Entropy Erosion Cycle: Absolute Zero

Chapter 6: The Echoes of Entropy

Upon entering the settlement, the lives of Lu Shang and Xiao Ya were irrevocably transformed. Nestled deep in the wilderness, this secluded sanctuary seemed like an entirely separate world, cut off from the outside. The people here lived in simple harmony, cloaked in identical white robes, their faces always bearing expressions of serene tranquility. They were extraordinarily kind to Lu Shang and Xiao Ya, their gazes occasionally betraying curiosity, but mostly infused with respectful concern.

The Prophet assigned Lu Shang and Xiao Ya to a modest, tidy hut beside the settlement's center. Though small, it was well-stocked with every necessity, providing a rare sense of stability for the two, who had spent so long in tumult and upheaval.

In the days that followed, Lu Shang and Xiao Ya gradually acclimated to the rhythms of life in the settlement. Each morning, they joined the others in meditative practices and breathwork on an open patch of ground. The Prophet explained that these exercises helped attune their awareness to the energies within, gradually enabling them to control their "Entropic Mark" abilities.

Lu Shang noticed that the meditation here was unlike any tutorials he had encountered online. It was not merely a practice of relaxation, but seemed to involve connecting with the universe through a special frequency. He could sense, as he sank into meditation, that the air around him became more vibrant, faint energy waves gently flowing into his body, granting him an unprecedented sense of peace and strength.

Xiao Ya demonstrated an extraordinary talent for the meditative exercises. She quickly fell into deep meditative states, even able to sense the emotions and thoughts of those around her. The Prophet was delighted by this, explaining to Lu Shang that Xiao Ya possessed a rare and innate ability to communicate with the cosmic consciousness.

By day, Lu Shang and Xiao Ya received guidance from the Prophet and other members of the settlement, learning to master their abilities. Lu Shang's "vacuum decay" power was especially perilous, for if uncontrolled, it could lead to catastrophic disaster. The Prophet taught him that the key to controlling this ability lay in "resonance"—he needed to find a harmonious frequency with his surroundings to precisely control the vibrations of particles, rather than halting them entirely.

The training was grueling, and Lu Shang often found himself unable to precisely control his power, causing objects around him to freeze in an instant. On one occasion, he inadvertently froze an entire corner of the training field, creating a translucent ice sculpture that awed the settlers, while also highlighting the immense danger and potential of his ability.

In contrast, Xiao Ya mastered her telekinetic powers more swiftly. She seemed instinctively to know how to use her ability, effortlessly moving and manipulating objects around her. The Prophet also taught her more advanced techniques, such as creating protective shields with her mind and condensing her telekinetic force into offensive strikes.

In addition to training their abilities, Lu Shang and Xiao Ya studied the "String Resonance" phenomenon, the nature of their "Entropic Marks," and the history and purpose of the Ouroboros Organization. The Prophet explained that the Ouroboros was not always the powerful and oppressive force it was today. In the early 22nd century, when the "String Resonance" was first discovered, humanity's reaction was one of curiosity and fear. Some nations and organizations began secret research into this newfound power, aiming to harness it for military and technological purposes.

The precursor to the Ouroboros Organization had been a secret society of scientists and philosophers who shared a unique belief in the "String Resonance." They believed the "Entropic Mark" was a cosmic gift to humanity—a potential evolutionary leap that should be carefully guided and utilized, not abused or controlled.

However, over time, individuals with great power began to misuse their abilities, causing societal chaos and panic. To restore order, some nations united to regulate those with abilities. Seizing the opportunity, the Ouroboros Organization rose to prominence, using advanced technology and force to gradually control the world's powered individuals, establishing a vast network of surveillance and control.

The Prophet explained to Lu Shang that the Ouroboros forced the implantation of "Anti-Entropy Counters" into the ability-bearers, ultimately turning those whose counters reached zero into living batteries. They had discovered that the essence of the "Entropic Mark" was an energy exchange with dark matter from parallel universes. Each use of the power accelerated the entropy of this universe, and to maintain cosmic balance, they needed to draw energy from other universes. The powered individuals served as conduits for this energy.

This grim truth filled Lu Shang with despair. He had once believed his power to be a gift, but now it seemed a curse, not only leading to his own destruction but hastening the annihilation of the entire universe.

