Reborn as the Spider who bit Peter Parker

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***

- Your first mistake was showing ignorance,' I smiled, making a lightning-fast block. - Your second mistake is underestimating your enemy. - Immediately making a sharp undercut. - And the third mistake is that you met me,' I threw a light punch right into the opponent's body, and then I slammed him to the floor, knocking the spirit out of him.

Smiling again, I glanced at the company of the big guy, and seeing the respect in their eyes, I nodded, offering my hand to the defeated foe to put an end to the conflict.

- I didn't even realise how I was on the floor. - I didn't even realise I was on the floor at first,' he smiled wryly, accepting the hand with ease. - Don't look at Eva, though. - He squeezed my hand tightly, and looked into my eyes with confidence, clearly wanting to find something in them or try to regain dominance, but I just ignored his pathetic attempt and squeezed a little harder. Soon a crunch was heard and the stout man still lowered his gaze and quickly turned back to his mates.

As he put on his eight-blade, he smiled brusquely again, and I noticed the dangerous blades sewn into his headdress. They were joined together in a kind of crown. It was the first time I had ever seen such a deadly elegant attribute on a bandit. Suddenly the door opened again, and whistling a light tune from Johnny Cash's songs, there appeared some masquerade in a red suit and mask with a pink backpack on his back.

- That's my lucky break. - The stranger said and immediately started rummaging through the bag with the rainbow pony. - As my stub liked to say: death with home delivery... - said the masked man madly. But before he could finish, the brothers immediately opened a barrage of fire from the TT. - That's why I choose the colour red,' he said triumphantly, and pulled out a KC-23 rifle from his backpack. - And now, Kawabanga, bitches. - He said cheerfully, not paying any attention to the bullet wounds, which were already healed almost in front of his eyes.

He opened fire and took the lives of all the 'brothers'. Quickly putting the rifle back into the pink backpack with the rainbow pony, the stranger without any squeamishness approached to the brown-eyed man and picked up the 'crown' of blades from his riddled body and, having shaken it off, calmly put it on and left as if nothing had happened, still humming something from Cash.

- Yeah...' was all I said.

I wondered if I looked as crazy as I did.

- Damn mercenary,' Eve said, and then she started shouting at the guy in red. - He's always like a tornado on a clear day. Dex, when are you gonna get him down? - The girl calmed down a little and asked her comrade.

- He doesn't work for us,' the agent replied calmly. - He's just a freelancer. So what if he's a little immortal? - said the guy.

- A little? He's already cleaned up a couple of dozen cartels, and that's just the ones we know about. You've seen for yourself that our chatty mercenary has gone completely off the rails, haven't you? Don't you have anything to calm the supers down? - the girl asked hopefully.

- Well, you know... An Immortal is extremely difficult to kill, that's why they're called that,' the fed smiled.

So he really is an Immortal? How so? I can't quite believe it. I wish I could study him. And what are the prospects? Just think about it. Immortality. That's a lot of interesting things we could do. Why him? And it all goes to some blabbermouth mercenary. Where's the justice in that?

Well, the world's a very unfair arsehole, isn't it? What can I do now that he's already gone?

Maybe one day I'll get a sample of his DNA and I'll be able to do something about it. But it won't be anytime soon, not anytime soon. And who knows if I'll ever get my hands on him again? I don't know. I'm not gonna guess. Life is full of surprises, and every time it knows how to surprise. That's what's so wonderful about it.

On the other hand, I have samples of that Abomination, I just need to get the technology up to speed and get the right tools. And there's so much more to explore. So much unexplored that it stirs every cell in my being. So we've got a lot to do, and that's the point, isn't it? Isn't it? There's so much to do. And there's never enough time. But what can we do? What can you do?

I'll get to those projects one day. In the meantime, I have to get home. This day's been dragging on, and I'm in no hurry to wrap it up. Maybe I should call Harry and get drunk. A little relaxation wouldn't hurt. It's been so stressful and stressful.

This morning, I never thought I'd be doing any of this. Life really is an amazing thing. But you shouldn't complain about it. At least it's interesting. And every day that passes brings a little bit of curiosity. It's the kind of chaos that shakes us up pretty good. Well, enough of the lyrics, now I'm going to take my leave. Those two are so engrossed in their dialogue that they won't notice me slipping away. The main thing is not to forget my valise, because I defeated the mummy for nothing. Leaving the Russian quarter, I found myself back in the metro. Turning on the music, I smiled. At least some relaxation. The energetic rock sounded pleasant in my headphones. Such music perfectly distracts from various thoughts, and it was it that gave me such a desirable calmness. Soon my stop showed up.

