The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 714

Zeph could feel it, and strongly.

Muscle and bone injuries took time to heal, but Cola recovered surprisingly fast. Zeph was still mostly confined to bed while Cola was already running around, full of energy.

Nicole focused on taking care of Zeph, while Poppy and Cola handled patrols and kept watch over the surrounding area.

With Nicole looking after him, Zeph's back improved a lot. He could finally get out of bed and take a few painful steps.

As he looked at the sunlight outside the RV, he felt almost dazed. He couldn't tell if this was another dream brought on by being close to death, or if he had really survived.

"What are you thinking about?" Nicole walked over with a bowl of nutritious soup. "This should help with your recovery."

Zeph answered honestly, "I'm wondering if this is real or just another dream."

During the days he drifted in and out of consciousness, he had dreamed countless times. Some of those dreams were just as peaceful as this, but every time he opened his eyes, he was still trapped in that dark cave.

Nicole understood the feeling. After she was first reborn, nightmares haunted her almost every night, and she constantly questioned whether any of it was real.

She leaned over and bit him hard on the shoulder. Zeph hissed in pain.

Nicole smiled in satisfaction. "Still think you're dreaming?"

Zeph took a sip of the hot soup, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Nicole, you've changed, too."

Nicole blinked. "Was I not good to you before?"

"You were." Zeph smiled. "You're just more attentive now."

Nicole immediately caught that. "So you do think I wasn't attentive enough before."

Zeph didn't argue. He pulled her into his arms and looked out the window.

"Look. Poppy and Cola are having fun."

Cola still hadn't regained all his muscle, but he was already doing much better.

Zeph's back took longer to heal, but he had started doing simple rehab exercises.

He had taken good care of himself over the past few years, so his body was still in decent shape. The needle therapy and medicinal treatments were helping, too.

The military base had the country's most advanced technology and defense resources. It might be able to detect disasters they had no way of anticipating.

If they wanted early warnings and enough time to prepare, the military was their best option.

But going there came with risks. They would have to keep a low profile and avoid drawing too much attention.

Nicole thought it over carefully before agreeing.

Everything had already gone off course, and they had no idea when the massive tectonic collision would happen. For now, following the government's lead seemed like their safest option.

Getting into the base wouldn't be easy, though. They needed to prepare.

With continued treatment and proper nutrition, Zeph steadily improved. A little over two months later, he fully recovered.

Nicole was still worried, but after sparring with him once, she had to admit he was completely back to normal.

That evening, they had a big dinner. Poppy and Cola both snuck a couple of sips of liquor, and before long, they were fast asleep.

Zeph locked the door. With only the bedside lamp on, he and Nicole pulled each other into a kiss.