18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 88

Police officers were humans too. Already understaffed, their numbers further dwindled when disaster struck or rescue missions went awry. Yet, the evil forces seemed to multiply, flourishing at every corner, with crimes occurring everywhere. Numerous public servants even lost their lives at the hands of these villains. These scoundrels were elusive as ghosts, covered head to toe, with only their eyes visible. They were armed with guns and bribing local informants. If anyone dared to call the police or resist, they were met with a gruesome end.

At the 18th floor, Angela couldn't hold back. "Whoever wants to comply can do so, but I certainly won't." She'd always been the type to punch others, not the one to take crap from anyone.

Stella remained calm. "Katie, none of us should give into their demands."

Katie understood. "Mikey and his parents won't be back to work for a few more days. We'll face this together then. I won't be a burden to you all."

Back home, she discussed with her son and others. "I think we must do the same as those on the 18th floor. We absolutely should not give in. What do you all think?"

The Moore family held traditional values and the grandmother was always the backbone of the family. Joey had no objections. "Mom, we'll follow your lead."

"Good, as long as you all understand that we alone are not enough." Katie had a plan. "Remember, unity is strength especially in difficult times. If those bad guys charge at us, we'll be the first to suffer. We need to get the two neighboring families on board as well. Everyone fears death, but fear is useless. We are already at a disadvantage. If we hide, we'll only discourage others."

"One might escape once, but definitely not twice. Even if I'm not around one day, you must uphold the basic principles of humanity. Cowardice will only hasten death."

Having had the heart-to-heart with the younger generation, Katie went out to knock on her neighbors' doors.

The conversation went surprisingly smoothly, and the other two families agreed without hesitation. She finally felt a weight lifted off her chest.

A new day dawned. The 18th floor was bustling with activity, both humans and dog engaging in exercise. Thud, thud, thud...

Suddenly, a cacophony of noise erupted from below, followed by piercing screams. The commotion was so loud that it felt like the roof would collapse.

Everyone exchanged looks. The thugs had arrived to collect their protection fee.

The apartment building residents were terrified, and their faces were pale with fear.

Perhaps because of Drew's decent image, the survivors all turned to him for help. As expected, he once again took the initiative to rally everyone to resist the thugs.

However, Drew was the first to be dragged into the next room and was beaten till he bled from his mouth and nose.

Not only him, but other key members were also beaten. One particularly attractive girl was almost raped in public.

The apartment residents tried to band together to fight back, which only infuriated the thugs even more. "The other buildings give three pounds each month. You guys think you're tough? So, it's six pounds for you each month. Anyone who doesn't want to pay, I'll treat you to a lead sandwich!"

Drew, despite his pain, protested, "That's not fair. We really can't afford that. How can you ask for six pounds? That's like asking for our lives!"

"So you're the tough guy, huh?"

Once again, he was dragged into the next room for another round of beating. He was thrown back, bloodied, and battered. Drew was on the brink of death and was barely able to speak.

"Anyone who refuses to pay will end up like him."

Despite his near-death state, Drew pleaded, "We can't do six pounds. Look, can we do what the other buildings are doing and only give three?"

The boss didn't respond and just stared at him coldly.

Drew staggered to his feet, wiping off the blood on his face. "I'm sorry I let you all down. I promised to protect you and I failed. If you want to hit or chew anyone out, aim it all at me. Nothing is more important than life. Those who have food, give food. Those who don't, I really don't know what to do...cough, cough..."

As he spoke, he coughed up blood.

Everyone was furious. Why should they pay six pounds when other buildings only had to pay three? But when they saw Drew take a beating for them, they couldn't vent their anger.

However, they couldn't accept this. And a brave one shouted, "We can give the food, but you have to make the people of the 18th floor give theirs first!"

Everyone was shocked, but quickly reacted, "Right, if the 18th floor gives food, we'll too. Not a single grain less!"

"And the 17th floor as well! Their rooms are filled with food. If you're brave enough, make them pay up too. Why are you only bullying us?"

Voices of protest rang out, each filled with anger.

The boss frowned. It seemed he wouldn't be able to wrap this up today without dealing with the 17th and 18th floors.

Fine, they were here for the 18th floor anyway. Once they were dealt with, he'd see who else dared to resist!

So, led by Drew, the thugs swaggered over, while the fearless survivors watched with malicious glee. No matter who won or lost, it would serve as a vent for their pent-up frustrations. A mutual destruction would be the best outcome. Soon, the door at the staircase of the 16th floor was being pounded.

Stella and the others were standing at the staircase, hearing everything clearly. They had nothing to say about these fools downstairs. Since they were here, they might as well meet them. So, they geared up and descended the stairs, with the dog volunteering to lead the way.

When they got down to the 17th floor, the Moore family was already waiting at the staircase, armed with bats. They looked nervous and scared, but they didn't flinch.

Stella frowned, "Where are they?" She was referring to the residents of 1702 and 1703. Why hadn't they come out?

Katie looked embarrassed. "We knocked, but there was no response. They must have gone out to replace supplies."

That was what she said, but it was clear to anyone with eyes. The people on the 18th floor had never relied on them, so they continued to descend. The same formation, the same order of appearance, the only difference was that the Moore family was now trailing behind. Long legs, an expensive samurai sword, cold eyes, and a beautiful face...

The boss, wielding a gun, was momentarily dazed. It felt like there was a soundtrack playing in his head.

In this post-apocalyptic world, most survivors were barely living, yet the woman in front looked radiant and healthy. The woman standing behind her looked especially strong. Her thighs were even thicker than a man's. How much would she have had to eat to maintain such a figure?

And the pretty-faced guy with the spiked bat, his face was even prettier than a woman's. His boss was getting bored and wanted a change of taste. Bringing him back to serve would definitely be a good idea.

Yes, there were indeed treasures on the 18th floor. He wanted everything today!

The leading man quickly raised his gun, aiming at Stella's head through the railing. "17th and 18th floor residents, huh? This complex is now under our control. From today onwards, each of you has to give 100 pounds of food each month. We'll ensure your safety. If you refuse, well, ask my gun here if he agrees."

A hundred pounds a month? Well, well, this was what the jerks on the 18th floor got for hoarding the food, wasn't it? Served them right!

The onlooks looked gloated, as if the hundred pounds of food was theirs; they blindly forgot what would happen to them if they couldn't hand in three pounds. In short, as long as the people on the 18th floor were having a tough time, they felt satisfied. Stella didn't rush to speak but turned her gaze to Jasper. His gaze was intense as he looked down from at the cocky leader with the gun.

Just a group of five men, two with guns, the other three with iron rods, had all the survivors of Sunrise Sanctuary completely submissive. Stella got the meaning in his eyes and couldn't help but chuckle, digging at her ear. "What did you say? I didn't catch that just now."