18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 29

It wasn't until Stella started loading the cases of bourbon that she realized that the antiques and the antique rack she'd collected the night before were nowhere to be found. She searched high and low, but they were definitely gone. The bourbon, diving gear, watches, and safes were all accounted for; only the antique paintings and the rack were missing.

Could it be that these ancient artifacts possessed some sort of spiritual quality that triggered the expansion of Arcadia? It was plausible, considering the amulet she wore was of the finest quality.

But the antique rack was not of this nature, so why did they disappear too?

As Stella pondered over the secret to Arcadia's expansion, Cody knocked on the door.

Perhaps the hunger he'd experienced during the hurricane had left a lasting imprint on him, as he now seemed to have a heightened sense of urgency about their food supplies. Their rations were quickly depleting with three people to feed. Waking up to find the water level had risen again, he was more convinced than ever that the end of the world was upon them. "Yesterday we only searched my office building. There are two more nearby. Why don't we get to them before anyone else does?" Cody proposed.

At first, Stella planned to fill up the apartment and Arcadia and then lay low. But with an extra 150 cubic feet of space, she was suddenly interested again. They had enough food, but surviving the apocalypse required more than just sustenance.

Being wealthy could be a curse. Perhaps having plenty of food could make them a bigger target.

Items like the samurai sword and golf clubs they'd found yesterday could've been invaluable in defending themselves against dangerous intruders. If they ever ended up in the water, diving equipment could potentially save their lives. Moreover, if they could find more spiritually charged items, perhaps Arcadia could expand even further?

With these thoughts in mind, Stella enthusiastically agreed.

So, Cody went to knock on the door of apartment 1801. Jasper had no objections, and everyone quickly packed up their belongings and set off.

Despite their discretion, they still attracted attention. The looks from others were meaningful.

It seemed like despite their precautions, they had been discovered the night before. But what did it matter? They had earned their supplies with their own efforts.

they chose

were leaving their apartment complex, a thick rope suddenly emerged from the murky floodwater. Jasper reacted quickly, using his oar to block the rope, saving them from being tripped up. If

and quickly swimming towards the raft. It was clear the people

face looked stern as she drew her

"Ahh!!!"

scream, a man's arm was cut off, and

just one wouldn't be enough to deter the others. Without hesitation, Stella aimed

alliance between the other apartment buildings was just the tip of the iceberg; who

slaughter. If they showed weakness or cowardice, they would be swarmed, their

no room for retreat. Any

and Cody were physically

order, but one of survival

two of them lifted their oars, ready to fight back against those who threatened their lives. Stella continued to swing her sword. The water around the raft turned red. The injured men screamed and thrashed in the

her tragic past, Stella's eyes turned bloodshot as she coldly ordered, "Chase them." They couldn't let them

Jasper took out his nail gun. His aim was precise, and no matter how much the men thrashed in the water, he shot them down

Total annihilation!

asked, "Should we go

her samurai sword. "If we go back now, it will be seen as a sign of weakness, telling them that Angela was not up for the challenge. The next time we go out, they will swarm the

extremely nervous. He knew Angela could fight, but how many

get there and back as quickly

heart, Lukas gritted his

the raft, roaring towards the outskirts. Halfway there, they