118: Chapter 118 Expected Returns

However, although the situation on the island seemed calm for now, the caution that was deeply etched into Zhou An's bones would never allow him to be even the slightest bit arrogant.

He knew too well that in this cruel survival world, any moment of carelessness could lead to total destruction.

"EVA, activate the energy barrier at maximum power. At the same time, run the radar detection matrix at full capacity, expand the alert range, and do not let even the slightest abnormal fluctuation slip by."

"Command received. The full-frequency defense network has been deployed, and the radar matrix is continuously scanning."

EVA's cold yet reassuring mechanical female voice instantly rang in his ears.

As a barrier, almost invisible to the naked eye, covered the entire landing area like a giant dome, Zhou An finally relaxed a little.

After confirming that it was safe, he ordered the engineering robots to bring over a few comfortable folding lounge chairs and a large tactical table, placing them casually on the crystal-clear ground.

A breeze blew by, bringing with it the crisp and pleasant clinking sound of the surrounding crystal tree leaves, like wind chimes. The air was filled with spiritual energy so dense it was almost tangible; just taking a deep breath made one feel refreshed, as if their entire body had been washed by sweet rain.

Not far away, Zhang Ming and his wife also walked down.

He gently supported Lin Qing, who had just finished her postpartum recovery, with one hand, while steadily holding the swaddled little Zhang Kong with the other. The family of three took a leisurely stroll on the glowing spiritual energy grass.

The little one seemed very accustomed to this high-concentration spiritual energy environment. Not only did he not cry at all upon arriving in an unfamiliar setting, but he also excitedly waved his fair, chubby little fists, and before long, he was sleeping in his father's broad arms with bubbles forming on his nose.

Time passed quietly in this rare interweaving of tranquility and busyness.

A little past four in the afternoon.

Luo Ning walked back to the rest area with light steps, holding a tactical data pad.

She flopped onto the lounge chair next to Zhou An, grabbed a glass of iced spiritual fruit juice from the table, took a big gulp with a "glug-glug" sound, and let out a satisfied sigh.

"The efficiency of the engineering robots is much faster than expected."

Luo Ning wiped the juice from the corner of her mouth, her eyes shining with excitement.

"In just half a day, we have already planted signal beacons across more than half of the island. At this rate of progress, we will be able to achieve 100% full-coverage occupation of this seven-thousand-plus square kilometer land by midnight tonight!"

Zhou An nodded, then pulled up the system panel to check the current occupation status.

[ Gengzi-7792 Core Resource Island Real-time Occupation Panel ]

Current Occupation Progress: 43%

[ Seven-Day Limit Occupation · Estimated Final Yield ]:

Level 4 Basic Materials: Approximately 40 million!

Level 5 Basic Materials: Approximately 10 million!

Associated Rare Mineral Veins, Blueprints: Random output.

Before Zhou An could finish reading carefully, Luo Ning, who was beside him, looked at those dizzying zeros and couldn't help but click her tongue again: "Hiss—this is too exaggerated! Ten million Level 5 materials! The output of this island is enough to bridge the material gap for dozens of people to upgrade to LV5 warships! This is simply a gold mine!"

Zhou An looked at the long string of numbers, just raised an eyebrow slightly, and muttered softly:

"Hmm, it's alright."

For other survivors, ten million units of basic materials might be worth risking their lives for, but for Zhou An, this was merely icing on the cake. He was not lacking in these gap-filling things at all.

What he truly valued were those special outputs that could not be measured by basic materials.

Zhou An put down the data pad and turned to look at Li Muzi, who was still working hard in the soil in the distance: "These basic materials are indeed astronomical figures, but for us, their significance is limited. I value the unique ecosystem nurtured by this island more."

He paused and continued: "There are ancient plants here that have long gone extinct, and there is even a high probability that high-tier native specialized creatures and rare blueprints are hidden here. These are the true 'hard currency' that cannot be bought in the Trading Hall for any amount of money. But the specific biological gains will only be known after the island is fully occupied tomorrow and Muzi conducts a carpet-style comprehensive assessment."

After saying this, Zhou An stood up and stretched, facing the breeze. His strong bones let out a series of crisp pops like frying beans.

Looking at the setting sun with its magnificent evening glow on the horizon, Zhou An was in a great mood.

"Alright, all those tedious matters of research, mining, and occupation can wait until tomorrow! This excellent scenery must not be wasted."

Zhou An shouted to the few people in the distance:

"Old Zhang! Stop wandering around with your wife and kid! Go get dozens of catties of top-grade Rock-Wool Spirit Sheep meat, and catch two of the fattest Explosive Flame Chickens! Bring all our grills down here!"

Zhang Ming in the distance responded loudly and heroically: "Alright, Boss! Tonight we're having an open-air barbecue!"

...

A little past seven in the evening.

On the purple crystal ground, the specially made smokeless grill was emitting astonishing heat.

