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.

now. I'll put them in Arcadia's Garden and see if they'll

potatoes were all taken into Arcadia and neatly arranged in

"Jasper, I feel hot."

her clothes three times. Even

was still cold, but being on the top floor, the concrete roof had been baked to a

but the ground temperature had already reached 72 degrees. Even in the living room, they could

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

hot; even Cooper couldn't

dog was now crouched quietly, panting with

the master bedroom of 1801, taking out the power bank and the portable

air conditioner, but the noise from the external unit was too

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 grab it. There was no rush. They would wait and

turned on, it was immediately claimed by Cooper and Rosie. The cold air blowing

wearing a thermo-regulated suit, didn't feel particularly hot. However, she was a bit worried at the moment. "I want to

been gone for several

asked, "You want to go pick up

fewer people outside now, so

A lot of areas still have ice. If the inflatable

before coming back. If we miss them, it'll be more troublesome." He had a point, so Stella decided to wait a

large ice cube to cool down. With the fan

scorching hot, showing no signs of weakening. It 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, and donning a hat

stay home. I'll

need, I

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, Jasper didn't push further. "Be

Stella went down to the 7th

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

masks, placed the inflated boat on the water, and skillfully began to row. The roar of the engine attracted the attention of the survivors in

from the 18th