"Is there truly no way to stop this?" Lu Shang asked, pain in his voice.

The Prophet shook her head, her expression solemn. "We have been searching for the answer, and the 'Zero Mark' may well be our only hope."

She told Lu Shang that the "Zero Mark" was a special form of "Entropic Mark" that transcended ordinary abilities. It could directly influence the fundamental laws of the universe, even rewrite the laws of physics. According to legend, only when an ability-bearer completely forgets their power and attains a state of "selflessness" could the "Zero Mark" awaken.

"Forget my own abilities?" Lu Shang was incredulous. "How could that even be possible?"

"We do not know the exact method of awakening," the Prophet admitted, "but it is the only hope foretold to combat the Ouroboros and alter the fate of the universe."

During their time in the settlement, Lu Shang and Xiao Ya also came to understand the Prophet and her organization. This group, known as the "Resonants," believed in the harmony and balance of the cosmos, striving to guide ability-bearers to use their powers properly and to oppose the atrocities of the Ouroboros Organization. They had established this secret settlement deep within the wilderness to escape the surveillance of the Ouroboros and secretly study the phenomena of "String Resonance" and "Entropic Marks."

Apart from the Prophet, Lu Shang and Xiao Ya had also become acquainted with others in the settlement. The man in black they had met by the wall was named Carl, the security chief of the settlement, responsible for its defense. He was quiet and reserved but unwaveringly loyal to the Prophet and protective of Lu Shang and Xiao Ya.

There was also Amy, a young woman who served as the settlement's medic, as well as a "Healer" ability-bearer. Her power was gentle, accelerating wound healing and alleviating pain. Xiao Ya enjoyed spending time with her, and Amy was always patient, teaching Xiao Ya small techniques for controlling her abilities.

As time passed, Lu Shang and Xiao Ya slowly became integrated into this warm, hopeful community. They no longer felt lonely or afraid because they knew they had found like-minded companions here, united by a common purpose and belief.

However, their peaceful existence was short-lived. One day, Carl urgently approached the Prophet and Lu Shang.

"Prophet, we've detected unusual energy fluctuations in the nearby region. It's likely the Ouroboros," Carl's voice was grave.

The Prophet's expression immediately hardened. "So they’ve found us already?"

"We’ve done our best to cover our tracks, but their technology is highly advanced. They may have locked onto our location," Carl said.

"We must prepare for battle," the Prophet rose, her eyes flashing with resolve. "Lu Shang, Xiao Ya, your abilities are key to our resistance. It is time to test your training."

Lu Shang and Xiao Ya exchanged a glance, both their hearts filled with tension and anticipation. They knew the true test was about to begin.

In the days that followed, the atmosphere in the settlement grew tense. Carl led the others in reinforcing the defenses, and Amy prepared medical supplies. Lu Shang and Xiao Ya continued their final rounds of intensive training under the Prophet's watchful eye.

The Prophet explained to Lu Shang that his "vacuum decay" ability held immense potential for defense. If he could control his energy precisely, he could form an absolute zero barrier around him. Any object entering this space would be instantly frozen.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ya's telekinetic powers were even more versatile. She could create weapons and tools with her mind, or directly attack the brains of enemies, rendering them unconscious.

At last, on the third day of their preparations, the Ouroboros arrived.

A fleet of black aircraft appeared, like shadows gliding silently above the settlement. Equipped with advanced weaponry and detection devices, they radiated an oppressive sense of danger.

"They’re here!" Carl’s voice echoed through the settlement, and everyone gripped their weapons, ready for battle.

The Prophet approached Lu Shang and Xiao Ya, her gaze calm yet resolute. "Remember everything we’ve taught you, trust in your strength. Fight for our shared purpose."

Lu Shang took a deep breath, glancing at Xiao Ya. Her face held traces of anxiety, but her eyes were filled with courage. He knew there was no turning back now.

Slowly, he raised his hands, feeling the surge of energy within him. The air around him seemed to freeze. His gaze fixed on the dark aircraft in the sky, bracing for the inevitable battle. He knew this was not just to protect Xiao Ya and himself, but to defend the settlement that had given them hope, and to resist the malevolent force that sought to dominate the world. The whispers of entropy echoed in the wilderness, and they would answer the endless darkness with their power.