18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 164

Jasper's actions sent them tumbling aside in a panic, landing in a heap and cursing as they chased after the car, hurling rocks. Don't underestimate this local beast of a car. Even a dent wouldn't affect its function, now with the bulletproof glass.

The closer they got to Swan Hill, the fewer hikers they spotted. It was as if these survivors simply vanished mid-journey.

In the midst of this mystery, Stella noticed people climbing up the hills. That was right, carrying luggage and climbing mountains.

Nightfall impaired visibility, and some unfortunate souls slipped and tumbled down the slopes, landing heavily by the roadside, motionless for a long time.

Stella, with a sinking feeling, figured out the harsh reality and heaved a deep sigh. True to her prediction, Jasper turned off the air conditioning, rolling down the windows and letting the sweltering air rush in, instantly making the car unbearably hot.

A few minutes later, faint lights appeared in the distance. The road ahead was barricaded, just wide enough for a large vehicle to pass. There was a security booth by the side, and a sign with bold red letters hung in front.

Single person, 5 pounds of grain.

Small car, 10 pounds of grain.

Big car, 40 pounds of grain.

A metal gate blocked the road, forbidding passage without the required grain. No wonder so many were risking their lives to cross the hills. This was more than a robbery; it was murder.

Upon seeing a car approaching, five or six burly, bald men emerged from the booth. They were armed with knives, baseball bats, and riot forks. And the leader held a gun.

"Stop the car!"

Jasper complied, rolling down the window.

Stella picked up a 10-pound bag of potatoes and handed it over.

It was unclear whether it was the unpleasant smell of sweat, the sight of two weaklings, or simply their bad mood, but their eyes widened like brass bells, and with a fierce and malicious demeanor, they said, "20 pounds!" Stella frowned, "Isn't it supposed to be 10 pounds?"

The bald men, fearless and confident, waved their weapons, "The price just went up."

looking troubled and hesitant,

of potatoes and tossed

only collected from those heading to Swan Hill but also from

tanker was just returning from Swan Hill, and the bald men took 20 pounds of salt

noticed that the water tanker had a symbol painted on its front, and the driver shared a few words with the bald men. It was clear they were familiar with each other, and the driver was given a discount. In other words, if it were just a

was a lucrative business. They easily obtained several

was pushed open, and

explained, "Such tyranny is common in the apocalypse. The police and army can't keep up,

She moved to lift the curtain and saw Rosie and Cooper, already woken up by the commotion, but remaining silent

rubbing

now," Stella reassured them, petting their heads. "It'll be daylight

back on, and the interior

it was, the more vigilant they needed to be. Stella took out her night vision

darted out of the darkness, not avoiding the car,

also noticed. Without stopping

dozen men armed with clubs charged from the sides of the road, desperately chasing and

They chased and cursed, gasping

expected that there would be toll collectors up

beach and a mere hour's drive, it was like navigating through a gauntlet for the survivors to

ample supplies, it was already tough for them. It'd be much more difficult for the average

were safe thanks to their seat belts. Cooper and Rosie in the back, however, were

a bump on her forehead, and Stella quickly found some medicine to

okay, Stella," Rosie was strong and even managed to give

head, soothing her, "Don't worry. We'll

rest of the journey was relatively smooth, with no more dangers encountered. Many survivors were

Rosie recognized it instantly and exclaimed excitedly, "Jasper, that's the sound of

for shells and collected sea snails,

of melancholy surfaced. Rosie hugged Cooper tightly, turning her head to hide her tears. Sensing her sadness, Cooper gently