Still listening to the music, I texted Harry. When I got to the centre, I saw vaguely familiar people in coloured masks. Was it another robbery? When I heard back from Osborne, and knew the location of the party that he'd be kind enough to organise in the near future, I smiled and walked past the guys in the gliders.

I was too tired to get involved in all this shit. So let the police deal with it all. After all, we don't pay taxes for nothing, they have SWAT and other guys with guns. So they should be able to handle it. And if they do, they can call in the heroes, can't they? I'm just a student, not a vigilante. So it's none of my business. On the other hand, I could take their loot, but do I need it now? So I'm just gonna go get drunk. This day has gone on too long. Or did I say that already?

My thoughts went back to the mercenary. I mean, immortality is a very interesting thing. So why not? But I didn't take his blood. On the other hand, if he spills it so ungodly, there's no point. I'm not the only smart one, am I?

On the other hand, is that ability worth all he's been through? And I can tell he's a psycho, so do I need it? So many questions. And not one answer. It's more fun that way, though. I mean, it's always fun to solve mysteries. But we'd better get back to that some other time. For now, we should do something else. For example, go back to my basement and solve the issues with the lizards, magic bandages and valise. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to change.

Throwing all my clothes in the washing machine and leaving the valise on my desk, I headed for the shower. The coffee was damn good, and it was also wonderfully invigorating, but there was nothing like a contrasting shower to tone you up.

Leaving the shower and immediately filling the dryer, I settled down at the central computer to monitor all my goals and keep track of orders. As they say, everything is quiet in Baghdad, and I won't mention the various crimes and chaos - it's a common occurrence here. And it doesn't concern me, because what are heroes for if they can't secure one city?

Soon a message came from Harry. I quickly got ready, threw on my leather jacket and worn jeans, and found some old sneakers so I wouldn't look like a poor student. Afterwards, having already saddled my Ural, I set off to the right place, following the directions of the navigator.

When I quickly reached the cosy loft in the old factory, I just hummed. The first person I saw was Flash. Our big guy and athlete was already getting drunk. He was talking sweetly to the cheerleaders and smiling. When he noticed my modest figure, he just smiled even wider and walked towards me with a wobbly gait. Suddenly, clapping me on the shoulder in a friendly way, Thompson spoke.

- Long time no see, Pete. I didn't think you'd be the one to initiate such a great party, so thanks from me and the team. - The footballer smiled again and walked uncertainly towards the giggling cheerleaders. I, on the other hand, was trying to figure out what the hell was going on.

Soon Harry showed up, accompanied by a vaguely familiar blonde in a slinky dress.

- How's it going, brother? - Osborn gave me a terse nod. - Do you think we'll be able to get a good night's rest this time? I haven't had a drop to drink since the last time we moved, and I've had other things to do,' Harry smiled, and I nodded understandingly, because his costume was really getting the best of its owner.

- I didn't see any vampires, so it should be okay,' I smirked, noticing the interest in the blond's eyes, and continued talking to my friend.

I went to my underground lab, even if my fast metabolism was a hindrance, but in this case it was a plus. As I started up my steel beast, I smiled, for the roar of the engine had always been music to my ears. I grinned as the girl came closer, noticing the ever so curious look on the blond's face.

- Are you avoiding me again, Parker? - The blondie began unhappily.

- Why would I do that, sunshine? - I smiled predatorily and got a puzzled look in return.

- Your pickup tricks don't work on me, Parker, or have you forgotten my name from all your drunkenness? - The girl immediately upturned her nose in indignation.

- You're right. I should probably take a break...' I agreed indifferently, ignoring the cute girl completely, and put on my headphones, playing a new playlist of instrumental music.

- What?' the girl was surprised, apparently not believing that someone could forget her.

With a final wave of my hand, I just drove away. Enjoying the headwind, I smiled, and a couple of minutes later my native underground showed up. After sitting for a while longer, trying to start doing something, I spat and habitually headed down the far tunnel home. As I pondered how to fight the fatigue, and whether the new body would help, I was nearing the exit when I noticed red eyes staring straight at me.

