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."

anger, Stella, looking troubled and hesitant, reluctantly handed over another

the 20 pounds of potatoes and tossed them

with toll collection. They not only collected from those heading to Swan Hill but also from those

the bald men took

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 regular vehicle, they would charge even

lucrative business. They easily obtained several truckloads of

metal gate was pushed open, and Jasper

is common in the apocalypse. The

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

dog moved forward, rubbing against its owner's

them, petting their heads. "It'll be daylight soon. You guys

was turned back on, and the interior

be. Stella took

darkness, not avoiding the car, but instead

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

the figure was sent flying. Immediately, a dozen men armed with clubs charged from the sides

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

hadn't expected that there would be toll collectors up front and fraudsters

close to Griffith, no more than 50 miles to the beach and a mere hour's drive,

already tough for them. It'd be much more difficult for the average survivors. Many didn't even stand a chance to

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

her forehead, and Stella quickly

was strong and even managed to

stroked her head, soothing her,

the journey was relatively smooth, with no more dangers encountered. Many survivors were descending from the hills, continuing their

an hour later, the thunderous sound of crashing waves reached them. Rosie recognized it

dug for shells and collected sea snails, but her parents

Cooper tightly, turning her head to hide her tears. Sensing