Chapter 26: Training Jessica! I Am the Stock God!
"Devil! This guy is a devil—kill him!"
A bearded man snapped back to reality and ordered his men to open fire on Ethan Lee.
But the bullets only sparked harmlessly against his battle suit, leaving no trace.
Ethan raised his hand, and a surge of air appeared around him, swirling with increasing force. Sand and gravel were lifted by the currents, spinning faster and faster until they slashed through the throats of the terrorists like invisible blades.
Yes, magic was far more efficient than hand-to-hand combat.
"Yinsen, are you okay?"
A large, makeshift iron suit stepped out from behind the stunned Dr. Yinsen.
"What just happened? Was it an explosion?"
Tony Stark maneuvered the Mark I clumsily around the doctor, peering outside. "I almost welded my helmet to my leg."
Then he saw the bodies littering the ground.
Tony was stunned. "...I don't think you did this, Yinsen."
He stepped forward cautiously in his bulky armor. Finally, he spotted Ethan Lee standing in the middle of the chaos.
"Black Spider?"
Tony's eyes widened. "Didn't expect a superhero to be my first rescuer. Expanding your business to Afghanistan now?"
"I don't particularly like the name Black Spider, Stark." Ethan's voice was low and unreadable. "I only saved you because I was already looking for you."
"…That's surprisingly willful," Tony muttered, then said sincerely, "Either way, man, you saved me."
He tapped on the crude iron chest of his suit. "Shame this thing didn't get much use—I spent so much time on it."
"Alright, Mr. Stark," Ethan said as he slowly levitated. "I'll find you again once you're back in New York."
"What?" Tony blinked. "You're just leaving like that?"
"Unless you want me to carry you?" Ethan brushed off his coat and shot into the sky, his final words drifting down, "There's food and water here. Just wait for the military to rescue you."
---
Ghost Spider Fan Club Training Grounds
This was no ordinary club. It even had a combat training ground, though not as advanced as facilities owned by organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D. It was exclusive and always in use.
"Very good, Jessica."
"Left kick, right punch—keep your form straight. Extend those lovely legs!"
Ethan lounged in a chair, casually reading the news while giving instructions. "You've got a strong foundation but lack refined combat skills. That won't do. I need to train you into a real hero."
On the training mat, Jessica wore a sleek black fighting suit, her toned arms and long legs executing agile moves with precision.
A rainbow pierces the sun!
White snake spits out its tongue!
A little effort for great results!
Lightning Five in a Row—okay, maybe not that one.
After a grueling routine, she stopped, breathing heavily. "I'm exhausted, Ethan. Is this really necessary? And do you even know how to fight?"
"Of course. This is a mysterious martial art from the East. You'll appreciate its power once you start using it in real combat."
Jessica raised a skeptical brow but thought to herself—I'll have Gwen try it. If it works, she can learn it too.
She grabbed a sports drink and took a sip before asking, "So, are you ready? When do you plan to meet Ghost Spider?"
"Almost there."
Ethan glanced at the top news headline: 'Stark Returns from Captivity!'
He stood abruptly. "Alright, keep practicing on your own. I need to sell all my Stark Industries stock."
"Pfft—ALL of it?!" Jessica choked on her drink, eyes wide. "Are you serious? Stark just got back—his stock is skyrocketing!"
"What do you know?" Ethan smirked confidently. "Buy first! Sell later! Buy again! Turn it over multiple times—achieve financial freedom!"
Jessica: (⊙_⊙;)
"Ethan… please don't go broke. Otherwise, I'll have to work a day job just to support you…"
Ethan shot her a sideways glance. "Relax. Stick with me, and you'll have everything you need. Carrying sacks? Tsk, that's not a superhero's job."
"Hehe~" Jessica grinned playfully, flashing her teeth.
Ethan flipped his coat dramatically as he left, striking a confident pose. "Haha! I am the Stock God!"
---
Osborn Group—Genetic Research Laboratory
"No! You can't do this!"
Dr. Curt Connors stood in front of several workers, blocking their path. "You can't take my research!"
A company executive sneered. "Dr. Connors, your contract with us is terminated. It's over."
"I'm so close! I just need a little more time!" Connors pleaded, his eyes wild with desperation.
"You always say that. But the company is in decline. We're done funding this project." The executive gestured to the movers. "Pack it up. Dr. Connors, your work is nothing more than a pipe dream."