18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 556

Stella unzipped her waterproof bag and found a remote sensor inside.

No doubt, it was for unlocking the Kindle Chest. It must have been set up before the land went underwater. Copies of the remote sensor and codes were, without exception, in the hands of the top brass of every Kindle Society.

On a whim, Stella wanted to see what was inside the Kindle Chest in Arcadia. And she acted on that impulse.

She pressed the button on the sensor and entered the code. The sturdy, heavy Kindle Chest swung open.

It looked like a massive machine. After rummaging around for a while, Stella discovered an inscription on the machine: a desalination system.

Not huge, but definitely sufficient for a base of thousands. The base was close to the coast, where the water quality was poor, and the harsh climate bred countless germs. A careless gulp could make you sick.

It wasn't just people who were affected; the land suffered too. The desertification of the alkaline wasteland made cultivation difficult, unable to retain soil or lock in moisture, creating a vicious cycle.

Daniel was visibly relieved. "Stella, with this, we'll soon have an oasis."

Seeing his smile, a warm current flowed through Stella's heart. "I'll bring it back."

The next morning, Rosie fought back her sadness and worry, mustering a smile to see the pair off. The family dog, scrappy as ever, clawed at them, reluctant to let his humans go.

Daniel and Vanessa stepped out to bid farewell. "Stay safe, and come back soon."

Stella couldn't find overly sentimental words, so she simply gave him a hug. The two hopped in the car and drove to the docks, picking up a few teammates who were on foot along the way.

The team, specially selected, was comprised of 14 individuals, all skilled in their own right. They could operate cargo ships, submarines, planes, tanks - true special forces, capable of reaching the heavens and diving the depths.

Stella admired and respected them. Oh, and I forgot to mention – the cargo ship was equipped with a helicopter.

with the on-duty soldiers, saluted them for a

nuclear submarine, while Stella and Jasper took the helm of vessel 2688. The rest boarded the cargo ship, heading for a destination 500

recorded, they were all filled with seeds. The conditions weren't right for hoisting, and opening the boxes on the seabed

sub led the way, the freighter following

was a communal event on the submarine. As team leader, Jasper volunteered enthusiastically,

the

enjoy Captain Jasper's cooking. We're on a mission, no

female

all hearty portions. They ate and

more before planning to return to

ship had...

just be stolen. During that time, both captains and Stella had been

didn't seem surprised to see them. "It's late, the captain's already resting. Pick a room and get some sleep. Don't forget to

made only to the commanding officer. All roughly the same age, each had their suspicions, but

down, but inside Jasper's room, he was alert. "You rest; I'll

on his thigh. Jasper smiled knowingly, gently tucking

and potatoes was ready.

the team had calmed down and greeted each other with composure. They served under the commanding officer, and with his daughter and son-in-law on the mission, it was both a personal and professional boon for

eventually come to

the first coordinates, 500 nautical miles away. Based on sonar, the seabed was over 100 meters deep with modest

terrain was vast, and due to the variations, it took the sub more than two hours

was needed. Cole had it, and along with Stella and Jasper, decided to dive for a closer look. An astute team member noticed the value of Stella's diving suit,

team members divided tasks: some monitored the underwater operation,

descended, the light dimmed. Stella switched on her headlamp, adjusting her breathing

greater the pressure, and past a certain depth, each meter down became unbearably painful. The headlamp revealed a large, angular