Entropy Erosion Cycle: Absolute Zero

Chapter14: Ripples of Entropy

Having bid farewell to the tranquil sanctuary of the ice village, Lu Shang and Xia Ya embarked on their journey into the uncharted world. They possessed no fixed destination, guided only by an inner, nebulous compass pointing towards the locations of the imprisoned souls they had sensed. They knew their power stemmed from resonance with the cosmos, and the suffering and yearning of the ability users controlled by Ouroboros resonated faintly with them at all times.

Beyond the confines of the Silent Valley, the surrounding landscape gradually opened up. The snow-capped peaks became sparser, yielding to expanses of desolate permafrost and arid badlands. The biting wind still howled, but it lacked the piercing intensity it had possessed within the valley's depths.

Hand in hand, Lu Shang and Xia Ya walked slowly across the wasteland. Their steps were light and steady, as if they had become one with their surroundings. Since mastering the true power of Resonance, their physical attributes had also been greatly enhanced, and they felt no fatigue even in such harsh conditions.

They experimented with applying their Resonance power to their daily movements. Lu Shang discovered that he could manipulate the flow of the surrounding air with his mental energy, creating an invisible propulsive force that propelled them forward, allowing them to glide as if on the wind, their speed far surpassing that of ordinary runners. Xia Ya, on the other hand, could more finely control the surrounding energy fields, creating a warm and comfortable microclimate around them, shielding them from the external cold.

They also attempted to communicate with the surrounding natural environment using their Resonance power. Lu Shang could sense the faint stirrings of life deep within the permafrost—the resilient mosses and lichens that also resonated with the universe at a unique frequency. Xia Ya could establish a telepathic link with the birds in flight, gaining insight into the world as they perceived it.

Through these means, they could more easily locate sources of water and food in the wasteland and could also receive early warnings of potential dangers. They had become, in essence, part of the wasteland, coexisting harmoniously with everything around them.

However, they were acutely aware that their goal was not merely to explore nature but to find the ability users controlled by Ouroboros and liberate them from the darkness. This was a perilous and challenging task, and they had to remain vigilant at all times.

Over the next few days, Lu Shang and Xia Ya gradually ventured deeper into the heart of the northern wasteland. The calls of the imprisoned souls they sensed grew stronger, as if directly guiding their path.

One day, they arrived at a vast, abandoned industrial complex. Most of the buildings had collapsed, leaving behind only rusted steel frames teetering precariously in the cold wind. The air was thick with the pungent odor of industrial waste and decay, a stark contrast to the pristine natural environment surrounding it.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya exchanged a look. They both sensed that something unusual was concealed deep within this abandoned factory district. The calls of pain and despair they had perceived seemed to emanate from this very direction.

They cautiously entered the factory district. Silence reigned, broken only by the mournful whistling of the wind as it passed through broken windows. They could sense that within this seemingly deserted area, hidden surveillance equipment and energy fluctuations were present.

Utilizing their Resonance power, they carefully evaded the concealed surveillance cameras and energy traps, gradually venturing deeper into the heart of the factory district. Finally, they stood before an enormous factory building that appeared relatively intact. The factory was surrounded by high walls and a sophisticated security system, with a powerful energy field permeating the air, preventing any unauthorized approach.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya could clearly sense that a large number of ability users were imprisoned deep within this factory. The calls of pain and despair emanated precisely from this location.

"It seems this is one of Ouroboros's secret strongholds," Lu Shang murmured, his expression becoming grave.

"How do we get in, Uncle?" Xia Ya asked, her face etched with worry.

Lu Shang pondered for a moment. He could sense that the factory was heavily defended. Forcibly breaking in could alert Ouroboros and even endanger the imprisoned ability users.

"Let's observe the situation first and see if there are any other entrances," Lu Shang suggested.

They used their Resonance power to approach the walls silently, carefully observing the surrounding defense systems. Lu Shang discovered that the walls were not only covered in surveillance cameras but also had hidden energy turrets that would unleash a fierce attack on anyone who approached.

"The defenses here are formidable. A direct assault is likely impossible," Lu Shang said, his brow furrowed in thought.

