An hour later.
Washington, White House, temporary conference room in the underground shelter.
A number of military and government officials sat on either side of the long table, their faces grim, each one bearing the fatigue and anxiety brought on by the recent string of setbacks.
"That group of Mutants is preparing to resurrect 'Magneto,' Erik Lehnsherr." Ms. Ritts pushed a report to the center of the conference table, her movements crisp and decisive, without a single unnecessary gesture.
"The location is the Vorgan Building in Hamilton City. We must take action."
As she spoke, the atmosphere in the conference room grew increasingly heavy.
"...I think we need to consider this carefully, ma'am." A military general rubbed his aching temples. "We've already lost three military bases. That group of Mutants has retaliated far more fiercely than we anticipated..."
Before he could finish, however, his eyes gradually turned vacant.
At almost the same moment, the president, the chief of staff, and everyone else present fell into the same strange daze.
A few seconds later, they returned to normal as though nothing had happened.
"Proposal approved." The president spoke slowly, his voice devoid of emotion. "Immediately mobilize the military and proceed to Hamilton!"
"There is one more matter." Ms. Ritts spoke up. "I propose that nuclear weapons be authorized for use in this operation."
"Have you lost your mind?!"
"That is absolutely impossible!"
The conference room instantly erupted. Using nuclear weapons on home soil was no longer merely crossing a line—it was trampling on the very foundation of the nation!
Everyone exchanged glances.
No matter what, using nuclear weapons in a domestic operation had unquestionably crossed some kind of bottom line!
The president's body began to tremble slightly, fine beads of sweat seeping from his temples. His lips moved as though he