18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 378

The dust from the desert storm had clogged the engine, leaving the SUV stranded miles from civilization. Bran had trudged the remaining distance, his boots kicking up the parched earth with every weary step.

The old man had given him a pistol and some first-aid supplies, but he'd been ambushed by a gang along the way. Bran had fought tooth and nail to keep them at bay, but over the months, even the half of the supplies he'd managed to protect had dwindled to nothing. Now, he was more destitute than a beggar, his stomach growling like an angry dog for want of a decent meal.

So, Bran swallowed his pride. "Sis, just put it on my tab, okay? I'll pay you back, with interest."

He wondered if the old man had settled down in Goldbridge or had met with disaster amidst volcanic eruptions or another dust storm. It had been too long without a word.

But worry was a luxury he couldn't afford not when his own survival was at stake, and he was nowhere near Goldbridge or Griffith.

Stella didn't want to make a fuss. "Sure, just remember the interest," she said, with a half-hearted attempt at sternness.

They had to keep scavenging, and time spent on Bran was time wasted. They gave him a crash course-a last-minute cramming session, as they called it.

Turns out, there were tricks to passing the military fitness tests.

Most civilians were clueless, but Jasper had once been in the service. He knew exactly what the Kindle Society would be testing for.

After a hearty meal, Bran received emergency training in both intellect and combat.

Stella didn't intervene; instead, she took Rosie and Cooper upstairs.

Hours later, they finally sent Bran on his way, his arms laden with provisions.

recalling how different he'd looked years back at the posh neighborhood meetups: Hawaiian shirts, capri pants, sparkling diamond-studded

a way of reminding you how

attention to Cooper, who had been moping since Bran's arrival. "What's up, Cooper?" she

on the floor. Stella knew he missed Buddy. Whether man or beast, the sudden sting of separation was hard to

name it would only make Cooper sadder-and murmured that

Stella handed him a glass of warm water,

study. He got the hang of the written material in no time, and his adaptability is impressive. His combat skills need polish, but I've taught him how to break down and respond to likely moves. He's sharp. With enough practice, he'll pass those

think he was playing up

"He's genuinely in a bad spot, but

help outright would be like asking him to lay

supercharged off-roader, Stella felt a pang of frustration. Earnings by

as he said, "Like you said, if it's not meant to be his, it won't

When the tectonic plates eventually shifted, they

Stella anxious. Disaster wouldn't wait for a convenient moment. They needed a submarine, and

a

scavengers who exploited their points to buy necessities for outsiders,

and more had joined the trade. Of course, it was

idea-goods changing hands among traders, tracking origins would be a

take time. With the imminent threat of cataclysm, the military needed those metals for escape tools. Priorities would dictate their actions. And if worse came to

agreed with her plan-to secure

any more time, they set off early the next