The Age of Superheroes had indeed begun, but for Tony Stark, it meant exchanging one kind of headache for another. With Obadiah Stane defeated, Tony found himself the undisputed owner and reluctant manager of Stark Industries. The board members, chastened by Obadiah's betrayal and Tony's sudden display of armored might, offered only token resistance.
Tony, however, loathed the administrative burden. "Jarvis," he complained, flying through his lab. "Quarterly reports? Supply chain logistics? I'm an inventor, not an MBA. I need to figure out how to mass-produce clean energy and invent a hundred new things, not sign payroll checks."
After a week of avoiding the office, Tony made a decision that would change Pepper's life: he appointed Pepper Potts as the new CEO of Stark Industries.
His official explanation was that he needed to dedicate his time to developing revolutionary new products, declaring the Arc Reactor's clean energy was merely a first step and that the company needed a strategic vision for a sustainable, hyper-advanced future.
Pepper, despite the seismic shock and the immediate, overwhelming stress, accepted the mantle, commencing her incredibly busy, high-powered life.
Su Yi's routine remained outwardly unchanged: classes, cultivation of female relationships, and meticulous planning for the upcoming Osborn Industries field trip—the crucial moment he intended to expose Gwen Stacy to the genetically modified spider, ensuring she gained her own powers.
He continued his romantic campaign with strategic precision. He met Mary Jane Watson for lively, philosophical debates over coffee, offering intellectual stimulation she rarely found. He enthusiastically supported Betty Brant's dance aspirations, showering her with genuine praise that built a strong, foundationally platonic bond. And he dedicated his study time entirely to Gwen.
"Gwen, heading to the library?" Su Yi asked, catching her after a particularly grueling thermodynamics lecture. "I'm hitting a wall on the kinetic energy conversion section. I was hoping you could walk me through it; you always explain things so clearly."
"Of course, Su!" Gwen replied instantly, her heart fluttering.
In the library, Gwen was consistently amazed. Su Yi often appeared to be casually skimming the material, yet he could flawlessly answer her most difficult questions, revealing a natural, intuitive genius that surpassed even her own studious brilliance.
Su Yi was handsome, intellectually stimulating, polite, and clearly interested in her mind—a potent combination that had completely captured her affection. A single, well-timed confession was all it would take.
They studied until the campus lights came on. "It's really late," Gwen finally said, gathering her books. "I should head home."
"Let's walk out together," Su Yi offered.
They left the library and crossed the campus quad. As they reached the main gate and prepared to separate, the hair on the back of Su Yi's neck prickled with an unmistakable sensation—his Danger Warning ability flared, faint but insistent.
Observation, he instantly concluded. Someone is watching me. Not S.H.I.E.L.D., they're too subtle and have better things to do now. HYDRA? Or someone new reacting to the 'Spider-Bully' news?
He kept his composure, saying goodbye to Gwen normally. "Goodnight, Gwen. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," she said, starting down her usual route.
As Gwen walked away, the warning vanished.
Su Yi frowned, slowing his pace as he walked in the opposite direction. What the hell? It just evaporated. Was it a glitch?
He walked another fifty feet, his mind running simulations. The feeling of unease persisted. Super senses would solve this. I'd know exactly who and where they are.
Then, the realization hit him, cold and sharp.
"The warning disappeared the moment she was out of sight... It wasn't meant for me. It was directed at Gwen!"
A wave of panic hit Su Yi. He broke into a powerful, controlled sprint, turning and racing back toward the gate. He didn't feel the warning at the gate, confirming it was following her. He continued down the street, maintaining a blazing Level 5 Speed while attempting to look like an extremely fit college runner. He pulled out his phone, dialing Gwen's number.
Gwen, who had put her headphones back on, answered, sounding slightly breathless from the brisk walk. "Hey, Su, what's up? Forget your physics book?"
"Gwen, listen to me," Su Yi rushed out, his voice tense and low. "Are you absolutely alright? You need to tell me exactly where you are, and if you see anyone out of the ordinary."
"I'm fine, what is this?" Gwen asked, bewildered.
"I suspect you are being followed. You need to be extremely careful."
The urgency in his tone finally cut through her skepticism. Captain George Stacy's daughter wasn't naive. She discreetly scanned the street, using techniques her father had inadvertently taught her. She saw it: an unremarkable dark van, moving too slowly, and a couple of figures positioning themselves down a cross-street.
"Su, There is a car," she hissed, her voice dropping. "You're right. I think I am being followed. I'm near the old Third Street loading docks."
Su Yi's heart hammered. "Gwen, tell me your cross-street. I'm coming to you right now."
Gwen, terrified but fiercely protective, worried about Su Yi's safety. "No, Su, they're professionals! You'll be in danger! I'm calling my dad; he can send a patrol car faster!"
"Gwen, there's no time for that! Believe me. I am the Spider-Bully! Tell me the exact location, stall them, and I'll be there!"
Gwen gasped, the unbelievable claim hitting her during an adrenaline spike. "You... you're not joking, are you?"
"Never. Location, Gwen! Now!"
Gwen rattled off her nearest cross street. Su Yi slammed his phone shut, found the nearest secluded entryway, and instantly teleported to a rooftop closer to the docks. He then activated his suit and unleashed his web-shooters, becoming the Spider-Bully, slingshotting himself across the city.
Gwen, realizing her phone call was useless—her father's line was busy—ran, desperately trying to lose her pursuers. Her unusual panic alerted the thugs, and they abandoned their subtle tracking, moving in for the snatch.
Gwen found herself cornered. They blocked the street on both sides, forcing her into a narrow, dark alley. She was outnumbered and trapped.
"Here!" the lead thug shouted, pleased. "She's nowhere to go now."
Gwen backed against the damp brick wall. "Who are you? Why are you doing this?"
The leader smirked, closing the distance. "Don't worry, doll. You're important. We're not here to hurt you—unless you make noise." He gestured to his men. "Grab her. Don't scratch the merchandise."
Gwen screamed for help, a desperate, raw sound echoing off the brick—a final plea for Su Yi's promised rescue. She tried to stall. "You'll regret this! Aren't you afraid of Iron Man? Or that Spider-Bully everyone is talking about?"
The thugs laughed, a dismissive, ugly sound. "A Spider-Bully? Who would pick a name like that?"
Just as their hands reached for her, a sudden, powerful WHOOSH of air pressure and the sharp sound of tearing fabric interrupted their mission. A figure dropped from the shadows above.
"You may not know this," a voice, now electronically distorted and booming with contained fury, stated from the darkness above their heads, "But I have that name because I specialize in cleaning up trash like you."
The dark, imposing figure of the Spider-Bully landed between Gwen and her captors, crouched low, his powerful shoulders blocking her view of the street. He aimed his web-shooters directly at their eyes.
"Now, I'm going to put some dust in your eyes!"
The Spider-Bully has made a dramatic entrance to save Gwen. The confrontation is about to begin.