First Encounter with Mutants (Part 3)

"You really think highly of us mutants. I have to say, if we mutants truly had both that ability and that intention, why wouldn't we plan an attack on the White House? By your logic, that kind of spectacle would be far more effective against the President, wouldn't it?"

As he spoke, a figure descended and landed amid the group of people conversing.

The sudden appearance before them startled everyone into instinctively backing away. Including the stubbled man who had questioned whether mutants were behind some conspiracy, everyone cleared out an open space several meters across in just a second or two.

"Everyone, don't be so tense. I mean no harm. I'm just curious why this gentleman is so afraid of mutants."

The newcomer was a tall, slender man. Seeing their reaction, he spoke calmly, though there was a trace of helplessness in his tone.

The crowd froze for a moment. Once they saw that he did not seem hostile, they began to examine him closely.

And the moment they did, someone could not help crying out.

"So handsome!"

A girl of sixteen or seventeen with shoulder-length black hair stared wide-eyed with her brown eyes and blurted out her honest assessment.

The others were briefly stunned, but inwardly, they agreed with her.

Wasn't he? He really was handsome. Never mind the distinctive uniform that was fashionable yet practical and dignified—his looks alone were undeniably striking.

Those soft, tousled medium-length golden-blond locks, carrying a hint of wildness, were enough to make countless people jealous. His sapphire-blue eyes were as deep as the stars. Not just women—even the men present thought those eyes were so beautiful that they were almost jealous—no, envious.

Then there was his tall, straight, lean figure; his skin, finer and fairer than a woman's; and that handsome face,