The top-grade Rock-Wool Spirit Sheep meat was cut into uniform chunks and skewered on special metal sticks. Under the high-heat roasting, it made a pleasant "sizzle-sizzle" sound, and the golden fat dripped onto the charcoal fire below, instantly igniting a rich and overpowering aroma of meat.

"Boss! The top-grade spirit lamb chops and Explosive Flame Chicken wings are all prepared; we can start eating soon!"

Old Zhang, wearing an apron, held a large barbecue brush in his hand, skillfully brushing secret sauce onto the meat skewers.

"I want mine super spicy! Add extra sesame seeds!"

Li Muzi stood to the side, watching the sizzling, oily barbecue, and said.

Zhou An was not sitting at the long table. He leaned alone against the newly erected metal railing, his gaze crossing most of the purple crystal plain, looking toward the distant horizon.

It was sunset at this moment.

The sun was slowly sinking into the end of the cloud sea. The setting sun was like blood, dyeing the sky full of clouds a dark red, which then intertwined with the unique purple halo of the island, forming a magnificent and breathtaking picture.

Zhou An watched this scene, his eyes becoming somewhat dazed without realizing it.

It had been too long. He couldn't remember how long it had been since he stood on solid ground like this and quietly watched a sunset.

"Hiss—!"

Just as Zhou An was lost in thought, a cold sensation suddenly came to his cheek, making him shudder violently.

He turned his head and saw Luo Ning standing beside him with a grin, holding a glass of freshly squeezed spirit fruit juice just taken from the cold storage; she had just pressed it against his face. She was also holding a few lamb skewers in her hand.

"Boss, what are you looking at? You look like you've lost your soul."

Luo Ning bit the straw and looked into the distance, following Zhou An's previous line of sight.

"Other than the red clouds, there's nothing there."

"Nothing, just watching the sunset."

Zhou An smiled, took the steaming lamb skewer handed over by Luo Ning, and took a bite without hesitation.

The rich meat juices exploded in his mouth, carrying the high-energy spiritual power unique to epic-grade ingredients, instantly flowing to his limbs and bones.

"The taste is amazing; Old Zhang's skills are truly impeccable."

Zhou An praised, then looked at Luo Ning.

"Let's talk business; how is the situation on the island?"

Luo Ning was also unceremoniously devouring a skewer of Explosive Flame Chicken wings, her cheeks stuffed full. While chewing, she reported indistinctly: "The geological radar data sent back by the detection drone swarm shows that this island is far more complex than it looks on the surface. Down below... um... there are many natural underground cavities and intricate crystal caverns. Many light-fearing rare plant systems may be growing in those cavities. I'd need to detect them on-site to know what exactly they are; my machine system doesn't have that much biological data, and many creatures might be seen for the first time."

Luo Ning swallowed the chicken in her mouth and pulled out a tissue to wipe her hands.

"Once the system determines that our occupation of the island reaches 100%, Muzi can lead a team to start underground exploration first thing tomorrow morning."

Speaking of this, Luo Ning's brows furrowed slightly, and she looked up at Zhou An: "However... often it is easy to attack an island but hard to defend it. Once the occupation rate reaches 100%, the island's coordinates will be made public, and this island will become a living target for all jealous forces. Although we have cleared the area outside now, there is no guarantee that fleets from large guilds won't sneak over overnight."

Zhou An took a bite of the lamb and nodded.

"So, do you have any plans?"

"I plan to expand the defensive depth."

Luo Ning drew a wide warning line on the holographic tactical board.

"I am prepared to extend the surveillance lines of the high-altitude reconnaissance drone swarm and suicide interceptors directly to ten kilometers beyond the edge of the island! As soon as any strange fleet enters this red line, we will immediately initiate saturated firepower coverage to repel the enemy outside the island."

Luo Ning paused: "But the consumption for this kind of high-intensity, all-weather outer perimeter alert and firepower network is extremely terrifying. I did the math; if we do this, the daily loss of ammunition, energy, and drone manufacturing costs will likely eat up about 30% of our total gains from occupying this island."

Using 30% of the gains to fill the hole of defense—for any meticulous survivor, this was a price that would make one's heart bleed.

However, Zhou An didn't even frown, just nodded slightly.

"Just do as you say. Stretch the defensive line as far as you can; safety comes first."

Zhou An threw the skewer precisely into a trash can in the distance and turned to look at Luo Ning: "In the future, you don't need to report battle losses to me for such matters. I have given you full access to the fortress warehouse. Whatever shells, blueprints, or materials you lack, just take them from the warehouse or synthesize them from the system! The thing we lack the least right now is supplies."

Luo Ning looked at this "I'm not short of money" demeanor, was stunned for a moment, and then couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Alright! Since you've given the word, I'll go all out!"

Luo Ning waved her greasy little hand and turned to run toward the grill: "Old Zhang! Save two lamb kidneys for me!"