Entropy Erosion Cycle: Absolute Zero

Chapter Twenty: The Bastion of Entropy

Energy beams crisscrossed through the dense fog like a torrential downpour, the cacophony of explosions and the resonating clangor of abilities shattering the silence that had previously enveloped the periphery of the Abyss of Oblivion. Lu Shang and Xia Ya, taking the vanguard, led the ability users behind them in a fierce confrontation against the Ouroboros sentinels.

The ability users, newly liberated, displayed a courage and resolve they had never shown before. The pent-up fury and yearning for freedom that had long been suppressed within them transformed into formidable power. A kaleidoscope of "Entropy Mark" abilities bloomed like flamboyant fireworks, colliding with the Ouroboros soldiers' cold, technological weaponry.

Flames danced within the dense fog, illuminating the twisted forms of the surrounding wreckage; lightning tore through the grey, oppressive sky, striking against the energy shields of the Ouroboros soldiers; gales whipped up the corrosive soil from the ground, obscuring the enemy's vision; telekinetic force, like invisible colossal hands, hurled the encroaching soldiers far away.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya's Resonance power functioned as an unseen nexus, linking the abilities of all the users, forging a more potent and coordinated whole. Lu Shang could perceive the position and status of each ability user with crystal clarity. He guided their attacks with telepathic precision, enabling them to coordinate more effectively, unleashing their maximum combat potential. Xia Ya, with her telekinetic mastery, erected a robust energy barrier around them, withstanding the concentrated barrage of the Ouroboros soldiers' firepower.

However, Ouroboros, a colossal organization that had held dominion over the world for many years, possessed a formidable defense force. These sentinels were not only well-equipped but also highly trained. They formed tight battle formations, utilizing their energy weapons and various tactical maneuvers to effectively repel the ability users' offensive.

Lu Shang observed that within the ranks of these sentinels were individuals clad in specialized uniforms, radiating energy signatures far more potent than those of the ordinary soldiers. These individuals were likely the Ouroboros "Entropy Eroders," possessing unique abilities to manipulate negative energy, posing a grave threat to the ability users.

As anticipated, several "Entropy Eroders" broke away from the formation, their hands weaving intricate gestures, unleashing tendrils of black energy that snaked towards the ability users. This black energy was not only devastatingly destructive but also intensely corrosive. Even ability users equipped with energy shields would suffer grievous harm upon impact.

"Beware the black energy!" Lu Shang warned everyone telepathically, while simultaneously unleashing icy-blue currents of frigid air, attempting to neutralize the corrosive nature of the black energy. Xia Ya, with her telekinetic control, manipulated the surrounding debris, forming makeshift barricades to shield the ability users.

The battle raged with relentless ferocity, exacting a heavy toll on both sides. Some ability users, lacking experience or facing an enemy with a counter-ability, tragically fell, struck down by the energy weapons of the Ouroboros soldiers. Conversely, the Ouroboros soldiers, facing the diverse and potent attacks of the ability users, steadily retreated.

Amidst the intense conflict, Lu Shang and Xia Ya gradually approached the colossal metal structure. They could sense that the energy shield surrounding the building was incredibly potent, impervious to any conventional assault.

"We must find a way to breach that shield," Lu Shang said, his brow furrowed in concentration. He attempted to penetrate the shield with his telekinetic force, but it was as if he had collided with an impenetrable wall.

"Let me try," Xia Ya said, taking a deep breath. Her eyes shimmered with an intense light as her powerful telekinetic force, like an invisible drill, relentlessly assaulted the energy shield's weak points.

Under Xia Ya's sustained assault, minute fissures began to appear on the energy shield's surface, only to be rapidly repaired by the shield's powerful energy.

Just as they were desperately searching for a breakthrough, the doors of the building slowly creaked open, and several figures emerged. Leading the way was an elderly man clad in a white uniform, his hair snow-white, a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles perched on his nose. A chilling smile played on his lips, and his eyes held an air of both intelligence and arrogance. Behind him trailed several "Entropy Eroders" clad in black uniforms, their presence exuding an aura of formidable power.

"Welcome to the Entropy Core, esteemed guests who have traveled so far," the elderly man said, his voice possessing a magnetic quality. His gaze swept over Lu Shang and Xia Ya, as if appraising two precious artifacts.

"Who are you?" Lu Shang asked warily. He could sense that this elderly man possessed unfathomable power.

"I am the person in charge here, codenamed 'The Engineer,'" the elderly man replied with a slight smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, two young individuals with extraordinary abilities. The potential you both exhibit is truly remarkable."

"What kind of clandestine project are you conducting here?" Lu Shang demanded, his voice cold.

"The Engineer" did not directly answer Lu Shang's question. Instead, he looked at them with a hint of amusement. "You are likely already aware that we are researching the power of the 'Zero Entropy Mark.' It is a force capable of reshaping the world, a force that can guide humanity towards a higher plane of existence."

