Chapter 14: The Boy Who Would Be a Hero
A New Beginning
Ethan Carter had flown across the stars.
He had walked among gods and built a fortress on Mars.
He had revealed himself to the world and changed history overnight.
And now?
Now, he was sitting in a university lecture hall, pretending to be just another student.
It was a strange feeling, blending in with normal people after everything he had done. But he wanted this—wanted to understand humanity up close.
Because one day, he would be their protector.
And to protect them, he had to know them.
Meeting Peter Parker
It didn't take Ethan long to notice him.
Peter Parker was the kind of guy most people didn't notice.
Thin. Glasses slightly crooked. Clothes neat but worn, like they had been washed too many times.
And right now, he was getting shoved against a locker.
Ethan was still new to the university, but it didn't take a genius to recognize bullies.
Three guys surrounded Peter—one of them, a tall blonde with a football jacket, shoved him again.
Peter clenched his books to his chest. "Come on, Flash. Can we not do this today?"
Flash Thompson smirked. "Oh, sorry, Parker. Didn't see you there. You're just so… small."
His friends laughed.
Ethan sighed because it pissed him off to see guys like this.
Before Peter could get shoved again, Ethan stepped forward.
"That's enough."
The bullies turned.
Peter blinked.
Flash frowned. "Who the hell are you?"
Ethan smiled politely. "Someone who doesn't like seeing a three-on-one fight."
The hall went silent.
People were already watching. Whispers spread through the crowd.
Because Ethan Carter wasn't just any student.
He was the most talked-about guy on campus.
The Campus Star
Ever since Ethan had enrolled, people had been obsessed with him.
It wasn't just his looks—though his chiseled features and deep blue eyes definitely turned heads.
It was the way he carried himself.
Calm. Confident. Like he belonged wherever he stood.
Girls whispered about him. Guys either admired him or resented him.
And Flash Thompson hated him.
Because Ethan didn't care.
He ignored the attention. The flirting. The girls who tried to get his number.
And that infuriated guys like Flash.
Now, Flash's eyes darkened. "You think you can walk in here and act like you own the place?"
Ethan sighed. "I think you should walk away before you embarrass yourself."
Flash's face went red. "You little—"
He swung.
Ethan barely moved.
The punch came in slow motion. To Ethan, it was like watching a leaf float in the wind.
He could have dodged.
Could have caught Flash's fist midair.
Instead?
He let it hit him.
A solid thud.
Flash pulled back, shaking his hand. "Ow—what the hell?!"
He had just punched a brick wall.
Ethan smiled. "You done?"
Flash gritted his teeth but took a step back, glaring. "This isn't over."
Ethan shrugged. "If you say so."
Flash and his goons left, muttering curses under their breath.
The crowd broke into whispers.
Peter looked at Ethan, adjusting his glasses. "…That was awesome."
Ethan smiled. "You okay?"
Peter nodded. "Yeah. Thanks."
Ethan extended a hand. "Ethan Carter."
Peter shook it. "Peter. Peter Parker."
Ethan's smile widened.
He knew exactly who Peter Parker would become one day.
But for now?
He was just a kid who needed a friend.
And Ethan could be that.