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[Frog] Chapter 38: The Frog is Back Again
🕑 Added 2024-08-24 19:45:44 +0000 UTC"Gwen, let's go home. I have another gift for you," Alan said softly, holding Gwen close.
Gwen nodded gently, her cheeks slightly flushed.
As they were walking downstairs, Alan suddenly turned around and asked, "Gwen, was that your first kiss?"
In an instant, Gwen's face turned bright red, and her whole body stiffened. She could only nod stiffly, "Mm."
Seeing Gwen’s shy and adorable reaction, Alan chuckled and said, "What a coincidence. It was mine too..."
Back at home, Alan took out another small black box from the package. Inside was a pair of specially designed black earphones that fit snugly in the ear.
But there was something odd—both earphones seemed to be for the left ear.
"Are these... for me to listen to music?" Gwen asked curiously.
She did love listening to music, and the hooded design of her Spider suit was partly for that reason.
"Not exactly, though they do have a music feature," Alan replied. "Try putting one on, just one. The other one is for me."
Gwen understood and picked up one of the earphones, putting it on.
Then Alan said, "Say, 'Hi, Red Queen.'"
Gwen softly said, "Hi, Red Queen..."
Immediately, Red Queen's voice rang in her ear, "Hello, Miss Gwen. Let me introduce the features of this custom earphone that the master has designed for you."
"The earphone contains a chip that connects directly to my main network, allowing you to communicate with me at any time. In addition, to assist Miss Gwen in combating crime in New York City, I’ve hacked into all police communications and surveillance systems across the city. If a crime is reported, you'll be notified instantly, along with the fastest route to the location."
After hearing Red Queen’s introduction, Gwen beamed with excitement, "Thank you, Red Queen."
"You're welcome. Call on me whenever you need," Red Queen replied before her voice faded away.
Gwen looked at Alan, touched. She had been spending a lot of time with him recently, but she had no idea when he arranged all of this, let alone how he managed to evade Lizard Connors last time.
There was an air of mystery around Alan, but she wouldn’t pry—she trusted that he would tell her when he was ready.
Seeing Gwen lost in thought, Alan smiled and asked, "What's wrong, Spider-Woman? Not happy with my gift?"
"Not at all. I’m very happy." Gwen hesitated, then asked, "Wait, Spider-Woman? What do you mean?"
Alan picked up his laptop and played a video. "Looks like you’re not quite aware."
The video showed Gwen easily taking down the three robbers. In the comments below, everyone was calling her "Spider-Woman." Some were even comparing her to Daredevil, sparking a polarized debate.
Alan couldn't help but feel speechless—no matter the world, opposing topics always seemed to ignite fierce arguments online.
"Spider-Woman..." Gwen muttered. "Hmm, I like that name."
Alan nodded in agreement and then said, "By the way, I got word that Dr. Connors' lab has been discovered by the police."
"And they found this in the lab."
On Alan's computer, an image of the discarded skin Connors had shed appeared.
"Oh my god, could this be Dr. Connors' shed skin?" Gwen exclaimed.
"Yes, it seems like after he chased us that night, he returned to the lab and shed his skin," Alan explained.
It was after seeing this picture that Alan realized that after he severely injured Lizard Connors that night, the monster had indeed fled back to the lab.
It was possible that Lizard Connors fled back to the lab because he believed Alan might pursue him. After all, the most dangerous place is often the safest.
Staring at the image on the computer screen, Gwen slowly spoke, "Alan, I think..."
But she stopped mid-sentence, unable to finish.
However, Alan understood what Gwen wanted to do. "Go ahead and do whatever you want to. Don’t worry," he said reassuringly. "And I think Uncle George is probably already investigating Dr. Connors."
"We need to find Dr. Connors before the police do to avoid a direct confrontation between Uncle George and Connors."
Alan clearly remembered that George would die at the claws of Lizard Connors. He had to prevent that from happening. If something were to happen to George, Gwen would be devastated.
That night, Gwen had witnessed the strength of Lizard Connors, and she knew this was beyond what the NYPD could handle.
"So, what should we do next?" Gwen asked.
Alan pointed to Gwen's ear. "The Red Queen will keep track of Dr. Connors’ movements for you. The moment there's any trace of him in New York, or if the police have any new leads, you'll be the first to know."
"Additionally, we need to keep a closer eye on Peter."
"Peter?" Gwen asked, puzzled.
"Yes, because he has something Connors wants. And I think..." Alan paused. "It won’t be long before Connors comes looking for Peter."
Listening to Alan's analysis, Gwen's eyes sparkled. She now understood what needed to be done.
"But right now," Alan added, "we have something more important to take care of, Gwen."
Gwen was confused. "More important?"
But the next moment, she saw Alan slowly approaching her, his eyes filled with an unspoken intensity. Gwen instinctively stepped back, only to find herself pressed against the wall.
Alan came right up to her, placing one hand on the wall beside her, his calm and clear eyes locking with Gwen's.
Gwen's fair cheeks instantly flushed. "Alan, what’s the important thing you were talking about?"
Alan lifted her chin gently, his voice deep and magnetic. "What do you think, Miss Gwen?"
"I... I don't know."
With how close they were, Gwen could feel Alan's warm breath brushing against her nose. The sensation sent heat rushing to her ears as her heart began to race uncontrollably. She could even hear her own heartbeat.
Thump... thump...
"Of course, the most important thing is..."
Before Alan could finish his sentence, a notification sound abruptly echoed in his mind: "The frog has returned!"
Alan froze. "???"
...
On the streets of New York.
Peter had just left the police station and declined George's offer to drive him home.
Because right now, Peter had another place he needed to go... The only place left where he could find help...
...
