Chapter 39: Chapter 37: The Panicked Owl
"Big White, you're finally awake. Are you feeling any discomfort?" Gwen asked, moving closer to help him up.
"Huh?" She tried lifting him, but Big White, who she could usually manage, was too heavy this time.
"It's okay, just get me a glass of water," Big White replied, shaking his head to clear the fog.
"Alright, stay put. I'll get you some water," Gwen said, patting his head before leaving the room. She soon returned with a glass of warm water.
After drinking, Big White felt the nausea and discomfort ease.
"You didn't have school today?" he asked, noticing the bright day outside.
"No, it's Saturday. No school today or tomorrow," Gwen shrugged. "I was going to take you out today, but I didn't expect you to be drunk last night."
"Oh, well, I really don't feel like moving today. Maybe we can go camping tomorrow. I'd love some grilled fish," Big White said, lying on his small bed like a flattened pancake, his voice weak.
"We should find a quiet place to camp. Otherwise, we won't enjoy our time," Gwen suggested. Besides George's family, only the Smithsonian Zoo and Mayor Adams knew Big White was with them. However, reporters were targeting the zoo director and others still in New York. Their keen sense for big news meant it wouldn't stay hidden for long.
Gwen took the glass from Big White, noting it was clean since she'd tidied the room last night. However, the scent of wine lingered when he spoke.
"Have you grown? You feel heavier," she remarked, recalling his weight.
"Maybe. My body feels sturdier," Big White replied, reflecting on last night's dream. He seemed to have gained martial arts knowledge.
Curious, he opened his system panel.
Out of the original ninety-five destruction points, only ten remained. Destroying the wine last night earned him fifteen points.
Big White wasn't sure how destruction points were calculated, but guessed it was based on value and scope.
Checking his talent page, he saw his limbs had evolved, and "rough skin and thick flesh" was replaced by a martial arts progress bar.
It now showed ten percent progress.
"Does a hundred destruction points equal ten percent progress?"
The panel was straightforward, and he quickly understood. But when he noticed something unexpected, he was surprised.
Originally at seven goodwill points, he now had an extra one. All he'd done was destroy George's hidden wine.
Maybe it was a good thing after all.
---
Except for meals, Big White spent the day lounging in bed. Though the hangover had eased, he was too lazy to move.
Gwen stayed close, enjoying her panda's company without venturing out.
In the evening, George received a call—Spider-Man was spotted over New York again. He left for the police station, preparing to capture Spider-Man.
After dinner, the family relaxed in the living room before retiring to their rooms.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Gwen asked as Big White retrieved the clothes she'd laid out last night.
"I'm going to find Spider-Man and help catch criminals," Big White replied, donning his coat.
With martial arts progress, he felt an urge to test his new abilities.
Though termed "martial arts progress," it was more about instinctual physical enhancement. Skills like the invincible Nianhua Finger, Shadow Boxing, and Energy Cultivation might fall under skill options later.
Earning goodwill points remained important.
"No, the police are after him now. You might get hurt," Gwen cautioned.
"Don't worry, I'm really strong now," Big White assured, putting on his bamboo hat. He playfully winked at her, showing she needn't worry.
With that, he headed to the window, opened it, and slipped outside.
"Leave the window open for me. Rest well," he waved, leaping down the twenty-story fire escape.
Gwen's eyes widened. As she moved to check, Big White swung away on spider silk.
"Panda Spider-Man?" Gwen mused, amused by the sight.
---
Once out, Big White swung freely through Queens. The ten percent martial arts enhancement made him more agile and powerful. His body had strengthened in all aspects.
Compared to his awkwardness days ago, he now moved through the city with spider silk as deftly as Spider-Man.
He could leap across rooftops without needing silk.
Finally, he felt like an ancient hero, flying over rooftops.
After enjoying the thrill of parkour, Big White adjusted to his evolved body.
Next, he needed to find Spider-Man and join forces.
With ongoing negotiations between the House of Representatives and the Dragon Kingdom, he couldn't wait. The world was dangerous; he needed to strengthen himself quickly.
Acting alone was risky. With Peter's protection, he'd be safer.
But soon, he realized a problem—he didn't know where Peter was.
After rushing out, he realized he wasn't familiar with New York.
Even with a strong sense of smell, finding him in the city was impossible.
As he pondered, an owl flew overhead.
Big White's eyes lit up, and he quickly shot a web with his bear claws.
"Thwip!" The web snared the owl, pulling it down.
"Whoo! Whoo!" The captured owl flapped in panic.
"Hey! Hey! Relax, I just need your help," Big White called.
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