"You are merely exploiting ability users, attempting to control the entire world!" Xia Ya exclaimed angrily.

"Control? No, we are merely guiding," "The Engineer" shook his head. "This world is rife with chaos and disorder. Only we, Ouroboros, can bring true order and stability. And the power of the 'Zero Entropy Mark' is the key to achieving this goal."

"Your order will only bring oppression and suffering!" Lu Shang retorted.

"Perhaps, but it is a necessary sacrifice," "The Engineer's" smile turned cold. "For a greater purpose, some sacrifices are inevitable. And your arrival here will only hinder our plans. Therefore, I regret to inform you that I cannot allow you to proceed any further."

With that, "The Engineer" lightly snapped his fingers. The "Entropy Eroders" behind him immediately stepped forward, their bodies radiating even more potent black energy.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya knew that an even more challenging battle was about to begin. The "Engineer" before them was clearly far more dangerous than any Ouroboros member they had encountered before.

"Everyone, be careful! Protect yourselves!" Lu Shang shouted to the ability users behind him, as his own body surged with Resonance power. Xia Ya gripped Lu Shang's hand tightly, her powerful telekinetic force coalescing around them, poised to counter the enemy's attack.

"The Engineer," observing the ready stance of Lu Shang and Xia Ya, smiled with a hint of derision. "Truly, you are like ants trying to topple a tree, overestimating your capabilities. Since you insist on obstructing us, then allow me to show you the true power of 'Entropy Erosion!'"

As "The Engineer's" words faded, the "Entropy Eroders" behind him simultaneously unleashed deafening roars. The black energy within them erupted like a volcanic eruption, instantly solidifying into several colossal black energy entities, resembling demonic figures from the depths of hell, surging towards Lu Shang and his companions.

The power of these black energy entities far surpassed that of the previous "Annihilators." They not only possessed immense destructive force but could also devour surrounding energy, even warping space itself. The ability users' attacks appeared fragile and futile before them, consumed and nullified.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya immediately felt immense pressure. They joined forces, unleashing even more potent Resonance power, attempting to withstand these terrifying black energy entities. Lu Shang waved his hands, and icy-blue energy currents, imbued with extreme cold, howled forth like gigantic dragons, colliding with the black energy entities, unleashing earth-shattering booms. Xia Ya, with her telekinetic abilities, manipulated the surrounding debris, forming sturdy barriers, attempting to block the impact of the black energy entities.

However, these black energy entities were simply too powerful, and their numbers were overwhelming. Despite Lu Shang and Xia Ya's best efforts, they began to struggle. Some ability users, struck by the black energy, cried out in agony, their bodies rapidly corroding, dissolving into pools of black liquid.

"Uncle, what do we do?" Xia Ya asked anxiously, her face etched with worry.

Lu Shang gritted his teeth. He could sense that they were facing a crisis of unprecedented magnitude. He had to devise a solution to break through the current impasse.

At that moment, he suddenly recalled what the Guardian had told him in the Silent Valley about the true meaning of the "Zero Entropy Mark." True Resonance was not merely a connection with the energy of the universe but a connection with all things, with all life.

He abruptly closed his eyes, reaching out with his consciousness to the imprisoned ability users deep within the structure. He attempted to link his Resonance power with their minds, awakening the power within them.

"Everyone, we are not fighting alone! Around you are countless others, yearning for freedom just as you do! We must unite, and together, we will confront these oppressors!" Lu Shang's voice resonated like a resounding bell within the minds of the imprisoned ability users.

His words acted as a beacon of hope in the darkness, instantly igniting their despairing spirits. They could feel Lu Shang's warm and unwavering power, and they knew they were not alone in this fight.

In the next moment, streams of weak yet resolute telekinetic energy surged forth from the depths of the structure, intertwining with Lu Shang's Resonance power, forming an increasingly potent force. The ability users who had been suppressed began to struggle against their restraints, unleashing their long-dormant powers.

Violent energy fluctuations erupted from within the structure, various "Entropy Mark" abilities awakening like slumbering lions, releasing deafening roars.

"What's happening?!" "The Engineer's" expression finally shifted. He could sense that the energy field within the structure was undergoing a dramatic transformation. The ability users they had so carefully controlled seemed to be breaking free from their confinement.

Lu Shang's eyes snapped open, blazing with newfound intensity. He could sense countless powerful forces converging upon him. He took a deep breath, channeling these forces into his hands. A golden light, unlike anything he had ever seen before, erupted from his palms, a radiant sword piercing through the darkness, aimed directly at "The Engineer."

"Now, it's our turn to fight back!" Lu Shang's voice rang with power and conviction. The bastion of entropy was about to crumble before the combined power of him and all the oppressed ability users.