Marvel Knight of Zodiac

Gwen's curiosity was palpable as she faced Dr. Connors. "Do you remember everything?"

Dr. Connors nodded, his expression a mix of remorse and confusion. "Yes, I remember. I transformed into a monster and nearly took a life. What happened to that person..."

James interjected with a reassuring smile, "Hello, Dr. Connors. Thank you for your understanding."

"Ah, I'm so sorry for all of this. I never intended…" Dr. Connors sighed, clearly troubled by the unintended consequences of his experiments. The weight of his actions hung heavily in the air.

Despite his past missteps, a compassionate side of Dr. Connors emerged, evident in how he had tried to save Peter from a fall just before his transformation. The darker urges he experienced seemed to stem from the lizard genes that had taken over his body.

"Don't blame yourself, Doctor. You were just trying to reclaim your arm," James reassured him, extending a hand in a gesture of gratitude.

As the tension in the room began to ease, Gwen voiced what everyone was thinking. "Can someone please explain what's happening here?"

James shot her a pointed look. "You might want to step back from this conversation," he warned, sensing the delicate nature of the discussion.

Once Peter had returned the serum to Dr. Connors and the immediate crisis was under control, the group began to part ways. Dr. Connors, having experienced firsthand the limitations and dangers of the serum, resolved to reevaluate his research. He extended an invitation to Gwen to participate in future experiments, though the financial constraints looming over the lab were a significant concern.

Despite Gwen's worries, James declined medical attention for his minor injuries. His enhanced healing abilities rendered hospital visits unnecessary, allowing him to keep a low profile.

Once alone, James made his way to the attic, eager to check on the Zodiac box after his recent revelations.

As he approached, a surge of energy enveloped him, shattering the mundane surroundings and plunging him into a surreal void. In this ethereal space, he found himself face to face with an unexpected figure—an old man with a purple complexion and a wise demeanor.

"You…are you Pope Shion?" James exclaimed, astonished by the unexpected appearance.

Shion's smile was warm yet tinged with weariness. "Yes, my son. We finally meet. You've made quicker progress than I anticipated."

With a mixture of excitement and disbelief, James couldn't help but jest. "Faster than you thought, huh? Even teachers have their surprises."

Shion nodded approvingly, then gestured toward the Zodiac box. "I know you have questions, but I can't provide all the answers. This box belongs to an old acquaintance of mine, stored here for over two centuries."

James's gaze shifted to the relief emerging on the box, revealing an intricate cup—an emblem of the Silver Zodiac Amor Knight.

As the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, realization washed over James. His journey was just beginning, with mysteries and revelations awaiting him in the cosmic tapestry of the Zodiac Knights. The shadows of the past loomed large, but the path forward shimmered with potential.