The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 731

After the sandstorm, Marcus's car took in so much sand and dust that it eventually broke down, forcing him to walk the last few dozen miles to the military base.

Eric gave him guns and medicine before he left, but Marcus ran into a group of robbers along the way. He fought hard enough to hold on to half his supplies, only to use up the rest over the next few months.

Now, he was worse off than a beggar. He couldn't even afford a decent meal.

Marcus didn't bother pretending he didn't need the help. He said to Nicole, "I'll treat it as a loan. I'll pay you back someday."

He had no idea whether Eric made it safely to Jazenville or got caught in the volcanic eruption and sandstorms. So much time passed, and Marcus still hadn't heard a word from him.

But worrying wouldn't change anything. Right now, he had no way to reach Jazenville or make it back to Westbridge.

Nicole didn't feel like going back and forth with him. "Fine. Just remember, you owe me double."

They still had scavenging to do, so they couldn't spend too much time on Marcus. Zeph could only give him a quick, intensive training session and focus on what he needed to pass the assessment.

After all, there were ways to train specifically for a military fitness test.

Most people wouldn't know what to expect, but Zeph had worked in both the military before. He had a pretty good idea what kind of tests the base would use.

Once Marcus finished eating, Zeph gave him a crash course on both the written and physical parts of the assessment. Nicole left them to it and took Poppy and Cola upstairs.

Several hours passed before Marcus finally left. Nicole stood by the window and watched him walk away with the medicine in his arms.

Seeing him alone like that reminded her of the first time she saw him years ago in the villa community. Back then, he wore a loud floral shirt, cropped pants, diamond-covered slippers, and a flashy military-style coat draped over his shoulders.

Disasters had a way of turning people's lives upside down.

Nicole looked away, crouched beside Cola, and rubbed his head. "What's wrong, Cola?"

Ever since Marcus showed up, Cola seemed unusually quiet. He let out two soft whines, curled up, and rested his head on the floor.

Nicole understood. He missed Dumbo. People and dogs alike had to get used to being separated without warning.

She didn't mention Dumbo, afraid it would only make Cola feel worse. All she could do was hope time would make it easier.

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