18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 206

After two years of disaster, the batteries in the safe's alarm system had finally run out, sparing them the piercing sound.

Two safes were filled with gold, one brimming with jewels and gemstones.

In the old days, Stella would have been over the moon. Now, she couldn't even muster a smile. Her premonition had come true. Arcadia was no longer expanding.

Jasper examined the treasures, "It's real."

For Stella, this was an enormous stroke of luck. She had already stocked up on essential supplies, so her outlook was considerably brighter. If Arcadia didn't want it, she would gladly take it.

There were over 300 pounds of gold, and an even greater number of jewels and gemstones. She had never had the money or the opportunity before. Now, she could wear a new piece every day if she wished.

Arcadia was large, and The Garden spanned over 20 acres. She hadn't had the time to organize her supplies, so they were scattered everywhere, leaving very little space for farming. She knew she had to tidy up, to make room for crops. After all, having food was the key to peace of mind.

To survive in the long run, she still needed more essential survival supplies.

Jasper was getting up early the next day to teach the people of Eastwood Eden some self-defense.

Despite being a small group of just over a hundred, everyone wanted to learn how to protect themselves. Even a seventy-year-old man had signed up.

Mark had to personally select the participants, "Let's do this in batches. We'll start with the younger generation. They'll be the mainstay in protecting our home." Nobody dared to protest when even Mark didn't get a spot.

The summer sun rose early. By five o'clock, it was already light. When Jasper got up, Stella couldn't sleep anymore and rose to brush her teeth and wash her face. Rosie, still groggy from sleep, kept rubbing her eyes.

Stella was puzzled, "Rosie, why don't you sleep a bit longer?"

"I want to go with Jasper, to help him teach them how to box."

Jasper explained, "It's hard to teach people with no foundation. Rosie can motivate them."

Stella agreed with his approach and prepared breakfast - a bowl of oatmeal and some bagels.

Rosie was well-behaved, brushing her teeth and rinsing her mouth after eating, so as not to let others smell the food.

Cooper sneaked behind Rosie, trying to sneak out with them. Stella raised an eyebrow, "Cooper?"

The dog pouted, obediently coming back to sit down, looking utterly wronged.

"Well, you can't blame them. You're just so handsome, it's no wonder people want to do bad things to you," Stella consoled, petting Cooper's head. "Let's just stay at home and not test humanity." Over a hundred pounds of meat would be irresistible to anyone.

"Just hold on, Cooper. Once we get a mansion in the rich district, you can do whatever you want."

Cooper finally settled down, resting his head on her lap.

After watching an hour of medical videos, Stella stretched on the balcony. She noticed Mark taking a walk with a dog trailing behind him. A brown poodle, skinny and not more than a few pounds, but spirited. For the first time in two years, Cooper saw another dog. He whined, and his claws scratched at the glass.

"Do you want to go down and play, or are you looking for a fight?" Stella asked. She figured he was picking a fight. One bite from Cooper, and the poodle would be history.

In the distance, she noticed some old folks and children. One of the children had a pet too-a mouse. He held it on a thin leash like a cherished treasure, feeding it sweet potato leaves and attracting a crowd of children.

It had been a while since Stella had heard the laughter of children. They looked sunburnt but radiant, instantly brightening her mood.

From their chatter, Stella discovered that there was a school in the district. Mark and a few retired individuals were acting as teachers.

Classes were held every other day, free of charge. The teachers were simply using their talents to keep themselves busy and maintain a positive outlook.

"Quick! The hero from yesterday is over at the sales office. His little sister is so cute, and she's really good at boxing. She's even teaching my brother. Let's go watch."

Clearly, the children were well-protected by their parents. With Mark, the psychologist, providing timely counseling for the residents, the community's mental well-being was quite healthy.

Compared to the outside world, the children were less pessimistic and cynical. There was still light in their eyes.

Upon hearing about the handsome hero showing up, they abandoned their pet and rushed to the sales office.

The old folks didn't join the excitement. However, as they passed the 5th building during their walk, they noticed the newly installed door and the glass on the fourth-floor balcony and started discussing.

Stella couldn't hear their conversation from a distance, but looking at their faces through the telescope, she saw the richness and vicissitudes of their lives. Compared to the lifeless survivors outside, they were much friendlier. Jasper returned at 11 o'clock, looking fresh without a trace of sweat. Rosie, on the other hand, was flushed and excited, "Stella, I taught people boxing today."

Stella encouraged her promptly, "Rosie, you're a teacher now? Good job!"

This praise made the little girl even happier. She recounted her day, "I taught them military boxing, but they weren't very good, so Jasper asked me to correct them."

At first, she was scared, but Jasper insisted that she should teach. Rosie realized then that she was even better than the adults. They couldn't even beat her, and their punches lacked power and precision.

In the beginning, they looked down on her, but later, they all praised her. At the end of the session, at their request, she even performed several cartwheels.

"Stella, can I make friends with them?" Rosie asked, her eyes filled with longing and unease.

Stella thought for a moment, "Do you want to be friends with them?"

Rosie seemed confused, "I... I think so, but I don't know."

People needed social interaction, especially with peers. What Rosie lacked now was not combat skills but life experience.

However, in this post-apocalyptic world, people were unpredictable. Getting too close to others could be problematic, especially when there was a clear status disparity. Moreover, Stella had secrets she needed to keep.

With Rosie's steady demeanor, she never asked more than she should, and Stella was reassured. But what if she let loose with her peers and accidentally spilled the beans?

Stella diverted the conversation to Jasper, "You should ask your brother."

If it were her child, she would allow some interaction with peers, but not for too long. She needed to stay relaxed but vigilant.

Educational dilemmas were better left to her brother. She needed to worry less.

When Rosie heard Stella mention Jasper, she immediately wilted and stopped talking. She reckoned that her big brother wouldn't agree.