**Chapter 445: The Choice That Hurts**
In the dim light of the room, shadows danced on the walls, reflecting the turmoil within Caroline’s mind. She stood at a crossroads, each option laid out before her like a tantalizing yet treacherous banquet. The choices she faced felt like a heavy burden, each one carrying its own set of consequences that weighed on her conscience.
**Option 2:** The first choice shimmered with promise—a self-protection system designed for her mobile base. This upgrade was not merely a convenience; it was a shield against the unforgiving elements of her world. It boasted the ability to adapt to the most extreme weather conditions—blistering heat that scorched the earth, storms that roared like ancient beasts, and humidity that clung to her skin like a second layer. In the biting cold of winter, it would cocoon her in warmth, while in the sweltering summer, it would provide a cool sanctuary. This upgrade symbolized a chance for security and comfort, a glimmer of hope in a life otherwise consumed by chaos. The thought of living with such protection almost made her feel like royalty, a stark contrast to the harsh reality surrounding her.
**Option 3:** Yet, lurking in the shadows was the third option, a far more sinister choice. It whispered dark promises, enticing her with the notion of survival at a cost that sent shivers down her spine. Adults, she recalled, often found themselves caught in the web of wanting everything, but could she truly bear the weight of such a decision? The storage system, with its unsettling focus on recycling human organs—including her own vital parts—loomed ominously in her mind. The mere idea of depleting herself in such a grotesque manner filled her with dread. Was she prepared to sacrifice her very essence for the sake of survival?
Confusion washed over her like a tidal wave. The allure of the first two upgrades was undeniable, and for a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to entertain the idea that perhaps the storage system could be a reliable ally. But as the thought lingered, her teeth clenched instinctively, a visceral reaction to the chilling implications of Option 3.
The very mention of that storage space, with its cheeky demeanor and tiresome explanations, grated on her nerves. Yet, despite her irritation, the temptation remained. She found herself yearning for both Option 1 and Option 2. How could anyone expect her to choose just one? The prospect of a fortified wall was essential; her mobile base currently resembled an empty shell, surrounded only by trees that offered little protection. A wall that could be enhanced later was a wise investment indeed.
And then there was the self-protection system. The relentless heatwave outside was suffocating, and even though she had an arsenal of ice blocks, a generator, and a compact ice maker stashed away, none of that could compare to a base that could autonomously regulate its temperature. The thought of a built-in defense system sent a thrill coursing through her veins, igniting a flicker of hope amidst her uncertainty.
Deep down, she sensed the potential synergy between the wall and the defense system could yield extraordinary results.
She was an adult, and yes, she craved it all. But a strange premonition nagged at her—she could foresee the relentless labor that awaited her in the days to come.
Caroline had grown all too familiar with the storage space’s snarky attitude. If it dared to issue warnings, she knew it would drain her dry; choosing both upgrades would demand an exorbitant amount of energy. And that energy could only be harvested from one source—mutant creature bodies.
Despite the weight of her decision, Caroline pressed her lips together in determination. Fine. Adults don’t just settle for one choice. She would seize both upgrades. She was prepared to gamble everything.
Nathaniel was saved now, and the military owed them a significant debt. Securing more mutant creature corpses in the future shouldn’t pose a problem.
With the oppressive heat looming, those creatures would proliferate wildly. And with the way her powers—and those of Tyler and Denton—were expanding, they could hunt more effectively, supplying the mobile base with the energy it craved.
Moreover, she still had a respectable stockpile of mutant creature bodies tucked away.
With all of that in mind, she made her choice—Option 3.
Instantly, a chill slithered down her spine, a harbinger of what was to come.
In the blink of an eye, the mobile base vanished from her sight, and she was expelled from the confines of the storage space.
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