In the Trident Building, Agent Hill burst into Nick Fury's office with an anxious expression. "Director, there are two extremely dangerous people at Xu Mo's residence."
Nick Fury, who was casually sipping coffee, frowned. "Who are they?"
Despite not having constant surveillance, the satellites typically monitored the area. However, recent updates indicated otherwise. Inside the control room, Alice had hacked into every available network, including satellite feeds, making Skynet a virtual omnipresent observer.
Nick Fury watched the feed, which had been manipulated to show only what Xu Mo wanted him to see. His frustration grew as he saw Magneto and Professor X's confrontation with Xu Mo.
The coffee cup slipped from Nick Fury's hand, shattering on the floor and spilling hot coffee onto his shoes. He grimaced but remained composed. "Redirect all satellites to monitor the area and replay the footage."
Seeing the chaotic confrontation, Nick Fury's expression darkened. The footage displayed Magneto and Charles Xavier in a tense meeting, leading Nick Fury to make a critical decision.
"Cancel all previous actions against the comic company. Xu Mo's threat level is now at the highest," he ordered sharply.
Hill, concerned, asked, "Director, what should we do? It seems like the mutants are starting to shift."
The presence of Magneto, with his radical views, heightened Nick Fury's concern. Magneto's extreme ideology posed a significant risk if allied with Xu Mo.
Nick Fury's eyes narrowed as he contemplated the implications. "Send the information about Magneto and Charles's meeting to William Stryker. Ensure Xu Mo's involvement is not mentioned."
Hill looked uneasy. "Director, isn't this risky? We've always maintained a good relationship with Professor X and the X-Men."
Nick Fury understood the gravity of Hill's concerns but remained resolute. "It's necessary to find out what Charles's relationship with Xu Mo is. This information is crucial."
"But—"
Nick Fury cut her off. "This is for the stability of the world. Implement the orders."
As Hill left, Nick Fury shook his head. Hill's inexperience could potentially jeopardize the trust built with the X-Men. However, given the current situation, he needed to verify the nature of Xu Mo and Charles's alliance before making further decisions.
Back at Xu Mo's villa, a high-definition projection displayed the meeting between the three. Magneto, watching the scene unfold, laughed at the irony. "Charles, this is the S.H.I.E.L.D. you've always trusted? How amusing."
Lorna Dane, standing beside Magneto, shared his indignation. Professor X, though visibly disappointed, remained composed. He had always been skeptical of S.H.I.E.L.D., which is why he had approached Xu Mo for assistance.
Charles turned to Xu Mo, asking, "Xu Mo, what is your aim in showing us this?"
Xu Mo, smiling slightly, replied, "If we want to use comics to change the world's perceptions, mere images won't be enough. We need something that resonates deeply, blending reality with fantasy to shift their views."
Charles listened attentively. He had hoped Xu Mo would create impactful works similar to those of the "Hitomi" and "Ghoul" series, which had resonated with many teenagers. There seemed to be a more comprehensive plan in the works.
Magneto, feeling somewhat sidelined, was nonetheless curious about Xu Mo's intentions. The mutants' struggle for a better future drove his interest.
Xu Mo continued, "The X-Men have made a mark, but they're often seen as outsiders. To change this, you need to demonstrate that you're more than just superheroes."
Charles pondered this. Despite their efforts, the X-Men's heroic deeds often went unnoticed or were overshadowed.
"So, are you interested in becoming true heroes?" Xu Mo proposed. "Start by joining the world of Hero Academia."
The suggestion hung in the air as the two mutants considered the potential impact of aligning with such a concept. It was a bold move, aiming to redefine their roles in a way that could bridge the gap between mutants and the wider world.