18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 344

Leaning against Jasper's shoulder, Stella recounted her recent trials and the world marred by acid rain. Even Jasper, who had experienced it once before, was taken aback by the severity of the acid rain. He dreaded to think what the future might hold.

Stella checked him over for injuries and, finding none, asked, "Did you get burned by the acid rain last time?"

"Yeah, but I found shelter quickly enough." He had scars on his arms and face from where he’d toughed it out, leaving pitted reminders of his ordeal.

This time around, Cooper and Rosie had behaved at home, "They're fine, the medicine you left wasn't needed."

Not needing it was the best outcome.

Stella wrapped her arms around Jasper's neck, "You've been through a lot lately, Jasper."

He shrugged it off, just feeling a bit sexually frustrated by the situation, and seized the opportunity to ask, "With all the time you spent studying, did you get it all down?"

Stella hesitated, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Lying on the soft king-sized bed, the weary pair drifted into a deep sleep.

Stella was roused in the early morning by Jasper’s gentle voice, "Stella, it's time to head out."

Blinking away sleep, she saw it was just past five, the sky still dark. Nevertheless, she rose to brush her teeth, have breakfast, and don her bulky protective gear, ready to leave Arcadia with Jasper.

At six in the morning, visibility was poor in the dim light. It was still raining, but the downpour was less intense than before, and the streets were so quiet you could only hear the persistent patter of rain. The visibility wasn't very good, and Jasper walked in front, shielding Stella behind him.

After about half an hour, the day gradually brightened, but it remained gloomy with no sign of clearing.

Acid rain had corroded the streetlights and wires; the bulbs had long since ceased to glow, leaving only the steady drip of rain.

A sudden downpour had thrown all the survivors’ plans into disarray, and those caught outside were still trapped.

Seeking shelter in stores was slightly better, as one could beg for water or find a place to rest. And if hunger became unbearable, looting was the next course of action.

Huddled under an awning was more problematic, where one had to endure hunger and cold while constantly fearing acid splash. After two days of this torment, many were on the brink of collapse.

So when they saw someone in a protective suit weaving through the acid rain, it was enough to break them down completely.

Some cried out for help, while others, in their desperation, threw things. Kill them, and their suits would be yours.

Thankfully, the streets were wide, and the rubber suits thick enough to prevent injury.

After a day's rest and just starting their journey, Stella's temper was shorter than Jasper's. Seeing who was throwing things, she stooped to pick up a rock and threw it back.

"Ah!" A scream pierced the air as the assailant was hit, blood streaming down his forehead. He clutched his head, intending to curse, but silenced himself at the sight of Stella's fierce eyes behind her mask.

Others who had been looking on scurried away. Geez, she was fierce.

The pair continued on their way. Perhaps because Griffith had fewer people than Swan Hill, there were not as many survivors affected by the acid rain.

Concrete buildings, though hastily rebuilt after the disasters, were not as sturdy as before. Their structures and drainage systems were inferior, and if the acid rain persisted, the concrete might not hold up.

Stella inspected a piece of concrete that had fallen to the roadside, its surface pitted from corrosion. She was relieved their villa had been fitted with a glass canopy; otherwise, it might not have withstood the relentless acid downpour.

Perhaps it was having her loved one by her side that made her footsteps feel lighter than the day before. After ten hours, they finally made it through the acid rain and back home.

With the arrival of the acid rain, the neighborhood fell quiet again, everyone hiding in their homes, trembling with fear. They had not only the acid rain to contend with but also the looming crisis of soil and water contamination. If unaddressed, chaos would likely ensue in the neighborhood.

Jasper seemed to guess her thoughts, "Bran's a quick thinker. He warned everyone to store water a few days ago on the community channel."