The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 342

Chapter 342

Nicole’s look alone was enough to stop the vultures in their tracks. With a gun in her hand, all they could do was watch the vehicle pull away.

When Nicole’s group got to the checkpoint at the base of the mountain, they realized the uniformed guards were gone.

The sea still roared. Waves slammed into the shore, spray reaching the road and splashing against the windows.

Along the highway, survivors staggered forward in scattered groups, worn down to the bone.

Whatever they had left had been washed away. Covered in injuries, they leaned on broken branches and walked in a daze, like they were running on nothing but instinct.

A girl, maybe 12 or 13, stood barefoot by the roadside.

As the Hummer passed, Nicole caught sight of her feet, torn and bleeding, her eyes swollen shut, her forehead still dripping blood.

At that age, she should’ve been with her family, helping out along the coast, living a normal life. One wave had taken everything and left her alone.

Nicole’s chest tightened. She turned to look back without thinking, but the girl was already gone, swallowed by the endless noise of the sea.

Maybe life and death didn’t carry the same weight for everyone.

After driving for more than 20 minutes, they reached the checkpoint they had passed earlier.

There were far more people now. Someone had set up a makeshift medical station, and soldiers were handing out relief supplies.

The ground here was higher, turned into a temporary rescue point.

Hundreds of survivors had gathered.

Most sat in silence, exhausted and hollow. Some refused to leave, waiting for the water to recede so they could go back. Others looked lost, unsure whether to head for another coast or return to the city and wait it out.

Zeph pulled the car over. “Looks like they’re from the same unit. We can leave him here.”

The soldier’s fever had broken, and he looked a lot better. With proper rest, he might pull through.

Nicole took out a box of antibiotics, some anti-inflammatories, and three fever pills. Then she added five pounds of rice and packed everything into a black bag.

It was all she could spare. Whether he made it was up to him now.

Zeph stepped out and waved over a nearby soldier.

The man came over a moment later. Zeph gave him a quick explanation.

“He needs rest. Make sure he eats, and keep his wounds dry,” Nicole added. She handed him the bag. “There’s some medicine in there. It’s not much, but it should help.”

That was all that needed to be said.

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When the soldier saw his unconscious comrade in the back seat, his eyes reddened. He straightened and gave them a formal salute. “Thank you.”

Zeph’s expression softened just a little. “Take care of yourselves. You won’t help anyone if you go down, too.”

The soldier hoisted his comrade onto his back, took the bag, and headed toward the tents, his posture still steady.

The Hummer drew too much attention. Eyes followed them everywhere, so they pulled out right away.

On the road, they passed groups of refugees heading back toward Westbridge on foot. They carried what little they had left, holding onto what hope they could, even though most of it was already gone. Some had lost their families along the way.

Nicole looked away and stayed quiet, lost in her thoughts.

Another ten minutes passed before the car slowed.

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