18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 44

Stella was taken aback. The man standing opposite her was a former SWAT officer. She felt out of his league. However, backing down wasn't in her nature. She believed that challenging the big guns was the way to level up, "Alright, bring it on." In fact, Angela had been itching to spar with him for a while, but never found the right opportunity to propose it. Now the opportunity had falled on Stella's lap.

After exchanging greetings, she wasted no time in throwing punches his way, engaging him in combat. She was like a young bull, unafraid and ruthless in her attacks.

But in front of Stella, Jasper seemed like a seasoned master, displaying a sense of effortless skill. No matter how fast or fierce her moves were, he always managed to dodge and counterattack, leaving Stella in a bit of a bind.

Living through three years in a post-apocalyptic world in her last life, coupled with her refusal to accept defeat, it completely sparked Stella's competitive spirit, making her moves less conventional. They were vicious techniques she had taught herself. Though they were crude, they proved particularly effective when facing enemies in this dog-eat-dog world.

Upon seeing the two engage in combat, Cooper, the dog, immediately assumed the role of peacemaker, lunging at Jasper from behind and clamping down on his shirt, pulling him away. In a swift move, Cooper had pulled off a classic 'monkey steals the peach' maneuver. Caught off guard by Cooper's interference, Jasper was unable to dodge in time and was caught off guard. His body stiffened instantly, and his typically cold, handsome face turned beet red.

Stella was equally shocked. Finding herself at a disadvantage, she felt like she was reliving a nightmare of being cornered in the post-apocalyptic world. This sparked a fierce determination in her, and she subconsciously resorted to using a cheap shot. She landed a hit on his groin.

The air suddenly became still, and the atmosphere turned eerily awkward. She quickly withdrew, stepping back a few paces and turning her face away in embarrassment, "I'm sorry."

After a long silence, Jasper finally spoke, "You've got good skills, just don't use them on me."

The pain was indescribable.

Stella felt so embarrassed that she wanted to hide. This technique had indeed been effective, she had used these underhanded tactics to escape being cornered and counterattacked successfully in her past life. Just didn't expect that a momentary lapse of concentration caused this move to be used on Jasper.

Cooper, who had been acting as a peacemaker, was equally dumbfounded. Why had they stopped fighting?

Jasper exited the living room and stood at the door, calling, "Cooper."

Cooper cocked his head at Stella, waiting for her approval before leaving with his food bowl.

owner when faced with bad guys," Jasper patted its head in approval, "However, I'm not the bad

outside, Stella covered her face in embarrassment. How was she ever going to

Jasper handed Rosie

taken the dog out. Just then, Katie came up for treatment, and Stella let Rosie stay

the acupuncture session, Jasper returned with Cooper, holding a bundle of

entered the room with

pick up Rosie, carrying a black plastic bag in his hand, "This is

the bag to find a fish weighing about three or

ponds in the outskirts of Griffith, so finding a fish in the flood wasn't surprising. What was surprising was that Cooper had actually managed to catch one. This dog was getting better and better

apologize for her rash behavior in the morning, "I

her apology,

"Rosie and Cooper can't

they all gave a thumbs up, "Our dog is awesome. From now on, whether we get to have meat will depend on Cooper." Cooper seemed pleased

been a few days since they had a meal together. Jasper

food would attract unwanted attention. Since there wasn't enough space in Stella's

to show her sincerity in apologizing, Stella not only cooked herself

it was no biggie for her, and the others certainly wouldn't complain If she messed up. After all, this was a live fish. Hardly anyone in this day and

don't

They might end up needing the dog to protect them. Life outside was tough, and if people saw Cooper, they might set their eyes on the dog. Cooper, however, was very excited, wagging its tail at the

washing the pork belly, "Rosie loves pork belly. I messed up last time and gave her an upset stomach. Can you show me how to cook it this time?" "Sure, no

Jasper's disastrous cooking skills. This

was cleaned, it was handed over to Jasper.

the size

clear instructions, things became easier. He started cutting

well stocked with ingredients. Even garlic and old ginger