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.

"As long as they don't mean us harm, they can play their games. We just need to be extra

catastrophe and constant persecution by the Union

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

smiled wryly, caressing the dragon head before tucking

the Russians. No use asking outright for the artifacts; that would only raise

couple of days' rest, they were

fell on the mischievous couple.

wasn't about to let them off the hook just because they acted cute and

hand, her expression fierce, Stella

punishment was swift and

two whimpered for mercy, the siblings sat on the couch, indifferent to

was as

the Union Base had been after people, the misbehaving

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

make a sound.

could finally breathe easier. Survival was never

the role of the new big

for her family to live in

stopped running off and hoarding food, instead behaving and caring for the young ones

Arcadia for half an

the Russian surveillance

threat gone, more survivors began

Stella noticed new

guards leading the way, the men in the middle carrying

taken a liking

didn't fancy living under

grabbed her assault rifle, followed by Jasper

sentinels at the front door, their