18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 391

It was obvious that the intruder had been super cautious, trying to slip in unnoticed. But when it came to expertise, Jasper was the grandmaster. Anything that had been touched couldn't escape his sharp eyes. When Stella had left, she packed up everything valuable, leaving behind just the bare essentials. When they got back, they chatted casually while subtly inspecting the place. There were faint signs of tampering, but no bugs. Jasper gave Stella a knowing look. If the military had been involved, they would've been so professional that no trace would be left behind.

The two of them headed to the kitchen, lugging the groceries. Stella had only bought a pound of bacon but pulled several more from her stash in Arcadia, along with a variety of veggies and her homemade hot pot mix. After treating herself to some comfort food, she didn't forget to soak in the hot spring to ease her fatigue. She woke up to an evening sky.

She picked up the walkie-talkie to reach out to Cody again. This time, she got through. They weren't out at sea but were instead doing physical drills and first aid training on land. They had just wrapped up and were back in their quarters.

They had been training so hard they were out of the loop about Stella's recent exploits. When they found out she and Jasper had hit the jackpot on a scavenging run and wouldn't have to worry about provisions for a long time, they were genuinely happy for her. Stella was known for her resilience, never one to be knocked down by adversity. "We'll be right over," they said.

It was a rare get-together, and everyone was excited. Despite Stella's insistence that they didn't need to bring anything, they couldn't show up empty-handed. They brought a bottle of wine, some smoked ham, and sugar cubes.

Bran arrived shortly after Cody and the others, bringing his own contributions. Old neighbors from the villa district, their reunion at the Kindle Society felt especially warm. They greeted each other with big hugs.

Compared to the others, Bran, who had joined the army at the last minute, felt a bit less accomplished but lucky to have made it that far. After months in the service, Cody knew quite a bit. "The army's not bad at all. Those amphibious vehicles can handle both land and water. If the land ever sinks, we can still roll on in the water."

Bran walked in, tossed his gifts on the table, and gave Jasper a big hug, sweet-talking him with gratitude for the secret guidance that had helped him pass his assessments. Jasper couldn't help but be charmed by Bran's flattery.

Bran wanted to hug Stella too but held back, considering the propriety between men and women. However, he didn't skimp on compliments. "Sis, you're the only sister I have!"

Stella rolled her eyes, remembering that Bran actually had two biological sisters. Bran, ever the charmer, brushed it off with a laugh, "Ah, but today, none are as dear as you, sis."

The friends chatted and laughed as they prepared dinner together, reminiscing about their recent training and the valuable survival skills they'd acquired. As members of the 'Seed of Fire' program, this knowledge was essential, not just for themselves but to pass on, should the disasters ever come to an end.

The atmosphere was light-hearted as they joked about the ranks they could've had if they'd joined the society earlier, but all agreed that Stella's accomplishments were unmatched.

The feast that followed was hearty, with an array of dishes including baked bacon, dumplings, stir-fried smoked ham with dried vegetables, and steamed smoked fish. Bran's much-anticipated hot pot was also on the menu, with lean meat, tofu, yuba, greens, and mushrooms.

Bran, who had grown up with frugal meals due to his father's strict diet, found himself suddenly without an appetite despite the mouthwatering aroma of the hot pot. Stella, noticing this, encouraged him to eat up, reminding him that once he reported for duty, such luxuries might be scarce.

As they raised their glasses, Cody toasted to living in the moment, enjoying each other's company with good food and drink, and putting aside thoughts of tomorrow's uncertainties.

The laughter and clinking of glasses filled the room, and soon, even the neighbors were envious of the joyous feast.

After the meal, Cody and the others, wary of unexpected drills, said their goodbyes, while Bran had to prepare for his reporting the next day. Stella, gracious as ever, returned the items they had brought, insisting that next time it would be their turn to host.

In the end, it was an evening of simple pleasures, a welcome break from the everyday struggle for survival. Stella understood the gesture, but the little trinket was practically meaningless to her. However, in times of calamity, such trivialities might just become their lifeline.

Not knowing whether disaster or the next social gathering would come first, Stella advised with equal urgency, "Keep your essential supplies with you-food and medicine. No matter what we face ahead, our only shot at keeping hope alive is to survive."