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.

remarked. "As long as they don't mean us harm, they can play

ten years of catastrophe and constant persecution by the Union

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

caressing the dragon head before tucking it away

use asking outright for

of days' rest,

eyes fell on the mischievous couple.

wasn't about to let them off the

in hand, her expression fierce, Stella commanded, "Now, and don't make me repeat

was swift

for mercy, the siblings sat on the couch, indifferent

snow was as good a

had been after people, the misbehaving

nearly breaking their legs and leaving them hungry as a warning, "One more time,

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

could finally breathe easier. Survival was

a matter of seeing if the Russians would step into the role of the new big brother. If they fell into the same trap, Stella wouldn't

only wish was for her family to live in

stopped running off and hoarding food, instead behaving and

them out daily to run wild in Arcadia for half an

the Russian surveillance

gone, more survivors began to arrive,

Stella noticed new

armed guards leading the way, the men in the middle carrying

have taken a liking

living under the watchful eyes of

assault rifle, followed by Jasper and Rosie, who

front door, their fierce and piercing gaze spoke