Entropy Erosion Cycle: Absolute Zero

Chapter13: Entropy Reborn

The Silent Valley was enshrouded in a post-apocalyptic serenity. The preceding fierce battle now seemed like a distant nightmare, leaving behind only scattered debris and the faint, acrid scent of burnt energy in the air, stark reminders of the life-and-death struggle that had just transpired. Sunlight once again bathed the valley, illuminating the crystalline snow and ice, casting a soft, ethereal glow that seemed to soothe the ravaged land.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya descended slowly from the air, their hands still intertwined, a warm and potent energy flowing between them. They could distinctly perceive each other's heartbeat and breath, even the fleeting thoughts that flickered through their minds. This profound sense of interconnectedness was both wondrous and deep, making them feel like an indivisible whole.

The surrounding Resonators gathered around them, their faces radiant with elation and gratitude. They gazed at Lu Shang and Xia Ya with awe, as if beholding deities. They had witnessed firsthand the miraculous power displayed by these two young individuals, a power that transcended the limits of their understanding.

The guardian approached Lu Shang and Xia Ya, a benevolent smile gracing his lips. "Children, you have done exceptionally well. The power you have demonstrated far surpasses my expectations."

Lu Shang shook his head with humility. "This is all thanks to everyone's concerted efforts and the guidance of Elder Prophet."

Xia Ya nodded in agreement, leaning against Lu Shang, her eyes filled with longing for the Elder Prophet.

Karl and the other Resonators began the arduous task of clearing the battlefield. They cautiously approached the massive flagship "Entropy Eater." This behemoth, which had once filled them with despair, now hung in the air like a soulless husk, its hull bearing the scars of battle.

Upon boarding the "Entropy Eater," the Resonators discovered the interior in utter disarray. The gravity system was completely inert, and all the equipment was in a state of paralysis. The once menacing Ouroboros soldiers floated limply in the air, as if drained of all vitality, their faces etched with bewilderment and fear. They appeared to have sustained no direct physical harm, yet their consciousnesses seemed to have been subdued by an overwhelming force, rendering them incapable of resistance.

"What… what happened to them?" Karl asked in astonishment, observing the soldiers who resembled living automatons.

The guardian stepped forward, carefully examining the state of the soldiers, before speaking slowly, "They have been affected by the children's power. That power is not merely an energetic impact; it is a mental subjugation on a profound level, one that has temporarily stripped them of their sense of self."

Lu Shang and Xia Ya also entered the "Entropy Eater." Observing the incapacitated soldiers, they felt no elation, only a sense of gravity. They understood that these individuals were merely cogs in the Ouroboros machine, pawns controlled and exploited by a larger entity.

"What should we do with them?" Lu Shang inquired.

The guardian pondered for a moment before replying, "Let's bring them back to the village for now. Perhaps we can find a way to help them recover."

The Resonators transported the unconscious Ouroboros soldiers back to the ice village, housing them temporarily in a spacious ice dwelling. Amy and the other Resonators with healing abilities began to explore methods to help these soldiers regain consciousness.

Meanwhile, Lu Shang and Xia Ya returned to the ice house containing the ancient texts. They were eager to delve deeper into their newfound power and the secrets of the "Zero Entropy Mark."

The guardian reopened the ice-blue tome, pointing to a chapter detailing the methods of Resonance meditation. He addressed Lu Shang and Xia Ya, "Children, you have grasped the rudimentary principles of true Resonance. Now, you must delve further into this power, learning how to wield it to counteract the erosion of entropy."

Lu Shang and Xia Ya meticulously studied each rune and symbol on the pages, sensing the boundless wisdom and power contained within these ancient inscriptions. They attempted to engage in a more profound state of meditation, following the instructions in the book, their consciousnesses once again sinking into the vast expanse of the cosmos.

This time, they could perceive the pulse and breath of the universe with even greater clarity. They felt connected to countless stars and galaxies, experiencing the immensity and mystery of the cosmos. They could also sense each other's presence more distinctly, their consciousnesses like two surging rivers converging and merging in the depths of the universe, forming an even more potent force.

