Entropy Erosion Cycle: Absolute Zero

Chapter19: The Abyss of Entropy

The moment they stepped into the Abyss of Oblivion, a suffocating miasma of decay assailed their senses. The viscous, grey fog writhed and billowed like sentient phlegm, shrouding everything in a nebulous, indistinct chaos. Visibility was severely limited; even those standing mere feet away were reduced to blurry outlines. Underfoot, the ground was slick and sodden, punctuated by unsettling gurgling sounds, as if something sinister stirred in the subterranean depths.

Lu Shang, holding Xia Ya's hand firmly, led the vanguard. His Resonance power radiated outwards like an invisible radar, constantly probing the surrounding environment for energy fluctuations and latent dangers. Xia Ya, with her telekinetic abilities, conjured a small barrier of air currents around them, attempting to dissipate the intensely toxic and corrosive gases.

The ability users who had once been part of the Ouroboros organization walked in the middle of the group. Their familiarity with the Abyss of Oblivion's environment proved invaluable, as they periodically cautioned the others about potential hazards. They informed Lu Shang that this area had once been a thriving industrial zone, but a catastrophic accident involving a massive leak of toxic substances had transformed the entire region into a barren wasteland. It was precisely this desolate environment that had attracted the Ouroboros organization to establish their most crucial secret research base here.

"Everyone watch your footing. Some areas of the ground may have been severely weakened by corrosion," warned a middle-aged man with the ability to manipulate earth and stone, cautiously using his powers to test the ground ahead.

Several individuals within the group possessing heightened sensory abilities also unleashed their powers, attempting to discern a path forward through the dense fog. A young woman with night vision strained to make out the surrounding shapes, while an elderly man with an acute sense of smell constantly sniffed the air, trying to identify safe routes amidst the noxious fumes.

However, the Abyss of Oblivion's environment was far more complex and perilous than they had anticipated. They not only had to contend with the harsh natural conditions but also remain vigilant against the Ouroboros guards who might be lurking in the shadows.

Before long, they encountered their first threat. Several grotesque creatures suddenly lunged out of the dense fog. Their bodies were a sickly grey-green, their skin covered in festering pustules, and they emitted repulsive howls. Their limbs were elongated and contorted, ending in sharp claws, their entire demeanor radiating aggression.

"Careful! Mutated creatures!" exclaimed an ability user who had once been imprisoned here. "These are creatures infected by the toxic substances. They are extremely dangerous!"

Lu Shang and Xia Ya immediately unleashed their Resonance power, attempting to repel the mutated creatures. Lu Shang swept his hands outwards, and icy-blue currents of frigid air shot towards the monsters like razor-sharp blades, instantly encasing them in frozen sculptures. Xia Ya, with her telekinetic abilities, manipulated the surrounding discarded metal, sending any approaching creatures flying backwards.

The ability users who had recently joined their ranks also displayed their powers, engaging the mutated creatures in combat. Flames, lightning, gales, telekinesis… a chaotic and dangerous spectacle of intertwined abilities erupted within the dense fog.

Although the mutated creatures were numerous, their strength was not overwhelming. Under the combined assault of Lu Shang, Xia Ya, and the multitude of ability users, they were quickly vanquished.

However, this encounter served as a stark reminder that the dangers of the Abyss of Oblivion extended far beyond this initial skirmish. They had to proceed with even greater caution to reach the location of the Entropy Core.

As they ventured deeper into the Abyss of Oblivion, the surrounding environment grew increasingly oppressive and terrifying. The concentration of toxic gases in the air intensified, and even with Xia Ya's protective barrier, they could feel waves of dizziness and nausea washing over them. The ground's corrosion worsened, and they frequently encountered bottomless pits emitting a chilling aura.

They also faced more formidable mutated creatures, their size immense and their possession of unique "Entropy Mark" abilities posing significant challenges.

On one occasion, they encountered a colossal worm, its form resembling a small mountain. Its body was covered in a thick chitinous exoskeleton, rendering it impervious to conventional energy attacks. From its maw, it spewed a highly corrosive liquid that left the ground pockmarked and scarred in its wake.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya joined forces to engage the gigantic worm in fierce combat. Lu Shang attempted to use his vacuum decay ability to directly halt the worm's internal particle vibrations, but he discovered that the worm's biological structure was highly unusual, and his ability's effect was not ideal. Xia Ya, with her telekinetic powers, manipulated massive pieces of discarded debris, relentlessly slamming them against the worm, attempting to restrict its movements.

Ultimately, it was an elderly man with the ability to control plants who discovered the gigantic worm's weakness. Utilizing his formidable power, he conjured countless resilient vines that ensnared the worm's body. He then guided the vines deep into the creature's flesh, finally strangling it to death.

After enduring multiple perilous encounters, they gradually adapted to the environment of the Abyss of Oblivion and became more adept at coordinating their abilities. They formed a more cohesive fighting unit, trusting and assisting one another, collectively overcoming the numerous obstacles that lay in their path.

Finally, approximately two days after entering the depths of the Abyss of Oblivion, they sensed an exceptionally powerful energy fluctuation. This energy signature was distinctly different from the surrounding miasma of decay. It pulsed with a pure and formidable power, like a radiant jewel in the darkness, drawing their attention.

"That's it!" exclaimed the ability user who had once worked for the Ouroboros organization, his voice filled with excitement. "That's where the Entropy Core is located!"

Lu Shang and Xia Ya followed the direction he indicated. Through the dense fog, they could vaguely discern the outline of a massive metallic structure. The building was enveloped by a potent energy shield, radiating an oppressive aura that sent shivers down their spines.

"We've finally arrived," Lu Shang murmured, taking a deep breath. His gaze hardened with determination. He knew that they were about to confront the Ouroboros organization's most guarded secret, the very crux of their battle against entropy erosion.

They approached the metallic structure with extreme caution. The surrounding fog grew denser, almost to the point of complete opacity. They could sense a multitude of surveillance devices and defense systems concealed around the building.

Just as they were preparing to move closer, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from within the fog. Moments later, a group of Ouroboros soldiers, clad in black combat suits and wielding energy weapons, materialized before them.

"Who goes there?! This is a restricted area! Halt immediately!" the leading soldier barked in an icy tone, his energy rifle already aimed at Lu Shang and his companions.

"We are here to stop you!" Lu Shang retorted without flinching, a powerful surge of Resonance power beginning to emanate from his body.

"Stop us? Hmph! With this ragtag group? You're delusional!" the leading soldier sneered, waving his hand dismissively. "Kill them!"

At his command, the Ouroboros soldiers immediately pulled their triggers, unleashing a barrage of energy beams that rained down upon Lu Shang and his group like смертоносный hail.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya instantly led the ability users behind them in a counterattack. A diverse array of "Entropy Mark" abilities erupted once more, colliding fiercely with the Ouroboros soldiers' energy assaults.

The final showdown for the Entropy Core had begun. Lu Shang and Xia Ya knew that they had to completely dismantle Ouroboros's conspiracy here to truly liberate all the trapped ability users and bring a glimmer of hope to this world ravaged by entropy erosion. And in the depths of this deathly Abyss of Oblivion, their battle against Ouroboros would determine the fate of the entire world.