18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 224

The faint movement didn't set off the alarm.

Stella cocked an ear, recognizing the familiar footsteps. Jasper returned, Cooper trailing behind, both covered head to tail in dust and reeking of sweat.

"How'd it go?" Stella fetched a bottle of water for him to freshen up, "Did you manage to save anyone?"

"Yeah, over a dozen." Jasper stripped off his dust-coated shirt, revealing a muscular torso. "Mark organized it well, forced breaks every hour. Cooper was great. He detected the scent of survivors, which helped us focus our rescue efforts. Saved us a lot of time and energy."

Stella had assessed the dog as soon as he entered. He seemed quite energetic, and his anti-cut protective gear was intact. His paws were also uninjured.

Jasper chuckled, "Cooper's a clever one. He only does the searching, doesn't lift a paw more than necessary."

Stella gave him a playful shove, "Are you saying, like owner, like dog?"

"No, I just think he's doing a great job."

"I noticed you've become quite the smooth talker." Stella gave him a mock glare. "Our Cooper is so capable. How about Mark's Luna?"

Don't get him started. What could that little dog do? All it did was tail Cooper around. A pet dog without special training, how could it handle rescue work?

As Jasper bathed, Stella checked his backpack. All the water was gone, but he had not used any of the emergency medical supplies.

Seemed like he had the situation under control. Stella breathed a sigh of relief.

his dirty clothes

and some cornbread and biscuits for breakfast, a comforting treat

scooping her up in his arms. Wasn't he tired after a whole night's

felt tired but strangely energized and relaxed. The

the couch

had dinner with Stella and Rosie, then left for his duty with

next morning, Jasper returned with a finger injured by a rock, but it wasn't serious. He had promptly disinfected

advised him, "You

was struggling with the heat. She quickly turned on the air conditioning and gave him plenty of iced lemonade for

three days,

being without water for three days was already extremely dangerous. Additionally, the severe earthquake struck amidst sweltering heat, making it feel as though people were tossed into a blazing oven. Not only did they face high temperatures and

to risk

They'd done their best.

Everyone has worked hard, so go back and rest for a couple of days," Mark patted on the relief team members' back,

for so many victims in a short time. We can't harm people but we have to beware of people's intentions. It's likely to get chaotic outside, so it's best not to go out if it's not necessary, especially alone." After wrapping up the disaster relief, Mark didn't take a moment's rest and immediately started

a loudspeaker downstairs announced, "Stella

Who could it be in

from her balcony, "Who

a bunch

Did she owe

Jasper was equally puzzled,

need, you should

do to her? If they didn't have any business with her,