The atmosphere in the White House had changed dramatically. The president, who had been prepared to deliver a carefully crafted speech to downplay the mutant issue, found himself in a precarious position. The unexpected interruption of the broadcast showing the horrific treatment of mutants had thrown his plans into disarray.
Times Square
The broadcast on Times Square had created a seismic shift in public perception. The graphic images of mutant children undergoing painful experiments, paired with the disturbing revelation of Stryker's military plans, had ignited a firestorm of outrage. The display of such inhumane practices had struck a chord with the American public, who were already on edge regarding mutant issues.
The revelation that these actions were sanctioned at the highest levels of government had further inflamed the situation. The public's trust in their leaders had been severely shaken. The images were a stark reminder of past atrocities, bringing comparisons to historical horrors, and forcing people to confront the darker side of their nation's policies.
Online Reaction
Social media and news forums were ablaze with condemnation. The outpouring of anger was unprecedented, with the president's approval ratings plummeting and demands for accountability growing louder. The public's support for the mutants had surged, and advocacy groups seized the opportunity to push for more humane treatment and rights for mutants.
Marvel Universe
Xu Mo, who had orchestrated the exposure of Stryker's atrocities, observed the unfolding chaos with a sense of satisfaction. The dramatic shift in public sentiment was exactly what he had hoped for. By revealing the truth and presenting the mutants as victims rather than threats, he had successfully altered the narrative.
He turned to Alice as he processed the day's events. "The White House and S.H.I.E.L.D. are definitely going to face a backlash. The mutants will benefit from the shift in public opinion, and it will be interesting to see how the government responds."
Alice nodded. "Yes, the hostility toward mutants has backfired. With public opinion turning in their favor, it will be harder for the authorities to continue their previous policies without facing severe criticism."
Villa No. 2
Xu Mo's attention shifted to the present moment. He had expected to find Saitama in the villa, but the hero had gone out on one of his peculiar errands. Xu Mo's curiosity was piqued by Alice's latest report about the falling meteor.
"A hammer?" Xu Mo mused. "That sounds familiar."
Mexico
In Mexico, Saitama, ever the unassuming hero, was caught up in his own adventure. Having taken advantage of a sale, he was on his way back when he noticed the meteorite crashing down nearby. The sight of the hammer-like object embedded in the earth intrigued him.
Saitama approached the fallen object with a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance. "Who threw the hammer?" he shouted, his frustration evident. He had expected a peaceful shopping trip, not an encounter with an otherworldly object.
The hammer, partially buried in the ground, seemed to glow faintly. Saitama inspected it closely, noting its peculiar design and unfamiliar aura. Despite his disinterest in things that weren't food or sales, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of intrigue.
Back at the Villa
Xu Mo, back at the villa, received an update from Alice. "The object that fell is indeed Mjölnir, Thor's hammer. S.H.I.E.L.D. is already investigating, but it seems they are struggling to lift it."
Xu Mo grinned. "Looks like Saitama has a new puzzle to solve."
With the events unfolding both in the Marvel Universe and the real world, it was clear that the world was on the brink of significant changes. The exposure of Stryker's atrocities and the appearance of Mjölnir were only the beginning of the transformations on the horizon.