18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 458

In Australia, the art of gourmet cuisine has a rich history that stretches back five thousand years. Over time, countless invasive species have been hunted and cooked, pushing many to the edge of extinction.

construction would progress by leaps and bounds.

They'd already mastered preparing yellowtail kingfish, and it seemed like other fish species would soon follow. Just imagine the ocean's vast biodiversity-if they could solve the hunger problem, survivors wouldn't be fighting over scraps. With that out of the way, the base's Stella was hopeful, dreaming of seeing the prosperity and civilization of pre-disaster times restored within her lifetime.

When the conversation turned to fish cakes, she mentioned to Jasper that Justice had come by, "He pretty much threw down the gauntlet, making it clear he wouldn't take no for an answer."

Jasper thought for a moment, "There are many survivors dealing with mental issues and physical ailments. Plus, those working on the construction sites often get injured. Western medicine is running out, and experts in traditional medicine are even rarer. With several medical staff injured, the hospital can't function properly. Justice was desperate, probably feeling he had no other choice but to appeal to your sense of duty."

He didn't tell Stella what to do. "Stella, running the hospital is no small feat. Whether you say yes or no, make sure it's your decision, not because you felt cornered into saying yes. If you agree reluctantly, you won't be happy."

Stella stayed silent, not saying another word. How to put it? She was kind of interested, but not entirely sure.

Jasper patted her shoulder, "No rush, take your time to think it through."

The family had dinner, played with the dog, read books, and went to bed on time.

In the morning, Jasper got up quietly.

Stella followed suit, "I think I want to go check out the hospital."

saw she wasn't looking great and reached out to touch her forehead, "You were tossing and turning all night,

kept quiet, but it was clear

up on

her, "Alright,

ready, had breakfast, and headed off to work. Stella followed

it, knowing that unless there was a break-in, it would quietly guard its little patch of the

them. Then, her Arcadia disappeared. All the supplies and life-saving medications in Arcadia were gone. She woke up drenched in cold sweat. What if Arcadia, which had come so suddenly, just as suddenly vanished? If that day ever came, what would she do? The thought kept her up all night, feeling utterly miserable. Soon the ferry arrived at Area A. Jasper hurried

nodded and made her way to the hospital alone. The hospital was massive, with a section marked off for growing medicinal herbs.

and not far away, a patrol kept watch. As Stella peered inside, they grew alert. Seeing the patrol approach, Stella quickly moved on, heading toward the

only were healthcare workers in short supply, but so were patients. Patients avoided the hospital since coming was futile. Diagnosed with a plethora of conditions but no medications to treat them, it was nothing short of

the inpatient ward, she heard moans of pain. These were the base's injured workers, with no

familiar. At first, Stella thought she was

turned at the sound of his name. It was indeed Collin. Not only had he survived, but he had also joined the base hospital. He had lost weight, his hair

initial surprise, Collin was visibly overjoyed,

over, "Dr. Collin, when

just a fortnight ago and there was no

with

and was already at work today? Despite his own frail health, his

him on his rounds, encountering several patients with varying degrees of trauma. Some were in very poor

returned to the office to check the herbal inventory. He pondered how to effectively treat patients in