18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 528

Kost was scared out of his wits, but there was nothing he could do about it. Running into a group from the Bounty Hunters' Guild wasn't the worst thing that could happen. As long as his buddy gave the box's serial number and address to the soldiers, they'd be safe. Even if they got jumped later, the soldiers would only recognize the first report.

In other words, any hijacker would have to take out the messenger mid-route to claim the glory. Kost’s biggest fear was running into scavengers who wouldn't even bother with pleasantries. They'd take you out first and then try to jimmy the box open. If the box didn't budge, you'd be dead for nothing.

He sighed in relief, thanking his lucky stars that the group before him wasn't of the thieving kind. Watching the trio depart, he nearly jumped out of his skin when two dogs sprang out of nowhere, sending a cold sweat down his spine. In this post-apocalyptic world, keeping dogs meant you were either filthy rich or a highway robber looking to feast on some "mutton."

Their gear was light, but those dogs looked meaty, suggesting something more sinister. Was it divine intervention that he dodged a bullet? "Oh Lord, amen," he whispered, hoping for continued grace.

It wasn't until the Kindle Chest vanished from sight that Jasper spoke up, "Are we heading to Griffith?" Without hesitation, Stella replied, "Let's check it out." Anyone commanding thousands of soldiers had to be more than an ordinary officer. She had a hunch it might be Daniel.

Thousands of troops, such a massive force, could be remnants of the army tasked with protecting Daniel when the land sank. The world was vast, and fate played its hand. They hadn't got the exact coordinates for Hope Point, but luck had led them to the Shallow Sea domain, and from there, they had stumbled upon other survivors. Eventually, as land rose again, the group settled ashore.

Stella added, seeing Jasper's silent agreement, "If Griffith is indeed a South Base establishment, maybe Cody Lukas and the others are there too. Let's go in and ask around." Jasper, wise enough to hold his tongue, simply agreed, "Okay."

Five hundred kilometers on foot would take half a month. Jasper had mad driving skills, and Stella pulled out the Plunderer. So, Jasper took the wheel, while Stella and Rosie kept watch on either side. The road was rough, tossing them about. Bounty hunters could appear anywhere, even a thousand kilometers from their turf. The little family kept their guard up the entire way.

Aside from the Plunderer, Stella refused to casually whip out anything else, managing their eating and drinking in the vehicle. During rest stops, they'd scout the surroundings. At night, they bunked in the car, gazing up at the stars through the sunroof. The sky, unpolluted, was genuinely stunning. But Stella's heart wasn't in it to appreciate the beauty; her thoughts drifted far away.

Besides Daniel, there were other high-ranking South Base officials. She wondered if Daniel, with all his ailments, could survive? Despite knowing the likely grim answer, years later, she regretted not stocking up on more medicine or being kinder to him back then. Then there was Cody Lukas and the rest... After so many years of disaster, not everyone made it. Many survivors, lacking vitamins and minerals, lost their hair, teeth, and fell prey to all sorts of diseases. She had seen those with no teeth left, nearly blind, with aging joints.