18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 560

In the distance, a group appeared, hauling firewood and tattered tents.

"They must be back from scavenging," one of the survivors from the Southern Province exclaimed, relief evident in their tone.

The sight of their return brought a wave of joy among the survivors. Leading the group was an older man, still standing tall and proud despite his age. He extended his hand to Cole, a gesture of respect and authority.

"He looks like someone who knows what he's doing," someone whispered, noticing the air of respect the man commanded.

The atmosphere softened immediately; the survivors' earlier hostility dissipated. From a distance, their conversation was inaudible, but before long, Cole and Jake were freed.

Stella watched the leader closely, his face gaunt and weathered, sun-kissed to a deep tan. There was something familiar about him, as if she'd seen him before.

"They’re survivors from the Goldbridge official outpost," Cole revealed upon their return.

The sight of their emaciated faces, pleading eyes, and submissive glances was heart-wrenching. It was as if they were ready to kneel and beg to be taken away.

"Honestly, it’s heartbreaking," Stella murmured, feeling the weight of their desperation.

But they had their own mission and couldn't afford to be sidetracked. Thankfully, the leader was decisive; otherwise, leaving wouldn't have been so easy.

Even if they had left by force, it would have weighed heavily on their conscience.

Jake let out a sigh of relief. "They have a boat they've been fixing. It should be ready in a few days."

Jasper kept it brief, "Let's move on, it's getting late."

Once they were far enough, Stella called in the helicopter to take them back. Within the hour, they landed on the beach, but there was no sign of anyone, just a few stray sea kales washed up on the sand.

"Could they have been swept away by a tsunami?" someone speculated, worry creeping into their voice.

The group quickly split up to search. After half an hour, even with high-powered binoculars, there was no trace of them.

"Could they really have been swept away?" Stella thought aloud, the idea weighing heavily on her.

Those were ten living souls who had been looking forward to their return with the Kindle Chest. Though their time together was short, they had bonded well.

These people had been handpicked by Daniel, and Stella couldn't help but feel deflated. They had even talked about making sea kale dumplings together.

"Captain, look over there!" Jake shouted, excitement in his voice as he pointed toward the horizon.

Stella climbed onto a rock and peered through her binoculars. A periscope peeked above the water's surface.

"Submarine 2688 is still there," she said, a wave of relief washing over her.

They waved to the sub, and it surfaced. Stella deployed the rubber dinghy, and the four of them set out to sea.

Twenty minutes later, the submarine hatch opened, and Amelia was the first to leap out, embracing Stella jubilantly. "Thank goodness you're all safe."

Stella beamed, "Are you guys okay?"

Everyone thought back to their recent ordeal, grateful to have survived another close call.

After Stella and the others had left, two stayed to guard the sub while the rest harvested sea kale in the shallows. They had gathered plenty yesterday, and just as they were finishing up today, they noticed a sudden change in the ocean weather.

Stella nodded, aware of her limits.

The next morning, as she sat down for breakfast, the sub began to shake violently, and her potato flew from her hands.

"Storm's hit, currents are changing," Cole called out anxiously.

A storm at sea causing colliding currents could tear the submarine apart if its force was overwhelming. He rushed to the cockpit to provide tactical guidance.

Another fierce shake had everyone grabbing for something stable, yet their insides churned uncomfortably. Pots and pans flew, some hitting the walls, others hitting bodies.

The sub seemed to flip, and Stella and another person collided in mid-air, their bodies aching and heads buzzing.

Suddenly, Stella was caught in a strong embrace.

"Stella!" It was Jasper, holding her close, shielding her head with his hands. They felt like they were in a washing machine, tumbling endlessly.

Stella found and secured them with safety straps. After the violent turmoil, the sub stabilized. Cole, in the cockpit, wiped sweat from his brow.

They had made it through.

"Congratulations, we've cheated death once more," someone shouted, and the men in the cockpit roared, embracing and shouting in exhilaration.

"Ugh..." Someone started to retch, covering others in vomit. Then, the majority lost control, and a pungent, acrid odor spread everywhere.

No one complained; they were all celebrating their narrow escape from disaster. Yet, still, a few were injured, bleeding from their wounds.