18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 532

Vanessa hesitated for a moment before spearing another piece of fish cake.

Cooper sniffed at it twice, then turned his head away in disdain, barking at Stella for a drumstick instead!

"Ignore them," Stella said, "a missed meal or two won't hurt them." She then turned to the two ungrateful pups and ordered, "Out!"

Obediently, they scampered out to continue their lovey-dovey antics in the yard.

Having finished his meal, Daniel set down his fork and knife. "Stella, little Ho, Griffith is a pretty big place. Do you need me to arrange for someone to show you around?"

Stella shook her head. "No need, we'll take a walk ourselves later."

"If you need anything, I'll have someone bring it over later," Daniel offered kindly.

"We're good. I'll ask if we need anything," Stella replied.

Daniel excused himself. "I have to go to work with your aunt. If you need anything, come straight to the military base."

Stella nodded and set aside her plate.

After tidying up, Vanessa asked gently, "Stella, what would you like for lunch? I can cook something when I get back."

Stella, not quite used to such familial concern, replied, "Don't worry about us. You have your own things to do."

Once the two left, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Back inside, she grabbed a steaming drumstick for Cooper, while the three of them enjoyed a bowl of hearty hog maw soup. Being on someone else's turf felt restrictive.

She could sense Daniel's care but didn't know how to respond. Well, there was no rush. She could decide after exploring a bit.

Taking the dogs out with her would draw too much attention, so Stella locked them in a crate in the room. Surely no one would dare steal from a commander's house.

Stepping outside, she realized just how vast Griffith was; the end was nowhere in sight.

The base was surrounded by agricultural zones on all sides, with clear divisions between military and civilian living areas. The hospital was still under construction, and the external offices were temporarily set up in shipping containers.

There were a few homes made of mud bricks and stone, but they were rare. Most were built by the military. Civilians either lived in decent conditions or had to make do with shabby tents, broken-down cars, or shacks made of wood and straw.

Stella observed the soil along the roadsides; it was still barren waste without any stickiness.

Humanity had thrived for thousands of years, and now they were starting over. It wasn't something that could be overcome in just a year or two.

This place was no Ocean Point Naval Station, which had completed the preliminary construction of Hope Point before the land submerged. All they needed to do was find a suitable location and assemble everything with united efforts.

was the 'Seed Project,' with the essence condensed onto 3,000

how capable, could only manage to bring along a few naval ships and transport vessels' worth

survivors were out in the plantations, and the military personnel were either patrolling for safety, working on construction, or laboring in the military's

the trio's appearance was conspicuously

they walked toward the base's service

dozen red brick buildings housed various

Outreach desk.

solar panels, and a computer sat on the desk containing a list of all base

Cody, Lukas, Kitty, Angela.

Not one was listed.

and she mentioned

"None."

mentioning

Still none.

clerk offered comfort. "Don't worry too much. The people you're looking for might be at Ocean Point Naval Station. If there's a chance, we'll try to

surprised. "You have contact with

Daniel was unaware of the coordinates of Ocean Point Naval Station and had chosen

Knowing

"They had a military ship that was malfunctioning and drifted here with the current. We managed to repair it and

clerk reassured her. "Ocean Point Naval Station is very far away. You might have to wait a long time, but

and the three left

has been sending out fleets to find survivors. Cody and the others

since the center wasn't large, they headed

in the plantation was quite good, clearly the

of potatoes, in the center sweet potatoes, to the right bok choy, cabbage,

garb, Stella realized this was

the compost. "Pay attention, everyone. Don't get the fertilizer on the roots; it

Holy smokes, that voice!

she was hearing things and

only saw a profile, but the posture was unmistakable-she'd know him

turned

face changed instantly, and

soldier with sharp eyes called out, "Sarge, someone's watching

a handful of compost.

figures hurrying away,

behavior usually

in shock, dropped

He chased; she fled.