MARVEL -BLACK SPIDERMAN

When Gwen heard her name called by the stranger, she was stunned, her emotions in turmoil.

How does this guy know my identity? I'm wearing a mask!

"What? You don't believe I recognized you, even with the mask, Miss Gwen?"

Matt took a step forward, addressing her. "Even though I'm blind, I can still 'see' certain things. After the incident at Midtown High, I began paying attention to you."

His tone was calm and measured. "The fact that you were able to take down that spider-monster proves that you're no ordinary person. What you did to Black Cat just now only confirmed it. Plus, I called out to you as Gwen Stacey earlier tonight, and here you are."

He continued explaining, "There was the accident on Subway Line 7—you were there too. These are not coincidences. You always stand out."

With a slight grin, he added, "Besides you, Miss Gwen, I can't imagine anyone else standing before me right now."

Gwen felt a wave of frustration at being recognized while wearing the mask, but she quickly regained her composure and confronted him directly, "What is it you want?"

"Don't misunderstand," Matt replied, "I don't mean any harm. I just want to help you."

"Help me with what?"

"Many things—including how to bring your father back to health."

Matt's expression grew serious. "The doctors haven't been able to do anything about your father's condition, right? I can fix that."

Gwen's breath caught when she heard this. The thought of a cure for her father was overwhelming.

Before Gwen could respond, the woman Matt called "Black Cat" interjected. "Don't believe him. Making deals with devils only leads to ruin."

She shot a cold glance at Matt. "He's not the good guy he claims to be."

Matt sighed. "What a childish sentiment."

Turning back to Gwen, he adjusted his tie. "Miss Gwen, you've seen enough to know the world isn't as black and white as Black Cat thinks it is."

"You always say the right things, but you never speak the truth," Black Cat said, stretching lazily. "I bet your father's illness is his doing."

At this, a flash of irritation crossed Matt's face behind his sunglasses. "You know, Miss Black Cat, I really dislike cats," he said smoothly. "You see, they carry parasites.

These parasites often reside in cat feces and can spread through contact or even in undercooked meat. Some suggest these parasites are responsible for 'Crazy Cat Syndrome,' because they alter brain chemistry, messing with dopamine levels, and leading to erratic behavior—paranoia, schizophrenia, you name it."

He took a step closer to Black Cat. "And you, Miss Black Cat, suffer from this very syndrome. The symptoms are clear: you can't let go of the past and are stuck in a cycle of self-torment."

Black Cat's eyes narrowed dangerously, her gaze like daggers aimed at Matt.

"You blame me for your father's death," Matt continued, "and that's why you've been chasing me, thinking this USB drive holds evidence against me. It doesn't. Just ordinary data."

With a regretful sigh, he added, "Last time you broke into the mayor's office and stole his belt, it was just a ploy to draw me out. I understand you completely."

Matt adjusted his red sunglasses. "You lost your father, and now you believe I robbed you of your innocence. You go to bed at night hating me, wanting me dead, don't you? So predictable."

Black Cat's rage boiled over. "Today, you'll pay in blood, Murdoch!"

"Oh?" Matt shook his head. "I don't think so."

He smiled slightly. "I'm not the kind of man whose death will be decided by someone else."

"There are countless ways to die in this world," he mused, "knives, guns, pills, fire, car crashes, jumping off cliffs, or drowning. I could even eat a handful of rocks from the roadside. But when it happens, it'll be on my own terms."

Black Cat sneered. "Philosophizing about death now? How twisted. Don't waste my time; listening to you just makes me sick."

"Not death, Miss Black Cat. I want to discuss life," Matt said calmly. "We're not so different, you and I. We're both survivors. We do what we must every day—and we both enjoy it. You're a devil, and so am I. We don't mind being devils."

He paused, then added, "The difference is, I don't pretend to be a victim like you do. You act as if the world is against you, making a show of it, like a melodramatic heroine. But deep down, you thrive on it."

Before Matt could continue, Black Cat lunged at him, fury driving her forward. Her swift attack was intercepted by the ninja behind Matt.

Matt turned back to Gwen, fixing her with a steady gaze. "Let's make a deal, Miss Gwen. If you kill Black Cat, your father will live. What do you say?"

Gwen froze, her mind racing at his chilling offer.

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