Reborn as the Spider who bit Peter Parker

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***

- And then I ended up in Siberia,' Osborne continued to tell the story of his youth as he sipped his invigorating tea. - If you catch the moment, you can drown in the green gloom. I don't think I've ever seen so much green, not even in Canada. So many medicinal herbs that no one needs for nothing, and vast acres of land without people that attract with their purity. - Norman, smiling sincerely, recalled the past with warmth. - That's where I met Creed. This harsh shaman cured my back and gave me excellent health, all I need is to drink healing herbs,' the magnate grinned.

I was trying to figure out if it could be our Creed. Aren't there many people with such a surname or a first name? And if so, how old would he be then? After all, he doesn't look like an immortal at all, or is it like the Highlander here, and only one should remain? So many questions.

- According to Creed, there were many such people in their alliance until the red emperor gathered all the shamans for his reinforcement and the opening of the tomb of the great Khan, - Norman hummed expressively. - But as far as I'm concerned, they're just stories. I don't deny the wisdom of Creed himself, but the rest? So I'm inclined to doubt it,' Osborn grinned predatorily again.

- A shaman, then? Like the Indians? Could he really turn into a wolf or a bear? - May smiled.

- Of course not. Really, May, you're like a child,' Osborn chuckled again. - He wasn't a wolf, and certainly not a bear. Though he was so fit and rugged that I slightly doubt the bear won,' the industrialist smiled.

From the description, pure craftsman. Curious. But what was he doing in Siberia? And how did he live so long? And he was not so badly preserved for his age. I guess there are more and more questions, but it only fuels my excitement and curiosity. So maybe there was a reason I was asked to apprentice with this gloomy type. And learning about shamanism sounds very tempting, if it's not Uncle Oz's fairy tales. So we'll have to check out the master.

After all, it could be another way to strengthen the body, and it sounds damn curious. What's not clear is, what are these spirits? And how to subdue them, or does it work a little differently? Let's not be too hasty, though, or Creed will send me away again, so I need to become an apprentice first.

I've tempered my body and spirit, so maybe I won't lose so quickly this time. I've never been much for physical strength or stamina, though, and I don't think I'm going to need any useful skills or introductions.

- Maybe,' May smiled. - Or maybe you're really Creed's apprentice and you've managed to become a werewolf,' she said, winking slyly at Ozborn and continuing with the same devious smile. - And now you're telling us fairy tales,' the magnate finally laughed after holding his stony face for a few seconds.

- You know, you're right. Since then I have no back pain, perfect health, and my body works like clockwork. But I don't howl at the moon,' Osborne thought. - But I can sometimes growl at the small-minded workers. And since then I've grown to love meat with all my heart and soul. So you're right as always, May,' he winked at her.

- And what were you doing in those lands, and even through Mongolia? - I decided to ask.

- I was no older than you then, Peter,' Norman smiled warmly and fatherly. - I had a wise but stubborn mentor named Mendel Stromm. After arguing with him, I packed my rucksack and travelled around Europe, but I got bored quickly. Latveria was particularly creepy, but I overcame my youthful fears and travelled on. I travelled through Greece to Egypt, then on a dry cargo ship to Socotra, and from this island straight to Ceylon, and through India I got to China. That's how I ended up in Asia without a penny to my name, but all on my own,' he said, smiling sadly, making it clear that Osborne had remembered something pleasant but sad to his heart.

- In the steppes of Mongolia I met my first love. Gaby...' The sadness was replaced by a faint smile. - But since medicine was poor in the steppes, and I did not trust shamans, I had to go to Creed, wanting to save my beloved from a sudden illness. After all, according to the locals, his gift of healing was the best for thousands of miles,' Ozborn said. - We took horses and a guide from the locals and set out for the healer's dwelling, but I didn't get her there,' he said sadly. - Creed was already examining only the cold body. Cursing him, the local climate and the cruelty of fate, I wallowed in melancholy, but the healer did not leave me in the cold forest and came out. Broken, lost and needed by no one,' summarised Osborne. - After living in the taiga for a while and learning the wisdom of Creed, I managed to regain my former fortitude and hardened my body through daily toil and hardship. After receiving many herbs as gifts, I travelled back to China, from there to Korea and thence home through the embassy. After recovering at the university, I made peace with my teacher and became what I am to this day,' the tycoon finished glumly, humming unhappily. - As you see, Peter, everyone has a path to follow. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a flight to catch. - Glancing at his watch, he began to pack quickly. After saying a quick goodbye to him, we also hurriedly said our goodbyes.

