The public sentiment shifted almost instantly.
"She showed up despite being attacked? That's what leadership looks like."
"Vale is a fighter. Give her all the land she needs."
"Even Shantel proved she could stand for something real. Maybe there's more to her than gossip columns say."
"The internet's now pouring out with support, boss. People think you risked your life for this. You've become a martyr and a hero at once," Dragan praised.
"Condolences and get-well messages are flooding in," another woman added with a bewildered shake of her head. "They're calling you the faceless warrior of the Green Hill District."
Seeing how Ms Vale had seemingly risked her life just for a worthy course, pressure started mounting from all corners—media houses, international observers, philanthropic watchdogs, all of them urging the government to not only return the land but to actively support what had clearly become more than a protest but a movement.
