18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 299

A swarm of thugs rushed forward, and if it weren't for the four of them being tough and formidable, their supplies would have been snatched away.

The problem was that the thugs came in waves. They were constantly on edge, not knowing when danger would strike again.

Stella furrowed her brows. Lukas had bought a house in the third phase, which was bordering Swan Hill and no longer at the heart of the city. The military and police forces of Griffith were mainly concentrated in the city center, with some deployed to protect important facilities and factories.

There was a significant shortage of manpower, and the surrounding areas were the most affected.

After much deliberation, Stella said, "I bought two apartments across from the police station, thinking that if our villa got compromised, we could take refuge there. For now, this area is relatively safe. We can spare one for you guys. We'll deal with the rest after we get through this wave."

Across from the police station? That indeed would be the safest place.

When they were originally house hunting, they had considered that area and had thoroughly scouted the vicinity, but they hadn't found any second-hand houses for sale.

"Thank you, Stella," Lukas and the others expressed their gratitude. Stella had once again come to their rescue at a crucial moment. Otherwise, they would have been torn apart between working and defending against the thugs.

Stella held the keys, but going out during the eternal night was indeed dangerous. She believed in Lukas' lock-picking skills, "You can go straight there. The residents all know us. Just mention my name along with Jasper's, and they'll let you in."

Austin handed Monkey a walkie-talkie. They kept in touch regularly and had heard that their relations with the people of Eastwood Eden were amicable. Under Christian's lead, the building was kept fairly secure.

Thus, Lukas and the others packed their supplies and weapons and headed to the apartment across the police station.

Two hours later, the walkie-talkie crackled with Monkey's voice, "Miss, there are four guys mentioning your name wanting to move in. Is that right?"

"Yeah, that's correct."

Stella reported the names, heights, and appearances of Lukas and the others. "They are my close friends. I appreciate your help."

Once Monkey and his crew confirmed their identities, they let them in. "Don't worry, Miss. Your friends are our friends."

When Jasper came back from his shift, Stella told him about it.

Jasper didn't object. The initial purchase of those apartments was for emergencies. The best-case scenario was not having to use them. Now that they could help Lukas and the others, it was a good thing.

During dinner, he mentioned, "Tracy and her daughter from Building 36 seem to have left. Only the two boys are home. They were injured in an attack by thugs and without medical supplies, they were only getting worse. When the patrol team noticed that the Riley family hadn't shown up for their shift, they went to check and found the children had passed away from their illness."

Stella said nothing and continued eating. If Tracy really wanted to save them, she would have found a way to get the medicine. The natural disaster was cruel. People were dying every day, and Stella had very little empathy left, only enough for a few people. A month into the eternal night, an agricultural institute brought some good news.

The agricultural institute had successfully developed a plant that could grow with minimal light. Griffith had already arranged for personnel to collect it, and it could be distributed in three days.

The government encouraged survivors not to venture out during the eternal night. They should form groups within their communities to collect supplies while being mindful of their safety. After discussion, the community decided to go.

This was somewhat unexpected for Stella, but understandable. The rich wouldn't put all their eggs in one basket. They had secret bases for storing supplies, and the villa could at most store a year and a half's worth. Many property owners had lost a significant amount of supplies due to thug looting.

However, the outside was too dangerous. How to bring the supplies back was a big problem, so they all pinned their hopes on the Porras family.

The Porras family was in a predicament. Their RV was too conspicuous, and they would be torn to pieces if they went out.

It was Bran who came up with a solution. With a cheeky grin, he approached Jasper, "Jasper, how about we go collect the supplies?"

Jasper refused.

"Don't be so stingy," Bran cajoled. "Your Hummer is bulletproof and bombproof. It's very safe compared to my Land Rover, which might as well be made of paper."

When it came to car modifications, he was a professional. Bran knew Jasper's apocalyptic vehicle was very impressive.

"Ah, if only that damned thief hadn't stolen my Predator," he lamented. "Then I wouldn't have to ask you. All I'd need is a press on the gas pedal to crush those thugs into dust." He couldn't bear to think about it. His heart ached.

Jasper grimaced. Finally, under Bran's relentless persuasion and the promise of a three-day rest, Jasper reluctantly agreed.

Upon learning that only he and Bran were going, Stella, who had little trust in this playboy, decided to accompany them. Leaving Cooper and Rosie with Austin, they armed themselves and set out.

Bran was even more extravagant. He wore a bulletproof vest, helmet, and night-vision goggles. Inside his coat, he had seven or eight guns and a few grenades.

Stella rubbed her temples but said nothing.

Bran was excited, touching here and there once he got in the car. Seeing Stella roll her eyes, he wasn't the least bit embarrassed. "Stella, I haven't touched a car this nice in a long time. If my Predator hadn't been stolen..." "Are you done?" Stella snapped at him. "Just let it go. Do you think constantly bringing it up makes you look capable?"

Bran, who was already heartbroken over his lost car and now felt like his wound was being salted, fell silent. "I...I won't mention it again, okay?"

They drove out of the community, speeding through the darkness.

Indeed, the danger lurked everywhere in the dark. Thugs armed with weapons occasionally rushed out from the sides of the road. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't catch up to the four wheels.

There were even more annoying ones who picked up stones and threw them from afar. Jasper, wearing night-vision goggles, swerved the vehicle in an S shape to dodge the flying stones. None hit the car's windows.

Having seen through their clumsy tricks, Jasper and Stella were no longer surprised. Bran in the back seat, however, was furious and pulled out his gun, "What the hell!"

They soon arrived at Griffith's agricultural institute, which was already crowded with people coming to collect supplies. Everyone had a pot helmet on their heads and weapons in their hands.

Groups eyed each other warily, their gaze saying, "Don't mess with me."

Bran had a gun permit and openly showed his firearm. The others immediately backed away from him.

After waiting for over an hour, it was finally Hopefield's turn.

The agricultural institute had developed edible moss, which was black in color. The moss felt rough to the touch, yet it was notably resilient to the cold and enjoyed shady areas. It could thrive under the faintest light, growing at a rapid pace. You could simply transplant it into rotting wood or soil.

On-site staff, equipped with a megaphone, explained that the moss, a sort of black lichen, could be kept indoors as long as the humidity was maintained at a suitable level.

Hopefield collected two large burlap sacks of the stuff, cramming it all into the trunk of their vehicle.

Bran, ever the speed demon, was itching to take control of the steering wheel, but the others paid him no mind.

Stella made a special trip to the local university. The Herbal Medicine Research Department was temporarily closed, the interior shrouded in darkness.

Three years of perpetual night, implying the department would also be closed for three years. Thankfully, Collin had once offered that Stella could come to him in Swan Hill anytime she needed.

Riots were breaking out everywhere, and the butterfly effect was strong. She hoped he would be safe amidst all the chaos.

On the way back to their residential area, they found themselves in the midst of a looting spree, with hundreds of thugs reveling in the chaos.

After the bandits had had their fill of plundering, they rushed out of the building, running straight into police officers on duty. The officers didn't even have time to open the car door before they were swarmed by the rioters.