As I got back into the pickup truck and left Ozcorp territory, I was still thinking about Creed. After all, who knew he was so curious? Ozbourne had suddenly revealed his soul to us, and we'd made him feel a little uncomfortable. He got a good price, though, so everyone was happy with the deal. May's a good girl, and I wouldn't have got rid of that gold without her. And I thought of stealing it all, didn't I? On the other hand, I can't give it back to the authorities, and I need it more.

Now it will be used for the needs of art, and I will get free money for further development and new upgrades. Everyone is on the plus side, except the robbers and the state, but let's be honest, I've never cared about them. The main thing is to pay 'my' taxes, and I can sleep well.

- May, who were those Chinese and Louis? - When I left the Ozcorp factory, I asked the question that had been bothering me so much.

- It's just part of the plan,' she said with a predatory smile. - There were no Chinese, but their papers would be, and not many people would recognise them from the original. You have little Louis to thank for that, and I'll introduce you to him later. - May smiled enigmatically. - He's a nice guy, so you should get along. It's even easier with the Chinese. A couple of orders through freelancers, and we hire linguists that genuinely believe in rehearsing for the film and help us with one 'improvisation' over the phone. As you can see, everything is so simple and breaks down into the components that are so important to the success of our plan,' she said with a sly wink and turned on the music.

So much for 'architect.' I feel better, though. Family is really a strength, because what could I do alone? Perhaps, that only to steal gold, and that's not a fact, because the protection of the armour could die and I would be a spider baked in its own juice. It's not very pleasant, what can I say, so I'll have to repay her for her help. But how? Flowers? Corny. Good food? Already been there. How about some jewellery? It's worth considering.

- So what's the deal with saving Harry? - May said 'dangerously.' - Am I missing something, Peter? You're not hiding anything 'interesting' from me, are you? - she still continued her active offensive.

- Oh, it's just little things. I swatted a mosquito, and Mr Oz made a big deal out of it,' I started to turn the tables on Osborne.

- Did you? - She squinted at me.

- Mm-hmm,' I said laconically, trying to think of a quick escape from May's righteous anger. I couldn't tell her how I'd slaughtered vampires in the company of an armed priest and an undead hunter.

- Can you drop me off at this address? - I pointed to the location on the map and explained. - It's where the gym where I train is.

- It's not the most affluent neighbourhood,' she hummed, letting me know her level of doubt. - Peter, are you sure you haven't joined a gang? I don't know where they got all that gold, but that's another question,' May continued her questioning, still suspicious. - I'm worried. You realise that I can't bear to lose you, right? - She softened sharply and began to hit me hard, as all wise women should.

- God, May, what's the point of me lying to you? - I immediately became genuinely indignant.

- Are you sure? - she got serious in a flash. - Well, look at me, I can find a necromancer too, so I'll get you everywhere,' she smiled sadly and typed the necessary address into the navigator. - By the way, a certain Felicia called the other day and asked when you'd be free for dinner. I told her you were on a date and to call me back as soon as you had a window. And guess what, that ill-mannered young lady hung up immediately,' May smiled mischievously.

- May...

- What? She didn't even say hello, can you believe it? And what are they teaching the youth of today,' she said, skilfully turning the tables on the generation. - That's Harry. A nice boy, albeit the son of a billionaire. Education and manners are an important part of learning,' I smiled, remembering how Ozborne and I had rocked out, completely forgetting about manners.

- You're right as always, May,' I copied the older Ozborn. - What would I have done without you?

- You'd have gotten married,' I replied snidely. - I'd have dropped out of school, gone into debt and credit, and after bankruptcy I'd have become another Hobo or a wandering intellectual who works for a few quid with Mexicans and Eastern Europeans. And that's with a good outcome,' she continued with an aggressive snicker. - Trust my experience, Peter, our world is a cruel place where nobody cares about your problems and thoughts, and a hypocritical smile with a question 'how are you?' does not change anything. So believe and invest only in yourself, because that's the best investment you'll always make.

- Thanks for believing in me,' I grumbled.

