The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191

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After finally shaking the soldiers, Zeph slowed down enough for Nicole to catch her breath.

Running through the deep freeze had left her chest tight, like her lungs might give out at any second.

Once they had put distance between themselves and Liora Estates, they headed back toward Crownview Residences under the cover of night.

In the thick darkness, danger could be hiding anywhere.

They ran into several groups of looters along the way. Nicole was too tired to waste words, so she simply drew her blade.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to bother you.”

These people knew what they were doing. A quick look under a flashlight was enough. From their height and presence alone, it was clear that Nicole and Zeph weren’t easy targets, so the groups quickly backed off and made way.

Just as they reached the entrance, a figure rushed toward them.

“Nicole?”

It was Beatrice, with Hughie right beside her, clearly anxious.

“Zeph, what took you so long?” Hughie only relaxed after seeing they were both fine. “We couldn’t reach you, so we went to Liora Estates to wait. The place was sealed off by the military. They arrested hundreds of people. Even a dozen trucks couldn’t carry them all.”

It wasn’t a good place to talk.

Back on the 18th floor, Nicole held a cup of water and explained, “We got inside, but the military showed up. We didn’t want to get caught by mistake, so we hid. Didn’t get a chance to leave until nighttime.”

They both understood without saying it and avoided bringing up the bikini party. That memory was better left buried.

Jeremy thought it over. “So we got lucky this time. That joint operation wiped out the Drakebane Guild?”

Nicole nodded. “Yeah. We really got lucky.”

Hughie looked excited. “That’s great! They’re finally gone!”

With that, the 18th floor had nothing to fear in Crownview Residences. No one would dare provoke them anytime soon.

“Today’s a win. Should we celebrate?”

The birthday party, the bloody arena, five straight hours of exhausting work, and the desperate run through the deep freeze flashed through Nicole’s mind. She felt completely drained.

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“Tomorrow. I’m too tired today.”

No one objected. They all went back to their own places to rest.

After leaving Hughie’s group, Nicole lowered her voice. “Want me to give it back?”

“No rush. Keep it for now.”

Nicole paused. “You’re sure?”

This was a life-saving firearm. No amount of supplies could easily replace it.

“My place isn’t safe,” Zeph said calmly. “You keep it for me.”

Was he really not worried that she might keep it?

His sharp gaze seemed to see right through her thoughts. For once, his usual seriousness softened into a faint smile. “Would you?”

Nicole hesitated for a moment. “No.”

She cleared her throat. She had no intention of risking her life.

“Then it’s fine.” Zeph opened the door.

Nicole frowned slightly. “I’m charging you for storage.”

“Alright.”

As she stepped inside, she felt a bit puzzled. Zeph was getting harder to understand.

Cola rushed over, whining and pawing at her nonstop.

“Alright, alright. I know. I’ve been neglecting you.”

The dog had a temper, so Nicole quickly apologized and took out some crispy fried fish to calm him

down.

“You’re the best, Cola. You bring me food and even help guard the house.”

After settling him, she turned on the heater and let the room warm up before taking a long, hot bath.

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