[Video]

[mysteryhero]

[Upon his arrival, Mysterio was in full costume, looking like Thor, Dr Strange and Iron Man rolled into one. Now he appears on the network in regular clothing - a brown sweater and tan trousers - looking elegantly casual.]

Hello again.

I have had some time to to explore and familiarize myself with this world and I'm impressed with the technology here - at least in Nova City. It's far beyond what I've seen before yet it's also lacking. That's why I am going to work for and with Aster Technologies and we can combine our knowledge to do great things.

Now, I know, I introduced myself as Mysterio when I first arrived and that is indeed a name I am known by but let's have a proper introduction now, shall we?

My name is Quentin Beck.

Comments

[made_up_names]

Yeah. Nicer than anywhere I ever lived before. Wonder how they afford all of it.

[mysteryhero]

Well, we also do have to get jobs within the month. At least, that's what I heard.

So then we can pay our own way.

[made_up_names]

[ Right, he did read that. He's honestly still undecided. ]

Sounds a little bit like slave labor with extra steps.

[mysteryhero]

You think there might be some big conspiracy under the surface?

[made_up_names]

I mean, maybe? It would explain the weird pods we woke up in.

[mysteryhero]

It is all a bit unusual, I have to admit.

Even after the things we know exist in our world.

[made_up_names]

[ Here Peter kind of. Pauses. And gives him a look. ]

Our world, right.

[ Is that what they're going with? ]

[mysteryhero]

Well, you know.

Earth.

Whether 833 or 616, this isn't another Earth.

[made_up_names]

[ All right, that answers his unspoken question. ]

I was gonna say. Yours is a little different, right?

[mysteryhero]

[Not completely letting go of that story yet.]

Mine was destroyed.

But, yes... It also was different.

[made_up_names]

Yeah? Howso? You never actually told me anything about it.

[mysteryhero]

I'd rather not have to relive such a tragedy...

Remember, I lost my family. All my friends. Everyone.

[made_up_names]

Sure. I mean, I won't pry. That would be rude.

[mysteryhero]

I appreciate your compassion, Peter.

Don't ever lose that.

[made_up_names]

[ He looks honestly taken aback for a moment, surprised by the compliment? Uncertain if it's a compliment? He turns away, embarrassed. ]

It's not that unusual. Who wouldn't feel bad hearing that someone lost their family?

[mysteryhero]

[It kind of is. It's a good trait, even if Beck is taking advantage of it a lot of the time.]

Some people are just heartless.

[made_up_names]

Yeah. Yeah, they are.

[mysteryhero]

I've told you this before but I'll repeat it because I want you to really hear it.

You're a good kid.

You do the right thing, even if that means putting yourself in danger. It's brave and it's selfless and it's rare.

I also fight for what I believe in and believe in you, Peter.

[How much of that is really sincere? It sounds convincing either way.]

You know I'll always be here for you when you want to talk.

[made_up_names]

[ God, he hates how convincing this is. Even knowing for a fact at least part of this is bullshit isn't enough to drown out the rest. (Beck fights for what he believes in, sure. Himself, not Peter.)

He has to take a breath for a moment and school his face. ]

That sounds real nice. But I'm just a normal high school kid. My greatest achievement is building a LEGO Death Star in three hours.

[mysteryhero]

[That twist on reality and half-truths just make it sound more like the actual truth. But he does think Peter has admirable traits, even if he is also thinks he's a bit gullible.]

Modest too, huh?

[made_up_names]

Look, man, I don't know what you want from me. I'm a normal kid. Who mostly likes robots and dumb movies.

[ Hint, Beck. If you trash his secret identity a second time this is gonna get real bad real fast. ]

[mysteryhero]

[He eyes Peter through the screen as if truly internally debating and deciding some things. What to say. What not to say. Words could be powerful. As could information. They both had things that they didn't want the other to reveal.]

I get it, kid. You want to live your life. I've always wanted that for you, for you to have a normal life.

[made_up_names]

[ He's probably handing Beck a weapon without realizing it. If Peter exposes Beck's secret, then Beck can hit him back just as hard. ]

Well great, because that's what I've got. I think I'm gonna try finishing high school.

[mysteryhero]

You have a lot of opportunities here. A lot of chances to make things right - for yourself.

[made_up_names]

[ Does he want that? Really want that? It's honestly a good question. He makes a face. ]

And you'll take care of the supervillains, huh?