Entropy Erosion Cycle: Absolute Zero

Chapter17: Entropy's Retaliation

The Ouroboros organization functioned like a vast, frigid mechanical behemoth, its operational precision and efficiency chilling to the bone. When Lu Shang and Xia Ya, like two pebbles cast into a placid lake, sent ripples across its surface, the behemoth's nervous system reacted swiftly. Initially, they had dismissed Lu Shang and Xia Ya as mere aberrations to be purged, but as more and more secret strongholds were raided and increasing numbers of ability users were liberated, they finally recognized that a force they could not ignore was rising.

Within Ouroboros's supreme command center, located in a heavily fortified underground bunker, an atmosphere of suppressed fury now prevailed. On colossal holographic screens, the remnants of the attacked strongholds flickered alongside the faces of the freed ability users.

"Useless! A gaggle of incompetents!" a voice, like the grating of cold metal, echoed through the chamber. The speaker was a middle-aged man in a black uniform, his features sharp and unforgiving. The circular insignia of Ouroboros's highest authority was emblazoned on his epaulets, and his gaze was piercing and lethal. He was one of the supreme commanders of the Ouroboros organization, codenamed "The Overseer."

"Overseer, we have exerted our utmost, but the power of those two individuals is highly unusual, especially the one with the vacuum decay ability. His power seems capable of disrupting our energy suppression systems," a subordinate reported, his voice tinged with trepidation.

"Disrupt? Hmph! Anyone who dares to impede our plans must be eradicated without exception!" The Overseer stated icily. "Immediately initiate the highest-level pursuit order. Mobilize all available resources and ensure the capture of these two, along with all ability users involved in the rebellion! Their actions must not be allowed to spread any further!"

At The Overseer's command, the vast machinery of the Ouroboros organization sprang into full operation. Its global surveillance network was activated, and countless eyes began to scour for any trace of Lu Shang and Xia Ya. More elite units were dispatched, equipped with advanced weaponry and enhanced ability suppression devices, vowing to extinguish the flames of rebellion entirely.

Unaware that they had become the primary targets of the Ouroboros organization, Lu Shang and Xia Ya were leading the newly liberated ability users to a more secluded and secure location with utmost caution. They understood that they now had a group of like-minded allies, but they also faced a more formidable challenge.

"We have now liberated nearly three hundred ability users, but our numbers are still vastly inferior to those of Ouroboros," Karl said, looking at the assembled ability users, a worried expression etched on his face.

"We cannot focus solely on numbers, but rather on quality," Lu Shang said in a deep voice. "The power of Resonance we possess is something they cannot comprehend or counter. As long as we can wield this power effectively, we will surely prevail against them."

Xia Ya nodded in agreement, using her mental power to communicate with the newly liberated ability users, soothing their anxieties and encouraging them to face the challenges ahead with courage.

During their relocation, Lu Shang and Xia Ya also began to train their new companions, teaching them basic Resonance techniques to help them better control their "Entropy Mark" abilities and instructing them on how to coordinate their powers to form a more potent fighting force.

The ability users held Lu Shang and Xia Ya's demonstrated power in awe and trusted them implicitly. They cherished their newfound freedom and diligently practiced the Resonance techniques, eager to contribute their strength to the fight against Ouroboros.

However, their activities soon drew the attention of Ouroboros. During one of their movements, they were suddenly ambushed by a well-equipped Ouroboros unit.

"Careful! It's Ouroboros!" Karl immediately sounded the alarm.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya swiftly organized the ability users to retaliate. Although those who had just learned Resonance techniques were still somewhat unpracticed, they displayed remarkable potential under Lu Shang and Xia Ya's guidance. A diverse array of "Entropy Mark" abilities intertwined, forming a formidable defensive line that effectively blocked the Ouroboros unit's initial assault.

However, the Ouroboros unit deployed this time was clearly more powerful. They were not only equipped with advanced energy weapons but also included several "Entropy Eaters" with unique abilities. These "Entropy Eaters" could manipulate negative energy, and their attacks were not only highly destructive but also possessed a potent corrosive effect, capable of directly eroding the ability users' energy shields.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya quickly found themselves locked in a fierce struggle. While they possessed the formidable power of Resonance, protecting so many ability users simultaneously proved to be a daunting task.

Just then, a figure cloaked in black, with a grotesque mask concealing their face, appeared on the battlefield. Their arrival instantly drew everyone's attention. The black energy emanating from them was as dense as the night, sending shivers down their spines.

"So, you are the ones disrupting our plans? Truly disappointing," the masked figure uttered with a raspy sneer, their voice seemingly rising from the depths of hell, filled with sinister dread.

Lu Shang could sense that the power radiating from this individual far surpassed that of any Ouroboros member he had encountered before. Their presence cast a heavy pall over them.

"Who are you?" Lu Shang asked warily.