- You're welcome, kid,' May smiled. - I hope you find the people who will be your rock in such a sad world and a true family,' she said, a slightly sad smile reappearing on her face, her eyes filled with a melancholy wistfulness and years of wisdom that had been painstakingly gathered over the course of her eventful life. After a few seconds of silence, she continued. - And I will help you on this difficult path, so that you do not fall into the mud. So don't be discouraged. By the way, are you sure this is the right address? It looks like there's been some kind of urban warfare here,' May was getting suspicious again, looking at every nook and cranny of the "troubled" neighbourhood.

There were bullet marks and dried lizard blood in places, though, so I could see her point. But what can I do, strength requires endurance. Soon the wizard's hall appeared, and it looked like a bastion of civilisation for the whole district, for there was not a single speck of blood or gunshot mark on its building.

- If anything, just run,' they began to instruct me. - And don't take anything from the scowling hooded men, or better still, go straight home. And don't get into fights, even if you think you can win, because reinforcements can always come to them, and you're already exhausted and obviously won't be able to escape,' they finished with the instructions, and I was gently hugged, kissed, and reluctantly sent to the training room, accompanied by prayers in Latin.

The teacher was habitually meditating with a cigarette in his teeth, leisurely thumbing a jade rosary in his free hand. Peacefully frozen like a statue, as if he was the centre of true peace, lazily opening his eyes like a cat that had learnt harmony with the world and, most importantly, with himself, he only hummed questioningly. Quickly rising and finishing his cigarette in one puff, Creed looked at me expectantly, and I looked at him fearlessly.

- И? - The Master asked laconically.

- You promised to take me on as an apprentice...' I said confidently, looking at Creed's stony face.

- You were too weak last time,' he said with a measured tone. - So what can I teach someone who can't even spar? - He mockingly said, pulling out a bag of aromatic herbs from nowhere. - You've done well, but that's not good enough,' Creed said glumly, pulling out the smoking paper as he began to roll another cigarette. - There's always a way out,' he said, his white smile turning into a beastly grin. - I'll give you another chance, and then another and another, and so on until you die, but it's up to you... Whether you die in the selection process or already become my apprentice. Everyone dies, one day you will die too,' he finished with the "cigarettes" and began to slowly arrange them in an elegant cigarette case made of some reptile skin.

- If you say so, then I have nothing to fear. - I said firmly, not taking my eyes off the frowning Creed.

- Brave man. Too bad people like you are the first to die. But who am I to deny people the desire for knowledge, even if that knowledge brings only chaos and death? - Having struck a familiar match of a recognisable brand from Cherepovets, he effectively lit a self-twist and began to smoke it leisurely.

- There's always something to be afraid of,' Creed said glumly.

Instantly he accelerated into a blurry shadow and began to strike, but I'd learnt my lesson and was waiting for him to strike, because I'd upgraded for a reason. Dodging all the moves of the master, I began to feel the adrenaline that was surging in my blood. But then the teacher made another trick and exhaled his acrid smoke in my face. I couldn't breathe, and my speed began to drop, so I couldn't keep up with his blows. Instantly I received a trio of powerful hooks and a crushing cross, and I began to fall.

- Lack of fear also does nothing but hasten your death,' he smiled predatorily, and instantly approached me again, releasing a cloud of poisonous green smoke that looked especially ominous in the master's performance. - You lost,' Creed said indifferently. - Do you want to try again? I've got a lot of time on my hands, and I promised to have tea with Eva, so give me one last shot and get out of here,' he suddenly gave me another chance.

- Yes,' I nodded immediately, rising confidently in anticipation of the fight. Though I would probably lose again. If not by skill, then by persistence, I'll get a place as an apprentice, even if I don't want to be a damn shaman so much.

- Commendable and moderately determined. I like it, but it won't save you,' Creed grinned again. - Since my time is limited, I can't mess with you, so we'll do it this way. - His smile became a little frightening. - There's a place on the outskirts of town where the supers gather to warm up. There's an arena there, but the odds of survival aren't great. If you do win and don't turn into a cripple, we'll continue our conversation, but if not, it was nice to meet you, kid. There's a third option, where you lose and remain a cripple,' Creed let out ominous clouds of cigarette smoke again. - Then you can't ask to be my apprentice anymore and you'll owe the ten greenbacks I bet on you. If you're such a badass, then sign here, because you have no claims against me or anyone else, and you agree to repay the debt in full. - The Russian just winked smugly at me, and I signed it, because not everyone can be such monsters like him, right?

- I respect that. You may be a sick bastard, but I respect you,' Creed was a little surprised, but he still took the contract. - Now follow me,' he finished his cigarette and silently opened the pantry door, nodded at the gym bag, from which a stack of hundred-dollar notes peeked out, and began to look for his jacket.

