18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 209

Mark was elated, "Stella, we've reached an agreement with the neighboring village. We're going to teach them how to drill wells."

Had it not been for their impressive display of strength that day, it would have been impossible to bring the village's arrogance down a notch and negotiate peacefully.

After the discussion, they had come to believe that the Eastwood Eden community genuinely wanted to help them drill wells.

Stella admired Mark's approach. Instead of resorting to brute force, he had chosen to negotiate the issue even when they held the upper hand. He might look weak physically, but he knew how to use his wit.

"Good job," Stella said, her joy undimmed. "Just remember to stay safe."

"We wouldn't have been able to turn things around so quickly without your help."

Stella smiled. "Mark, you said it yourself - once you join Eastwood Eden, you're family. No need for formalities."

She later shared the news with Jasper.

Jasper wasn't surprised. "In a post-apocalyptic world, it's survival of the fittest. It's rare for someone like Mark to choose kindness over retaliation. We can not blame the villagers for being skeptical. We took our time before deciding to join Eastwood Eden too." By helping the villagers secure a water source, they could put their safety concerns to rest.

But what about after the earthquake? With buildings collapsing everywhere, the living conditions were rapidly deteriorating, and Stella couldn't help but worry. "Do you know what happened to Eastwood Eden after the earthquake?"

Jasper shook his head. "We'll have to wait and see. If it's too dangerous, we'll leave."

Stella agreed. There were no safe havens in a post-apocalyptic world.

time to pick up their supplies, Stella had arranged

out of the Eastwood Eden, she had specifically chosen an open truck. Upon reaching

cigarette hanging from his lips. "How are

acting up, so we left an hour early. Just as we were reaching the foot of the mountain, we noticed the weather changing. We decided to leave immediately,

"What doesn't kill you

for iodine tablets. He knew her supplier could even get access to tetanus

"My supplier was arrested following a tip-off. He's now mining coal in

to earn some supplies. Not willing to give up, he asked, "Can you think of

by now. Water is becoming scarcer, and their internal checks are getting stricter. I can't smuggle it out

aback. "My clients are all wealthy. Who would be interested in the

But if you're caught, you're

didn't push it.

would have it delivered that night. Austin readily

you some grain

your hands on some grain seeds? The kind that can be replanted." Austin was skeptical. "It's been two years since the disaster. It won't be easy to

the water tower into Arcadia, and the rest of

truck load of water, Stella stopped going out. She spent her days

to the rooftop. With the iron gate installed and the

her, "What do you want

plant sweet potatoes, peanuts, greens,

in the heat, but the rest were

how to plant them, only to find out that

in such