"I am the one tasked by The Overseer to eliminate you troublesome vermin," the masked figure slowly raised both hands, and the surrounding black energy, as if summoned, began to converge upon them with terrifying speed. "Remember my codename. I am 'The Annihilator.'"

As The Annihilator's words faded, the black energy around them instantly coalesced into countless смертоносный black beams, raining down upon Lu Shang, Xia Ya, and the ability users like a torrential storm.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya immediately joined forces to erect a sturdy Resonance energy barrier, attempting to withstand The Annihilator's assault. However, the power of the black beams far exceeded their expectations. The energy barrier shuddered violently upon contact, emitting a strained groan as it struggled to hold.

"Uncle, their power is immense!" Xia Ya said, her face pale. She could feel their energy barrier being rapidly eroded.

Lu Shang also felt immense pressure. He knew that if their barrier was breached, both they and the newly freed ability users would face utter annihilation.

He took a deep breath, pushing the Resonance power within him to its absolute limit, attempting to reinforce the strength of the energy barrier. Simultaneously, he used his mental power to guide the surrounding ice and snow energy, forming a thick layer of ice crystals on the barrier's surface, hoping to weaken the black beams' impact.

However, The Annihilator's power was simply too overwhelming. Their attacks were like relentless leeches, impossible to shake off. The cracks in the energy barrier grew larger, threatening to shatter completely at any moment.

At this critical juncture, the newly liberated ability users sprang into action. Although their powers were still weak, they knew it was their turn to repay Lu Shang and Xia Ya. They unleashed what little strength they had left, attempting to help them withstand The Annihilator's assault.

Fire, lightning, gales, telekinesis… a diverse array of abilities converged, forming a weak but resolute force, collectively opposing The Annihilator's terrifying onslaught.

"A bunch of pathetic fools!" The Annihilator sneered, abruptly increasing their energy output. The surrounding black energy surged like a tidal wave, instantly engulfing the ability users' feeble resistance.

Several pained groans echoed through the air as some ability users were struck by the black energy. Their bodies hissed and crackled with a horrifying sound, as if being consumed from within.

"No!" Xia Ya cried out in anguish, her mental power lashing out at The Annihilator like an uncontrolled tidal wave.

However, The Annihilator merely waved a hand dismissively, and a black energy barrier effortlessly blocked Xia Ya's telekinetic assault. Their power far surpassed Xia Ya's; they were an opponent she could not hope to contend with.

Lu Shang watched in fury and self-reproach as the ability users were injured while trying to protect them. He knew he could no longer hesitate. He had to unleash his true power to protect them all.

He abruptly closed his eyes, delving into a deeper level of Resonance with the cosmos within his heart. He could sense everything around him—the pain of the injured ability users, Xia Ya's anxiety and worry, and the dark force of destruction emanating from The Annihilator.

His consciousness continued to expand, eventually connecting with the entire planet. He could feel the Earth's pulse and breath, sensing the immense energy hidden deep within its core. He attempted to meld his Resonance power with the power of this planet, awakening the dormant ancient force.

At the very moment his consciousness connected with that of the Earth, he suddenly felt an unprecedentedly powerful energy surge from within him. The energy erupted like a volcanic eruption, instantly filling his entire being, making him feel as if he possessed infinite power.

He abruptly opened his eyes, his gaze now as brilliant as the stars. A powerful and divine aura radiated from his body, instantly dispelling the surrounding darkness and oppression.

"Annihilator, your power before me is but insignificant dust!" Lu Shang's voice thundered through the heavens and earth, his body enveloped in a dazzling golden light, as if a deity had descended.

"This… what is this power?!" The Annihilator stared at Lu Shang in terror, sensing that the young man before them had transformed. The power emanating from him sent shivers down their spine.

Lu Shang did not reply. He slowly raised his right hand, and a beam of golden energy shot forth from his palm, стремительно striking The Annihilator.

The Annihilator hastily** all their black energy, attempting to withstand Lu Shang's attack. However, the golden energy beam was like an unstoppable force, instantly shattering their defenses and striking them directly.

"Ah—!" The Annihilator let out a bloodcurdling scream as their body rapidly dissolved in the golden light, eventually transforming into a wisp of black smoke that vanished completely into the air.

With The Annihilator's demise, the surrounding black energy also dissipated, and the oppressive atmosphere that had enveloped the battlefield instantly vanished. The injured ability users looked in astonishment at Lu Shang, who stood like a god in the air, their eyes filled with awe and hope.

Lu Shang slowly descended to the ground, looking at the surviving ability users with a tired but relieved smile. "We are safe now."

He knew that eliminating one Annihilator did not signify the end of the battle. The Ouroboros organization possessed even greater power that awaited them. However, he believed that as long as they could unite as one, as long as they could hold steadfast to the belief in their hearts, they would surely overcome all difficulties and ultimately usher in true freedom and light. The resurgence of entropy, in their hands, was displaying an ever-increasing power.