Deep in the sewer, Dr. Curt Connors crawled through the filth.
The effects of the Lizard Serum had worn off again.
After experiencing the incredible power it bestowed, Connors found it unbearable to return to his frail human state; broken, weak, powerless. A mere infection or the tiniest shard of bone could end his life in an instant.
Above him, the bustling city of New York swarmed with millions of equally fragile and pitiable lives.
"I can save them!"
Leaning against a grimy wall for support, Connors's face was lit with fervent determination.
His fragile body betrayed none of the fiery resolve surging within him. He believed he bore a profound responsibility to lead humanity, trapped at the dead-end of evolution, toward a broader, brighter future.
Only by shedding their weak, human shells could people gain the strength needed to survive and thrive.
"I will be the savior!"
"My inventions will benefit the world!"
Though Connors had reverted to human form, his mind was irreversibly altered by the serum. He saw humanity as frail and inferior, destined to perish without his intervention. He envisioned himself as the beacon of progress, liberating people from disease and frailty.
Of course, he acknowledged that many might recoil at the grotesque appearance of the Lizard form. But in his view, this resistance was merely ignorance of the strength such transformation could bring. Once they experienced it, they would crave it. Who cared about appearances when power awaited?
As these thoughts consumed him, a sharp voice interrupted.
"A magnificent vision, Doctor!"
"Who's there?!" Connors snapped, instantly on guard.
He turned toward the darkness. Emerging from the shadows was a man with an unsettling pallor, his skin tinged bluish-gray. The stranger's face radiated admiration.
"You may call me Dr. Animo." the man announced with a sinister smile, his sunken cheeks reminiscent of a vampire.
Unbothered by the sewer's squalor, Animo approached with enthusiasm.
"Dr. Connors, I share your ambition! Together, we can transform this world into something far better!"
Connors was unimpressed, his gaze icy and predatory, like a reptile sizing up its prey.
"Don't be alarmed, Doctor." Animo said smoothly. "I come bearing a gift."
He clapped his hands, and the sewer echoed with an ominous rumble.
Connors stiffened as his instincts screamed danger.
From the darkness, four glowing red eyes emerged, followed by the hulking form of a monstrous, frog-like creature, towering at nearly twelve feet. Its massive bulk seemed capable of swallowing a man whole.
"What... is this?" Connors asked, stunned.
Animo, despite his shabby appearance, introduced the beast with grandiose flair, like a presenter showcasing a priceless treasure.
"My masterpiece." he declared.
"A mutated lifeform!"
Connors, an expert in reptilian biology, was astounded. The sheer size of the creature defied logic. A frog's anatomy simply couldn't support such weight without collapsing under gravity.
"How is this possible?" he demanded.
Animo tapped a peculiar device strapped to his head. "Behold the genius of my Gene Modulator." he said smugly, concealing the fact that it also allowed him to control the mutations.
"This world is more complicated than you think, Doctor." Animo continued.
As a scientist capable of creating groundbreaking technology with mere household parts, Animo had quickly learned about the superhuman forces in this universe. He had discovered both Iron Man and the shadowy organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D.
This knowledge fueled his cautious yet calculated actions.
Taking a step closer, Animo leaned in and whispered fiercely, "To achieve our grand vision, we must crush anyone who stands in our way!"
His voice reverberated through the sewer like the decree of a vengeful god.
"Evolution is survival of the fittest! Adapt or perish!"
"Your Lizard Serum, combined with my mutation technology, can create a superior species, unparalleled power, and..."
Animo paused dramatically, lowering his voice to a reverent whisper in Connors's ear.
"...a glorious new civilization."
Connors hesitated, his reptilian instincts clashing with the human part of him still struggling to grasp the scope of Animo's ambition.
Finally, he muttered, "You..."
Animo's smile widened, anticipating praise.
"…have bad breath."
"What?!"
Animo nearly exploded in frustration.
After his passionate monologue, the only thing Connors noticed was his breath? Animo's hands clenched with barely contained rage.
"Are you serious?! I've slaughtered countless enemies, and you're worried about my breath?!"
Connors shrugged. "I'm saying it's unpleasant. Keep your distance."
He pushed Animo aside and nodded. "Your plan is intriguing, but first, we need to eliminate a certain nuisance."
Connors, of course, referred to Spider-Man.
But Animo shook his head, pulling out a small, glowing orange crystal.
"Our enemies go beyond one meddling hero. Lizard power alone won't suffice."
"Is that… amber?"
…
Midtown High School
Bren casually headed to the restroom as he often did.
But the moment he reached the door, his Spider-Sense exploded like a siren. Every hair on his body stood on end.
Before he could react, the bathroom floor collapsed, shaking like a localized earthquake.
From the rubble, a green-scaled head burst through the tiles, the remains of a toilet balanced precariously on top.
Bren froze.
Dr. Connors?
Why did he have to come through a toilet?
Bren didn't understand, but he was undeniably impressed.
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