During their meditation, both Lu Shang and Xia Ya sensed the entropy reversal counters within them rising at a steady pace. The countdown that had once filled them with dread and unease seemed to be reversing under the influence of a powerful force.

"Uncle, my counter is almost back to its initial value!" Xia Ya exclaimed excitedly.

Lu Shang also felt the change in his own counter, his heart swelling with elation and hope. It seemed that true Resonance not only could counteract the erosion of entropy but could even break the curse of the "Entropy Reversal Counter."

"We did it, Xia Ya!" Lu Shang said, his voice filled with excitement. "We found a way to counteract entropy erosion!"

The guardian watched them, a smile of contentment gracing his lips. "Yes, children, you have succeeded. But this is merely the beginning. The power you wield is still nascent. To truly confront Ouroboros and even alter the fate of the entire world, you will need to exert even greater effort."

He pointed to a peculiar spiral-shaped symbol on the page. "This symbol represents the primal force of the universe, the very emblem of the 'Zero Entropy Mark.' You must strive to understand its meaning with your hearts. Only by truly comprehending the origin of the cosmos can you master the true power of the 'Zero Entropy Mark.'"

Lu Shang and Xia Ya nodded in understanding. They knew their path of cultivation was still long, but they had found their direction.

In the days that followed, Lu Shang and Xia Ya dedicated themselves to intensive training within the Silent Valley. They continuously engaged in Resonance meditation, striving to enhance their power and comprehend the mysteries of the universe. They also frequently interacted with the guardian and other Resonators, learning more about "String Resonance" and the "Entropy Marks."

Amy and the other Resonators worked diligently to help the unconscious Ouroboros soldiers regain their senses. They employed various methods to stimulate the soldiers' consciousnesses, attempting to awaken their dormant spirits. After a period of sustained effort, some of the soldiers gradually regained consciousness, though their memories were fragmented, and they seemed to have no recollection of the events that had transpired.

Lu Shang and the Resonators did not mistreat the conscious soldiers. They truthfully informed them of their situation and allowed them to choose their own paths forward. Some soldiers opted to remain in the Silent Valley, learning the methods of Resonance in the hope of finding inner peace, while others chose to leave, yearning to return to their homelands and begin new lives.

The "Entropy Eater" flagship was carefully repaired by the Resonators. Although the ship's energy core had sustained severe damage, through the combined efforts of the Resonators, it eventually regained partial functionality. This flagship, once a symbol of Ouroboros's formidable power, now became a valuable resource for the Resonators to study Ouroboros technology.

As time passed, Lu Shang and Xia Ya's power grew exponentially, and their understanding of "Resonance" deepened profoundly. They could sense their connection to the surrounding universe becoming increasingly intimate, as if they had become integral parts of the cosmos, capable of freely manipulating the ambient energy and even influencing the very fabric of matter.

One day, Lu Shang suddenly felt as if he could perceive events occurring in distant locations. He could "see" the individuals controlled by Ouroboros,** birds trapped in darkness, yearning for freedom and light. He could even sense their pain and despair, which caused him a pang of heartache.

"Xia Ya, we can't stay here forever," Lu Shang said to the little girl beside him. "There are many others like us, controlled by Ouroboros. They need our help."

Xia Ya nodded, her eyes also filled with determination. "Uncle, let's go save them together!"

The guardian watched them, a smile of approval gracing his lips. "Children, I knew you would make this decision. You now possess sufficient power and wisdom to face greater challenges. The Silent Valley will always be your home. If you ever need assistance, you are always welcome to return."

Lu Shang and Xia Ya bid farewell to the guardian and the other Resonators. Carrying the hope for the future and the weight of responsibility, they embarked on their journey once more. They knew their goal was not merely to defeat Ouroboros, but to completely break the "Entropy Cycle" and bring light to all those trapped in darkness.

They left the Silent Valley, returning to the snow-covered wilderness. They knew not what difficulties and challenges lay ahead, but their hearts were filled with unwavering confidence. They believed that as long as they held steadfast to their convictions, as long as they could truly resonate with each other and with the universe, they would surely overcome all obstacles and ultimately achieve their goal. The rebirth of entropy, under their power, had begun to bloom with the light of hope.