262 262: Dilemma

Caleb entered his room, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm ambiance. He stood before the mirror, meeting his own gaze, as if challenging the reflection staring back at him. The room was silent, except for the faint rustle of leaves outside.

"Alright, let's think about this," Caleb muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing slightly as he contemplated the dilemma before him. The idea of fusing the taboo energy to his weak genetic energy lingered in the recesses of his mind, a tempting shortcut to break through the first gene lock of this body. However, he knew better than to rush into such a decision.

The mirror reflected a calm exterior, but Caleb's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He began pacing the room, the words tumbling out as if he were engaged in a heated debate with himself. "On one hand, it's a direct path to unlocking that elusive gene lock. A shortcut, no doubt. But, and there's always a 'but,' what if it messes up my Gum Gum Rubber ability?"