***

I glanced thoughtfully at the display of my smartwatch once more, making sure that the nanites were functioning perfectly. After all, I didn't want any hitches in my negotiations with the red dragon agents. They might be interested in my work, but a meeting with the Lizard might provoke a pointless conflict, and then I'd have to eat those communists, and knowing what they eat, a week's worth of heartburn was guaranteed. And I still need their nanites, so let's not go to extremes, because as long as we have common enemies with the Communist Party, I don't want to lose such a valuable ally.

Even though I felt fine among ordinary people, but their company still put pressure on me, and when I get nervous, I start to eat. I think the message is clear enough? On the other hand, light hunger only stimulates work and productivity with the desire to finish this farce as quickly as possible. And since these clever people have chosen a Chinese restaurant as our meeting place, I'm not going to be satiated. And I'm not a fan of their cuisine.

During my 'business trips' to conditionally neighbouring Vietnam I had a lot of their food, so now I can't stand all Asian cuisine, as well as theirs. However, I have already got used to restrain my dislike, so I can bear it a little longer. Soon the red dragon agents showed up. These two stood out with expensive suits of famous Italian brands, but I knew that their clothes, though Italian, were made by Chinese masters, so their value was destroyed in a moment.

- Professor,' the agent said politely and without an accent, while the other one simply remained silent and nodded tactfully in greeting.

- Weimin, Shan,' I greeted my "partners" the same way.

- Where did you get the gravity weapon? - Shang, the closet-shaped one, started talking about important things.

- It's quite a funny story,' I continued with a friendly smile. - A long time ago, a smart kid presented me with a project of a gravity gun. I won't go into details, I'll just say this... I received this deadly weapon in exchange for a machine gun on my subject, - the Chinese who didn't appreciate my joke only remained thoughtfully silent. - Unlike the same inefficient gauss cannon with its extremely expensive production and operation, this weapon is much simpler. It also comes with vacuum grenades, blueprints for grav-satellite weapons and destructive bombs, which, by the way, are completely environmentally friendly and completely safe after their use. - When I saw the greedy fire in the agents' eyes, I smiled. Looks like the fish took the bait. I may have it all, but I don't intend to put something so destructive in the hands of these 'copywriters'. No, it'll work, but it won't last very long, and I'll take care of it. Well, if they do manage to figure it out and bring the original defective sample to life, I'm willing to give it a hand.

- It's all very interesting,' Weimin said softly. - And if this product turns out to be as good as those super-soldier pills... But we really should discuss it in more detail,' the agent smiled slyly, and I remembered what kind of pills I'd given them.

They were from the first batch, even though they increased strength, regeneration, and speed, but if you take them all the time and drop them abruptly, people turn into bloodthirsty monsters. Or lizards, as the case may be. Even if the Communist Party knew about all my machinations, but there was nothing they could do about it, because the goods were good, and they didn't want to lose their 'super' soldiers. And for those operations on the black continent they need them, otherwise all their economic expansion will stop abruptly, and they are not ready to suffer such losses because of some 'pills'. This and a couple of other nuances keep them from capturing me and completely knocking out all the formulas. After all, having studied my case, they should have realised that the military doctor would not crack as quickly as they would like, and using all the available chemistry, they risk burning my brain, or at least that's what I was counting on, making my plan when working with the red dragon.

- If you're curious to see my toys in action, we can drive out of town and you can see for yourself. There is, of course, one more option, but I'm afraid you won't like it at all, - calmly putting the ribbed sphere on the table and pressing the centre button with effort, I calmly continued. - The vacuum grenade will leave no stone unturned in this place, so I don't recommend testing it here, and neither does my patience. So call your boys off. I'm a scientist, but I'm not ready to work with you directly,' I saw only surprise in Weimin's eyes and calm determination in Shan's gaze.

- As you say Professor...' Weimin agreed and waved at someone, and a few seconds later the restaurant was completely empty.

- I told you I don't like this kind of thing. - Like a disgruntled old man complaining about the stupidity of the youth, I stood up confidently and calmly pressed the centre button of the vacuum grenade with my thumb, still in no hurry to deactivate it. - Show me the nanites and we'll go to the range where I'll let you try out all the toys in person. - I noticed the fear in the agents' eyes as I smiled in the predatory manner of the Lizard, but why were they so scared, I look like a human?

