18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

After leaving Arcadia, the two continued to pack, chatting about everyday matters. Before long, it was noon and someone brought lunch over.

Three dishes and a soup, a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, along with a bottle of high-proof vodka.

"I'm not a fan of alcoho. Should we send it back or keep it?"

"It is Bryce's thoughtfulness, we should keep it. Let's save it for Cooper. He enjoys a swig or two when he's bored."

"Woof." The boozy dog circled around Stella.

"Look at that, just mention alcohol and he gets excited."

Despite the chat, Stella had no intention of eating the base's food. Even though the chances of it being poisoned at this stage were slim, it still made her uneasy. She stowed it away in Arcadia, taking out their own stockpile.

Rosie, the little drama queen, complained while eating. "Jasper, this jerky is rancid, not as tasty as what Stella makes."

"No waste is allowed. There are people out there who can't even find tree bark to gnaw. When we get a chance, Stella will make you something yummy."

After lunch, they pulled all the curtains and went to sleep. They talked about anything that came to mind. Tired of talking, they slept, waking up around five o'clock. Someone came to inform them that the evening banquet was at seven o'clock. Out of respect for Mr. Bryce, Stella chose a clean outfit. She suspected there would be many women at the banquet, so she applied some lipstick to avoid being mistaken for a handsome man.

As for Rosie, she couldn't be more worried. She didn't want to bring her to the banquet, but she was worried about leaving her alone. Stella picked out a pair of jeans with suspenders and an inconspicuous cotton T-shirt for her.

Being fair, she also groomed Cooper's fur.

When it was about time, the three of them headed out. Leading the way was Cooper, moving with a fierce stride, as if he wanted to pounce on every moving leg.

As the sun set, a handful of tattooed men were heading home. Seeing a beauty and a little girl, they couldn't help but whistle.

Cooper chased after them, almost causing the unarmed to run for their lives. Climbing trees didn't help, as Cooper would just jump two to three meters high.

The tattooed men were almost scared to wet themselves.

There were also armed men, but they knew better than to confront the newcomers who were welcomed by the boss. Even though they were upset, no one dared to fire a shot.

Cooper's ferocious barking echoed three miles away. Seeing that he was about to tear a man's throat out, Stella finally called out nonchalantly, "Cooper, come back." Immediately, Cooper turned from a ferocious dog to a tame puppy and obediently returned to his owner. After that, no one dared to provoke them again.

On their way to the mansion, the trio and their dog strolled leisurely, seemingly chatting but actually assessing the distribution and terrain of the base.

At the mansion, they went through a security check and entered a centrally air-conditioned interior.

The evening banquet was impressive, with a whole roast lamb filling the air with aromatic spices.

It was just Bryce and Teddy again, with Bryce even switching to a casual suit. "Well, it is so good to be young. Jasper, you look vibrant, and your girlfriend is equally striking."

Stella gave a forced smile, "Thank you, Bryce."

Bryce tried to engage Cooper, but the aloof dog ignored him. He then turned his attention to Rosie, praising, "What a cute little girl."

Despite her young age, Rosie could sense his intentions and hid behind her brother, leaving Bryce embarrassed.

Jasper explained, "She's shy around strangers."

"No worries, children are like that. Come, take a seat." Bryce sat down at the head of the table and apologized, "I'm truly sorry, Jasper. You just arrived, and we should have thrown a grand welcome party for you. Unfortunately, Alpha Outpost picked a fight with us and disrupted our peaceful mealtime. "Even in this post-apocalyptic world, there are rules to follow. Alpha Outpost, backed by their supporters, blatantly violated these rules. They even deployed armored vehicles and annihilated our people."

He spoke passionately, his expression a mix of anger and sorrow. Jasper listened quietly, choosing not to comment.

Sensing the awkward silence, Teddy tried to lighten the mood, "We're sending a few people to settle the score with Alpha Outpost. They'll be back a bit late. Hope you understand."

Stella broke her silence, "I believe under Bryce's wise leadership, Silver Asylum will surely triumph."

"Indeed." Teddy concurred, "The roast lamb is ready, shall we start, Bryce?"

"Of course, tonight we feast!" Bryce announced.

"I apologize, but I'm not much of a drinker. I'm still feeling the effects of the drink that I had at noon, and I really can't drink more." Jasper declined.

Teddy opened a bottle of red wine, "You have to drink, tonight's banquet is in your honor."

"Old professional habits. I really can't drink much."

Stella intervened, "It's been two years since the end of the world, who cares about old professions. Since Bryce insisted, let's have a drink."

Jasper remained silent but didn't refuse. Bryce seized the opportunity to ask, "It seems like Jasper had quite a unique job. What did you do that you managed to maintain such discipline even after two years?"

Stella didn't hold back, "He was a SWAT officer. He was discharged due to injury and even faced disciplinary action. The habits ingrained by such a unit are hard to break. Even after two years, he's still not fully adjusted." Bryce looked impressed, "So Jasper is a special talent. No wonder you're so skilled. Truly remarkable."

"You are flattering me, Bryce." Perhaps triggered by unpleasant memories, Jasper looked a bit downcast, downing his drink in one go.

Teddy quickly refilled his glass.

The fresh roast lamb was brought to the table, its aroma tempting everyone. Bryce tried to continue the conversation, but Jasper remained silent and took another drink.

Stella stepped in, "Bryce, he was wronged when he left the force. Don't rub salt in his wounds."

"My apologies." Bryce took a drink as punishment, "It's all water under the bridge now."

Thanks to Bryce's favoritism, not only was Cooper allowed at the table, he was even given a whole lamb leg.

Bryce smiled at him, "Eat up, it's leg day."

The little mutt, though clearly drooling, still glanced at Stella for permission. "Go ahead," Stella voiced, "This is a treat from Bryce. Remember to thank him."

The dog barked at Bryce, as if to say, "Woof," which actually meant, "Eat my shorts, Bryce."

"Hah, hah, hah."

Bryce had taken a liking to this little dog, and he was sure that eventually, it would be his. When that time came, he would take the time to train it properly, to ensure its loyalty. As for these three people, well, they were quite interesting, to say the least.