Chapter 10: Chapter Ten: Spider’s Seed
Miles totally forgot about the spider incident he thought of it as nothing, but deep inside Miles body, the spiders had transfer its life with just a bite. As Miles slept, the spider fluid coursed through his bloodstream, an unseen force at work within him. The fluid, rich with the spider's unique enzymes and proteins, began to interact with his cells at a molecular level.
Initially, it targeted his red blood cells, enhancing their oxygen-carrying capacity. Miles felt more energized than ever, though he was completely unaware of the transformation. Meanwhile, the venom triggered a series of biochemical reactions, rewiring his nervous system. Neurons began to fire more efficiently, heightening his senses and reflexes without him realizing the change.
It was a Monday morning, Miles had woken up with sweat clung to his skin his bed was soaked with sweat he thought he had peed himself, then he found out it was sweat. "why did I sweat this much?" he asked himself in confusion, he decided to ignore it. "I guess it's a clammy reminder of a night filled with restless dreams". His body was already adjusting to the changes. The cool air felt more intense against his skin, the sounds outside sharper and clearer. Even the smell of breakfast wafting from the kitchen seemed richer, as if he could identify every spice and ingredient. He felt an unusual energy coursing through him. Ignoring the slight unease in his stomach, he got up and headed to the bathroom.
Looking in the mirror, he noticed something odd—a faint shimmer in his eyes that hadn't been there before. He shrugged it off as a trick of the light and had his bath. As he dried himself, he felt a sudden rush of strength. He flexed his arms, surprised by how defined his muscles looked, as if he'd been working out for weeks
"Why do I look so different?, was it what I ate last night? I feel so weird" he said to himself staring at the mirror.
Deciding to shake off the weirdness, he grabbed his backpack and headed to school. But the moment he stepped outside, he felt different, more aware, more alive. The colors of the world seemed richer, the sounds sharper. It was as if he had been given a new lens through which to see everything. It was like he's moving ahead of the world, he sees things slowly. He decided to snap out if and thought maybe it was just a weird feeling. "cut it Miles" he said to himself gently hitting his face with his hands.
"Hey bro, what's up?" Jason whispered to Miles while history class was in session. He leaned closer, his voice barely audible over the teachers lecture. "Heard you got knocked down by Harry and his friend during you last training. Was that true? What was that all about?"
Miles sighed, "Yeah he did", he muttered, his voice low, almost as if he didn't want to admit it.
Jason raised an eyebrow. "I thought you agreed to stay away from Gwen?"
"I did," Miles said, a little defensive. "I haven't talked to her ever since the day she dropped me off your place with her car. I've been trying to avoid her, man. I swear."
"So then why does Harry keep tormenting you?" Jason asked frowning. "Dude always got something to prove."
Miles clenched his jaw. "I hate him," he whispered fiercely. "He won't stop doing this. Every time I think it's over, he finds another way to come at me. It's like he's obsessed."
"What a loser," Jason said, shaking his head. "it's pathetic, honestly. He's got nothing better to do than to mess with people."
"Yeah tell me about it," Miles said, his fingers tapping anxiously on his desk. "I'm so sick of it. but what can I do? It's like the guy's got a vendetta or something."
Jason leaned back in his chair, giving Miles a quick glance. "You know he is just trying to get in your skin, right? He wants a reaction. Don't give him the satisfaction."
"I know, I know," Miles said rubbing the back of his neck. "But its hard, man. Every time I see him, it just… it gets to me."
Jason smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "well enough about that clown. You up for more video games this Saturday? You know you haven't beat me yet."
Miles expression softened, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "Oh, you bet. This time, not gonna be like last time. Better be ready to lose."
Jason chuckled leaning in with a prideful smile. "I'm always ready, man. You better bring your A game cause its not going to be easy on you."
Miles shot at him a playful look. "Trust me, I've been practicing. You're going down
"We'll see," Jason said with a wink. "just don't back out when I start winning."
"Not a chance," Miles said, shaking his head. "I'm taking you down this time."
"Yeah, we'll see about that.
Miles felt an unsettling sensation in the pit of his stomach, aware that something wasn't quite right with him, though he couldn't pinpoint what it was. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Gwen approaching until she greeted him with a bright smile. "Hey, new kid!" she said in a calm and friendly tone.