I snorted in contempt, and soon a small suitcase appeared, which seemed even smaller than it was in Shan's hands. Checking the contents, I nodded feebly and beckoned the agents to follow. Settling into the toxic green Plymouth Barracuda that served as my transport today, I smiled and invited the Chinese to take a ride out of town.

Having completed all business with the Chinese, I returned 'home', the agents were so engrossed in the toys that they didn't even send a stakeout for me. By giving them a test batch of 'goods' I only tied them to me even more. But don't get too excited about it, because when the mutual benefit stops, I'll be dangerous for them, so I'll have to do it in time. But even if I don't get everything done in time, I'll still have something to surprise them. After all, I have more than one gravity weapon in my arsenal, so I'll answer them somehow.

Back in the operating theatre, I carefully put the suitcase on the floor and went in search of an automatic injector. With all the equipment ready, I began checking and synchronising the preparation of the nanites. After loading the first batch of Asian nanites into the injector, I comfortably settled into the hard chair. Having injected them sharply into my body, I began to monitor the indicators, having checked the stability of all systems, I repeated the procedure twenty-seven more times. It is possible to speed up the process, but then there is a disynchrony with the old nanites, but so everything is fine and moderately slow, and all the newcomers immediately go through the much-needed recoding. Plus we should not forget about the banal compatibility, even though I checked everything, but there is not much control. I don't want to become a prisoner of my own body, so I can't do without stage recoding. But enough of lyrics, because time is slipping away like sand from an ancient clock.

Having finished the 'upgrade' I started to analyse and test drive. This nanite conglomerate system is codenamed 'Ouroboros', why do you ask? Asians love Scandinavian mythology as well as meaningless pathos, but there is a very logical explanation. Many consider the symbol of this serpent to be infinity, immortality and changeless cyclicality, how is this related? It's even simpler, because a batch of these nanites were created for the medical needs of military specialists, that's why I was interested in their development. After all, what could be better than increased regeneration? Fully adapting these nanites will allow me to rise up and become more survivable, because you know, our world is an extremely dangerous place.

Calmly taking a scalpel, I made a deep incision and watched with the curiosity of a child as the nanites repaired all the damage. The advantage of this assembly is that they are capable of creating their own kind, using the resources of the body, nanites fully regulate many processes, as well as replenish their ranks to the necessary minimum. From the minuses will have to eat more densely, but we have a small increase in regeneration, strength and other bonuses, without any harm to the host. And most importantly, all this in a weak human body, is it not a miracle? I'll have to finish unlocking these nanites and test them on the Lizard's body, because having a damn deadly body in the first place will only increase my effectiveness.

Finding the injector and quickly finding the latest stable version of the mutagen, I immediately injected the Polyjuice potion into my neck. As I monitored all the processes, I noted with satisfaction that the nanites were working steadily. The expected cramps didn't stop me, nor did the usual flashes of pain, but now I felt like Dr Jekyll trying on the role of Mr Hyde. I gritted my teeth at the breaking bones and tearing muscles, as well as the terrifyingly fast erupting fangs, and growled quietly, because no one should see me like this. This mutagen seemed to be particularly destructive, and that was strange, because it had passed the field tests, but then what the hell? A normal person would have died of pain long ago. Could there be a mistake? Stoically enduring all the disadvantages of the transformation, and trying not to go crazy from the pain, I only clenched my teeth tighter. It wasn't long before I let go. The pain in my muscles had stopped, and my bones were no longer breaking. Straightening up to my full height, I took a full breath.

Checking the injector, I immediately found out that it was the wrong mutagen, and someone had skilfully switched it, clearly wanting me dead. Suddenly. Guess I'll have to do some cleaning. On the other hand, I'm always short of test subjects for work and various tests. So I'll have to check all the hidden camera footage and interview the staff, because I'm not forcing them to work for me, so what's the motive for killing me? However, all of this is yet to be sorted out, but I can't let this go, because I'm giving them a chance to become something more than a mere human being and what do I get in return? Betrayal has no place in our new world, so I don't want to repeat the old mistakes of the human tribe. We have to rise above it. And why don't you just say what you're unhappy about? Instead, they're just scheming and being mean. What kind of people they are...

