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.

mean us harm, they can play their games. We

and constant persecution by the Union Base, paranoia

carefully picked up the dragon head, a relic of Australian glory, now just a piece of scrap metal in the wake

wryly, caressing the dragon head before tucking it

take it slow with the Russians. No use asking outright for the artifacts; that would only

couple of days' rest, they were all

fell on the mischievous couple. "You

let them off the hook just because they

vine in hand, her expression fierce, Stella

punishment was swift

siblings sat on the couch, indifferent to the

in the snow was as good a pastime as

been after people, the misbehaving couple had it

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

its head low, not daring to make a sound.

could finally breathe

the new big brother. If they fell into

only wish was for her family to live

Snowflake stopped running off and hoarding food,

out daily to run wild in Arcadia for half an hour, helping

the Russian surveillance didn't

the Union Base threat gone, more survivors began to

noticed

came in droves, about fifty strong, with armed guards leading the way, the

to have taken

fancy living under the watchful eyes of

assault rifle, followed by Jasper

like sentinels at the front door, their fierce and piercing