18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

The window rolled down, leaving the man hit in the thigh by Jasper collapsed on the ground.

The Marauder blasted through the wall, as if it was crushing a muffin. Stella demolished all the roadblocks before parking the car. She stepped out, walking over to the injured man with a cold, killing glare.

Craving some pot roast, huh? Wanted to take Rosie to see cocks? Tossed a bomb on the 18th floor, almost blew her to bits, was it thrilling? A real rush?

These people set up roadblocks, collected tolls, and treated lives like weeds.

Stella was just about ready to pulverize him, but she held back for the upcoming mission. She stepped on his bald head, her face full of contempt and mockery, "This is all you got? What an embarrassment. I'm ashamed for you. "Tell your boss to get lost if he knows what's good for him. If he dares to mess with Alpha Outpost again, he'll be using his skull for a piss pot.

"I'm in a good mood today, so I'll spare your life. Now, get lost!"

The bald man's face contorted with pain and anger, but he didn't dare to resist. He limped away, his thigh bleeding heavily.

Back in the car, Jasper handed Stella a bottle of cold water. She gulped down several mouthfuls, calming her rage and frustration. She drove the car into the deserted woods, wiped off her makeup and changed into clean clothes. Switching to the Hummer, they headed towards Silver Asylum.

Stella warned the dog. "Cooper, we're going to blend in at the base for a few days. Play your part and don't show off too much."

Cooper cocked his head, as if trying to decipher his owner's words.

Jasper, on the other hand, was much gentler, "Don't worry, Rosie. I'll protect you."

It would be a lie to say she wasn't scared, but knowing she had Jasper, Stella, and Cooper with her, Rosie felt a bit more at ease.

Stella noticed that Rosie had matured significantly since she stabbed that guy. With Jasper's rigorous training over the past two years, her combat abilities were not bad. She just lacked cruel experience, making it easy for her to be fooled by the seasoned. Rosie knew the risks involved, but her eyes gradually hardened, "I'm not scared."

When the bomb exploded, her ears rang and her mind went blank. The endless waiting reminded her of when her parents left, smiling at her, "Wait for us at home, Rosie. We'll be back soon."

But they never came back.

She was terrified that Jasper, Stella, and Cooper might not come back either. No. Even if it was dangerous, she didn't want to be separated from them.

Silver Asylum was close, just thirty miles from the post, nestled in a village at the foot of the mountain.

With rows of buildings, one after another, it was not hard to figure it out that these were once the houses of the village residents. As for where those villagers had gone, Stella didn't want to think about it.

The village was surrounded by a concrete wall and the entrance was guarded. The Hummer was stopped from afar, and Stella and the others were once again surrounded, "What are you doing here?" Jasper lowered the car window, his expression stern, "We're from Sunrise Sanctuary on the 18th floor. Your boss invited us."

It was probably because the people from the 18th floor were too famous, and it had made Silver Asylum's death list, so all eyes turned to them. There was anger, contempt, scorn, even astonishment or shock. Someone asked, "Where are our people?"

Jasper didn't bother with an excuse, "We arrived unscathed. Where do you think they are?" His attitude was defiant, and people gathered around.

Jasper was unfazed, "Your boss was so eager to invite us, and now that we're here, is this how you treat your guests?"

At this point, someone walked over. It was the man who had been leading the group in the van that day. He recognized Jasper, a complicated look flashed across his face, then he laughed, "Well, you finally decided to come? I thought you were tough, but you agreed so quickly." Jasper seemed not to understand his mockery, and said calmly, "We thought about it. And we're looking forward to joining your warm family."

The man was taken aback, then laughed insincerely, "That's more like it. It's best not to be stubborn. Wait here. I'll go inform the boss."

As he turned to leave, a sarcastic smile played on his lips, and he muttered, "Humph. They're just scaredy-cats afraid of death."

Unfortunately for him, Stella heard every word. Good, so he was the one who arranged the ambush last night.

Silver Asylum tried to assert authority. Jasper waited a full hour before the bald man finally arrived, "The boss will see you now. But there's a rule here. Outsiders can't bring weapons inside. You'll have to get out of the car for a check." The three of them and the dog got out of the car while their Hummer was rudely searched.

The man gave a goon a look. The goon stepped forward, "You have to be searched too."

It was a hot day and they were wearing short sleeves. What kind of weapons could they hide? This was clearly just to give them a hard time.

A goon approached Stella, his eyes filled with malicious intent, "I'll search you." He reached out towards her chest.

Stella's eyes narrowed and she kicked him where it hurt most. Before the goon could cry out, she had him in a chokehold. The others circled her, weapons drawn, "You're pretty cocky, causing trouble on our turf."

"Don't forget your boss invited us here." Staring at the bunch of lowlifes, Stella didn't flinch, "Do you even know why he invited us? Are you disrespecting us, or are you embarrassing your boss?"

"You're so audacious. You killed two of our groups and you're still so arrogant." The man shouted, "Do you think we're easy to deal with? Don't push your luck."

Jasper spoke up, "We can leave. If you can stop us, good for you."

The situation was about to get out of hand, and Cooper was ready to charge.

"Piersen." A loud voice sounded, and a middle-aged man walked over, "The boss asked you to bring the guests in. Why haven't they arrived yet?"

The man was irritated, but he had to hold back, "They'll be there soon."

The standoff ended, and the middle-aged man walked over, smiling, "Mr. Jasper, I presume? I'm Teddy, the third in command here at Silver Asylum. We're honored to have you. The boss has been anxious for your arrival. Our men are just a bit overzealous. Please forgive them. Please, come inside."

With the third in command speaking, no one dared to search them anymore. The gates swung open, and the Hummer rolled into the base. Most of the houses were built along the road, showing signs of repairs following a flood.

A few minutes later, the vehicle pulled up in front of a sprawling three-story mansion, presumably left behind by some local tycoon. It covered a good four or five acres, the front of the house adorned with elegant pavilions and towers, while the backyard was large enough for horse riding.

At the entrance, several team members armed to the teeth stood guard, reminiscent of bodyguards from the pre-apocalyptic era.

Jasper was quiet, lost in thought.