The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 388

Chapter 388

After about an hour of sleep, Nicole woke in the evening. The air outside still burned, and the sunlight was sharp enough to sting her eyes.

Not wanting to leave Poppy and Cola alone, Nicole and Zeph brought them along. They drove out of Oakhaven Gardens and found a quiet, empty spot, leaving the two little ones in the car.

Nicole pulled out a large truck they had taken from Ironvale Base and loaded it with steel doors, furniture, and kitchen supplies.

Zeph drove the truck back to Oakhaven Gardens.

Nicole followed behind in the Hummer with the two little ones.

The guard at the gate hurried to open it. Seeing the truck roll in only confirmed what people already believed.

Most people couldn’t even get fuel. These two were driving a truck like it was nothing. Their capability was obvious, and so was their backing.

With them in Oakhaven Gardens, things would only get safer.

They had heard Alex say Zeph would be teaching self-defense. Some were already planning to send their kids. If anything happened to them, at least their children would have a chance.

For the first time in a while, there was a hint of hope.

Nicole and Zeph backed the truck in, lining it up with the building entrance so it looked like a normal move.

A patrol team passed by and came over.

“Need a hand?”

Nicole shook her head. “We’re good.”

“Alright. Let us know if you do.”

As the patrol walked off, Poppy looked confused. “Nicole, why are they different from the people outside?”

They looked cleaner, didn’t act hostile, and even smiled at her.

Nicole thought for a moment before answering.

“There are two reasons. First, they have water here, which means they can grow food and survive without starving. Second, they’re being nice because they think we’re strong enough to protect them. They’ll need us, not just now, but later, too.

“But you need to remember something. Just because they’re friendly doesn’t mean we can let our guard down. If their situation gets as bad as the outside, if they start going hungry and thirsty, they’ll change, too.

“And if we’re not strong enough, they won’t respect us anymore. Their attitude will change.

“So if we want to live well, we have to get stronger. That’s how you earn respect and stay safe. Understand?”

Poppy thought it over. She kind of understood, but not fully.

Nicole gave her an example. “Think about Cola. Why did Felix treat him differently? Why could he scare those guys off?”

1/2

+15 Benus

“Because Cola’s amazing!” Poppy caught on right away. “Nicole, I wanna be even stronger than Cola.”

Nicole smiled. “What about stronger than Zeph?”

Poppy hesitated, thinking about everything she had seen Zeph do. “I don’t…”

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