Chapter Fifteen: Strength, Responsibility, and Power

After lying on the sofa for half the day, Yang Qiu got up to find something to eat. Daydreaming was pointless, and scaring himself even more so. Since none of the people from the Sorcerer Supreme’s circle had appeared yet, it was better to quietly build up strength, step by step. The next scenario could not unfold as hastily as Scenario Four, where he launched it without gathering enough mental energy.

A few days later, Yang Qiu was, as usual, mooching a meal at Uncle Ben’s house. After so many visits, he’d been accepted as part of the family, and everyone treated him less like a guest and more like one of their own.

“The Horn Television Network now brings you a broadcast. According to police sources, the mass casualty incident in Olympia a few days ago was caused by a battle between Van Helsing and the mutant creature Deacon…”

The report from the television caught Yang Qiu’s attention, showing footage of the devastation on the streets after Van Helsing’s confrontation with Deacon.

“This is something to celebrate. The spokesperson for Washington State remarked that monster hunter Van Helsing embodies the spirit of Washington. Through his actions, he demonstrates the power of that spirit, guiding us in our fight against evil and illustrating an eternal truth: evil will always be defeated by justice…”

Peter Parker listened to the anchor’s words, feeling a surge of excitement, while Ben beside him furrowed his brow.

“We know that Mr. Van Helsing is a top-tier hunter, highly skilled with swords and bows. With heroes like Van Helsing in America, we are confident that all mutant creatures will be eradicated from our land!”

Yang Qiu chewed his food, finding it increasingly tasteless, as if gnawing on wax. The entire report skirted the real issues—it never explained what Deacon was, nor how such mutant creatures came to be, as if deliberately keeping it secret. Instead, Van Helsing’s information was laid bare, from physical attributes to combat abilities, in meticulous detail.

He didn’t know how others felt, but Yang Qiu understood: whoever was behind this broadcast had ulterior motives. In times of war, this would be tantamount to aiding the enemy.

“He’s amazing! Like a second Captain America! If only I had that kind of power—I’d wipe out all evil, just like him!” Peter Parker exclaimed, his excitement clear; it seemed Van Helsing had become one of his idols.

Ben quietly set down his chopsticks and turned to Peter, who found himself bewildered under Ben’s gaze, unable to see what was wrong with what he’d said.

“Uncle Ben, is there something you want to say? Why not suppose Peter became Van Helsing—what would you tell him then?”

Yang Qiu spoke with a trace of playful irony, sensing he was about to witness a famous scene.

“Peter, if one day you really do gain great power—not just strength in battle, but social status and more—I hope you’ll remember two things I’m about to say,” Ben spoke after a long pause.

Two things? Wasn’t it just one? Yang Qiu scratched his head.

“First: with great power comes great responsibility. When you possess strength far beyond ordinary people, you’ll inevitably shoulder a heavy burden. I hope then you’ll use your power wisely and accept the responsibility that comes with it.”

Ben looked Peter in the eye as he spoke. As long as Peter understood this, he wouldn’t be seduced by power and stray from the path of kindness and justice. If he did stray, then the greater his power, the greater the destruction he would bring to human society.

Peter nodded, understanding. He felt his uncle’s words made sense—just like Mr. Van Helsing, who fought mutant creatures ordinary people couldn’t face once he gained power.

“Second: with great power comes great rights. Perhaps you can’t grasp this now, but remember—power and rights are symbiotic. If you have great power, you should receive corresponding rights. These rights need not manifest as status or fame, but must be reflected in your freedom to choose and your voice. Otherwise, you’ll be vulnerable to moral coercion, slander, and false accusations at any moment.”

Ben was even more earnest as he spoke the second point. Clearly, he didn’t want his nephew to become the Van Helsing seen on television.

Yang Qiu sat quietly nearby. Perhaps this was what Ben truly wished to say to Spider-Man; at that moment in time, he may have only managed half of it due to his impending death.

“Uncle, I don’t understand. Isn’t being a good person enough?” Peter fell into confusion.

Ben sighed. Peter’s parents had died young, and Ben worked hard and long hours, leaving gaps in the child’s upbringing.

Ben turned and pointed at the ongoing broadcast. “Peter, tell me—what message is this program trying to send?”

“Um… I guess it’s urging us to learn from Mr. Van Helsing and uphold the spirit of Washington,” Peter replied after some thought.

“No, you missed some crucial information. The anchor’s script is full of shifting logic and exaggerated praise. This is actually a subtle assassination by acclaim. They’ve placed on Van Helsing’s shoulders many feats and concepts no single person could achieve. No matter how strong he is, he’s still just one man, incapable of accomplishing all that. And tell me—after watching, what do you know about that mutant creature?”

“Do you know how to avoid it and protect yourself if you encounter it? Its attack methods, its essential needs? You know nothing at all. Meanwhile, every detail about Van Helsing is public knowledge, including to his enemies.”

Ben’s words grew agitated, though it was unclear what had stirred him so.

Peter fell silent. After a long while, he looked at the screen. “Why would these people do such a thing?”

“I don’t know their reasons, but I know what comes next. Van Helsing has been elevated so high, they’ll feel justified blaming him for any casualties caused by mutant creatures. What happens then?”

“Those who once idolized him will, after biased reports, turn to hate him. In the end, they’ll blame all their misfortunes on him!”

Ben guided Peter’s thinking. Yang Qiu understood Ben’s meaning, but those people wouldn’t succeed. Van Helsing was not the hero most imagined; his backstory, once the scenario was successfully completed, was as complex as that of any ordinary survivor.

Moreover, Van Helsing’s long life and wealth of experience had given him keen insight; he could see the trap, and unlike some who succumbed to moral coercion, he would not knowingly step into it.