18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 322

Austin had seen so many high society ladies like this, and he wasn't one to be easily impressed. A few pleasantries were usually all it took to send them on their way.

spare the time to mentor her, a sort of tuition fee.

Every week, Stella made her way to the serene town of Swan Hill. If Collin was too tied up to accompany her, she'd seek out Hugh. She never showed up empty-handed, sometimes bringing a bag of cornmeal, other times a sack of stale bread-gifts for whoever could After several visits without a glimpse of Collin, Stella couldn't help but ask, "Hugh, what's been keeping Dr. Collin so busy these days?"

"Word has it that the eternal night might be drawing to a close. There's been a catastrophe up north, and it might just ripple down here. Dr. Collin's been run ragged these days, working closely with Dr. Garcia-sometimes they barely have time for a meal." Dr. Garcia? That must be the old professor who cracked the smog virus.

Feigning nosy, Stella prodded further, "What kind of disaster struck up north?"

Hugh, with a gifted and alert apprentice like Stella, had no reason to hide the truth. "It hasn't been announced yet, but the news leaked from the capital. That cursed place, notorious for its nuclear waste mismanagement, was hit by the strongest earthquake in a millennium. An undersea volcano erupted, swallowing the entire country in no time."

To obliterate a nation, the volcanic eruption had to be colossal, and unimaginable amounts of ash must have been spewed into the air.

Stella felt a cold shiver run down her spine. The smog was coming. The sudden demise of that nation was the harsh reality behind the smog disaster.

Growing anxious, Stella asked, "Is there any way to predict what sort of virus the smog might carry?"

Hugh's expression was one of concern as he explained, "The finer the volcanic ash particles, the deeper they penetrate the respiratory tract. Once inhaled, they accumulate in the respiratory system, leading to numerous diseases. Exposure to coarse particles can harm the respiratory system and trigger asthma. Fine particles may cause heart and lung diseases, respiratory infections, reduced lung function, and pose significant risks to the elderly, children, and those with preexisting heart and lung conditions."

Besides creating smog, the ash caused severe damage to building exteriors. If a

medicinal herbs for such events for years now. You've got to have faith in our doctors-they'll overcome this challenge." Stella nodded, "Yeah, I

the session, she packed her

accompanied by a few students and a

greeted him, "Dr. Collin, it's been a

see her, "Stella, good to see you. Just a moment, I have

Collin finally approached her. "I'm sorry, I've been swamped lately. I haven't even had

my own. Don't let me hold you up from important matters,"

the volcanic eruption in the island nation. The ash could spread our way, and although we're far, we might face a smog disaster. We don't know what diseases the smog will bring, but we're in for a tough fight-it's time to test our mettle as medical professionals. After years of calamities, we've lost many great talents. Our mission is daunting. News has reached every city, and they're gathering medical staff urgently. Soon, the remaining medics from Phoenix Bay, Raven Port, and

her a moment to find her voice. "Yes,

reason to get involved. To win this battle,

need to be ready at all times. As soon as the smog hits and we see clinical

institute's preparations, but the words caught in her throat. The disasters destroyed most of the diagnostic equipment, and even basic protective gear like

night, after much thought, she approached Austin, "Austin, is

been years since the disasters. Even if we did have those supplies,

stockpile of medicinal herbs, thankful for the abundant mugwort she had grown. Turned into moxa, it could serve as an antimicrobial agent. "I saw Dr. Garcia today," Stella said, describing the

nodded, "Yes, that's

the research team but expressed concern for Jasper, Rosie and the dog. "Maybe

the smog virus remained unchanged and the two crucial herbs were prepared, this battle might not be as