Back upstairs, Jasmine offered to share some firewood with Nadia, but she turned them down, shaking her head. "I've got plenty of clothes and blankets, so I don't use firewood as quickly. You should keep it. If I need more, I'll go chop some myself." Knowing Nadia's independent nature, Jasmine didn't press the matter. Later, Levi knocked on the door of Unit 1801, calling everyone to gather in Unit 1803. "Exciting news!" he announced with enthusiasm. The trip to Firridge for firewood had brought more than just supplies—it had also yielded some uplifting information. "The government is starting to distribute relief supplies." During the flood, transportation had been impossible, and many government departments had been paralyzed. Now that the floodwaters had frozen, even though the weather was brutally cold, it had at least become possible to move around."The government will start handing out relief grain in two days," Levi explained. "One pound per resident, distributed weekly. You just need to bring your ID to your local community council building to collect it." One pound of grain per week wasn't much, but given the circumstances, it was remarkable. The sudden natural disaster had submerged most supplies underwater, and even though the country's grain reserves were stored in higher-altitude locations, the combination of typhoons and floods had destroyed much of it. With millions of people in Phoenix City alone, even if more than half had perished, there were still at least a million survivors. Providing that much food, even a small amount per person, was no small feat. "Also," Levi added, "the government declared paper currency void. A new currency will be introduced later, but for now, bartering is the official system." This announcement didn't affect most residents much—most had already spent whatever money they had long ago. It was likely a heavier blow to those who had profited off the disaster, who were probably crying in frustration now. "Besides distributing grain, the government has also posted thousands of job openings. They're hiring everyone from skilled researchers to basic laborers for corpse collection teams. Wages are paid in food. Researchers with rare skills can earn 20 to 30 pounds of grain per month, while basic laborers earn five pounds a month and get one meal a day." At that, Levi grinned. "Nadia, think we should apply?" "You can if you want, but I won't," Nadia replied coolly. She had no technical skills, and five pounds of grain a month wasn't even enough to sustain herself. Even with the addition of weekly relief grain, the payout wasn't worth the effort. Levi had been joking, of course. The 18th floor's priority was to defend their stronghold, not to risk their lives for a measly five pounds of grain. By rationing carefully, their supplies could easily last for two years. With the government becoming more proactive in disaster management, there was hope that things might gradually improve. There was no need to gamble their safety on such low rewards. After all, even if they earned the grain, there was no guarantee they'd survive long enough to eat it. As a result, the 18th floor unanimously decided to avoid competing for jobs, opting instead to focus on survival and self-sufficiency. As the group dispersed, Nadia noticed Caleb nursing an injury on his hand. "What happened?" she asked with concern. "Nothing serious," Caleb replied. "It's just from Firridge. We ran into several groups who tried to steal our firewood—and our saw. We fought them off, though." The chaos outside was worsening. Going out alone was unthinkable, but even moving in groups of three wasn't safe. Any lapse in vigilance could lead to an ambush. While Caleb and Levi cut down trees, Jasmine kept watch, but even then, they had been targeted.Nadia wanted to offer some words of comfort but didn't know what to say. After all, this was the new normal, and it was only going to get worse. … On the day of the relief grain distribution, Caleb came by early to knock on Nadia's door. However, Nadia was uninterested in standing in line. "You all go ahead. I'll stay behind to watch the place," she said. And so, Unit 1803 set out early to queue at the community council. Human resilience was far greater than anyone could imagine. While people were hiding at home, the world seemed frozen in silence, filled with the stillness of death. Yet, as soon as relief grain was announced, the streets were alive with people. Unit 1803 left early in the morning and didn't return until well past 1 PM, dragging their haul back to the 18th floor. They pulled sacks of grain out from under their thick layers of clothing—freshly milled grains mixed with broken ones.To prevent fraud, the government required individuals to present their IDs and collect the grain in person. While the distribution point was tightly controlled by armed police, ensuring no one dared to cause trouble there, the areas further away were rife with danger. Pickpockets roamed freely, bags were being slashed, and thieves snatched goods before bolting. People's ingenuity knew no bounds when it came to securing extra grain. For instance, the group ahead of Jasmine in line had brought along their bedridden 80-year-old mother. Wrapped in thick layers of blankets, she was carried solemnly to the front. But just as they reached the collection desk, the elderly woman passed away. Her family erupted into loud, grief-stricken cries, blaming the government's policies for the death of their long-lived matriarch. The commotion drew a crowd, with murmurs of sympathy and outrage directed at the government. A volunteer approached and lifted the blankets to check on the elderly woman. "I'm sorry," the volunteer said, "but I used to work in a hospital. This lady didn't just pass away—she's been dead for at least 24 hours."The disturbance immediately resulted in the family being disqualified from receiving any grain. One of them opened their mouth to wail again but found themselves staring down the barrel of a loaded gun. This was no longer a time of peace. The police wouldn't hesitate to shoot. "The streets are full of pickpockets and robbers, Nadia," Levi cautioned. "If you get grain, hide it well, and don't let anyone get too close." Even at the entrance of their community, trouble loomed. Though Levi and Caleb were armed, which kept potential threats at bay, the streets outside were far more perilous. Nadia nodded and got ready to head out. She planned to leave Colby at Unit 1803, but the dog clamped onto her pant leg and refused to let go. It was determined to go out. "No way. The streets are full of people who'd love to turn you into dog stew," she said firmly. Colby's bright eyes dimmed in response, and its head drooped in disappointment. Nadia crouched down to pet its head in consolation. Just then, Lily burst out of her apartment, beaming with excitement. "Miss, let's go!" Nadia frowned and turned to Harrison. "You're taking Lily out?" "It's time she sees the outside world." Nadia couldn't argue with that. Exposure to the harsh realities of the apocalypse would only help Lily mature faster. In times like these, quickly growing up wasn't optional—it was a matter of survival. Still, Colby perked up immediately. If the kid can go, why can't I? In the end, Nadia tied a leash to Colby, much to the dog's indignation. Colby valued his freedom above all else, and being on a leash was a bitter humiliation. But he endured it for the sake of his beloved owner.Together, Nadia with Colby and Harrison with Lily set out toward the community council. It wasn't far—about a little over a mile—but the icy roads made the journey slow. Nadia's earlier concerns were well-founded. Even though she had stripped Colby of its mink coat before leaving, the dog still attracted everyone's attention. It wasn't that people were surprised to see a dog—it was the sheer size and magnificence of Colby. Standing tall and powerful, its muscular frame and confident stance exuded dominance. People's expressions turned sour with envy and disbelief. Seriously? In a world like this, how do they still have a dog this impressive? Is there no justice left?! Colby faced their hungry, greedy stares without fear, its eyes flashing with a murderous glint. It even growled softly, sending chills down their spines. The people glanced nervously at Nadia and Harrison. Nadia's sharp gaze was enough to make anyone think twice, but Harrison's cold, emotionless demeanor was even more intimidating. His piercing eyes alone felt like a threat of violence. The conclusion was obvious: These two weren't to be trifled with. Judging by their aura, many assumed they were part of some dangerous gang, or how else could they afford to keep a dog like that? Even bringing it outside in this climate was a power move. Colby's confident stance made one thing clear—it wasn't just a dog. It was a dog that thrived on its owner's strength. Better not mess with them.