18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 164

Jasper's actions sent them tumbling aside in a panic, landing in a heap and cursing as they chased after the car, hurling rocks.

Don't underestimate this local beast of a car. Even a dent wouldn't affect its function, now with the bulletproof glass.

The closer they got to Swan Hill, the fewer hikers they spotted. It was as if these survivors simply vanished mid-journey.

In the midst of this mystery, Stella noticed people climbing up the hills. That was right, carrying luggage and climbing mountains.

Nightfall impaired visibility, and some unfortunate souls slipped and tumbled down the slopes, landing heavily by the roadside, motionless for a long time.

Stella, with a sinking feeling, figured out the harsh reality and heaved a deep sigh. True to her prediction, Jasper turned off the air conditioning, rolling down the windows and letting the sweltering air rush in, instantly making the car unbearably hot.

A few minutes later, faint lights appeared in the distance. The road ahead was barricaded, just wide enough for a large vehicle to pass. There was a security booth by the side, and a sign with bold red letters hung in front.

Single person, 5 pounds of grain.

Small car, 10 pounds of grain.

Big car, 40 pounds of grain.

A metal gate blocked the road, forbidding passage without the required grain. No wonder so many were risking their lives to cross the hills. This was more than a robbery; it was murder.

Upon seeing a car approaching, five or six burly, bald men emerged from the booth. They were armed with knives, baseball bats, and riot forks. And the leader held a gun.

"Stop the car!"

Jasper complied, rolling down the window.

Stella picked up a 10-pound bag of potatoes and handed it over.

It was unclear whether it was the unpleasant smell of sweat, the sight of two weaklings, or simply their bad mood, but their eyes widened like brass bells, and with a fierce and malicious demeanor, they said, "20 pounds!"

Stella frowned, "Isn't it supposed to be 10 pounds?"

The bald men, fearless and confident, waved their weapons, "The price just went up."

Swallowing her anger, Stella, looking troubled and hesitant, reluctantly handed over another bag.

The man took the 20 pounds of potatoes and tossed them into a nearby truck like waste.

Stella glanced at the truck, filled with toll collection. They not only collected from those heading to Swan Hill but also from those returning.

A water tanker was just returning from Swan Hill, and the bald men took 20 pounds of salt and 20 pounds of dried seafood from it.

Stella noticed that the water tanker had a symbol painted on its front, and the driver shared a few words with the bald men. It was clear they were familiar with each other, and the driver was given a discount. In other words, if it were just a regular vehicle, they would charge even more.

It was a lucrative business. They easily obtained several truckloads of supplies in a day.

The metal gate was pushed open, and Jasper drove off.

Noticing Stella's silence, he explained, "Such tyranny is common in the apocalypse. The police and army can't keep up, and we are just ordinary people."

Stella understood his point but didn't respond. She moved to lift the curtain and saw Rosie and Cooper, already woken up by the commotion, but remaining silent due to their usual cautious training.

The dog moved forward, rubbing against its owner's hand.

"It's okay now," Stella reassured them, petting their heads. "It'll be daylight soon. You guys can continue sleeping."

The air conditioning was turned back on, and the interior of the car cooled down.

The more comfortable it was, the more vigilant they needed to be. Stella took out her night vision binoculars and continued to watch the surroundings.

Suddenly, a figure darted out of the darkness, not avoiding the car, but instead accelerating towards it.