Upgraded Space Thrive in Apocalypse Reborn (caroline) novel Chapter 98

**TITLE: Doomsday Rebirth 98**
**CONTENT:**
**Chapter 98: Sparring**

Jonathan stood outside, desperation etched on his face as he clutched at Tyler like a drowning man grasping for a life preserver. “Uncle Tyler, please, I know you have a boat. Just lend it to me this once. I’m starving out here. Do it for the sake of the family!” His voice trembled with urgency, a mix of pleading and frustration.

Inside, Caroline had just wrapped up a tense encounter with Richard, and now Jonathan’s arrival felt like another wave crashing against her already tumultuous shore. The relentless chaos of their lives was beginning to grate on her nerves.

With her arms crossed defiantly, she shot Tyler a saccharine smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You really think you should help him? If you give in just this once, he’ll keep coming back with the same tired excuse. At this rate, you might as well tie him to your belt and drag him along wherever you go.” Her tone was laced with annoyance, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

The group on the 66th floor had an abundance of inflatable rescue boats and rafts, a small fortune of resources in their grim reality. Handing one over to Jonathan wouldn’t be catastrophic, would it? Yet, the real concern loomed larger in her mind. If they acquiesced now, would he become a permanent fixture in their lives, leaning on their so-called family bond every time he faced hardship?

Caroline had already devised plans to rid herself of Jonathan and Reese. With the impending deep freeze and the acid rain wreaking havoc on the fifth floor, their existence was already a living nightmare. She reasoned that allowing them to endure a bit longer would serve as punishment enough for their persistent presence.

Yet, Jonathan and Reese continued to show up uninvited, and Caroline was nearing the end of her rope.

Having said her piece, she turned on her heel and retreated inside, effectively done with the entire situation.

Tyler cast a sidelong glance at Jonathan, his expression flat. “I don’t have a boat,” he stated, the words blunt and devoid of sympathy. Then, without waiting for a response, he too disappeared into the confines of the building.

Jonathan remained outside, banging his fists against the door, but his cries fell on deaf ears. He could easily envision the laughter that would erupt from the others when he finally slinked back downstairs, defeated and humiliated.

Caroline, however, felt no pity. She returned home, scooped up Raven, and settled in for a much-needed nap, the chaos of the day fading into the background.

When she finally stirred, the clock read 9:00 p.m. The sounds of clattering and banging outside pulled her from her slumber. Curious, she stepped out to investigate and was met with the sight of Tyler erecting a massive iron gate where the old stair fence had once stood. Now, the 66th floor would be a fortress, impenetrable and hidden from prying eyes.

Slipping on a jacket, she ambled over, her curiosity piqued. “What’s all this about?” she inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“Too many people keep showing up,” Tyler replied tersely, his hands still busy with the installation. “It’s annoying. Out of sight, out of mind.”

—

**Chapter 98: Sparring**

Tyler’s sleeves were rolled up, his hands working diligently, and his brow was furrowed with irritation, a clear sign of his frustration.

Caroline couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight, amusement flickering in her eyes as she began to turn away.

There was a fierce fire in Kay’s eyes, a relentless hunger for strength and a longing for a brighter future.

Caroline found it to be the most authentic representation of an ordinary girl fighting for survival in the apocalypse.

Kay even pushed herself to learn military-style boxing and combat techniques, her progress evident in just a few short days.

Caroline had shared some of her own tricks with Kay, mostly practical skills she had acquired in her previous life. Nothing extravagant, but certainly useful.

Once, Kay dashed over, her face alight with excitement. “I finally landed a hit on Tyler using one of your feints!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her toes.

To Caroline’s surprise, Tyler approached her afterward, his expression serious. “I want to spar with you. That feint was impressive.”

Reluctantly, Caroline agreed, but what started as a chore quickly transformed into an exhilarating experience.

Tyler’s fighting skills were sharp, honed through rigorous training in multiple martial arts. Engaging in a sparring match with him turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable.

Yet, Caroline sensed that he wasn’t unleashing his full potential.