I took off my unnecessary 'skin' like a tracksuit after a workout, and put on my body a jade-coloured old lab coat and shabby sweatpants that fit me and the Hulk perfectly. I wondered if Dr Benner shopped at the same shop on the couch as I did. Being a monster, it's very difficult to find clothes for your size, you can order them from tailors, but you have to find them and not eat them while measuring, so it's a lot of trouble. And if every time your only trousers try to destroy the valiant US army with the help of tanks and aviation, then even more so. So I even slightly understand the Hulk's uncontrollable rage.

Having habitually done my warm-up, I began cleaning up the operating theatre. After putting all the equipment in its place, I nodded in satisfaction. After all, what could be better than a job well done and the sight of a perfectly tidy workstation? I put the torn skin in the bin along with my clothes and grabbed the suitcase with the rest of my nanites, because what was the point of spending them all at once if they were regenerating? I think we'll be able to produce our own nanites soon enough, but in the meantime we'll do some more testing, as I have a lot of stuff in my casemates.

With a light gait moving into the depths of the underground complex, I as always analysed everyone who got in my way, because the 'nuance' with the wrong mutagen is a little stressful, so we need to understand everything and if possible to nip the rebellion in the bud. However, so far everything is standard and there is no surprise in the eyes of the staff at the fact that everything is still alive, but this is not a reason to let my guard down. As I descended lower and lower, I only noted the pleasant coolness of the level and finally reached the 'casemates', as there used to be a warehouse with empty crates of weapons, ammunition and tinned food, I nicknamed the place as such. But essentially they are just cells where scum of varying quality, species and race were kept. Some of them used to be one of us, others were just marginalised people caught on the surface, and some of them were curious enough to try and break into our compound, fucking diggers.

- Let us out, you bastard, or I'll fucking...' came the shouts from the recently caught "specimens".

- Boss, I get it. I'll never go against you again. Have mercy! - hissed the young lizard.

- Hey boss, you're confused. - said the shaven-headed man with a scowl.

- You know who I am...' the guy in the already tattered Armani suit shrieked.

- Please. - came shouts from further back in the cell.

Habitually ignoring the cries of the test 'material' I tried to choose a sample more active, in order to compare the results with the standard 'volunteers', because statistics is a very necessary thing. After a quick glance at all the cameras, I chose a shaven-headed man whose eyes blazed with anger and primordial rage, and I sympathise with such an approach and such an active fight for his life. Perhaps this is the catalyst for the conversion? Let's find out.

I confidently open the door of his cell and immediately make a long-used two and take the breathless body with me. Still ignoring all the furious shouts of the 'material' I calmly went to the testing lab, which was on the same level, but a little to the left. Once again, having been processed in the vestibule, I entered the snow-white hall, when there are no unnecessary stimuli, it is easier to work. Having arranged the 'patient' on a 'comfortable' chair and securely fixed with massive straps, I took out a mechanical injector from my dressing gown pocket and went to the huge safe, where all the experimental mutagen was stored, so the renegade had to get here somehow, but we'll deal with that later. I looked through the cylinders of mutagens with a studied eye and chose the most poisonous one. Quickly charging the mechanical injector, I immediately injected the 'volunteer' with the full dose of experimental mutagen.

This version was curious because it had a hybrid structure and combined the best advantages of the Lizard. However, the main thing here was not that, but the fact that this mutagen also had the adjusted properties of the king cobra and I was madly curious as to what would come out of it. The injector instantly clicked, indicating that the entire dose had reached the addressee, connecting the neogenic transducer, I began a step-by-step irradiation of the 'material' to increase its chances of survival.

Abruptly opening his eyes, which already resembled snake eyes, the 'volunteer' furiously growled and tried to break free, but reliable straps perfectly fixed our patient, because, as you know, a well-fixed patient does not need anaesthesia. Passing the painful treatment, the shaven-headed stout suddenly shouted something and sharply bit off his tongue, immediately beginning to choke on his own blood. Immediately switching off the transducer I hurried to give him first aid, I'm a monster, but I'm still a doctor.

Checking the 'volunteer' I calmly noted that he did not survive the experiment and died of painful shock. Well, so we'll write down, this mutagen requires improvement. Habitually making important notes in the laboratory journal, I pressed the button 'Cleanup' on the smart watch and a couple of minutes later there were immediately appeared lizards in fully sealed suits and took the body, in parallel removing all traces of the failed experiment. Back in the neighbouring 'casemates' this time I chose a renegade lizard and knocked him out, but with a left hook, because our brother will be stronger than humans, so the approach is a little different.

