18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 380

The tarp was yanked back, revealing a truck bed filled with weathered barrels caked in mud and rust. Each container looked like it had survived a bombing raid, dented here and bulging there. The warehouse worker couldn't help but wonder-what on earth was inside?

He scrubbed off the mud, chipped away at the rust, and finally, the emblem on one of the barrels came into view Titanium?

He cleaned a few more, revealing Tungsten, Beryllium...

"My God, these were rare metals-the kind the base had been scouring the earth for, with no luck. Production at the factory was hanging by a thread.

The worker's jaw nearly hit the floor. "All of this, in both trucks?"

"Yep." Stella wiped her dirt-streaked face, her voice tinged with urgency and anxiety. "Buddy, are these any good to you? We busted our backs and bet the farm to trade for these. If they're useless, we're done for." Considering the barrels' shabby state, the worker wasn't sure whether the contents were still intact.

"I honestly don't know." He got caught up in Stella's dramatic demeanor and grew nervous himself. "Hold tight, I'll get some folks from the research and testing department over here."

He dashed into the office and radioed for assistance.

After briefing the situation, he reminded them, "Yes, yes, it's two trucks full-send someone quick."

These metals were like industrial MSG-a pinch in the mix and you're golden. And this-this was a motherlode!

Twenty minutes later, a vehicle rolled up, unloading a few uniformed personnel.

As they caught sight of the two trucks' worth of barrels, their jaws dropped in shock.

The team leader, snapping out of his amazement, commanded: "Let's move, get these unloaded and sampled for testing."

The trading hub's staff scrambled to help.

Stella hurried over. "Hey, where are you taking our stuff? You haven't even weighed it yet. You aren't thinking of swiping it, are you?"

a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we're not thieves. Rare metals just need special storage. The last few years have been rough, and we need to test each one to make

take about three hours to get results. If it's all good, we'll need two days

taking the

off the lids, revealing the

about the condition of the

the trading center's staff needed to

but that wasn't something

their dog weren't idle either, joining the workers in

value of the metals, the staff handled each barrel with extreme care. When Stella and Jasper were a bit rough, causing the barrels to roll on the

the testing department's demands, cleaning everything

lone scavengers and groups eager for news.

secure a lifetime's worth of

cozy up to Jasper with feigned camaraderie. "Buddy, where'd you score this loot?

more personal services. "Hey miss, need a strong arm or a loyal companion? Whether you want a beefcake or a delicate flower, I'm

face darkened.

frazzled. "Get

hopping mad, declared,

bared his teeth with

crowd lingered until Jasper, without another word, drew his gun

the impenetrable trio and their dog, the group reluctantly dispersed, cursing

"Don't let it get to you. You'll

like this, but with scavenging growing

folks always think they're the exception, endlessly attempting to schmooze and ally

was becoming

to their truck to rest and grab some

lab, and the trading department was notified the metals were

the test will be converted into credits for you. The rest, you'll get your results in two days. Just bring your receipt to claim your points." Stella was fine with that-credits with a string of