Quickly throwing a light sweatshirt over his shoulders, the master blew a deafening whistle to attract attention, and we immediately left the hall. At the back entrance stood an impressive armoured MBTS Cayman, and it was a little confusing. I mean, what the fuck? Or is he allowed to drive the Belarusian equipment in peace? Crazy world.

Still quietly whistling 'Murka', he pulled out the key fob with the alarm system, and in a couple of seconds this steel giant roared, aggressively demanding to move into battle.

- Hop in,' he heard from the gut of the armoured car.

Having arranged the bag with money beside me, I studied the conventionally familiar technique with curiosity. Creed turned on some punk rock, and we sped out of the city. Twenty minutes later we saw the abandoned military base, which everyone had forgotten about.

- Don't mess with the locals, they might kill you,' Creed told me, parking the Cayman. - And don't forget the money, because I owe a mage a million greenbacks, and I can't forget about you. Do you need to borrow artefacts, or can you do it? - The teacher asked, but I shook my head in the negative. What's the point of a weapon you don't know how to use? It's more likely to kill you than the enemy.

After paying at the cash register with some strange tokens with the image of a grinning skull, Creed smiled enigmatically and led me to the arena, which was located in an underground bunker. Apparently, there had once been something curious about this place. After a quiet conversation with some Highlander or Balkan, the master soon returned and, still smiling predatorily, handed me a token.

- That's the price of meat,' he said philosophically. - And yes, you'd better not lose,' Creed grinned ironically. - Remember your duty,' he clapped me on the shoulder and disappeared into the smog that lingered throughout the bunker.

Various creatures, human and nonhuman, scurried about, going about their business. I, on the other hand, was still pensively studying my badge. So this is my price? Only a couple of grams, and not even of despicable metal, that's the price. But when has it ever been otherwise? Our life has always been worth no more than a gold piece. After all, its value was invented by the same mortal people, who banally wanted something more, devaluing the lives of others for their own good. And in fact the price is the same, but the meaning and its value everyone puts for himself. I wonder how many people Creed himself killed for our passage? He didn't get those tokens as a gift, did he?

And it's not too clear what they are: currency, trophies, or all of them?

It's okay, I've been wanting to stretch my legs for a long time. And you can't get enough of theory, so you need experience. And what's not to practice? I've had a sparring session and then I'm back in the fight, it's a dream, not a mentor. Humming like Creed, I waited for my name to be called.

- Hey bug,' came the growling voice of an anthropomorphic tiger.

- Actually, a spider,' I corrected the beast.

- I don't care if you're a Fey godmother. - he muttered. - You're up. And yes, try not to spoil your muscles, they'll be used for steaks later. Your opponent knows, so kill him if you can. And you better not anger the goddess,' the tiger growled.

A moment later there was a deafening roar mixed with the hooting of the crowd, which was clearly hungry for blood and spectacle. A moderately pleasant baritone, in whom I was surprised to recognise the recent beast, also spoke.

- Today your eyes will be pleasured by the familiar to many people Knight of the Desert, who likes to take the head from the body of the deceased enemy, and afterwards to drink from the skull of his opponent at the nearest feast in honour of Ragnarok, - the tiger roared joyfully cheering up the crowd. - Our knight will be accompanied by an arrogant newcomer with a marvellous nickname Spider. Can he survive? Or simply overestimated his strength? - The huge tiger laughed harshly, growling at the end.

Quickly pulling out my balaclava, which I had forgotten about, I entered the arena, calmly studying my opponent, who was basking in the glory and acclaim of the crowd. The tall mulatto wore a light robe with a deep hood that would have suited a nomad more than a 'gladiator', which is what they were trying to make us look like. In his hands was a curious-looking scimitar, obviously designed for two-handed combat. The weapon looked damn elegant, expressing all the grace of death in one 'instrument' of war.

Smoothing his neat espagnole with his free hand and going through his short black hair, he winked at someone and sent an air kiss to the audience, to which the female part immediately sighed in admiration, and some bald man without a nose only grinned, obviously having understood the 'advertising move' of this knight.

- And now give us a show... - fiercely roared the tiger, and in one leap he appeared in the box for 'VIP' persons, immediately starting a high society dialogue with someone.

Having illuminated the hall with a radiant smile, the mulatto swiftly came at me, wanting to add a new 'exhibit' to his collection as soon as possible. But I only grinned, because he was too 'slow' for me after sparring with Creed. It's all in the comparison, isn't it?

