The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 224

Chapter 224

There was no way Nicole was getting a job. Not in this life.

Beatrice let out a sigh of relief. “We’re heading over tomorrow to sign up and see if we get accepted. If we are, we’re gonna need you and Zeph to keep an eye on the 18th floor for us.”

Hughie’s group wouldn’t be contributing much to defense anymore, so they planned to make up for it by sharing some of their supplies later.

Nicole neither agreed nor refused. Better to wait until everything was finalized.

The next morning, the three of them headed out early for interviews and registration.

After training like maniacs for half a year, even fragile people could turn into muscle-bound bruisers.

Security patrol work was dangerous, so they preferred recruits with decent combat ability and quick reflexes. Compared to other jobs, competition for the position was actually much lower.

Hughie might’ve ranked dead last on the 18th floor, but once he got to the security bureau, he suddenly became prime talent.

The interviewing officers and the patrol captain looked very satisfied.

“When can you start?”

“We’re available anytime.”

The three of them passed the interview smoothly.

Unfortunately, they weren’t assigned anywhere near Crownview Residences. Their post was far enough. away that they would have to stay there full-time.

Work would officially start the day after tomorrow, but because of the distance, they would have to leave tomorrow morning.

Nicole helped them pack.

“Did you all get assigned to the same unit?”

“Same district,” Hughie answered. “The actual squads get assigned after we report in.”

They packed crossbows, blades, and improvised armor made from colored steel plates, along with

firearms.

Ordinary civilians couldn’t get their hands on guns easily. Beatrice and the others only carried them as a last resort. Unless it was truly life or death, they would never willingly use them.

Nicole completely agreed.

“Just remember,” she reminded them, “even though weapons are allowed now, guns still technically

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aren’t. Hide them carefully. If they get discovered, they’ll confiscate everything.”

After discussing it, the three decided each person would carry only two bullets. They handed the rest to Nicole for safekeeping.

Hughie said, “If anybody stupid enough tries something against the 18th floor, don’t hold back.”

They brought out several boxes of less frequently used medicine.

“If you can trade these for food later, help us exchange them.”

Nicole accepted without hesitation. “Sure. I’ll keep an eye on things.”

Before dawn the next day, the three quietly left under the cover of darkness. They didn’t want anyone noticing the 18th floor had lost members and getting dangerous ideas.

Once they were gone, the hallway lost all its usual noise and chaos.

The entire 18th floor suddenly felt unsettlingly quiet.

Nicole wasn’t the only one struggling to adjust. Even Cola kept whining softly and wandering over to the

door to listen for movement outside.

Now, only Nicole and Zeph remained as active fighters, so responsibilities on the floor had to be

rearranged.

The electric gate consumed power every day. Nicole had no interest in pedaling a bike generator, so she simply took over supplying the electricity herself.

She placed the battery packs inside her storage space to recharge. Besides powering the security gate, they also supplied electricity for Zeph’s solar grow lights used on the potatoes.

To avoid attracting attention, Zeph installed blackout curtains across the balcony and ran the grow lights during daytime hours.

The potatoes were doing surprisingly well, continuously sprouting and growing leaves despite the brutal – 58-degree freeze outside.

“Nicole, Zeph gave me the important job of taking care of the potatoes. Every night, I carry them inside so they won’t freeze.”

Poppy looked incredibly proud. Her eyes practically sparkled with hope for praise.

Nicole didn’t hold back. “That’s great. You’re amazing.”

With Beatrice and the others gone, Nicole’s life actually became a lot more comfortable.

She could finally eat and drink in peace without constantly worrying that someone might suddenly knock on the door or accidentally notice things they shouldn’t inside the apartment.

Maybe Zeph had spoken to her privately, because Poppy no longer came running over constantly looking

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