The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Nicole told Gabrielle to go back inside and lock her door, then turned to Nelson.

“Let’s go.”

They reached the stairwell door. Nicole was about to step out when Zeph suddenly pulled her back and moved in front, heading down first.

Nicole, bumped out of the lead, froze.

Right. A trained officer knew how to handle a fight. Taking point to draw fire made sense.

However, things weren’t what they used to be. Anyone reckless enough to charge ahead was long gone, especially when the other side had real weapons. How many, they didn’t know yet.

With that thought, Nicole steadied herself and fell in behind Zeph.

Bang, bang, bang!

They had barely gone a dozen steps when the shots exploded through the stairwell.

The other side didn’t play by the rules, and they weren’t short on ammo. They opened fire immediately, clearly aiming to wipe out the 18th floor.

Zeph moved with precision. Shooting upward from the 16th floor created awkward angles. The bullets either slammed into the railing or buried themselves in the wall, missing his feet entirely.

That was all he exposed. Just his feet.

As the shots rang out, Gabrielle shouted from behind, “Watch out!”

Another gunshot cracked from the 17th floor.

Zeph didn’t miss. The recoil kicked hard, sending a jolt up Nicole’s arm, but the shot landed.

As she moved down, she had already loosened her blade a few inches. The polished surface caught a reflection. Nelson was behind her, raising a knife toward her back.

She didn’t turn.

Her right hand, still holding the gun, swung under her left arm and fired.

The bullet didn’t hit his heart, but it struck his abdomen.

Nelson screamed, clutching his stomach as he staggered back. Gabrielle rushed forward and brought

her cane down hard on his head.

Blood spilled as he stumbled and collapsed.

At the same time, Zeph pushed forward to the second door. Down below, the group on the 16th floor had just forced open the first door and were rushing up with guns raised.

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Chapter 168

+15 Bonus

Something dropped from above.

A small object hit the ground, and thick smoke poured out.

“Smoke grenade!”

Someone shouted, and panic broke instantly as people turned and scrambled back.

The smoke burned their noses and eyes, choking the air and blinding their vision.

Zeph didn’t hesitate. He raised his gun and fired.

Several shots rang out. Screams followed, then silence fell again.

Nicole stood on the stairs, saying nothing.

Was she even needed down there? It felt like there was nothing left for her to do.

“Ah!”

More screams suddenly echoed from below, followed by the dull thuds of fists landing.

“Nicole, you okay?” Beatrice’s voice came up, urgent.

“I’m fine. What about you?”

“All taken care of!” Jeremy answered, breathing hard. 1

The three of them had left early at dawn with a sled, planning to grab firewood and get back quickly. They hadn’t expected to hear gunshots the moment they reached downstairs.

They dropped everything and ran back.

Some of the attackers were already down. The rest were focused on the threat above, looking for a chance to push forward.

They never expected to be hit from behind.

Beatrice didn’t hold back. Every strike was heavy and direct.

Caught between attacks from above and below, the group couldn’t defend both sides. There was no way

out.

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