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

catastrophe and constant persecution by the

a piece of scrap metal in the wake

dragon head before tucking it away

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

of days' rest, they were all feeling

mischievous couple.

wasn't about to let them off the hook

a vine in hand, her expression fierce, Stella commanded,

was swift and

whimpered for mercy, the siblings sat on the couch,

was as

after people, the misbehaving

them hungry as a warning, "One more time, and your heads will

a sound. Cooper exposed his belly, submitting to

Base gone, Stella could

role of the new big brother. If they fell into the same trap, Stella wouldn't hesitate to

for her family to live

running off and hoarding food, instead behaving and caring for

would let them out daily to run wild in Arcadia for

Russian

gone, more survivors began to arrive, settling

noticed new neighbors

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

to have taken

living under the watchful eyes

grabbed her assault rifle, followed by Jasper

like sentinels at the front door, their fierce and