The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 679

Mount Graypine was only a few dozen miles from Westbridge. If it erupted as a supervolcano, the lava alone could swallow the entire city.

Even if the eruption wasn't that severe, they would still have volcanic ash and dangerous air pollution to deal with.

"Villa 50 is already packing up to leave." Marcus looked at Eric. "Should we leave, too?"

Officials from both cities had been meeting through the night, but they still hadn't issued any clear guidance. For once, even Eric couldn't make up his mind.

Marcus didn't hesitate. "I think we should evacuate first. If nothing happens, we can always come back."

The Robinsons had plenty of assets, but unlike the government, they didn't have an entire city to worry about. They could move much faster.

His two older brothers, William and Paul Robinson, agreed.

"Dad, Marcus is right. The government has too much to consider. If they order an evacuation, every business and every resident will be affected. We don't have that problem. We can prepare for both possibilities."

No one wanted another disaster. But if one really was coming, waiting until it happened would be too late.

After going back and forth over it, Eric finally made the call.

"We're leaving."

Everyone immediately split up and started packing whatever they could take.

Eric watched the household rush around, his expression grim. After a while, he called Marcus into the study.

"Other than the government base, our family doesn't really have anywhere else to go."

It would be humiliating to leave and then crawl back, but the government base was full of competing factions. As long as the Robinsons had enough supplies, they could still buy their way back in.

It would cost them some pride, nothing more.

And in an apocalypse, pride didn't mean a damn thing. Staying alive did.

"I'll handle the negotiations when the time comes."

After everything Marcus had been through over the past few years, he was no longer the arrogant rich kid he once was.

Eric shook his head.

"Your mother and I will have William and Paul with us. You just focus on getting into the military base. Don't worry about anything else. If we all make it through, we'll see each other again someday. If we don't..."

Eric took a deep breath.

"Then stop screwing around like you used to. Stay alive."

Marcus's head buzzed. "We're family. Families don't split up."

The government base might be a mess, but the Robinsons still had enough wealth to buy themselves some special treatment if they had to.

Eric finally lost his temper and swung his cane at Marcus again. "You're not a kid anymore! Why are you still being this stubborn?"

After taking more than a dozen hits, Marcus finally had no choice but to give in.

"When you get to the military base, stop acting like an idiot. Keep your head down when you need to. Don't let your temper make decisions for you. Swallowing your pride won't kill you."