I dodged the torpedoing knight and leapt away from the nearest wall, and was behind him in a flash. A second, and I cold-bloodedly snapped the mulatto's neck like a chicken. Staring blankly into those brown eyes, full of surprise, I just hummed and calmly took my trophy in the form of a two-handed scimitar, which I liked so much.

Enjoying the silence, I raised the weapon of the fallen 'knight' victoriously.

- Unbelievable... - said the equally shocked tiger immediately jumped into the arena. - Do you feel it too? - he roared cheerfully again. - It is the wind of change, friends. And now we are forced to welcome our new brother. Spider! - said the anthropomorphic beast with a deafening roar, and the crowd immediately picked up his hypnotic roar, literally chanting the word I had accidentally said.

As I left the arena to the tiger's approving gaze, I only hummed again. What else did they expect? Maybe we'd have tea and play a game of chess? What else would one expect from such savage people? Barbarians.

Once their world is shattered, they don't know how to react until someone shows them the way again. On the other hand, it is not for me to judge them, for I too came here to indulge my pride and get my 'spectacles'. Soon the tiger appeared and handed me a token, which I had apparently forgotten to bring, because the scimitar was better. Tucking it into my pocket, I nodded laconically and continued to wait for the next enemy to 'give' his token, or take mine. There's not much of a choice here: you or you. I don't want to be indebted to the master, do I? That's just it, and not so long ago I didn't really want to be his apprentice. So I have to ask the same question, is it worth it? Or should I look for another way? Because now I see how rich this world is. So many curiosities, but you can't just find them, so the question of a master is still open.

- Spider. You'll be coming out soon,' the familiar beast said sparingly. - This time the undead will come out against you, so it will be interesting to watch. And yes, don't hold back, because you can't gather anything useful from the mummy anyway. You can keep the enchanted bandages, though,' the tiger waved his clawed paw generously. - Give them a show,' he murmured lastly.

When I entered the arena with curiosity, all I saw was a figure wrapped in a travelling cloak that stood mysteriously above a worn leather valise. The tall figure of the stranger stood silently waiting for the battle that was in no hurry to begin. But it could not last forever, and soon a not too pleased beast appeared. Apparently, he was dissatisfied because of the lack of meat from this fight, so he did not hold back his displeasure.

- Ladies and gentlemen,' the tiger began. - You may not have asked for it, but he has returned. The Fallen Prince,' he said in a deafening voice, pointing at the frozen mummy. - We all remember how he butchered his opponent on the sands of the arena, and since the fight was still 'technically' going on we couldn't interfere with that act of vivisection, it's our rules,' he said frustratedly. - So just bear with us, because Snake-Eye and Vanyusha ibn Kasel are waiting for you next. Will they be able to fight today? We'll soon find out...' the beast grinned predatorily.

After a few more minutes of meaningless chatter, the battle was announced, and the Fallen Prince immediately sped up, casting some kind of magic with his slender fingers. Shit. At the last moment, I jumped back from a nearby spell that exploded unexpectedly close to me, and I grinned. I hated these mages already. I dodged a couple more times, then moved closer to the mummy and swung my scimitar at him with a chopping blow. But the blow only severed the sleeve of the crappy cloak, leaving the undead unharmed. A moment later, the mummy's free hand was already preparing another attack that reeked of dark magic. I jumped back sharply and started to look for the opponent's weaknesses.

Apparently, the bandages are enchanted, and if they are enchanted for such strength, then he must be extremely fragile? I could, of course, try to burn the bastard, but I don't have anything to do it with. Who knew I'd be fighting a fucking mummy after a business meeting with Osborn?

Once again, as the spell recharged, I swiftly chopped up the undead's entire garment with swift blows. A moment later, the fallen shreds of cloth revealed a really banal mummy, albeit one with bloody bandages.

After bouncing a couple more times, I managed to get close to the creep again and grabbed one of the bandages. Pulling on it, I didn't expect it to be just one bandage. Apparently, the undead didn't expect it either and realised the situation and hissed menacingly, casting magic much faster. At the right moment, I approached the creature again, and with one dashing blow I blew its skull off. Losing control, the body immediately froze, and the skull just tossed around in the sands of the arena.

- So, undead, is it time to die again? - I grinned evilly and crushed the mummy's skull with my shoe.