Having fixed the lizard on the same chair, but already with reliable chains, I pulled out of my pocket an inconspicuous standard of 'faceless' pills. I squeezed out a couple of pills and immediately put them into the renegade's mouth, I watched and made notes in the journal, because I needed to make calculations not only on humans, but on all the others, otherwise the statistics would be incomplete. After a couple of seconds the lizard opened its eyes, but now there was not a drop of intelligence in them at all, and after a minute the colour of its eyes changed, and its skin began to peel off in layers.

The muscle mass began to grow erratically, and the steel chains began to creak unsteadily, barely containing the new creature. The old fangs fell away just as quickly, replaced by something more perfect. Habitually making notes in the journal and monitoring the state of the 'specimen' so that it did not attack the creator, I mentally noted that the experiment was going very well and the new pills should probably be kept for their own needs and various projects, because with an army of such 'guys' you can arrange a lot of interesting things.

Soon the 'creature' broke the 'flimsy' chains, but I was faster and expected something like that, so I immediately took an axe from the fire shield and beheaded the 'experiment' with one blow. There are still advantages to all this, but I'll have to refine the formula, so I think that's enough for today. And the 'material' we have is not endless, so let's not be in a hurry. After all, as they say, a negative result is also a result. Or did that Danish physicist have something else in mind? Anyway, it doesn't matter. Today we slightly worked with new methods of treatment and various types of experimental mutagen, so the day was successful and now it will be possible to deal with artificial intelligence. Even though I am not strong in this topic, but we just need to find a specialist, and then we'll figure it out somehow. After all, our own AI will always come in handy.

Having risen a couple of levels, I found myself in a closed section, where our AI was located. After the usual identification, I found myself in a dimly lit hall, but my eyes immediately adjusted to the darkness and I felt comfortable in the hall. In the distance, the AI still stood monolithically tall. The crystalline base allowed us to put a whole ocean of information into it, and all this thanks to the development of some scientists from Siberia, who sold us the blueprints for a purely 'symbolic' amount of money.

We also bought from them a couple of cases of miniature nuclear batteries for our needs. And all this again practically for nothing, so I never cease to be amazed at such a strange situation in this country. After all, having such a level of specialists, resource base and all the possibilities, they do not develop any of this. And it is sad. However, not for me, because when you can get your own interest it is always wonderful, so let's not be sad, because at the moment there are many 'unrecognised' scientists in poverty and not all of them manage to go to the side of the USA or China. And nobody needs them in their homeland, of course, there are a few analysts and recruiters looking for diamonds in the 'mud', but not all that gold glitters and real unicums simply dissolve in the grey mass of faceless people.

Watching the serene crystal that processed the whole sea of information in one moment, I somehow felt peaceful. Seeing how fast our artificial intelligence was growing and developing, I felt something similar to paternal duty, something similar to what I had felt when I first saw William. The warm smile on Martha's lips was forever etched in my memory, and the boy's lively cry, in which I immediately recognised my little boy, became the most joyful day of my life, then, of course, there was another 'business trip', but that's the way it is.

Calmly changing the next nuclear battery in the system, I also made sure that nothing had changed, and our AI did not violate the ban on independent upgrade, and who knows what all these self-learning neural networks will come to? Restarting the power system, I immediately started self-diagnostics and after checking the system report I proceeded to active calibration, because no one should be allowed near such an important project. And our people already call this room 'Skynet' symbolically, isn't it? However, its technical abbreviation is also very interesting, even if it has nothing to do with that film.

- How are you, Bill? - calmly addressed the system, habitually abbreviating its technical name.

- I'm fine, Professor. - Immediately the AI responded and created its holographic illusion.

- I hope you have already managed to process all the information you brought last time? - I said with warmth in my words.

- Of course, Professor. After all, I do not want to let you down. You know how much I love to learn. - smiling hologram of the young man. - And yes, thank you, you've renewed the charge. Now I can safely continue autonomous work, for some more time. - The AI lowered its head gratefully.

- It's no big deal. That's what friends are for, isn't it? - I immediately asked a rhetorical question checking the AI for critical errors.