Instantly, his heart raced. The fear of Harry's wrath loomed over him like a dark cloud. He managed a nervous smile, hoping to sidestep her and continue on his way. But Gwen stood directly in front of him, her smile unwavering.
Oh my God, I'm going to get in huge trouble just for standing here with you, he thought, panic swirling in his mind as he tried to focus on her words. But the worry gnawed at him, what if Harry saw them together? He scanned the area, glancing over his shoulder, hoping to spot Harry lurking somewhere nearby. He just wanted Gwen to finish her conversation and move on.
"Hey, Miles, are you okay? You haven't been listening," she said, concern creeping into her voice. He sighed, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, Gwen. It's just… I've been humiliated a lot by Harry for talking to you. He might see us now and come after me again."
Her expression shifted from confusion to frustration. "What do you mean?" she pressed, her voice rising slightly.
"Gwen, I'm serious. Harry's been tormenting me ever since that time we talked, He humiliated me in the cafeteria and also at during training he tries to hurt me. I can't relax; I'm always looking over my shoulder, waiting for him to come at me. I've been trying to avoid you because of him," he confessed, his voice tinged with desperation.
Gwen's anger flared as she processed his words. She had always known Harry to be protective, but this was beyond what she had expected. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry, Miles. I didn't mean to put you in the middle of this mess. I'll fix it, okay? You don't have to stay away from me," she said, her tone softening. But then, a change washed over her face—an intense, fiery anger that startled him. Without another word, she turned and walked away.
Miles stood frozen, a sinking feeling in his chest. He had no idea that Gwen intended to confront Harry. The thought filled him with dread; he feared she would only make things worse.
"Gwen, wait!" Miles called, but the words barely escaped his lips as she quicken her pace making it difficult for Miles to get to her. Miles decided to let her go he knows things might get worst If he's seen with her
"Why are you picking on Miles?" Gwen's voice rang out, firm and unwavering.
Harry, who had been laughing with his friends, turned around at the sound of a familiar voice. It was his girlfriend, Gwen. His smirk grew wider as he saw her approach. "What's it to you?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with arrogance. "He's just a nobody. You really think he's worth your time?"
Gwen's expression hardened, her voice rising with frustration. "It's not about my time, Harry. You're bullying him just because he talked to me? Why would you do that? That's psychotic!" Her voice echoed through the hallway, drawing the attention of nearby students who began to glance over at the scene unfolding.
Harry, now visibly uncomfortable and caught off guard, fidgeted under the sudden spotlight. He could feel eyes on him. "Come on, Gwen," he said in a softer tone, trying to regain control of the situation. "You know how I feel about you talking to other guys."
Gwen's patience snapped. "I'm tired of this, Harry!" she shouted, her frustration clear. "You need to stop. This is getting out of hand. Everyone is scared to talk to me because of you. You can't keep doing this."
Harry looked down, embarrassed and unsure of how to respond. The power he had felt moments earlier evaporated. His mind raced for an excuse, but none came. He could sense that the crowd's eyes were no longer on him in admiration, but judgment.
"Don't tell me what to do, Gwen," Harry snapped, his voice dripping with irritation. "And stop defending that kid. Why are you so worked up about this? Are you cheating on me with hi—"
Before he could finish, Gwen's open palm cracked across his face in a swift, sharp slap. The sound of it echoed through the hallway, and a collective gasp came from the students who had been watching the argument unfold. "Ohhhhh," they exclaimed in shock, their eyes wide as Harry stood there, frozen in place, his cheek stinging.
Harry's face flushed with embarrassment. His smirk was long gone, replaced with a look of pure rage. He clenched his fists, his hand rising instinctively as if to strike back. But just before he could, Freddie, his closest friend, grabbed his arm. "Come on, bro," Freddie said quickly, holding him back. "Don't do that here."
Harry breathed heavily, his fury barely contained, but Freddie's grip held him in place. His friends were now looking at him with uncertainty, unsure of what he would do next.
Without another word, Gwen stormed off, her footsteps echoing angrily as she disappeared down the hallway. Harry was left standing there, his hand still held back by Freddie, looking like a complete fool as the onlookers whispered amongst themselves. ""Let go", he screamed at Freddie in anger. He could feel the weight of judgment amongst those watching the scene , but more than anything, he felt the sting of being humiliated in front of everyone—by Gwen, of all people. "She did this to me because of him, I'll show him", he whispered to him self while walking away.