18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 206

After two years of disaster, the batteries in the safe's alarm system had finally run out, sparing them the piercing sound.

Two safes were filled with gold, one brimming with jewels and gemstones.

In the old days, Stella would have been over the moon. Now, she couldn't even muster a smile. Her premonition had come true. Arcadia was no longer expanding.

Jasper examined the treasures, "It's real."

For Stella, this was an enormous stroke of luck. She had already stocked up on essential supplies, so her outlook was considerably brighter. If Arcadia didn't want it, she would gladly take it.

There were over 300 pounds of gold, and an even greater number of jewels and gemstones. She had never had the money or the opportunity before. Now, she could wear a new piece every day if she wished.

Arcadia was large, and The Garden spanned over 20 acres. She hadn't had the time to organize her supplies, so they were scattered everywhere, leaving very little space for farming. She knew she had to tidy up, to make room for crops. After all, having food was the key to peace of mind.

To survive in the long run, she still needed more essential survival supplies.

Jasper was getting up early the next day to teach the people of Eastwood Eden some self-defense.

Despite being a small group of just over a hundred, everyone wanted to learn how to protect themselves. Even a seventy-year-old man had signed up.

Mark had to personally select the participants, "Let's do this in batches. We'll start with the younger generation. They'll be the mainstay in protecting our home." Nobody dared to protest when even Mark didn't get a spot.

The summer sun rose early. By five o'clock, it was already light. When Jasper got up, Stella couldn't sleep anymore and rose to brush her teeth and wash her face. Rosie, still groggy from sleep, kept rubbing her eyes.

Stella was puzzled, "Rosie, why don't you sleep a bit longer?"

want to go with Jasper, to help him teach them how

"It's hard to teach people with no foundation. Rosie can motivate

approach and prepared breakfast - a

well-behaved, brushing her teeth and rinsing her mouth after eating,

to sneak out with them. Stella raised

coming back to sit down, looking

Stella consoled, petting Cooper's head. "Let's just stay at

we get a mansion in the rich district, you can do whatever you

settled down, resting his head on her

behind him. A brown poodle, skinny and not more than a few

Stella asked. She figured he was picking a fight. One bite from Cooper, and

distance, she noticed some old folks and children. One of the children had a pet too-a mouse. He held it on a thin leash like a

since Stella had heard the laughter of children. They looked sunburnt but radiant, instantly

a school in the district. Mark and a few retired individuals

charge. The teachers were simply using their

the sales office. His little sister is so cute, and she's really good at

were well-protected by their parents. With Mark, the psychologist, providing timely counseling for the residents, the community's mental

to the outside world, the children were less pessimistic and cynical. There was still light in

showing up, they abandoned their

the 5th building during their walk, they

their faces through the telescope, she saw the richness and vicissitudes of their lives. Compared to the lifeless survivors outside, they were much friendlier. Jasper returned at 11 o'clock, looking fresh without a trace of sweat. Rosie, on the other hand, was flushed

"Rosie, you're a teacher

the little girl even happier. She recounted her day, "I taught them