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."

her anger, Stella, looking troubled and hesitant,

of potatoes and

with toll collection. They not only

Swan Hill, and the bald men took 20 pounds of salt and 20 pounds

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

obtained several truckloads of

pushed open,

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

to lift the curtain and saw Rosie and Cooper, already woken up

forward, rubbing against its owner's

petting their heads. "It'll

was turned back on, and

vigilant they needed to be. Stella took out her night

darkness, not

Stella warned, Jasper also noticed. Without stopping the car or slowing down, he charged

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

legs couldn't outrun four wheels. They chased and cursed, gasping for breath and nearly fainting from

toll collectors up front and fraudsters at the

beach and a mere hour's drive, it was like navigating through

a car and ample supplies, it was already tough for them. It'd be much more difficult for the average survivors. Many didn't even stand a chance to reach the beach, being drained

Cooper and Rosie in the back,

forehead, and Stella quickly found

Stella," Rosie was strong and

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

journey was relatively smooth, with no more dangers encountered. Many

reached them. Rosie recognized it instantly and exclaimed excitedly, "Jasper,

parents taking her to the beach where she dug for shells and collected

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