169

**Chapter 170: Massacre**

Although the monster in front of Gwen was as big as the Hulk, it appeared leaner. The most striking feature was the empty core under its ribs, supported only by a spine. Its face had a bloody mouth filled with dense, sharp teeth, resembling a demon from the abyss.

Gwen's spider sense roared violently, indicating how dangerous this red monster was. It was the worst threat she had ever faced, more formidable than the Green Goblin, Connors, or even Electro.

"Where is this?" the monster said, looking around. It didn't seem to expect an answer. After surveying the environment, it locked its eyes on Gwen, the only human in the room.

In an instant, Gwen felt the threat index of her spider sense rise, and she quickly jumped away. The monster's thick arm expanded and transformed into a battle axe, sweeping down towards where Gwen had been, splitting the surrounding tables and instruments in half. She was relieved to have dodged it.

After landing, Gwen instinctively wanted to launch her spider silk, but remembered that she had left her spider silk launcher at home. Reflecting on this oversight, she quickly backed away.

The monster chased her relentlessly. Without any equipment and with rusty movements from lack of practice, she could only run away. The monster swung its battle axe, demolishing the laboratory's priceless instruments and equipment.

Fortunately, these belonged to Tony Stark. Gwen didn't dare to run too far, as the Justice League building housed many researchers. If the monster was released, the damage would be catastrophic. She had to put herself in danger to keep the monster contained.

Thankfully, being in the Justice League building meant support arrived quickly. The monster's abilities were much stronger than Gwen's. She was soon forced into a corner, with no way out. The monster raised its axe to strike.

Suddenly, a set of steel armor smashed through the glass and jumped on the monster, slightly off-balancing it. Gwen used the opportunity to distance herself.

"Mr. Stark!" Gwen shouted.

"Gwen, what's going on?" Tony's voice came from inside the suit. "This guy looks as disgusting as an alien crawling out of the sewer."

Tony's collision had unbalanced the monster but caused little damage. It turned its attention to Tony, who realized he couldn't beat it. The monster's strength, speed, and resistance were overwhelming, and its combat skills were honed from countless battles. It could transform its wriggling flesh into various weapons.

Tony's steel armor was thrown away, smashing through several glass walls. Gwen, now without her suit, was anxious and helpless. At that moment, she noticed a pool of purple, petroleum-like fluid at her feet, crawling towards her.

Gwen was alert, recognizing the fluid as similar to the monster but a different color. It stuck to her legs, and she quickly tried to break free, unsure what would happen if it engulfed her.

Just as she was about to pull away, a voice appeared in her mind, "Please don't! I am not the same as Carnage."

Gwen was stunned by the voice. The fluid climbed up her body, transforming into a dark purple suit. The Spider Sense didn't signal danger, so Gwen felt somewhat relieved.

"What's going on? Who are you?" Gwen asked.

"Sorry for the sudden merge," the voice said. "I am Phantom, a symbiote. We can combine with hosts to provide various abilities and physical enhancements."

"Like now?" Gwen looked at her dark purple suit.

"Yes," Phantom said. "We must deal with Carnage. If we don't stop him, Earth will face a huge disaster!"

Gwen realized she was involved in a dangerous incident, possibly world-threatening. She needed to deal with Carnage urgently.

Gwen looked up and saw Tony Stark struggling, being hunted by the monster. She had to act quickly.