Barry earned 200 damage points. The collapse of the launch tower and various damages during the fall, along with the residual wave from using the Limitless Flower Finger, contributed precisely to this total.
Reviewing his points, Barry noticed his martial arts progress had reset to zero, with the bar now showing 3/1. The destruction points weren't enough to further his martial arts progress, indicating the cost had increased.
"Getting expensive, huh?" Barry thought, attempting to convert destruction points into martial arts value.
"Doubling the price... that's steep," Barry mused, closing the system page with a sigh.
---
After a relaxing bath, Barry dried off and returned to his bedroom, ready for a good night's sleep.
Meanwhile, Gwen was still awake, chatting with Peter, exchanging reassurances.
---
The next morning, Barry was unsurprisingly awakened early.
"Aren't you going to school today?" Barry mumbled, feeling Gwen's hands rouse him from sleep.
"With everything that's happened, school is closed for now. Dad wants me to take you to the police station," Gwen replied, pulling Barry up and thrusting a yellow vest into his arms.
"He specifically asked you to wear this. Get dressed and wash up. Everyone's eager to see you!"
"What's there to see?" Barry grumbled, donning the vest. With his furry body, clothes were mostly decorative, adding little more than flair.
After a quick wash, Gwen whisked Barry out the door before he could eat.
"I haven't eaten yet. This is panda abuse," Barry complained in the elevator.
"I asked Chef Charles Finn to prepare something for you. It'll be delivered to the station. You're New York City's hero now; you won't go hungry," Gwen assured, holding his paw with a touch of pride.
After all, just days ago, he was a peculiar panda; now, he was an overnight hero.
"Alright, it'll keep me entertained when I get there."
---
Exiting the elevator, Barry and Gwen were immediately greeted by a throng of people.
"Barry's out!"
"Barry! Over here! I love you!"
"Kung Fu Panda, teach me kung fu!"
If not for the police car blocking the entrance, Barry feared he'd be swamped. Even so, the cheers were enough to make his head spin.
"Get in the car, Sheriff George sent me to fetch you," a policeman urged, opening the door for Gwen and Barry.
They climbed in, and the vehicle, escorted by police and security, departed the apartment.
As they drove, Barry sat quietly, aware of the curious glances from the officer in the driver's seat.
Reaching the police station quickly, Barry and Gwen were met by an even larger crowd, predominantly reporters.
Most were captivated by the panda that helped avert Manhattan's crisis.
As he exited the car, flashes erupted from every direction. Barry shielded his eyes with a paw, unaccustomed to the celebrity treatment.
Pulled along by Gwen, Barry walked through a cleared path, feeling like a celebrity himself.
The police station's entrance caught Barry's attention. Expecting something typical, he was surprised by its church-like façade, adorned with massive sculptures.
To the left, a woman in a flowing gown rested a hand on a kneeling man's shoulder, gazing into the distance.
On the right, a woman sat on a throne-like seat, flanked by sheep heads, exuding majesty.
The arched doors featured intricate reliefs, resembling a Nordic papal palace or grand library.
In front of the entrance, a podium awaited. George, in a suit, spoke into the microphone, with officers maintaining order.
---
"...This is Panda Barry. Our family met him by chance. The day he escaped from the Smithsonian Zoo, we were there too. We didn't realize until later that he had found his way into our car. Opening the trunk at home, we discovered the cutest creature, like a magical elf..."
As Barry and Gwen took the stage, George recounted their story, omitting any mention of Barry speaking or collaborating with Spider-Man.
Barry remained silent, hiding behind Gwen, though the cameras were relentless.
"...Yesterday, this young panda used martial arts to thwart Professor Connors' plan, saving New York City residents from the virus."
"Therefore, by the mayor's decree, we award him the Medal of Honor."
George's announcement caused a stir, though many felt it was a fitting tribute for Panda Barry.
Questions arose about his martial arts prowess, presence at Oscorp, desire to be an officer, and intelligence.
Amidst the applause and curiosity, Barry stood quietly, embracing his newfound role as a hero.
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