18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 550

No one knew if Cole had simply vanished or if he had encountered danger in the depths of the ocean. Such mysteries weren't uncommon, with many setting out never to return. But today, Bran laid eyes on Cole once more, and he didn't look like he'd just come ashore.

Curiosity got the better of Bran, so he started snooping around. It didn't take long for him to find out that Cole had been at South Base even before the mainland started to rise again. In other words, Cole had not only found Daniel but had chosen to stay. That made sense-everyone has roots, and Cole, originally from South Base, naturally felt a stronger sense of belonging there. Just like Bran, who decisively chose to stay when he drifted to Griffith Base.

But why was Cole still venturing out to sea in a submarine? Rumor had it that each trip lasted several months. Stella felt a moment of disorientation, which quickly gave way to clarity. That explained Daniel's reaction when he first saw the sights of Arcadia; shocked, yet not entirely surprised. He had suspected as much.

Back in the southern military, Cole knew she was under special care from the high command. He had found the southern forces out in the vast ocean and relayed everything about Ocean Point Naval Station to Daniel. Daniel was well aware that Stella would never return to Ocean Point Naval Station. And he also knew that with the five military forces gathered at the hub base, even if ranks were equal, a leader was needed. Could the high-ranking officers keep their subordinates in check?

In this post-apocalyptic world, unity against disaster and a collective effort to rebuild civilization were paramount—the common goal to climb upwards, unwavering. But beneath this grand trend, composed of various military groups, human nature with its conflicts and selfishness remained. And Daniel, a leader in his own right, was all too aware of this.

Knowing that Australian civilization was continuing was enough; where it was being built didn't matter. A bloom in every corner was a sight to behold. For Ocean Point Naval Station, his presence or absence was of little consequence. Not only did he think so, but his commanding officers felt the same. Having dedicated his early life to the nation, and with Ocean Point Naval Station on the rise, Daniel now wanted to protect those he had neglected.

Thus, Daniel established Griffith Base, and Cole's sea voyages were a quest to find her. Stella took a deep breath; he had not breathed a word of it. Was this the silent nourishment of fatherly love, steadfast as a mountain? If so, his insistence on Jasper entering the military made sense. Having lived twice, Stella had never been cared for with such profound love, and her emotions churned.

Whenever Cole was mentioned, Bran couldn't help thinking of his brothers back at Ocean Point Naval Station. "I wonder how Hans and the others are managing over there?"

extending Australian civilization." Seeing through

returning home. Worried that Daniel might be hungry, she was surprised to find not only that he had cooked dinner but also saved some for her. Vanessa, astonished, teased, "Old man, is the sun rising from the

As his rank rose, he was busier than ever, with little time for culinary pleasures. For years, Vanessa had managed their daily life. His cooking was simple and admittedly not gourmet, but

eager,

Vanessa spoke the truth,

you cook, make sure to call me,"

his voice, but he quickly brightened. "I'll learn

delighted but paused at his words,

It was no time to be jealous of Stella. He had always regretted missing her growing up, felt guilty for the hardships she

brings. If he wants to spend his time with

smiled, "In the future, I'll cook for both

she cleaned the dishes and tidied the kitchen, only to discover new supplies. Elegantly packaged grains, cured meats, and fresh fish balls. Vanessa was surprised; when did the base start enjoying such luxury? She opened her mouth to ask but seemed

with the lights out, Vanessa could sense his good mood, yet he

I have things on my mind." Unable to sleep, Vanessa turned and embraced him, "Stella has settled down, and they're not getting any younger. Isn't it

no chance to have more children. Disasters had been so devastating that there were few youngsters like Rosie. The youngest and most suitable for childbirth were Stella's