18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 181

Everyone was intimidated by Stella's gaze, not to mention the weapon she had in her hand. They could only watch helplessly as the car drove away.

At the security booth at the foot of the mountain, there were no longer security personnel in uniforms.

The sea waves continued to roar, occasionally crashing against the shore, their frothy tails washing onto the highway, splashing water on the car windows.

On the highway, the occasional survivors could be seen, their possessions washed away, limping painfully with the aid of tree branches. They were like walking corpses, devoid of any life.

There was a young girl of about twelve standing barefoot by the side of the road. As the hummer drove past her, Stella noticed the horrific injuries on her feet, her eyes swollen, and blood was still trickling from her forehead.

She was so young. She should have been here with her family, trying to make a living by the sea. But the tsunami had taken them away, leaving her all alone.

Stella's heart skipped a beat and she instinctively turned her head to look back. But the girl was gone, leaving only the relentless roar of the sea waves.

Perhaps, life and death had different meanings for everyone.

After about 20 minutes of driving, they reached the checkpoint they had passed earlier.

There were more survivors now, and even makeshift medical stations set up with soldiers distributing relief food. This area was higher in altitude and had been converted into a rescue point.

There were hundreds of survivors lingering there, all looking lost and desolate. Some were reluctant to leave, hoping to return to the coast once the waves receded, while others were lost about their future, unsure whether to head to the next coastal area or return to the city to await their fate.

Jasper parked the car. "They should all belong to the same unit. Should we leave him here?"

After the fever had subsided, the soldier was in a much better state. With proper rest, he should be able to survive.

Stella took out a box of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and three fever pills, along with some rice, and packed them all into a black bag. This was all she could give. Whether he could survive or not was up to him.

Jasper got out of the car and waved to a soldier nearby.

A moment later, the soldier walked over. Jasper quickly explained the situation, while Stella reminded, "He needs to rest and eat nutritious food. Make sure his wounds stay dry."

She then handed over the bag. "Here are some medicines. They're a token of our goodwill. We hope they'll be of use."

Seeing his unconscious comrade in the car, the soldier's eyes turned teary. He saluted Jasper and Stella. "Thank you." Jasper was moved. "Take care of yourselves. Only by doing so can you save more people."

The soldier picked up his comrade, took the medicine and food Stella had given, and walked into a tent in the distance.

Their hummer was too conspicuous and attracted many curious glances, so they quickly drove away.

Along the way, they encountered many refugees walking back to Griffith. They carried their belongings and hopes for survival. Now, not only were their possessions swallowed by the tsunami, but they had also lost their loved ones. Stella retracted her gaze and sat in the passenger seat, lost in thought.

After about ten minutes, the car slowed down. Jasper said, "Stella, get some toll ready."

Stella came back to her senses, her eyes instantly darkening.

This was not the same group that had demanded protection fee last time. Without a doubt, this was another group of thugs exploiting the survivors.

This place felt familiar. It was probably where Jasper had hit the scammer last time. They didn't play the scam game anymore. Instead, they blatantly set up a checkpoint to collect protection grain.

Small cars had to pay a toll of 20 pounds of food. Stella swallowed her anger and was about to get the potatoes when one of them arrogantly demanded, "10 pounds of grain and 10 pounds of meat." More than ten men rushed over, surrounding the hummer. Some had knives and others had weapons. They seemed ready to kill if they didn't get what they wanted.

Stella took a deep breath and gave them 10 pounds of potatoes and 10 pounds of dried seafood. They paid the toll and were allowed to pass.

But less than ten minutes later, they were stopped again. It was the same bald men who had demanded more food last time.

They swarmed up as before. This time they didn't want food. Instead, they kicked the car door and ordered, "Get out!"

They were all terrifying, pointing their weapons at Jasper and Stella through the glass.

The two exchanged a glance and then got out of the car. The back door of the car was opened, and the bald men's eyes lit up instantly. What a plump dog! What a tender little girl! "Get out!"

Rosie's eyes were full of fear. She instinctively tried to run to her brother, but a bald man roughly grabbed the back of her collar.

At the same time, several bald men surrounded Cooper, their eyes filled with greed. This dog was fat and juicy, enough for a hearty meal.

The dog whimpered, trembling all over with fear.

The leader walked over, waving his gun at Jasper. "We're taking the car. The kid and the dog stay. You two, scram!"

Stella frowned. These men could collect several trucks of supplies each day. They weren't short of food or drink, yet they insisted on keeping Rosie. What were they planning to do?

Just as she was thinking, one of the bald men suddenly lifted Rosie up, his smile disgustingly dirty. "Don't be scared, little girl. We'll take you to have fun. We've got lots of fun and food, and lots of big cocks to show you. Do you want to go?" Rosie's voice was tearful. "Sir, I want to go home."

The bald man laughed heartily. "From today, you have a new home. We'll take care of you."

The other bald men were the same, without any apprehension, even in front of Jasper and Stella. Rosie turned her head to look at her brother.

Stella took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Gentlemen, she's just a child. Please let us go."

Before leaving, she had disguised herself, wearing ragged clothes and a face full of freckles, while Jasper looked dejected and pathetic. They weren't interested in the two of them, but they had their sights set on Rosie and the dog. "Are you deaf?" Seeing that they didn't move, the leader pressed his weapon against Jasper's head. "Piss me off, and I'll slaughter you all!"

Jasper didn't say anything but gave Rosie a look.

Suddenly, the bald man holding Rosie stumbled back. His eyes widened, his mouth opened wide as he gasped for air, and his muscular body fell heavily to the ground.

His chest was stained with blood. He clutched his throat, his eyes bulging.

Rosie landed on her feet, holding a blood-stained knife. Her face was still childish and innocent as she looked at them.

The scene was shocking. The bald man was dead?

Not only was he stabbed multiple times in the chest, but his throat was also slit.

A six or seven-year-old child... she actually... No, this was not a child, it was a demon!

It was in that moment of distraction that the shivering and seemingly timid dog suddenly leaped towards the most ferocious bald-headed man. The man was knocked off his feet, his throat ripped apart before he even had a chance to struggle. The dog, swift as lightning, then pounced on the second one.