18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 104

Having successfully evaded the soldier, Jasper provided Stella with a moment to catch her breath. Running in the biting cold, it felt like their lungs would burst.

After leaving Unity Village behind, they used the cover of night to return to Sunrise Sanctuary.

The night was as dark as ink, and danger lurked everywhere. They encountered several groups of robbers along the way. Stella, too tired to even speak, simply brandished her samurai sword.

"Sorry for bothering you guys." Recognizing the pair as formidable opponents, the robbers wisely stepped aside.

Just as they reached the entrance of their apartment complex, a figure rushed forward. "Stella?"

It was Angela's voice, accompanied by a visibly anxious Lukas. "Why are you guys just getting back?"

Relieved to see them both in one piece, Lukas sighed in relief. "We were waiting for you at Unity Village, but the military has it under lockdown. They have detained hundreds of people, and they couldn't fit them all in a dozen vans." It was not safe to talk outside, so they decided to continue the conversation indoors.

Back at their 18th-floor apartment, Stella, sipping hot water, explained, "We sneaked in, but we ran into military law enforcement. We had to find a place to hide to avoid being mistaken for looters. We didn't manage to slip away until nightfall." They both remained silent about the bikini party. That was one memory they'd rather forget.

Cody pondered, "So, we lucked out this time, stumbling upon a joint operation by three departments to round up The Chaos?"

Stella nodded. "Yes, we sure had a lucky escape."

Lukas was overjoyed. "That's great. Those guys are finally out of the picture."

With The Chaos out of the way, the 18th floor of Sunrise Sanctuary was now invincible. It was unlikely anyone would dare to challenge their authority any time soon.

The day's events had been nerve-wracking. They each retreated to their rooms for some well-deserved rest.

As they left 1803, Stella whispered, "Should I give you the stuff now?"

rush, leave it

was taken aback. "Are you

more than any amount

isn't safe with me." Jasper was nonchalant. "You keep it for

stared at him in disbelief. Wasn't

seemed to see right through her. Jasper, who was always so stern,

his smile, Stella replied, "No." She

Jasper breezily

annoyed.

"Sure."

apartment, Stella felt a sudden sense of disorientation. Jasper was becoming more

whimpering

Stella quickly apologized and offered him a piece of crispy fried fish. "Cooper is the best. Not only do you earn your keep, but you also protect the house." After pacifying Cooper, she turned

rest easy. Stella was determined

unable to sleep. She dreamed of Jasper, clad only in swim trunks, his muscular chest and abs, and long legs

smiled at her, then suddenly thrust a knife

was panting heavily. Cooper nuzzled

calm herself down. Not only was Arcadia still there, but so

finally managed to

up around noon, the hallway outside was bustling. Angela was practicing boxing, Cody was practicing archery, and Lukas was pedaling the bike to

of defending against the protection fee collectors and in finding supplies, Stella and Jasper had done more. So

After all, in a team, the strong couldn't always wait for the

everyone in 1803 could be understanding, they would be able to avoid conflicts with others,

the residents of the 18th floor had a gathering, and

degrees, food would freeze into blocks as soon as it

stew? I

ribs, and the people from 1803 provided lean meat, and