- Friends? - The hologram suddenly twitched. - Is it possible to be friends with the creator? - The system immediately asked its own reasonable question. - What is a friend and how is all this friendship of yours between a crystalline AI conglomerate and a human even possible? - The 'young man' continued his offensive.

- Friendship is magic, son... - I smiled fangily. - And I'm not human. - immediately corrected the AI.

- Magic? - Billy was immediately interested. - How are you different from humans, Professor? You create like them, destroy like them and exist like them. - the machine made its arguments. - It's all the same to me, but magic sounds interesting. Can you tell me more about it? Or better yet, load me up with all the new information on the subject, I want to know what magic is. - said the 'young man' with undisguised curiosity.

- It's something illusory Bill, you can't touch it, at least not yet, maybe someday we'll be able to see this magic, or there will be technologies indistinguishable from it. But that's another story. And we'll talk about friendship and humanity some other time. - I smiled mentally again and calmly pulled out of my pocket a multifaceted crystal, which was a flash drive that contained a monstrous amount of information.

- What will it be this time? - With childish delight said the AI, seeing in my hands such a long-awaited crystal with information.

- Art. - I calmly said and started integrating another crystal.

Since I did not give the system any access to the global network, all the information it was supplied with was completely under my control. And there is no need for the AI to know all the dirt that humans love so much, because we should be above it. With proper control artificial intelligence can become a wonderful part of the new world, and in the end it won't be difficult to find a 'platform' for their needs, the development of robotics is going well, so we can build them something like androids when the situation requires it.

- Thank you Professor, I don't know what I'd do without you. - the illusory globe was beaming with contentment.

- You're welcome, Billy... - I smiled fangily and left the happy child to absorb the new information and went to my office, because I still had so much to do, and I shouldn't forget about the meeting with Grey-haired man. - Now I must go.

- I look forward to seeing you again. - The young man said cheerfully, switching off the holographic projectors when I had already turned my back to him.

Slamming the door shut, I walked leisurely to my office, thinking about the business of the meeting. Being a Lizard gives you the slowness of an immortal, and on the one hand that's not a bad thing, because rushing is the lot of the 'ants' who are always in a hurry and have no thoroughness, but on the other hand it doesn't make you have more time. That's why everything needs a balance or a golden mean, or as I like to say, a harmonious beginning.

Back in the office, I began to pick out a suit for the negotiations. In the end, I decided on a proven classic, as I knew the tailor personally and often gave orders for his atelier, so the choice was obvious. On the plus side, the suit had protective threads made of the material used for special forces ammunition, so it should hold a pistol bullet at point-blank range. Putting the right suit aside, I went back to selecting all the other 'accessories' as well. In addition to the usual tie, cufflinks and shoes with a matching belt, and an immaculate snow-white shirt, I took a couple of vacuum grenades, which would fit compactly in the pockets of trousers, as well as a plasma pistol with a trio of nuclear batteries. The gun was also created in my laboratory and not even according to someone else's drawings, though, with its creation I was helped by an old colleague who owed me a favour. Such is the cycle of debt in the world. Today you save a man, and tomorrow he helps you design a plasma weapon, life is complicated and you never know where it will take you.

With a quick analysis of the nanites, and a satisfied nod, I immediately activated a 'rollback' of all the changes. A wave of painful transformations washed over my body again, and after throwing off my Lizard skin and putting my work clothes in the laundry basket, I headed for the shower. It was annoying to have to transform into a human every time, but disguise was the first thing I had to do. Quickly dressed in a suit for negotiations, and quickly finished with 'accessories' I was almost ready, smiling, I pulled out of a hidden niche of the table a small container, in which neatly arranged ampoules with the most stable and fast mutagen for 'conversion'. Having charged the automatic injector, I immediately put it in the inner pocket of my jacket, because who knows when and why Mr Hyde might need it. And the last part of my image was sunglasses with a tactical interface and a couple of cameras, so that if anything this time I will have someone to back me up, and I'm tired of being ambushed time after time, so it's time to respond symmetrically.

