"The service area has become quite lively recently. If you had come back at noon, you would have seen many people coming here to exchange supplies!" Daisy said as they walked, sharing the recent changes.
"Really? It seems there are more active survivors lately, and our reputation is spreading!" Elijah replied.
"Indeed. I heard that there are awakening potions here, and many survivors have gone crazy trying to get them. At first, there were some disturbances, but we managed to handle them, and everyone settled down!" Daisy explained.
"In the apocalypse, strength is the most important thing!" Elijah remarked.
Soon, they arrived at the coastal service area, which had undergone significant changes.
The open parking lot from before was now surrounded by newly constructed walls that enclosed a large green space.
Elijah even noticed some areas were still under construction.
"Gabriel's done a good job!" Elijah praised.
"Thank you for the compliment, brother-in-law!" Gabriel, who had used his speed ability to dash over, enthusiastically threw himself at Elijah.
Elijah quickly dodged.
He wasn't into hugging men.
Gabriel, unfazed by not getting a hug, cheerfully approached Elijah and began introducing the changes in the coastal service area.
Apart from the expanded perimeter, the interior of the coastal service area had also undergone tremendous changes.
For example, the electrical facilities were no longer reliant on the island; instead, a large number of solar panels had been installed on the coast and rooftops, making them self-sufficient.
With sufficient electricity, Vincent had set up various computer and surveillance equipment.
"By the way, brother-in-law, after Vincent awakened, he recently managed to repair the walkie-talkies!" Gabriel proudly presented a walkie-talkie, then spoke into it, "02, 02, this is 01, please respond!"
After Gabriel spoke, a man's voice crackled through the walkie-talkie.
"02 received, 01, please instruct!"
"The boss is back and testing the walkie-talkies, over!"
"We're currently modifying existing equipment for small-scale supply, including for Quentin's team. No problem!" Vincent assured.
"Great, keep up the good work!" Elijah encouraged.
As they entered the service area, Elijah noticed a young man, Xavier, busying himself around one of the new recruits Daisy had brought.
Xavier was paying special attention to the oldest, most mature-looking of the three newcomers, rather than the youngest and most attractive.
"Hmm, Xavier's got quite an eye, hasn't he? Interesting taste!" Elijah muttered.
"Right? It's worth the effort I put into training him!" Gabriel replied smugly.
Elijah looked at Gabriel and then at Vincent, remembering how Vincent had also shown interest in older women, like Zoey.
With these two around, it wasn't surprising that Xavier was getting swayed!
At this moment, Xavier noticed Elijah and his group and hurried over, happily greeting Elijah, "Brother-in-law, you're finally back!"
"Yes, how have things been lately? Have you been causing any trouble for your sister?" Elijah asked.
"I wouldn't dare! I have Whitey protecting my sister during the sea trips..." Xavier quipped, then continued cheerfully, "Brother-in-law, I recently caught a Spirit fish and was waiting for you to come back and try it!"
"Really? Good job! You've avenged yourself!" Elijah praised him.
Zoey and Emily joined the conversation, and they chatted for a while. As night fell, Gabriel and the others tactfully didn't delay Elijah and his party any longer, arranging a sightseeing vehicle to take them to the island.
The sea breeze was gentle, and the waves sparkled under the setting sun.
As they approached the island, Elijah felt an unprecedented sense of peace.
This was the sanctuary he had built from scratch in the apocalypse.
Returning here felt like coming home, especially seeing the familiar faces waiting at the bridge.
Bella, Charlotte, Fiona, Hannah, Katherine, Sophia, Jasmine... and Yello!
Seeing Elijah, Yello, like a gust of wind, rushed over eagerly.