- The newcomer is good,' the tiger said after me. - As you can see, today was a very interesting show,' the beast began to purr pleasantly again, drawing all the attention to himself. I only hummed again and, having thrown the bandages into my bag, hurried to leave the arena.

Having found out from the same beast that the fights for today had come to an end, and that it was too early for me to go to the others, I nodded to the tiger and asked how to get to New York, and was sent to the old network of tunnels that led to the catacombs and sewers of the city. And what was my surprise when I saw there an old underground line, which had long been closed for restoration under the plan of preservation of cultural heritage. True, as this part of the metro was closed, so it still stands.

But it's easier for me, and I'll be in the city unnoticed, because the undead have shaken my mental balance a bit. I could use a cup of coffee and a chocolate bar to replenish my endorphins.

Whistling a light tune, I pulled out my headphones and put on some quiet music.

***

As I glumly contemplated my reflection in the modest bowl of clear compound that strengthened my skin, I thought about the eternal. My 'transformation' was getting harder each time, but not physically. Having got used to the body of a predator, it is extremely difficult to return to the role of a practically defenceless victim.

For a long time now, the 'alien' reflection had been staring back at me indifferently, as if expecting me to finally shed this ugly mask and become a Lizard again. But nothing changed, and the reflection of the 'human' still frowned emotionlessly, frozen in a bowl of healing balm.

But soon my thoughts were interrupted by a not-so-sure knock that was barely audible through the massive door. Opening the oak doors silently, I saw a pretty girl who was afraid to disturb me or my thoughts.

- It's been a long time, Maria,' I smiled habitually, only achieving a shy smile in return.

She may have seemed shyly timid, but this image of a pretty artist's girl was far from the truth. Maria came to us one of the first, she was led by curiosity and thirst for new things. So she became one of the most 'curious' samples.

The life of an artist is fleeting and full of pain, as Maria herself said, and leukaemia did not dispose her to anything good at all. Perhaps that's why she was so curious, because why restrain yourself, if death is breathing down your back? It was the leukaemia that triggered the change and made me look for new ways of dealing with it.

When she went through the chamber that changed the structure of her cells, she didn't become like us, but she took on predatory features. Apparently all the resources went into treating the cancer, but that doesn't change the fact that Maria is now fully healthy, strong, and part of the community.

She gained cute horns on her head and amber coloured snake eyes. This was the end of her transformation, and it was extremely curious to me. For, in essence, she was the next round of our man-made evolution, and it stirred the mind.

- Hello, Doc. Well, you know how I like to wander around looking for inspiration and curious landscapes,' she smiled innocently. - Our dungeons are just too monotonous. So I'm sorry to be away, Chief, but I needed new vistas. By the way, do you want to see my new paintings? - Maria's smile became a little warmer at the talk about creativity.

- Sure, - I replied sparingly, not removing the smile, because her paintings were really good.

Having estimated that today the girl was in overalls covered with paint, I realised that she had just come from her studio. Usually she's always in something more elegant, so perhaps her shyness today was due to her clothes. Though with such a fit figure, she had nothing to be shy about.

I smiled a little wider and continued my mental monologue, chatting with the cute girl about all sorts of trivia and different kinds of art.

Leaving the sketch of the mysterious 'student' on my desk, Maria went to the studio, because she had a lot of work ahead of her and the painting of our chapel according to her personal sketches.

Pensively studying the strong-willed face and fierce look that was so characteristically imprinted on the black-and-white drawing, I caught myself thinking that I had seen him somewhere before. And he reminded me of one of the students, but who exactly? And was it a student?

The portrait was good, but it was only an illustration of the lizard's description of the survivor, so it might be a little different in real life. And where does a person get such a lust for killing in his eyes? I don't get it.

However, humans are monsters, so you can expect everything from them, but such a thirst should not be inherent in them. However, a mere human shouldn't have been able to defeat so many lizards alone. So there was something wrong here, and it had to be sorted out.

After getting to our technical department and giving them a time frame and location, I started searching for that guy. After all, even though we don't have cameras everywhere, you can find anyone with the right desire. The underground, unfortunately, has been so often attacked and damaged by marginalised people and vandals that there are no cameras there at all.

However, we could always find out where he came from, because at this late hour there were not many candidates, even though the workload had increased.

After an hour of active search we found the point from which the 'student' went to the metro. This area was in a good place and, as a rule, served as an abode for wealthy citizens from the middle class, but this does not explain his skills, strength and other nuances.

