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.

as he disappeared into the distance, recalling how different he'd looked years back at the posh neighborhood meetups:

reminding you how

attention to Cooper, who had been moping since Bran's arrival.

the floor. Stella knew he missed Buddy. Whether

Buddy's name it would only make Cooper sadder-and murmured that time would heal

Stella handed him a glass of warm water, saying, "You've worked

hang of the written material in no time, and his adaptability is impressive. His combat skills

think he was playing up

couldn't help but chuckle. "He's genuinely in a bad spot,

Asking for help outright would be

his supercharged off-roader, Stella felt a pang of frustration. Earnings by skill, no debts to pay

thoughts, grinning as he said, "Like you said, if it's not meant to be his, it won't stay with him. You've done right by him and the Porras family. Time to

plates eventually

wouldn't wait for a convenient moment.

a

were scavengers who exploited their points to buy necessities for outsiders, profiting from the

safe alternative to braving the wastelands, and over time, more and more had joined the trade.

changing hands among traders, tracking

raised suspicions, any investigation would take time. With the imminent threat of cataclysm, the military needed those metals for escape tools. Priorities would dictate their actions.

her plan-to secure

more time, they set off early the