's ear as he spoke.
After all, Bruce wasn't a superhuman—he wouldn't be able to hear them.
"Honestly, everything that happened here is because the Bat was helping you get revenge," Peter said, patting Miles on the back as if it were the absolute truth.
Miles lifted his head to look at Bruce—only to be met with an utterly expressionless face.
Miles instinctively withdrew his gaze.
There was nothing he could do—this guy's eyes seemed to have some kind of magic that made it impossible to maintain eye contact for long.
But after hearing what Peter Parker said, Miles suddenly felt like the punch to his face didn't hurt as much anymore.
Peter Parker finished what he had to say about the Bat and straightened up, patting Miles on the shoulder.
"Honestly, I don't know what the Peter of this universe would think, but I believe you're a great successor," Peter Parker said, giving Miles a thumbs-up.
"That being said, sometimes it helps to have a discussion with the Bat—it could be beneficial for you."
"But haven't you always protected this city all on your own?" Miles admired Peter Parker and aspired to guard the city just like him, all by himself.
"You're not me. Everyone is different," Peter Parker patiently explained.
"Besides, I have plenty of hero friends—Iron Man, Thor, Cap. They're all my friends. In certain situations, friends can be a great help."
Peter Parker's words gave Miles some clarity.
Most importantly, this Spider-Man had acknowledged him.
"Well then, goodbye!" Peter Parker said, walking toward the portal.
Just before stepping into the portal, he suddenly turned to Bruce, who had remained silent the entire time.
"I don't know if the man behind the mask is Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, or Alain Delon, but I'm sure you'd look much better with a smile."
Peter Parker said this, but all he received in response was Bruce's cold stare.
With a helpless smile, Peter Parker stepped into the portal.
As Peter Parker disappeared into the portal, Bruce unhesitatingly walked up to it, trying to see if he could find any clues.
Unfortunately, there was nothing. It seemed like the portal had simply opened and closed, leaving no trace behind.
Not a single clue left behind.
"I'm sorry, Batman. I wasn't exactly respectful to you before," Miles said, walking up beside Bruce and attempting to apologize.
Bruce responded in a calm tone, "I punched you too, so we're even."
"If I run into any trouble in the future, can I contact you?" Miles quickly followed Bruce, asking as he watched him prepare to leave.
Bruce didn't say a word. He simply got into the Batmobile.
As the Batmobile disappeared from sight, Miles wasn't sure what answer he had just received.
Did Bruce agree or refuse?
Just then, his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"There's nothing to worry about. That guy's just a stubborn tsundere. If you need anything, just go find him," came Jessica's voice from the other end.
"Are you saying he didn't actually reject me?" Miles asked, trying to confirm.
But Jessica simply chuckled before hanging up the call.
(End of Chapter)
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