18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 352

Mount Oak loomed ominously just a few dozen miles from Griffith's suburban sprawl. If that sleeping giant ever decided to wake up, its molten fury would be more than enough to swallow the city whole. Even if it didn't come to a full-blown eruption, the ashfall and air pollution alone could spell disaster.

"Half the neighborhood's already packing up," Bran asked with a frown. "Should we be hitting the road too?"

Griffith's town hall was lit up all night as officials scrambled for a game plan, but by morning, there was still no clear directive. Shane, the family patriarch, was torn with indecision.

Bran didn't hesitate. "I say we bolt. If the mountain decides to play nice, we can always come back."

They had a comfortable cushion of wealth, but compared to the government's resources, they were traveling light.

The eldest and the middle Porras siblings weighed in. "Dad, Bran's got a point. The bigwigs have too much at stake to make a quick exit-industries, residents, the whole shebang. But we can afford to play it safe." Nobody wanted to think about a catastrophe, but if it came knocking, there wouldn't be enough time to lace up your running shoes.

After wrestling with the decision, Shane finally declared, "We're moving out."

The Porras household sprang into action, each member taking on their share of the preparations.

Shane, watching his family hustle, felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. He beckoned his eldest into the study. "Aside from the government safe zone, we've got no other fallback."

It was humbling to think of returning after a false alarm, but with deep pockets and the right connections, they'd manage. Pride was a small price to pay in the face of annihilation.

"Pop, I'll handle the talks when it's time," Bran assured him.

Years had shaved away the reckless bravado of Bran's youth.

Shane looked at his son with a mix of pride and sorrow. "Son, while we head to the government shelter, I need you to take a different path."

Bran was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

Bran on the shoulder

couldn't fathom why his father would split the

their fortune, the Porras

feared the worst-that the Porras name might be wiped out in one

and formidable defense capabilities. It was the Big Leagues, far beyond what any government shelter could offer. A whole family wouldn't stand a chance, but Bran, as a lone wolf, might just squeeze

your eggs in one basket.

"Dad,

on making it to the Kindle

deep breath. "Don't

"We're family. There's no reason to split

the government shelter, the Porras could buy

impassioned, let his walking stick do the talking. "How old are you

took a dozen whacks

the Kindle Society, no more fooling around. Bow

gravity of a last will and testament. "If

a family wasn't in the cards, at least don't live a lonely life-find

turned away, his eyes

"Sir, it's urgent!"

echoed from downstairs. "The official announcement's

of dawn was overshadowed

on Mount Oak had caused severe tremors. A volcanic eruption was now highly probable. Residents were urged to pack up and evacuate. There were three evacuation options: retreat to a safe distance of 100 miles for observation, head to the Goldbridge government shelter, or, for those with the right credentials, seek refuge

home if they had a choice. And what about those at the bottom of the ladder without

Kindle Society, it was out of reach for

ashen. "Pack fast, take what you can!

be imminent. What if the