The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 620

Chapter 620

Sven had seen more fallen socialites like them than he could count, so he brushed them off with a few words and sent them

away.

Nicole went to Grayport once a week. If Mitchell was too busy to teach her, she went to Howard instead.

She never showed up empty-handed. Sometimes she brought a few pounds of cracked corn, other times some old rice. Whoever had time to teach her got the food as payment.

After several trips without seeing Mitchell, Nicole finally got curious. “Dr. Jones, what’s Dr. Chapman been so busy with lately?”

“The government says the polar night might be ending soon, but something major happened up north, and it could affect us down here, too. Dr. Chapman has been working with Professor Dixon around the clock. Some days, he barely even stops to eat.”

Professor Dixon? Nicole figured he was probably the elderly professor who had helped stop the sinog virus.

She kept her tone casual. “What happened up north?”

Howard saw no reason to keep it from her. Nicole was smart, observant, and one of his best students.

“It hasn’t been made public yet. The report came from the capital. Ardelon, responsible for dumping nuclear wastewater into the ocean, was hit by the strongest earthquake in a thousand years. Then an underwater volcano erupted. The whole country disappeared in a matter of minutes.”

An eruption powerful enough to wipe out an entire country that fast…

The amount of volcanic ash it could send into the atmosphere was almost impossible to imagine.

A chill ran down Nicole’s spine.

The smog was coming.

So the destruction of that island nation was what triggered the smog disaster in the first place.

Nicole immediately grew tense. “Do we know what kinds of illnesses the smog could cause?”

Howard’s expression turned serious.

“The smaller the ash particles are, the deeper they can get into the lungs. Once inhaled, they can build up in the respiratory system and cause all kinds of health problems.

“Larger particles can irritate the airways and trigger asthma.

“Fine particles are even more dangerous. They can increase the risk of heart and lung disease, cause breathing problems, and reduce lung function. Older adults, children, and people with existing heart or lung conditions are especially vulnerable.”

And that was only the damage it could do to people.

The environmental impact would be just as serious. Volcanic ash could blanket entire areas, reduce visibility, and damage buildings and equipment.

If a typhoon or heavy rain hit at the same time, the ash would soak up water and become incredibly heavy. If enough collected on rooftops, buildings could collapse under the weight.

Howard noticed how worried Nicole looked and tried to reassure her as he continued the lesson.

“Don’t get too worked up. The institute has spent the last few years growing medicinal plants for respiratory illnesses and other conditions like these. Trust the doctors here. We’ll figure something out.”

Nicole nodded. “I know you will.”

1/2

When the lesson ended, Nicole packed up her things and headed downstairs.

+15 Bonus

She had just reached the first floor when she saw Mitchell coming out of one of the greenhouses. Several students followed behind him, along with a man in bis seventies.

The older man was thin, and his hair was more gray than black, but he still looked remarkably energetic for his age.

Nicole walked over to greet Mitchell. “Dr. Chapman, it’s been a while.”

Mitchell smiled when he saw her. “Hey, Nicole. Give me a minute. I need to talk to you.”

After seeing Wesley Dixon upstairs, Mitchell gave his assistants a few instructions before coming back down.

“Sorry. Things have been so hectic lately that I haven’t had time to teach you whenever you come by.”

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