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?"

clapping Bran on the shoulder with firm resolve. "With your skills,

fathom why his father

their fortune, the Porras had only one

might be wiped out in

technology, and formidable defense capabilities. It was the Big Leagues, far beyond what any government shelter could offer. A whole family wouldn't stand a

in one basket. The

"Dad, you're talking

us. Just focus on making it to the Kindle Society. Don't overthink it. If

deep breath. "Don't

buzzed with disbelief. "We're family. There's no reason

government shelter, the Porras could buy their way into special

talking. "How old are you to still be

took a dozen whacks before Bran reluctantly

in the Kindle Society, no more fooling around. Bow when you must. A little

testament. "If you

a family wasn't in the cards, at least don't live

away, his eyes

"Sir, it's urgent!"

voice echoed from downstairs. "The official

overshadowed by a darkness like no

The satellite cluster's impact 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

choose to leave their home if they had a choice. And what about those at the bottom of the ladder without enough food to buy their way

the Kindle Society, it was out of reach

ashen. "Pack fast, take what you

making moves, the eruption could be imminent. What if the disaster reached the scale of those that once obliterated entire