The Villainous Superhero Template (Marvel/DC)

To be honest, Tony was a bit panicked at this moment.

From the man's outfit, it wasn't hard to guess his identity.

This was the "Mafia" guy currently dominating New York's trending topics!

Almost every forum was discussing him!

Some called him a hero, but more people thought he was a villain.

What kind of superhero tortures criminals to death?

Usually, they're like Batman—catch the bad guys and hand them over to the police.

"Hey, buddy, your outfit is so retro. I could recommend you for a runway show."

Tony tried to lighten the mood with some humor.

But whenever he opened his mouth, it always came off as sarcastic.

Tony looked calm on the surface, but inside, he was freaking out.

After all, that Rhino guy had been using Stark Industries' weapons.

And this Mafia guy had no mercy for criminals.

If he got mistaken for the Rhino's accomplice, things could get ugly.

"Hey, hey, listen, buddy, I know what you're thinking. You probably think I'm a bad guy."

"I admit, there are times when I can be pretty bad. After all, nice guys finish last."

"But that Rhino guy has nothing to do with me. I don't even know him. As for the weapons he used, I'll look into it. Just give me some time."

I tried to approach you as an ordinary person, but all I got was disdain and suspicion…

Turns out, this identity works much better.

Peter muttered to himself internally.

"I know who you are."

He cut off Tony's rambling.

"A genius, philanthropist, playboy, CEO of Stark Industries. A bit reckless, but not exactly a bad guy."

"Just a little arrogant, that's all."

Tony breathed a sigh of relief at this.

As long as he wasn't labeled a bad guy, things were fine.

But then he paused.

Arrogant?

What the hell? When have I ever been arrogant?

"Buddy, I know you're impressive, but you don't know me. I won't accept the label of 'arrogant.'"

Peter smiled faintly and sat down across from Tony. He wanted to do something cool, like pour himself a glass of red wine.

But then he remembered he was wearing a mask—no point in pouring if he couldn't drink it…

"Mocking a well-meaning kid and calling him a liar—isn't that arrogance?"

"Tony, do you think everyone in the world is like the women you sleep with, only after your money?"

Tony was utterly stunned.

Oh my God!!

Is this guy even human?

How does he know so much?!

Could there be a mole in my company? Otherwise, this makes no sense—this only happened an hour ago!

No!

Impossible. No one could spy on my company under my nose.

So there's only one possibility left.

That is…

The high school kid he'd dismissed as a liar knew this Mafia guy!

And they were close!

Maybe it was even the Mafia guy who sent the kid to warn him.

Tony's mind was sharp, and he quickly pieced this together.

"Alright, I admit I was a bit hasty in that situation."

He shrugged.

"But it's not entirely my fault. You have to understand the struggles of a billionaire. Every day, countless people are after my money. I'm not short on cash, but I can't just let people take advantage of me, right?"

"Still, I do owe an apology for this."

"Too bad I don't know who that kid is."

"Midtown Tech High," Peter said calmly.

"What?"

Tony was taken aback.

Peter explained:

"That kid goes to Midtown Tech High. He's from a poor family and ranks at the top of his class."

After hearing this, Tony was even more convinced of his theory.

So, this Mafia guy and the high school kid definitely knew each other.

He was here to get justice for the kid.

Tony gave a thumbs-up.

"I'll apologize."

Peter nodded.

He turned to leave, not planning to interfere too much with Tony's affairs.

According to the original plot, Tony would become Iron Man. It wouldn't be good to mess with that.

"You're leaving already? How about joining me for dinner? I don't usually dine alone with men, but if you don't mind, I can invite a few attractive ladies."

"You can keep them for yourself."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Happy walked in.

"Boss, the restaurant's booked."

Tony's attention was diverted, and by the time he looked back, the Mafia guy was gone.

Tony waved his hand.

"Forget it, Happy. Cancel the reservation."

"Find Obadiah for me. I need to have a chat with him. Face-to-face."

Tony had always focused on engineering and research at the company, leaving sales to Obadiah.

The weapons on the Rhino had to be connected to him.

This was serious and needed to be handled properly.

…

Peter returned home in a good mood.

So satisfying!

Watching the high-and-mighty billionaire get put in his place felt amazing!

Originally, Peter had planned to continue roaming New York's nights, punishing criminals and farming points.

But there was an important class at school tomorrow.

The school had invited a renowned professor to give a lecture.

Otto Octavius.