The next morning, early in the day, in a Bronx apartment…
"The sun is shining, the flowers are smiling at me, the birds are saying, 'Good morning, good morning—why are you carrying a bag of dynamite?
I want to blow up the school. The teachers don't know. As soon as the fuse is pulled, I run away. With a bang, the school disappears…"
Damian hummed a strange nursery rhyme while preparing breakfast.
In the living room, he turned on the TV as usual and switched to the news channel.
On screen appeared Eddie Brock's face—three-quarters reminiscent of the Jewish gang leader Alfie Solomons, four-quarters like the bone-setting master Bane, and ninety-three-quarters unmistakably Tom Hardy.
> "On the evening of July 10th, local time, the luxury cruise ship Argo suffered an unexplained accident near the Caribbean Sea and sank in just thirty minutes.
>
> According to the Coast Guard, the vessel lost contact shortly after transmitting a distress signal. By the time rescue teams arrived, they found only scattered wreckage and a few lifeboats. Of the 4,200 passengers and crew aboard, only five were rescued; the rest remain missing.
>
> Preliminary investigations indicate massive structural damage to the hull, though the exact cause remains undetermined. Weather-related factors have been ruled out, and experts now suspect an underwater impact.
>
> Insurance companies estimate losses exceeding $800 million, making this one of the worst maritime disasters in recent years. The investigation is ongoing…"
> "In other news, a mysterious armored vigilante calling himself 'Iron Man' has been appearing frequently in Middle Eastern conflict zones, launching aggressive strikes against terrorist strongholds.
>
> While his actions have significantly weakened several extremist groups, his methods—often resulting in high civilian casualties—have drawn widespread criticism.
>
> An anonymous U.S. military official acknowledged that the armor's technology far surpasses current military capabilities but denied any connection to Stark Industries.
>
> International observers have raised concerns about his motives, speculating he could be a private military contractor or an illicit armed group using the region as a testing ground.
>
> The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into his activities…"
> "Special announcement! Stunt performer Johnny Blaze—yes, Blaze, not Blades—has announced his 'Hellfire' stunt show at Yankee Stadium in New York City on February 18th. He plans to leap a modified motorcycle over five hovering Black Hawk helicopters.
>
> Known for his death-defying feats, Blaze has already been warned by the Federal Aviation Administration that this stunt is 'extremely dangerous.'
>
> Tickets are sold out, with over 50,000 spectators expected. Authorities will increase security to prevent accidents…"
...
There isn't much to say about the first news report. After all, Damian himself was aboard that ship—he knows better than anyone what really happened.
As for the insurance company's $800 million loss… well, the United States boasts a robust judicial system, strong social trust, a culture of contractual integrity, and—of course—noble civic ethics…
Damian pessimistically estimated that he would never receive compensation from the insurance company in his lifetime.
To be conservative, they might have to send a copy of the Coast Guard's bill to each of the four of them.
As for Harry Osborn's share… even if he dared to offer it, the Marons probably wouldn't dare accept it!
After all, he isn't just any capitalist—he's the second-largest arms supplier to the U.S. military.
Anyone foolish enough to take his money might find themselves sent alone to attack Cybertron from five directions by the Joint Chiefs!
Regarding the second piece of news, Damian wasn't sure if it was because Obadiah Stane had been arrested—but Tony Stark still hadn't uttered his famous line: "I am Iron Man."
He was still in the Middle East, fighting extremist terrorist groups… and, apparently, some of his own countrymen.
The third news item gave Damian pause.
Johnny Blaze, originally a motorcycle stuntman, had once made a deal with the demon Mephisto to save his adoptive father's life—and became the Ghost Rider.
Based on the timeline, Damian figured Johnny had already gained his powers, and the Witch of Hearts (or perhaps the Heartless Demon—the name was fuzzy) was likely on her way to Earth.
True, the Kamar-Taj temple stood in New York, but the Ancient One had spent recent decades pondering how best to die—and probably wouldn't lift a finger to intervene.
Damian sighed. The boss is unreliable. He'd have to find time to look up where that village—San Venganza—was located.
...
Back at Midtown High, Damian had barely sat down when Peter Parker bounded over, eyes sparkling with romantic excitement.
"Z! Did you see the news this morning?"
Damian glanced at him, thought for a moment, then ventured cautiously:
"Is it the one where—'Shocking! A Florida woman stepped in cow dung, slipped, touched an exposed wire, and was electrocuted. Her sister tried to reenact the incident for reporters… and got electrocuted too'?"
"…Okay, that's not the news I meant—but seriously, which channel was that on? Don't make me beg, bro!"
Damian curled his lip in a look that clearly said, "Only Mianbei and I put up with your nonsense," and replied dryly:
"Never mind that. What were you actually going to tell me?"
Peter's face lit up again—though tinged with bittersweet hope.
"The Daily Bugle morning report! They said the Argo—the ship that sank on January 28th—caused such an uproar that the government stepped in, and UnitedHealthcare is compensating every passenger and crew member!"
"The total payout's over $800 million! That's like $20,000 per person for 40,000 people—wait, no, 4,000! Anyway, $20K could buy a car! I've always wanted one, but my family's never been rich, so this time—hehe…"
Damian stared at him with an expression that screamed: "Everyone else is drinking from the fountain of wisdom—you're just gargling."
"Are you insane?" he said flatly. "Do you even know UnitedHealthcare's claim denial rate? Last year, the industry average was 16%. Theirs was 32%—double."
"For small claims, maybe they pay. But for a mass-casualty maritime disaster like the Argo sinking? They'll fight every claim tooth and nail."
"Even if you sue and win—which could take decades—good luck collecting before your grandkids are old enough to file their own claims."
Peter's hopeful aura instantly deflated. He slumped into a posture that somehow combined the despair of a jilted lover, the exhaustion of a sleep-deprived husband, and the petulant rage of a toddler about to flip a table.
Damian sighed again. Honestly, Peter Parker alone could form a complete Chinese family drama.
Visit patreon.com/ShiroTL to gain access to 40+ chapters