The Villainous Superhero Template (Marvel/DC)

Early the next morning.

George dropped Peter and Gwen off at Midtown Tech High.

The two stepped out of the police car, drawing quite a bit of attention.

Especially Gwen—countless guys wanted to ask her out.

In comparison, Peter was practically invisible.

But recently, Peter had bulked up, grown taller, and, most importantly, ditched the glasses that had been hiding his looks.

Now, he was catching the eyes of many girls.

In the past, whether in class or school clubs, Peter had always been the unnoticed one.

But now, things were completely different. Just yesterday, during lunch, a girl had approached him, asking for his contact info.

Though, under Gwen's almost threatening glare, Peter hadn't given it out.

In the schoolyard, a guy with a buzz cut, a muscular build, and a baseball uniform glared at the two with a sour expression.

There were only two people in the entire school who sported this look.

One was Flash Thompson, and the other was him—Dice Duke.

As a rich kid who had transferred from Gotham, Dice had fallen head over heels for Gwen the moment he saw her.

But despite his efforts to pursue her, Gwen never gave him the time of day.

Even her father had had a "friendly chat" with him.

So, he could only admire her from afar.

The person he hated the most in the entire school was Peter.

Being so close to his goddess—who wouldn't feel annoyed?

But Dice hadn't taken it too seriously.

After all…

Peter was too scrawny. Aside from being good at academics, he had no redeeming qualities. Plus, his family was poor, still paying off their mortgage.

So, Dice had never seen Peter as a real rival.

But now, things were different. Peter's demeanor had changed dramatically.

He seemed to be quite popular with the girls.

The more Dice watched, the angrier he got. In a fit of rage, he picked up a baseball bat and aimed a ball straight at Peter's head.

If Peter was gone, no one would compete with him for Gwen.

Dice was excellent at baseball, almost never missing his target.

Peter and Gwen were chatting and laughing as they headed toward the school building.

"Did you hear? A university professor is coming to give a lecture today."

"Yeah, he's a big name in controlled nuclear fusion."

Just then, both Gwen and Peter's spider-senses tingled!

Bang!

Peter caught the incoming baseball mid-air and hurled it back with force.

Dice, caught off guard, was hit square in the face, dazed and disoriented.

Clutching his eye, he spat out a threat.

"Just you wait, Peter, you broke loser!"

"My dad makes half a million a year!"

"You can't compete with me, Peter!"

Peter rolled his eyes and, right in front of Dice, took Gwen's hand, interlacing their fingers.

Gwen was momentarily stunned, her face flushing red, but she quickly leaned into Peter, playing along.

Men and their stupid competitive instincts…

Dice turned pale with anger and stormed off.

Peter let go of Gwen's hand.

"Peter, you always take advantage of me."

Gwen pouted.

"What do you mean 'always'? Besides, I was helping you."

"Helping me?"

Peter nodded.

"Helping you get rid of Dice's harassment."

Gwen: "Do you think I'm an idiot? I don't buy it."

The two had a great relationship.

Their daily bickering was more like playful banter between a couple.

When they entered the classroom, it was already packed.

This was an elective course, and the students at Midtown Tech High were eager for knowledge.

But when the bell rang, it wasn't Otto Octavius who walked in.

Instead, it was the middle-aged, balding principal.

The principal looked ecstatic, as if he'd just won the lottery.

"Students, Dr. Otto had to cancel today's lecture due to unforeseen circumstances."

The room visibly deflated with disappointment.

But then the principal's tone shifted, his voice brimming with excitement.

"However, I have another piece of good news!!"

"Stark Industries, led by the renowned businessman Tony Stark, has decided to invest in Midtown Tech High!"

"One million dollars of that investment will be awarded to the school's top-performing student!"

The entire class turned to look at Peter.

Almost everyone in the school knew that Peter had been the top student for three years straight. He had even competed in math Olympiads, bringing honor to the school.

"Peter, come up here!"

The principal called out excitedly.

Peter was completely stunned.

He hadn't expected this turn of events at all!

What? How?

Last night, he had only mentioned his school to make Tony apologize and humble him a bit.

But he never expected Tony to refuse the apology and instead throw a million dollars at him!!!

This was completely beyond Peter's expectations.

"Come up, Peter!"

The principal urged enthusiastically.

Peter, still in a daze, walked up to the podium.

The principal continued:

"Now, let's give a warm round of applause to welcome… Tony Stark!!!"

The students erupted into cheers and applause as Tony Stark, dressed in a casual suit, walked into the classroom.