18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 504

Seeing Stella's eyes light up at the sight of the artifact, Ivans knew he'd nailed the perfect gift. It was like he'd handed her a treasure more exciting than some

ancient relic.

Without hesitation, Stella accepted the challenge. "I'll give it a shot, but no promises on the harvest."

Fair's fair, so she asked Ivans what he wanted in return.

Ivans, a man of simple needs, shrugged. "These things aren't much use to us. If you manage to grow some veggies, just share a bit with us, and we'll call it even." Stella nodded briskly. "Deal. If I can get these to sprout, we'll split the bounty."

As they parted ways, Ivans couldn't hide his reluctance. "Stella, are you sure you won't consider moving over to our side?"

Her laughter was her goodbye as she waved him off.

After they'd gone, Jasper frowned. "Those Russians are tough cookies. Good thing you released ether in the detention center, making their heads fuzzy enough to think they were seeing things."

Stella felt the same. Considering the Russians had wiped out over ten thousand from the Union Base, they weren't to be underestimated.

"We need to stay sharp from now on."

They moved their new stuff back to their igloo.

Once inside, Rosie spoke with a serious tone, "Brother, sister, someone was tailing us after you left."

Stella wasn't surprised. "Who was it?"

Peering through the spyhole, Rosie had seen everything clearly. "Russians."

Jasper's frown deepened. "Seems they still don't trust us."

They'd sent Ivans to distract them while another team covertly observed from behind.

long as they don't mean us harm, they can play their games. We just need

constant persecution by the Union Base, paranoia

relic of Australian glory, now just a piece of scrap metal in the wake of disaster. It wouldn't even fetch a handful of potatoes

caressing the dragon head before tucking it away for safekeeping

the Russians. No use asking outright for the artifacts;

couple of days' rest, they were all feeling

the mischievous couple. "You

off the hook just because they

fierce, Stella commanded, "Now, and don't

was swift

the siblings sat on the couch, indifferent

the snow was as good a

after people,

legs and leaving them hungry as a warning, "One more time, and your

its head low, not daring to make a sound. Cooper exposed

could

was a matter of seeing if the Russians would step into the role of the new

her family to live in

hoarding food, instead behaving and caring

to run wild in Arcadia for

the Russian surveillance

gone, more survivors

day, Stella noticed new

armed guards leading the way, the men in the middle carrying nothing, and those at the rear lugging heavy

taken a liking

fancy living under

grabbed her assault rifle, followed by

sentinels at the front door, their fierce and piercing gaze spoke