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?"

to go with Jasper, to help him

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

agreed with his approach and prepared breakfast - a bowl of oatmeal

rinsing her mouth after eating, so as not to let others smell the

behind Rosie, trying to sneak out with them. Stella raised an eyebrow,

dog pouted, obediently coming back to sit down,

bad things to you," Stella consoled, petting Cooper's head. "Let's just stay at

in the rich district, you can do

finally settled down, resting his head

walk with a dog trailing behind him. A brown poodle, skinny and not more than a few pounds, but spirited. For the first time in two years, Cooper saw another dog. He whined, and his

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

held it on a thin leash like a cherished treasure, feeding it sweet potato leaves and attracting a crowd

heard the laughter of children. They looked sunburnt but

the district. Mark and a few retired individuals were acting as

teachers were simply using their talents to keep themselves

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

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

pessimistic and

about the handsome hero showing up, they abandoned their pet and rushed to

didn't join the excitement. However, as they passed the 5th building during their walk, they noticed the newly installed door and

the lifeless survivors outside, they were much friendlier. Jasper returned at 11 o'clock, looking fresh without a trace of sweat. Rosie, on the

encouraged her promptly, "Rosie, you're a

taught them military boxing, but they weren't very good, so