The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 667

Chapter 667

Ever since Marcus started taking his role as HOA president seriously, his temper had gotten worse. These days, the curses came out without a second thought.

The people who got carried away probably weren’t happy about being yelled at, but no one dared argue with him. Before long, they quieted down and went back inside.

Less than half an hour later, another round of acid rain swept through.

Nicole was mildly impressed. The spoiled rich kid really had grown up. If Marcus hadn’t stopped them in time, the acid rain probably would’ve killed another group of people.

The neighborhood got lucky. As for everyone outside… There was only so much anyone could do for people who refused to listen.

The authorities had already warned everyone that the acid rain could stop and start without warning. Even if the sky cleared, people were supposed to stay indoors and wait for an official update before going outside.

But people could be stubborn.

As the acid rain kept coming and going, the neighborhood soon ran into another problem: water shortages.

No matter how carefully everyone rationed their water, it still ran out fast. Even the water they managed to save eventually went bad. Boiling barely helped. Drink it, and you would still end up sick.

After so many years of disasters, water purification tablets had long since run out. There was no reliable way to keep water safe for long periods.

Before long, people started asking to borrow water over the neighborhood radio channel.

Water meant survival. Who would willingly give theirs away? Even the people who still had some stayed quiet.

With the water supply contaminated, no one could afford to be generous. Giving away water meant giving away part of their own chance to survive.

When no one answered, the shameless ones started calling people out by name.

In the end, everyone simply pretended they weren’t listening. Nicole did the same.

Fortunately, the authorities soon announced a solution. Starting the day after tomorrow, residents could pick up water at the municipal square.

Everyone cheered, then almost immediately ran into another problem.

How were they supposed to get the water home?

The neighborhood radio channel exploded with discussion. Nicole, meanwhile, was curled up -under a blanket, sleeping peacefully and completely unaware of any of it.

Of course, someone had to ruin that.

And just like that, the plan was settled.

The homeowners were thrilled when they heard and followed Marcus’s arrangements without complaint.

That didn’t last long.

The protective suits were unbelievably heavy, and a full 26-gallon container weighed more than 200 pounds. Two people hauling one back to the neighborhood nearly collapsed from exhaustion.

They stumbled and staggered the whole way. Fortunately, the containers issued by the authorities came with secure lids. Otherwise, half the water would’ve spilled before they even made it home.

Once they got back, they still had to distribute the water from house to house. By the end of each shift, they were completely wiped out, with sore, swollen shoulders to show for it.

Even so, the will to survive was stronger than anything else. No one was willing to give up that easily.

Besides, every homeowner had to take a turn, so each person only had to do it once every few days.

Still, everyone had the same regret.

If only they had prepared better. If they owned a protective suit, they could’ve stayed home and waited for someone else to bring the water.