18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 259

The front door was now sturdy enough for Jasper to ram into it multiple times without it budging. This provided a significant boost to their sense of security.

Austin quickly decided to mimic this and took out his phone to snap a picture, intending to install a similar door at his place.

...

The homeowner's association was efficient, and no one had come knocking to collect some form of tax, yet the security patrol team was already on duty.

There were ten people in each group, divided into east and west teams, forming a total of twenty people in a shift.

Stella stood on the rooftop, watching the teams forming lines downstairs. They seemed promising, all young and fit, and she suspected that some of them might even know a thing or two about martial arts.

After dinner, Stella leashed Cooper and went for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood.

On an open space, the Porras family's bodyguards were training the security officers, teaching them defensive and offensive moves. They looked professional, though their real combat effectiveness remained to be seen.

While walking, a couple of ladies who passed by suddenly spoke out, their voices dripping with sweetness, "Julia, did you get your hair done?"

Stella continued to walk leisurely with her dog. Just then, someone approached her and reached out to tap her shoulder, "Julia..."

Sensing someone close by, Stella instinctively grabbed the person's wrist. The woman yelped in pain, "Ouch!"

Had Stella not pulled back her defensive move in time, the woman would have received a judo flip.

Stella turned around, her gaze sharp and piercing.

The woman who had her wrist grabbed was about to curse, but upon recognizing Stella, she hesitated, "You... I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone else."

Cooper bared its teeth, assuming an aggressive stance, scaring the ladies who screamed and retreated.

Since it was a misunderstanding, Stella decided to let it pass. She led Cooper away.

The ladies were livid, but only dared to vent their anger after Stella and her dog had walked away, "What kind of person is she? So rude!"

"Where does she live? I've never seen her before."

"Just look at her clothes. She must be from one of those two poor households."

"But you know what, she does look a lot like Julia."

Stella chose not to stoop to their level. She wouldn't bother with the homeowner's association if they didn't bother her. No notices about the property tax were posted, and nobody came to collect it. This was a clear sign of disrespect.

If they didn't accept it, then so be it. She wasn't going out of her way to offer it to them.

...

All the medicinal plants brought back from Mount Greenwood were growing well. The two mysterious medicinal herbs brought back from Mount Murray were gradually thriving under her careful care.

It took two days to propagate and divide all the plants.

For fast-growing herbs, she cut them down with a sickle, cleaned and dried them, then categorized and stored them for future use.

Meanwhile, she moved a dragonlily to a pot and placed it in the glass house on the rooftop, allowing it to gradually adapt to extreme weather. She would compare it with the ones planted in Arcadia and observe any changes in their medicinal properties.

The latest official announcement informed everyone that the Newtown market was open. It included both official stores and free stalls, mainly dealing in various daily necessities. Those who had needs could go there to trade.

Stella planned to go out to familiarize herself with the layout of Newtown and collect useful supplies.

The community was patrolled continuously, making it quite safe for now. She left Cooper at home and the three of them set out cheerfully.

Outside the community, dust was everywhere and the smell of earth was strong. They quickly covered their faces with masks.