Chapter 40: The Secret of the Ghost Butler

The Void army's assault had been ongoing for three days and nights. Every corner of Silver Moon Apartments bore traces of battle, with the guardians exhausted but still persevering. Alex stood in the rooftop garden, watching the relentless dark waves in the distance, his heart filled with worry.

"Still no news from Kai?" Marcus walked up to Alex, asking softly.

Alex shook his head, "No. I really wish he were here... we need his strength."

Just then, a familiar voice came from behind: "Perhaps I can be of help."

Alex and Marcus turned to see Edward, the ghost butler, standing there. Unlike usual, Edward's image looked more solid, almost as if he wasn't a ghost anymore.

"Edward?" Alex said in surprise, "You look... different."

Edward smiled slightly, "Yes, Alex. I think it's time to tell you the truth."

At that moment, the Architect and Leo also arrived on the roof.

"Ah, Edward," the Architect said, with a hint of understanding in his tone, "You've finally decided?"

Edward nodded, "Yes, old friend. It's time now."

He turned to Alex and the others, taking a deep breath: "I'm not just the ghost butler of Silver Moon Apartments. In fact, I am the first guardian of this building."

The room fell silent, everyone looking at Edward in shock.

Alex was the first to break the silence: "But... how is that possible? Silver Moon Apartments has existed for hundreds of years..."

Edward chuckled, "Indeed it has. I've been guarding this place for a very, very long time. Initially, it was the Architect and I who created Silver Moon Apartments."

The Architect took over: "Edward was my closest friend and partner. We designed Silver Moon Apartments together, making it the hub of the multiverse."

Leo said thoughtfully: "So that's why you always knew so many secrets..."

Edward nodded: "Yes. I chose to exist as a ghost butler to better observe and protect this place."

Alex felt dizzy, recalling every encounter with Edward, suddenly realizing that many details now appeared different.

"Then," Marcus asked, "why are you telling us now?"

Edward's expression turned serious: "Because this is Silver Moon Apartments' most critical moment. We need to gather all our strength. And I... I have a secret weapon."

He extended his hand, and a small orb of light appeared in his palm. The orb emitted powerful energy, shocking everyone in the room.

"What is this?" Alex asked curiously.

"This is the core energy of Silver Moon Apartments," Edward explained, "I've been collecting and condensing this power for years. Now, it's time to release it."

The Architect looked at the orb in surprise: "Edward, do you know the cost of using this?"

Edward calmly nodded: "I do, old friend. But for the protection of this place, for these young guardians, it's worth it."

Alex suddenly realized something, "Wait, are you saying... using this energy will consume your life?"

Edward looked at Alex gently: "The meaning of life isn't in its length, but in how it's lived. I've lived for a very long time, and now it's time to pass this responsibility to you."

The room fell silent again, everyone deeply moved by Edward's words.

Suddenly, the entire Silver Moon Apartments shook violently. A loud boom came from the distance, as if something had broken through the defense line.

"They've breached the outer defenses!" Leo exclaimed.

Edward's expression became determined: "It's time. Alex, you must be ready to take over this place."

He walked to the center of the rooftop garden, raising the orb. Powerful energy began to surge from him, merging with the orb.

"Edward!" Alex called out, wanting to stop him, but was held back by the Architect.

"This is his choice," the Architect said softly, "We must respect it."

Edward began to chant an ancient spell, and the entire Silver Moon Apartments resonated. Alex felt a powerful energy wave spreading from the center of the building, dispelling the surrounding darkness.

In the distance, the Void creatures let out painful howls and began to retreat.

Edward's body began to glow, slowly becoming transparent. But his face bore a peaceful smile.

"Take care of this place, young guardians," Edward's voice echoed in the air, "Remember, the true power of Silver Moon Apartments comes from your unity and belief."

With a dazzling flash of light, Edward's figure disappeared. But Alex felt that the entire Silver Moon Apartments was filled with a new vitality, as if Edward's spirit had merged with the building.

The Architect sighed deeply: "Goodbye, old friend. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Alex wiped away tears from the corner of his eye, feeling filled with determination: "We won't let Edward down. We will protect Silver Moon Apartments."

Just then, a commotion suddenly came from the distance. Alex squinted, seeing a familiar figure rapidly approaching.

"It's Kai!" he shouted joyfully, "Kai's back!"

Everyone turned to look, indeed seeing Kai flying quickly towards Silver Moon Apartments, followed by a large group of what looked like shadow creatures as reinforcements.

Alex felt his heart fill with hope. With Edward's sacrifice, Kai's return, and everyone's unity, they could surely win this battle.

The fate of Silver Moon Apartments hung in the balance, but the guardians were ready to face the final challenge. Whatever awaited them ahead, they would face it together.

Because now, they were fighting not just for themselves, but for Edward and all those who had sacrificed for Silver Moon Apartments.