Chapter 13: Building a Fortress

She got up bright and early the next day. When she stepped outside, she noticed it was much colder than the day before.

Stella Sterling was a little worried, even though the apocalypse wasn’t supposed to arrive for another month or so.

But having been reborn, she knew some things had already changed. Who was to say the apocalypse wouldn’t arrive ahead of schedule?

’So, I have to prepare for everything as early as possible. I can’t just follow the timeline from my past life.’

Driving her beat-up little car, Stella Sterling hustled to every corner of Mirefall. She started by visiting all the major pharmacies in the city, stocking up on a large supply of common medicines for colds and fevers. She used this opportunity to get to know several pharmaceutical suppliers and build a good rapport with them.

They promised to help her acquire medicines that weren’t available on the open market, and in return, she promised them certain benefits.

With the medicine situation handled and still having time to spare, she made a trip to the farmer’s market. There, she bought a large quantity of seeds for all kinds of vegetables and fruits.

Her dimensional space had a cultivation area, perfect for planting these. ’Soon, I’ll have an endless supply of fruits and vegetables to eat. I’ll never have to worry about running out again.’

For several days straight, Stella Sterling was working around the clock. She stockpiled tens of thousands of pounds each of pork, lamb, and beef.

No other living creatures could enter her dimensional space. Otherwise, she would have loved to buy some livestock to raise there. But her space didn’t have that function—and she had no idea if it ever would—so she had to scrap that plan for now. Since she couldn’t raise live animals, her only option was to stockpile more fresh meat. Meat was the item she hoarded the most.

After a few days, she had stockpiled most of the food she needed, though she would still go out and buy things whenever something new came to mind.

As for the lottery, she had bought tickets several times over the past few days without a single win. She hadn’t given up, though. She’d gone to the lottery shop again today; the drawing was tomorrow.

After several busy days, Stella Sterling finally decided not to go out. She planned to take a break. Coincidentally, the renovation company she’d contacted was scheduled to come over today. She intended to have them completely overhaul her house, turning it into a small, secure fortress.

"Miss, society is very safe these days. This place is already plenty sturdy. There’s no need to throw your money away like this!"

One of the foremen stared, dumbfounded, at the special materials Stella Sterling had purchased.

’This is all military-grade material, the kind of stuff used on a battlefield. And this young woman is just using it to reinforce her house? What a waste! No ordinary person would ever need this!’

"I live alone and never feel quite safe, so I figured I’d remodel the place to give myself some peace of mind. Besides, it’s not like I’m short on cash!" Stella Sterling laughed, putting on the airs of a big shot.

Seeing that Stella Sterling wasn’t going to be persuaded, the foreman shook his head and didn’t say anything more.

He noticed piles of supplies stacked up in her house. ’Could she be one of those people who believe the online rumors? Thinking the world is about to end, so she’s getting ready to "welcome" the apocalypse?’

’Kids these days... they’ll believe anything anyone says. An apocalypse isn’t just going to happen that easily. What a complete waste of money.’

Stella Sterling ignored his strange look. She’d seen countless gazes just like it over the past few days. She couldn’t care less what other people thought of her; as long as she achieved her goal, that was all that mattered.

’When the time comes, they’ll all understand. But by then, it will be too late.’ Thinking of this, Stella shook her head. She had tried to warn people, but no one believed her!