The Villainous Superhero Template (Marvel/DC)

"Is this what youth feels like? It's great to see all of you!"

Tony Stark waved at the students in the classroom.

But to be honest, he wasn't particularly excited.

If it weren't for that Mafia guy, if it weren't for Peter, he wouldn't be here.

"I never used to believe that knowledge could change one's destiny, but now I do. Keep working hard, everyone. Don't let Peter take next year's million-dollar scholarship too."

With that, he pulled out a bank card from his pocket.

He looked at Peter and patted him on the shoulder.

"This is what you deserve. I think we should step outside and have a chat about… well, how you plan to spend this scholarship."

The classroom erupted with mixed emotions—envy, regret, and jealousy.

But what they didn't know was that this money had been prearranged. Even if Peter had been a terrible student, the million dollars would have found its way to him under some other pretext.

Did they think this was a gift from heaven?

Wrong. All gifts from fate come with a hidden price tag.

Among the students, Gwen was undoubtedly the happiest.

She was genuinely thrilled for Peter.

As the daughter of the NYPD commissioner, Gwen's family was far from struggling financially. George had even considered sponsoring Peter's education.

But Gwen had stopped him.

She was worried Peter might feel inferior in front of her, losing his self-esteem.

What guy wouldn't care about his pride?

Now, with this million dollars in Peter's hands, it would greatly ease—no, completely solve—the Parker family's financial crisis.

Dice, on the other hand, was completely dumbfounded by the news.

Just moments ago, he had bragged about his father being a wealthy man earning half a million a year.

And now, within five minutes, Peter had become a millionaire!

This wasn't fair! How could this happen?!

Now, Dice was completely outmatched. The only thing he had over Peter was his family's wealth.

But now, even that was gone.

His grades were worse than Peter's, his looks were worse, his physical fitness was worse, and now even his wealth couldn't compete.

Dice knew he could never compete with Peter for Gwen's attention.

Unless… he got rid of Peter.

And Dice just so happened to have the means to do it. He was from Gotham and knew a crime boss—people called him the Penguin.

Back when the Penguin wasn't yet a boss, Dice had helped him out.

Now, it was time to call in that favor.

Dice had already made up his mind. Tomorrow night, he would take a trip to Gotham.

Meanwhile.

Peter and Tony were in another classroom.

"Mr. Stark, thank you so much."

Peter's words were sincere. He had been trying to scrape together more money, but the small amounts he got from street criminals were nowhere near enough.

This million dollars was a lifesaver.

With this money, Uncle Ben wouldn't have to drive a cab after work, and Aunt May wouldn't have to cry over customer complaints.

Everything was about to get better.

Indeed, money really does solve everything!

"You're quite the actor, young man."

Peter: "??"

"What am I acting?"

"You definitely know that Mafia guy."

"After you left yesterday, he came to see me, clearly trying to save face for you."

"Impressive. You've got connections with someone like that."

That scared me for a second. I thought my real identity had been exposed.

Peter had already decided he would never reveal his true identity.

Even if he one day became as powerful as Superman, he would never let it slip.

After all, enemies could always kidnap his family or friends and use their lives to threaten him.

After hearing Tony's words, Peter decided to drop the act.

"Alright, I do know him."

"We've known each other for a while. Let me guess—did he say you're arrogant?"

Tony suddenly lost the desire to continue the conversation.

Everyone kept calling him arrogant. How was he arrogant?

Just then, his phone rang.

It was Obadiah calling.

Tony answered the call.

"Hey, I'm not at the office right now. There's something important I need to discuss. I'll be back soon."

After hanging up, Tony patted Peter on the shoulder.

"Listen, Peter, tell your mysterious friend not to show up again. When he appeared yesterday, he nearly gave me a heart attack."

"But you're always welcome at Stark Industries. We can exchange some tips on picking up girls."

With that, Tony left.

He drove back to Stark Industries headquarters.

As soon as he entered his office, he saw the bald, bearded Obadiah.

At this point, Tony still didn't know that this business partner of his father's would one day become the Iron Monger, the man who would try to kill him.

Obadiah smiled.

"Oh, Tony, I was out handling business. You called me back so urgently—it must be something important, right?"

Tony slammed a few photos on the table.

They were pictures of the Rhino's armor being dismantled, taken by Rhodes.

"I've always trusted you over the years, but what the hell is this?!"

"Why are my weapons showing up outside the military?!"

"Someone used Stark Industries' weapons to hurt people!"

"I need an explanation!"

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