The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

+15 Bohus

Having lived through it once already, Nicole knew exactly what people were capable of, both good and bad.

“I don’t want to give it to them either,” she said, “but we can’t just sit here locked in a standoff. The safest option for us is letting them go out and find supplies themselves.”

When people got hungry enough, they lost all reason. At the edge of life and death, there was nothing they wouldn’t do.

Beatrice finally nodded.

Nicole headed downstairs and looked at Oliver. “We’re not going out together, but we can lend you an inflatable raft for a day. And a word of advice: don’t waste time looking for food right away. You should focus on finding a proper boat.”

Oliver hadn’t really expected the people on the 18th floor to agree to go out with them. That had just been part of his strategy. He would ask for something unreasonable first, then settle for what he actually wanted.

The inflatable raft was always the goal.

“Alright,” he said with a smile. “Really, thank you.”

Nicole didn’t smile back. “We’re only lending it once. What happens if you lose it or damage it?”

“Well… We’re all neighbors here…”

“Don’t give me that,” Nicole cut in, her tone sharp. “You think what you’re doing is neighborly?”

She stepped closer, her voice steady but cold..

“This is what’s keeping us alive. Lending it is goodwill. Not lending it is our right. Don’t think having more people means you can force us. Push me too far, and I won’t mind taking one or two of you down with me. If anyone wants to test that, go ahead.”

Survival was instinct.

They might outnumber her, but no one was stupid enough to throw their life away.

Nicole’s group had already killed before.

With that in mind, no one spoke.

Oliver stood there, anger simmering in his chest. Just moments ago, everyone had been loud and bold. Now, they were all silent.

Cowards!

Oliver cursed in his heart, but he had no choice. His wife and kids were still hungry.

If he took the lead here, he would get a bigger share of whatever they found. Later on, it would make things easier if people started looking up to him.

“If anything happens to it, we’ll replace it,” he said.

Nicole’s expression didn’t change. “Words don’t mean much. I want it in writing.”

Oliver clenched his jaw, but in the end, he nodded. “Fine.”

1/2

Chapter 31

+15 Bonus

It was just a cheap inflatable raft. Once he had it, who said he had to give it back? If the floodwaters went down and Nicole came after him for it, he could always deal with it then.

The agreement settled, Beatrice went to write it up. Both sides signed.

When Oliver got the raft, he beamed, all smiles and polite thanks, before waving everyone off.

“Oliver.” Nicole stopped him. “You’re the one borrowing it. If anything happens, I’m coming to you.”

“Of course,” he said quickly.

Nicole smiled faintly. “You live in 1303. You’ve got a wife and two kids… And your mother, her leg’s not in great shape, right?”

Oliver froze. The color drained from his face, and a chill crawled up his spine.

“Don’t worry,” he said quickly. “We’ll take good care of it.”

There were so many of them, all scheming for the same thing. One raft wasn’t nearly enough to haul back supplies for everyone.

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