There are more important things to do, but at least now I know what he looks like, so all I have to do is find this 'student' and recruit him. Or teach him a lesson, because I'm the only one who can kill my creatures. I may sometimes send them on suicide missions, but it's all for my own purposes or to cleanse our ranks of various scum.

Back in the study, I looked thoughtfully into the bowl again, seeing my hated reflection in it, but I still need that 'image'. So I can't completely stop being 'human', but how annoying.

However, using nanites every time is also costly and not an option, but sometimes I want to shed that skin so badly....

The only thing left to do is to refine the nanites, but that's later, and I probably won't be disguised anymore, so I'll just have to put up with this slight inconvenience for a while. The game of 'human' may be fun at times, but it gets boring quickly and soon becomes boring. But do not deny the benefits of this 'image', because a little more, and all the masks will be dropped, and our game will reach a new level. And all this is thanks to patience, which allows me to live in an uncomfortable body, unpleasant society, and most importantly, among nasty people. Even though I am not xenophobic, there are very few decent representatives among them. However, even such rubbish can somehow serve and go for recycling, fertiliser or something else. True, few of them will go for it voluntarily, but this is the tenth thing, but for now we have to preserve this pious 'image' of a scientist, medic and soldier.

Gently treating the delicate skin with the solution, I tried to calculate how much longer my body would be able to 'convert' before the Lizard's genetic basis became fully established in my body and I would no longer be able to change. The nanites may be able to roll back all the changes, but they're not perfect, and each time the mutation gets stronger. But while I still have time, otherwise some business 'partners' won't realise what a scowling lizard is in front of them, they'll start to panic, I'll be stressed out and need something to eat. I won't go on about where this will lead.

Finished with the solution and checking the elasticity of my skin, I walked over to the heavy Canadian oak cabinet. Quickly typing in a laconic combination of numbers in homage to Michurin, I calmly pulled out of the miniature safe a carved box adorned with a greedy ouroboros. Pulling out of it a transparent pouch of synthesised berry powder, I smiled wryly. I didn't want to get hooked on neurostimulants and other chemicals, but now I needed to increase my brain's efficiency and performance.

I took a couple of grams of stimulants and thoughtfully analysed my condition for seven seconds, nodding in time with my thoughts. I glumly noted that being a lizard was much more comfortable. After repeating the ritual nine more times, I calmly returned the stimulants to the safety of the cupboard and began to study the solid list of Dr Otto Octavius' works. After all, it was important for me to understand how much 'our' society needed him and whether it was worth recruiting him at all.

The question of recruitment has always been acute, and you either intrigue a person, smoothly involving him in your interests and goals, or remove him from the chessboard as a useless piece. Otherwise, he can get at your throat, and then the fairy tale is over. However, Octavius' projects look very promising, so it is worth studying this issue in more detail.

Even though I am far from his sphere of activity, my knowledge is enough to see all the prospects of his developments. New energy sources have never hurt anyone, so if we put our resources into his work, it could be a good symbiosis and perhaps a very interesting final product. Or another weapon with the help of which we will be able to subjugate people to our will, otherwise they will destroy themselves and the whole planet in addition. And after all, all it costs is to unite them under moderately wise leadership and lead all reasonable people to harmony and prosperity. But people are too divided and remember yesterday's offences for a long time, so it will be damn hard to build something with them.

Carefully, I gently walked my hand over the slightly dusty block of the holographic computer and started up all the systems. With such an interface it is much more convenient to process all the information, as well as to study personal data of the next candidate. A couple of seconds, and pleasant blue light flooded the office quite quickly gathering into a volumetric holographic illusion of various blocks with information.

Studying the personal file of our doctor, I wondered more and more how he hadn't been imprisoned with such an approach to research and subsequent tests. However, all this was secondary, because if he had his own laboratory, all these things were trifles. But the urge to test everything on ourselves could play a cruel trick on us, so we had to think again about whether we needed Otto.

As I got more and more into Octavius's life, I got more questions, and I wasn't happy about it. But what I had learnt was already very interesting. And who would have thought recruiting would be such a fascinating subject?

After another hour or so, I noticed that the stimulants were at their peak, but I didn't need more than that. After all, I had already studied all the most complex and global projects of the 'good' doctor. I would have a headache in the morning, but it would be worth it.

Having put the file with Octavius in the holographic library with all possible candidates for recruitment, I still thoughtfully switched off the computer.