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.

the course," Stella remarked. "As long as they don't mean us harm, they

persecution by the Union Base, paranoia was only

just a piece of scrap metal in the wake of disaster. It wouldn't even fetch a handful of potatoes in

wryly, caressing the dragon head before

have to take it slow with the Russians. No use asking outright

rest, they were all

mischievous couple. "You

let them off the hook just because they acted cute and

expression fierce, Stella commanded, "Now, and don't make me

punishment was swift and

whimpered for mercy, the siblings sat on the

snow was as good a pastime

Union Base had been after people, the misbehaving couple had

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

make a sound. Cooper exposed his belly, submitting to

Base gone, Stella could finally breathe easier.

into the role of the new big brother. If they fell

her family to live in peace

hoarding food, instead behaving and

let them out daily to run wild in Arcadia for half

the Russian surveillance didn't

Base threat gone, more survivors began to arrive, settling down

Stella noticed

way, the men in the middle carrying nothing, and those at the

taken a liking

fancy living under the

a word, she grabbed her assault rifle, followed by Jasper and Rosie, who did

sentinels at the front door, their fierce