18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 138

The ice layer melted under the sun's exposure in an astonishing speed. The surface was smooth with no grip, making it impossible for the people in the water to climb back up.

Two individuals, quick on their feet, darted towards the building, but their pace was no match for the speed of the cracking ice. They slipped, fell, and were immediately swallowed by the icy waters below.

A year of disasters had pushed their bodies to the brink. Already severely weakened, they were unable to resist the bone-chilling water that filled their mouths and nostrils. They fell and rose in the water, but never managed to climb back up. Stella's walkie-talkie rang, drawing her back to the present.

"Stella, the heatwave is coming earlier than expected."

A chill ran down her spine at the thought. "Do you feel like the sunlight is too glaring?"

Jasper was knocking at the door. "Yes, and the temperature is rising too quickly."

Once the door was opened, their eyes met.

Many had died of heat in their previous lives. Now that the heatwave was arriving earlier, the consequences would be even worse.

Remembering the sauna-like weather she had experienced before, Stella felt a shiver run down her spine. Given a choice, she would rather face the freezing weather. At least they could snuggle under the blankets then.

Seeing her serious expression, Jasper reassured her. "We've prepared for this. We'll pull through."

Yes, they would pull through.

She had survived before when she was alone, without food or water. Now, not only did she have Arcadia and Cooper, she also had a boyfriend, and some friends. Her situation was far better than before.

After breakfast, they discussed the matter of harvesting the potatoes.

They had the growth stimulants, but the heatwave had arrived early and the potatoes weren't fully grown yet.

They dug up a pot and found that the potatoes were smaller than the previous batch and their taste was even more bitter. If they were to harvest them now, not only would the yield be significantly reduced, the immature potatoes would also be harder to preserve. Jasper asked, "Should we harvest them?"

The potatoes on the balcony, exposed to the sun, had wilted under the rising temperatures.

for a moment. "Let's not harvest them for now. I'll put them in Arcadia's Garden and see

potatoes were all taken into Arcadia and neatly arranged in the

"Jasper, I feel hot."

she woke up, Rosie had changed her clothes three times. Even in a dress, she

just melted and the water was still cold, but being on

but the ground temperature had already reached 72 degrees. Even in

biggest downside to living on the top floor. Without air conditioning, it was already unbearably hot

Rosie feeling hot; even Cooper couldn't

now

taking out the power bank and the portable fan, and made sure to

but the

already quite a few water tanks. If the air conditioner was turned on, it would undoubtedly signal to all survivors that the 18th floor had both water and electricity-come and

Rosie. The cold air

feel particularly hot. However, she was a bit worried

the others had been gone for several days, but they hadn't returned. Could

want to go

fewer people outside

of areas still have ice.

her. "Perhaps they're also waiting for the ice to melt before coming back. If we miss them, it'll be more troublesome."

ice cube to cool down. With the fan and air conditioner blowing, the hot air gradually cooled

seemed to be compensating for the past year of its absence, relentlessly baking the steel and concrete that stood above the water. Stella went to the balcony to check the temperature when a hot gust of wind greeted her. It was 43 degrees. The

suit with a sun-protective layer over it, and donning a hat and mask, Stella sent Cooper

"You stay home. I'll go get

need, I can

friends, would he go? She appreciated his concern, but she didn't want to rely on him for everything and ultimately become over-dependent. Besides, she was wearing a thermal suit and wouldn't get a heatstroke. Seeing her insistence,

inflatable boat, Stella

surface, there were various garbage bags floating everywhere. It was

water, and skillfully began to row. The roar of

people from the 18th floor