The party was very lively, perhaps because the Inheritors had put too much pressure on them previously. Back at the Camp, it wasn't just Gwen and Penny; none of them had really had a chance to properly interact.
Even the most carefree Spider-Ham wouldn't joke around at a time like that. But once the pressure was gone, the talkative nature of these Spiders really came out. Even Shadow Spider, who was relatively quiet, couldn't stop his mouth from moving.
Multiple brushes with death had deepened the bonds between everyone present. They chatted and played games to their heart's content, all except for one person: Miles.
He hadn't been there the first time they dealt with Kingpin, and his actions at the Camp the second time had left everyone with a bad impression of him. So, apart from Ultimate Peter's family, no one actively tried to talk to Miles.
This made Miles feel like he was sitting on pins and needles. It was the first time he regretted joining a Party, but leaving early would undoubtedly make Ultimate Peter's family feel awkward. So, he could only force himself to stay, trying his best not to think about things that made him uncomfortable.
Miles quietly sighed, casting an envious glance at Yang Le. This guy in front of him was not only subtly the main focus of this Party, but he was also in a Boyfriend-Girlfriend Relationship with the girl Miles had a crush on. This made him couldn't help but wish he could be in Yang Le's place.
Thinking of this, Miles subconsciously reached for the Drink on the Table beside him again and took a swig, hoping the Carbonated Drink would wash away his sadness.
While Miles was wallowing in his sorrow, the Peters had already started suggesting playing a Game to liven things up.
"So, what should we play?" Spider-Ham continued to swirl his Wine Glass, though the Liquid inside wasn't Liquor, but Cola.
"Well, of course, we have to play what guys love to play when they get together…" Ultimate Peter said excitedly.
Before he could finish, 616B Peter interjected, "It wouldn't be Arm Wrestling, would it?"
"Exactly!" Ultimate Peter nodded in agreement. He had actually been wanting to play this Game for a long time. Before becoming Spider-Man, he was just a weak bookworm and never dared to participate in such games for boys. After being bitten by the Radiation Spider Project, he was even more hesitant, partly because he was afraid of exposing his Identity, and partly because he worried about losing Control of his Strength and crushing his opponent's Palm.
But now, he was surrounded by people just like him. Ultimate Peter felt he could finally make up for this regret.
"Looks like we're on the same wavelength." Ultimate Peter patted 616B Peter's Shoulder in praise, then looked around, his Eyes full of anticipation.
"So, who's in?"
"Pass," Gwen waved her Hand. Penny also shook her head. Gwen simply didn't like this kind of Game, while Penny's Main Body's Power was weaker than the other Spider-Man.
"Count me in," Shadow Spider said, downing his Drink in one gulp.
"Then add us too," 616B Peter said, pulling Spider-Ham along. "It's too boring with just two people."
Gwen looked at Yang Le sitting next to her and asked, "Aren't you going to join?"
"Without Transformation, I'm just an Ordinary Person. Why would I get involved in a Superhuman competition?" Yang Le said lazily, slumping into the Sofa.
"Miles, do you want to play?" Ultimate Peter turned to Miles. He had noticed Miles's withdrawn demeanor for a while now. The reason he suggested Arm Wrestling was also to help Miles connect with the others.
"M-me?" Miles pointed at himself in surprise. Seeing Ultimate Peter nod, he first showed a happy expression, but then quickly became dejected when he saw the number of participants.
"There are five people in total, not enough. I think I'll pass."
"It's okay, isn't Habby here?" Ultimate Peter winked at Yang Le, signaling him to help out.
Yang Le was actually interested, but because of the Little Broken Watch, competing with them in Strength would undoubtedly be seen as cheating. That's why he hadn't volunteered. But now that Peter had taken the initiative to invite him, Yang Le decided not to hold back anymore.
"Let's get one thing straight, I'm definitely going to Transformation, don't say I'm cheating," Yang Le reminded them.
All the Spiders agreed. Yang Le couldn't really compete with them on equal footing without Transformation, and there was no other way around it.
The competition would be an Elimination Tournament. The winner advances, and the loser is eliminated – simple as that.
Ultimate Peter, who had initiated the invitation, volunteered to be in a group with Yang Le. The other two groups were Shadow Spider and 616B Peter, and Miles and Spider-Ham.
There was no suspense in the match between Yang Le and Ultimate Peter because Yang Le directly transformed into Might Dinosaur and ended the match with overwhelming force.
The match between Miles and Spider-Ham was also surprisingly quick. Spider-Ham didn't have much competitive spirit and, after a brief stalemate, let the serious Miles win.
The two Peters' match was fiercely contested, but in the end, Shadow Spider won with greater Stamina.
In response, 616B Peter could only sigh helplessly. He had only himself to blame for wasting so much Time. But this also strengthened his Idea to train harder when he got back. One day, he would return to his peak.
Now, only three people remained. Ultimate Peter initially suggested flipping a coin to decide who would directly enter the Final, but Shadow Spider, citing excessive Stamina consumption, took the initiative to withdraw from the competition.
With only two people left, there was no need for a coin toss, but the atmosphere had become a little awkward.
Miles looked at Yang Le in front of him, subconsciously clenching his Fist. He secretly resolved in his Heart to win this match, as if winning would somehow prove something.
Compared to the serious Miles, Yang Le seemed very relaxed. There was no way around it. Spider-Man's Strength was indeed not weak, but compared to the Power of the Aliens in the Little Broken Watch, it was still lacking.
However, Yang Le was also getting annoyed by Miles's constant, unspoken rivalry. So, he decided to just crush him and end the match decisively.
Crossing his Hands, accompanied by a flash of White Light, Fourarms appeared before everyone. To avoid smashing through the Ceiling of Peter's House, Yang Le deliberately crouched down.
Miles looked at Fourarms in front of him and quietly gulped. One of those Hands was bigger than his entire body; they weren't even in the same league.
'Get it together, Miles, you're Spider-Man now!' Miles encouraged himself in his Heart and resolutely grasped Yang Le's outstretched Hand.
Ultimate Peter, acting as the referee, saw that they were both ready and announced loudly, "Game, start!"
"Bang!"
The moment Ultimate Peter finished speaking, Miles was already on the Ground.
"What just happened?" Penny said she hadn't seen it clearly.
"Habby just swung Miles around in a circle," Gwen explained to Penny calmly.
Hearing the girl he secretly liked calmly narrate his embarrassing experience, Miles immediately lost it. He sprang to his feet, quickly left the Living Room, and dashed out the Door with lightning speed.
(End of chapter)