18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 149

Before the big chop, Jasper made sure to snap a few pictures of Stella with his phone. As the buzz of the electric razor filled the air, a growing pile of hair littered the floor. Rosie scampered over, eyes widened as she took in Stella's newly shaved head. "Wow, Stella, you look like a boy."

Stella took a look at herself in the mirror, and... well, she didn't look bad. The buzz cut suited her, even. It gave her a certain edge, a dash of toughness she hadn't had before.

In this post-apocalyptic world, where smiles were far and few between, this new look gave her a certain 'don't mess with me' vibe. With her buzz cut, whenever Stella didn't smile, she looked like she was ready to throw down.

The next day, she went out to the rooftop to fetch some water and bumped into Cody and Lukas, who were popping some popcorn. Both of them were taken aback. "Good lord, when did we get a girl gangster on the 18th floor?" Stella decided to play along, flipping her water bucket at them. "Stick 'em up."

They handed over half a bowl of popcorn to her. "You know, Stella, that haircut really suits you. It's cool, badass, and refreshing."

"Are you guys just buttering me up?"

As the sun set, three buzz-cut figures were having a jovial time on the rooftop. Cody went downstairs and came back with three cold beers. They sat on the rooftop, enjoy beers.

As they drank, Stella noticed that Cody was downing his beer pretty fast. Lukas was a bit slower, but he too looked troubled. Having practically grown up together, Stella could tell when something was bothering them. "What's up?" She asked.

They didn't answer, and Stella didn't push.

...

a month. They were finally long enough

he could have some alone time with her. Today was one of those days, with Cooper busy munching on popcorn next door. Seeing

to bag them and let them wilt a bit before giving them away. After finishing her chores, Stella sat on the couch,

a military one. Each base could accommodate up to 300,000

into the apocalypse,

in the northeastern direction of the province. It was a typical

in the northern direction of the province. It was a semi-industrial city, boasting the province's most abundant water resources, Lincoln River and Echo Lake. It was around 300 kilometers from Griffith.

only heard about the bases later. But what good did knowing do?

person needed to pay

"Why is there such a

class couldn't even afford 20

official base is hosted by the provincial government and jointly

the other hand, is arranged by the state. Soldiers establish and manage it entirely, so there's a fundamental

Society, is humanity's last hope in a crisis. The 50 kilos of grain is only a basic requirement. They also conduct rigorous selection. Not just anyone can

the price of admission. Whether you were low class or high class, if you were capable, getting 50 kilos of grain wasn't impossible. In other words, the military base accepted capable

capability. You also need a clean record. Those involved in illegal activities or who have a criminal record won't stand a chance. Survivors who enter will

Even though it seemed harsh, special times called

without strict rules. Otherwise, it would inevitably lead to chaos. As the apocalypse worsened, the outside