Just as they were contemplating how to enter the factory, Xia Ya suddenly tugged on Lu Shang's sleeve, pointing to a corner at the rear of the factory. "Uncle, look there!"

Lu Shang followed Xia Ya's gaze and noticed that there seemed to be a damaged opening in the wall at the rear of the factory. The defense system around the opening also appeared to be weaker.

"Perhaps we can enter from there," Lu Shang said.

They cautiously made their way to the rear of the factory, using their Resonance power to evade the surrounding surveillance equipment. They successfully passed through the damaged opening and entered the interior of the factory.

The interior of the factory was dimly lit, with only a few emergency lights casting a weak glow. The air was thick with the smell of dampness and mildew, along with a faint, metallic scent of blood. They could hear some muffled groans and low sobs coming from the distance.

A heavy feeling settled in both Lu Shang and Xia Ya's hearts. They knew that the imprisoned ability users were being subjected to inhumane treatment.

They proceeded cautiously along the dimly lit corridor, the surroundings growing increasingly eerie and foreboding. They saw some abandoned laboratories and prison cells, all empty except for scattered equipment and dried bloodstains.

Finally, they arrived before an enormous metal door. The door looked incredibly sturdy, covered in intricate locks and energy runes. From behind the door, they could sense faint energy fluctuations, as well as clearer sounds of groaning and sobbing.

"The ability users should be inside," Lu Shang whispered.

He attempted to open the metal door with his mental power, but the energy runes on the door seemed to resist his telekinetic abilities.

"Let me try," Xia Ya said, her eyes flashing with an otherworldly light. Her powerful mental energy, like an invisible giant hand, slammed against the locks and runes on the metal door.

Before Xia Ya's formidable mental power, the sturdy locks and intricate runes shattered and crumbled like fragile toys. The metal door groaned as it slowly slid open to the sides.

Beyond the door lay a vast underground space. The space was brightly lit, yet it felt strangely cold and oppressive. Countless transparent energy cages were arranged neatly around the perimeter of the space, each cage containing one or more ability users.

Most of these ability users were dressed in tattered rags, their faces gaunt, and their bodies covered in various wounds. Their eyes reflected despair and suffering. They were bound by special energy chains, and their "Entropy Mark" abilities seemed to be suppressed by some force.

When Lu Shang and Xia Ya appeared before them, these previously numb ability users looked up, their eyes filled with longing and hope.

"You… who are you?" a voice rasped, tinged with disbelief and excitement.

Lu Shang looked at these imprisoned brethren, his heart filled with anger and compassion. He took a deep breath and said in a firm voice, "We are here to save you!"

The moment his words fell, a wave of muffled cheers and sobs erupted throughout the underground space. The imprisoned ability users seemed to have seen a glimmer of dawn in the darkness, reigniting their yearning for freedom.

However, just then, a cold voice suddenly echoed throughout the underground space, "Oh? To think someone would dare to trespass into our Ouroboros's secret stronghold. How audacious!"

As the voice faded, a man in a black uniform, a chilling smile playing on his lips, slowly emerged from the shadows. Behind him followed a group of well-equipped soldiers, their eyes filled with murderous intent.

"It seems we've caught two big fish," the man said, looking at Lu Shang and Xia Ya, a cruel smile spreading across his face.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya's expressions immediately turned serious. They could sense a powerful energy emanating from this man, his strength far surpassing that of any Ouroboros member they had encountered before.

"Who are you? And why are you imprisoning these ability users?" Lu Shang asked coldly.

The man chuckled derisively. "We are Ouroboros, and everything we do is to maintain the stability of the world. These ability users possess immense power. If they are not controlled, they will only bring chaos and disaster to the world. We are merely doing what we must."

"That's a load of bull!" Xia Ya exclaimed angrily. "You're just exploiting their power, using them as tools and batteries!"

The man's face darkened. "Little girl, you know too much. In that case, don't blame me for being impolite. Seize them both!"

At the man's command, the soldiers behind him immediately charged towards Lu Shang and Xia Ya.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya exchanged a look. They knew a fierce battle was about to begin. They had to exert all their strength to protect themselves and to liberate these imprisoned brethren. The ripples of entropy were stirring new waves in this cold, subterranean space.