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.

protect your owner when faced with bad guys," Jasper patted

covered her face in embarrassment. How

anything, Jasper handed Rosie over to

found Jasper's door locked. He had taken the dog out. Just then, Katie came up for treatment, and Stella let Rosie stay

midst of the acupuncture session, Jasper returned with Cooper, holding a bundle of bamboo in his

he didn't greet her and entered the room with a dark

carrying a black plastic bag in his hand, "This is what Cooper

find a fish weighing about three

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

rash behavior in

fine. Upon hearing her apology, Jasper's face turned red again, and he looked extremely

"Rosie and Cooper

thumbs up, "Our dog is awesome. From now on, whether we get to have meat will

days since they had a meal together. Jasper wasn't skilled in cooking, so he took out three pounds

1803, as the smell of food would attract unwanted attention. Since there wasn't enough space in Stella's kitchen, they

in apologizing, Stella not only

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

hailed as a hero. Cody and Lukas wished they could worship him, "Why don't we take Cooper

of them? They might end up needing the dog to protect them. Life outside was tough, and if people saw Cooper, they might

last time and gave her an upset stomach. Can you show me how to cook it this time?" "Sure, no

disastrous cooking skills. This wasn't the first time Rosie had gotten an

board was cleaned, it was handed over to Jasper. He seemed to be

horizontally, about the size of ice

things became easier. He

cooking skills, his kitchen was well stocked with ingredients. Even garlic and old ginger were available. Stella stood by, patiently