But with Catalyst X in the venom, the modifications became permanent. Irreversible. The host's DNA would rewrite itself to incorporate the new traits.
'This wasn't an accident,' Alex realized. 'This spider was designed to create enhanced humans. The escape was probably an accident. But the spider's purpose was always human enhancement.'
He kept reading. Found test results on mice. The survival rate was about forty percent. Sixty percent of test subjects died within forty-eight hours. Organ failure. Immune system collapse. Cellular breakdown.
But the forty percent that survived showed remarkable changes. Strength increased by three hundred percent. Reaction time decreased to a tenth of normal. Sensory capabilities enhanced across all measures.
Peter had survived. Was thriving. His body had accepted the modifications perfectly.
'Why did it work for him when so many test subjects died?' Alex wondered.
He searched for more data. Found genetic profiles of the test subjects. All were adult mice. Fully mature organisms.
'Age,' Alex thought. 'Peter's young. Sixteen. His body is still developing. Still adaptable. The modifications integrated during a growth phase instead of trying to rewrite a mature system.'
That was important. If Alex wanted to use this research for himself, timing mattered. The younger the better. His body was still capable of adaptation even if he was already seventeen.
He copied everything. All the files. All the research. Genetic sequences. Chemical formulas for Catalyst X. Test results. Behavioral observations. Video logs.
Everything went onto an encrypted drive. Completely legal. Part of his assignment. Nobody would question why he had these files.
His phone buzzed. Text from Peter.
"Can't go to school. Everything is too loud. Too bright. Too much. Please help."
Alex checked the time. 11:30 AM. Peter should be in third period English right now.
He texted back. "I'm at work. Can you hold on until this evening? I'm getting the information we need."
"I'm on the ceiling again. Can't get down. Aunt May is at work. I'm alone and freaking out."
Alex swore quietly. He needed to be there. Peter was losing control.
He walked to Dr. Connors' office. Knocked on the open door.
"Dr. Connors? I need to take a long lunch. Family emergency. I'll make up the time tonight."
Connors looked up from his computer. "Everything okay?"
"Friend is sick. Needs help. I'll be back by two."
"Go. Take care of it."
Alex grabbed his bag and headed out. The subway to Queens took thirty minutes. He texted Peter updates. Kept him calm. Talked him through breathing exercises.
He arrived at Peter's house at 12:15. Used the spare key Peter had given him weeks ago during a study session. Let himself in quietly.
"Peter? Where are you?"
"Upstairs. My room."
Alex climbed the stairs and opened Peter's door. His friend was stuck to the ceiling. Literally pressed against it like gravity didn't exist. His face was pale. Eyes were wide with panic.
"I've been up here for an hour. I can't turn it off. I can't let go."
"Okay. Stay calm." Alex set his bag down. "You're panicking. That's making it worse. Your abilities respond to your mental state."
"How do you know that?"
"Educated guess. But it makes sense. You said yesterday you could control it with concentration. Right now you're not concentrating. You're panicking."
Peter took a shaky breath. "Okay. Okay. How do I concentrate when everything is so intense? I can hear my neighbor's TV three houses down. I can smell what Aunt May cooked for breakfast this morning. It's overwhelming."
"Focus on one thing. My voice. Just my voice. Block everything else out."
"I'm trying."
"Breathe. In through your nose. Out through your mouth. Slow and steady."
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