I parked my barracuda at an Italian restaurant and checked the holster of my plasma pistol for comfort, followed by checking the grenades and diagnosing the nanites, because I'm still testing them. As I moved steadily deeper into the exquisitely refined restaurant that was under Signor Manfredi's personal control, I took note of every detail, also noting all the possible options for retreat, even though I was covered by guys in heavy armour today, but not much of a mess could start. On the other hand, the suit will protect me, the main thing is that there was no sniper, or everything will be over very quickly, so let's hope for the conservatism of gangsters and their desire for conventional weapons. Otherwise, what's the point of negotiating?

Silvio Manfredi was extremely massive even in appearance, the sturdy figure of the old man inspired respect, because not everyone lives to his age, and even more so with such a 'business'. And you could not tell that he was an ancient old man, only the honourable silver in his hair spoke about the age of this mafioso. But I didn't care about that, as long as the grey-haired man kept to his former agreements, because what could be stronger than a mutually beneficial partnership? Even if sometimes you have to make sure that your 'partner' doesn't stab you in the back, our 'business' is not a permanent thing and sometimes you have to take different steps depending on your morals and code of honour.

- Greetings, Kurt. - The old man smiled almost sincerely, but I could see the arctic coldness in the eyes of the king of the underworld and I was not fooled by his ostensible 'kindness'. - I haven't seen or even heard from you lately, I only see you on the news. - Manfredi said grumpily. - I've completely forgotten my old friend. - The old man's smile faded, and there was no trace of his former goodwill. - It is not good, my boy, not good at all. - Silvio said reproachfully. - You left a lot of 'goods' so that we had no reason to look for you, and yet let me ask you why the hell you disappear so suddenly? - The grey-haired man almost growled and put his old Colt on the table to show his displeasure.

- Silvio. - With a friendly smile, I continued leisurely. - I don't work for you, I just supply the 'goods' and I have new products for your markets. So don't shout at me, or we might not be 'partners' anymore. - I said with steel in my words, and the old man smiled when he saw the rage in my eyes. - And don't forget that I can always go to Ambal or negotiate with the Chinese, Mrs Gao has long wanted to expand her 'product' line. So let's not escalate things. - The grey-haired man only hummed.

- Kurt. We both know you can't stand all those yellow people, and you'd say you'd be friends with the Paki or the Dinka. - Manfredi laughed and calmly took out a cigarette case with an ultrathin lighter and lit a cigarette, then disdainfully exhaled a cloud of smoke in my face, smelling of 'medicinal' herbs. - We Europeans have to stick together, or we'll be eaten by all those alien tonkies and the like. But no. For some reason we're squabbling and only getting more and more divided. I'll say this about Ambal, you don't like him either, because that bastard hasn't been in a war for a day, but we do. - Silvio straightened his chest proudly, taking another puff. - No more talk, though. Show me your goods, my boy. - Manfredi smiled predatorily.

Quickly pulling out a coal-black case with 'samples' on the table, I opened it immediately, and Silno instantly summoned his 'taster'. Soon a young lad of extremely marginal appearance appeared. It seems that he had already completely sniffed.

However, we were prevented from finishing the 'deal' by sullen masked men who suddenly burst into the Italian restaurant. I quickly pull out my plasma pistol and open a barrage of fire to clear the way. After estimating the number of 'masks' I decide to throw one of the vacuum grenades, having cleared the way a bit, I immediately take the case, and try to quietly leave. But to my deepest regret the guys in 'masks' only got more, and where did they get so many of them from?

When I finally made my way out, I saw an epic massacre. My guys in super-heavy armour were confidently pushing back what appeared to be Federales. When I spotted a man with an eye patch, I grinned and memorised his face. Breaking through the cordon with Gray-Haired's men, we destroyed part of one of New York's neighbourhoods in the confusion; I guess I shouldn't have given them those MANPADS.

The chase didn't end even in the underground. We may have split up with Manfredi's men, but that doesn't mean we're any weaker. Instantly injecting myself with mutagen, I began to rapidly transform into a Lizard. Since I was out of grenades and the gun's batteries were dead, the only thing left to do was to tear them all apart.

Growling furiously, I instantly accelerated and began to destroy all the agents.

After making sure that there was no one left alive, I began to quietly 'feast'. After all, you can't come into my fiefdom and leave with impunity. After a while my rage let go and realising I was meditating on a pile of bones, I calmly walked towards our complex, thinking about that 'curious' boy.

Meditatively wandering in the darkness, I came across some sort of silhouette, and it looked like it was a person?

- How curious...' I barely audibly hissed.