18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 389

Boiling plain spaghetti, without a trace of grease, just a handful of dried veggies tossed in for good measure.

Eating pasta nine years into a series of natural disasters was a rare luxury, possible only because of the hefty naval subsidies. Stella wasn't one to let debts linger. She dug into her bag and pulled out six cold buns and a box of salted jerky and dried bacon. Even in tough times, it didn't hurt to butter up the instructor a bit.

Knowing the two had earned a fortune in credits, Mr. Cristian, though polite, didn't hesitate long before accepting the buns and jerky to heat up. Everyone settled down to eat.

Feeling a bit self-conscious, Stella said, "I had no idea we'd be living on a sub. I only brought a few packs of spaghetti. Let me handle breakfast tomorrow, and we can settle the food debt once we're back on land."

Mr. Cristian smiled. "No worries. You've spent a small fortune on that yacht, so the least the navy can do is cover your meals, even if it's not gourmet. Just don't look down on our humble fare." Technically, meals weren't included, but the pair got fast-tracked thanks to a nod from higher-ups, which is why Stella hadn't packed properly.

When the top brass makes a call, food becomes the least of your worries.

Three days of intense theoretical training followed, with Mr. Cristian making the dry technical details lively and engaging, answering every question Stella and Jasper threw his way with endless patience. Piloting, maintaining, and repairing a submarine aren't skills you can master in three days of theory. Stella and Jasper, prepared for the worst, grilled Mr. Cristian on scenarios they might face in a stormy sea. Their questions were sharp and detailed, sometimes even more complex than those posed by professional submariners.

Mr. Cristian, amused yet patient, worked through their queries.

Surviving a natural disaster is no joke. Besides basic needs, Stella and Jasper spent every spare moment - all four hours of sleep they allowed themselves - studying the submarine manuals. Knowledge could be the key to survival. Initially, Mr. Cristian had reservations about these two "connected" recruits, but their dedication and quick learning soon dispelled any doubts. They were picking up skills at an impressive rate, and he quickly saw their potential. "If only they were my soldiers," he thought.

Curious, he asked, "Why haven't you two enlisted? The base could use talent like yours."

Stella smiled, "We've considered it, but we have family to look after."

"That shouldn't be a problem; the base can ensure they're well taken care of," he reassured them.

Stella's response carried a weight of experience, "I trust the base would provide for them, but after years of struggling, facing life and death, we want to be with our family until the end, no matter what."

Mr. Cristian understood the realities of military life and family arrangements during crises. He respected their decision and committed to teaching them everything he knew.

Whether a soldier or a civilian, survival was the priority.

After three days of theory, hands-on training began. The submarine dove into the depths, navigating the vast ocean.

Stella hadn't imagined herself piloting a submarine, but life is full of surprises.

Under Mr. Cristian's watchful eye, they faced practical tests: diving, surfacing, holding position, turning, and avoiding collisions with sea creatures and underwater hazards. Stella, proactive with questions during theory, now faced them in practice, with Mr. Cristian challenging her to apply her knowledge.

With Jasper's steady help, the two proved to be a capable team, impressing their instructor with their progress.

On the fourth day, as they returned to the deep-sea dock and emerged into the sunlight, the feeling was surreal.

Looking out, Stella noticed the new batch of submarines, likely theirs, ready for deployment by the Kindle Society.

Observing the sea creatures through the submarine's viewports, Stella furrowed her brow, "They seem to have grown bigger, haven't they?"

Mr. Cristian explained about ancient viruses released from thawing polar ice caps, causing mutations that made sea creatures not only larger and deformed but also more aggressive.

He shared harrowing tales of encounters with these predators and advice on how to avoid them: "If you can't avoid them, go into hibernation mode. Don't provoke them unless it's life or death; their aggression will only worsen, and blood will attract more creatures, making things tricky."

The submarine was sturdy but vulnerable if its external devices were damaged.

After four days of relentless practice, Stella could navigate the submarine almost instinctively.

Once back at the dock, feeling the warmth of the sun and the breeze, Stella and her companions saw more submarines - it was time to take their own into the blue expanse.

A staff member checked the system, "Stella, right? Your submarine's ID is 2688, docked at Pier C, slot F."

After signing her name, stamping her agreement, and recording her fingerprint, she got the operation password.

Mr. Cristian led the group of three and their dog to Pier C, where they found the moored submarine 2688.

Stella let out a sigh of relief. She was finally the proud owner of a submarine.

Whether soaring through the skies or diving into the depths, her gear was top-notch. All she needed now was a magic lamp to summon a genie.

If she couldn't survive with all this, she'd have to admit defeat to fate.

Inside the submarine, they began testing the equipment and inspecting the facilities.

After completing the handover, Mr. Cristian reminded her, "Your submarine is privately owned. If you need to dock at the base, you'll have to register and pay a fee at the operations center." Stella nodded, "Thanks, but I think I'd like to get a bit more practice out at sea before heading to the operations center."

Mr. Cristian taught them everything he could and, upon parting, said, "If you run into any trouble, don't hesitate to contact us."

Stella shook his hand in farewell, "Mr. Cristian, let's both give it our all. Hopefully, when this natural disaster ends, we'll have a chance to reunite."

Mr. Cristian paused, then smiled, "There will be an opportunity."

After seeing him off, the two steered the submarine out of the deep-sea port and settled quietly in the ocean. Seven days of grueling training had left everyone exhausted and a few pounds lighter, Cooper included.

So, it was time to treat themselves to a feast - a good steak, spicy shrimp, and a comforting chicken soup.

After tidying up their rooms, Rosie and Cooper took one, while Stella and Jasper took the next door.

After scrubbing clean from head to toe and replaceing the metal frame bed uncomfortable, Stella pulled out a luxury mattress worth a fortune from her belongings for a makeshift bed on the floor. She thought she'd fall into a deep sleep instantly but found herself tossing and turning restlessly.

Throughout the seven days together, Stella felt Mr. Cristian's passion. He truly taught them everything without holding back, even sharing extra survival skills from the military.

Having lived what felt like two lifetimes, she couldn't help but notice the special attention she was receiving.

It was strange; something had felt off since she entered the base.

Stella nudged the man sleeping beside her, "Are you sure there are no cameras on this sub?"