Chapter 43: Battle of the Shadow Guardians

Since repairing the core of Silver Moon Apartments, the entire building seemed to radiate new vitality. The runes on the walls glowed brighter, and the air was filled with active energy. However, this tranquility didn't last long.

Late one night, Alex was awakened by a strange sound. He sat up, finding the entire room shrouded in an unnatural shadow.

"Kai, wake up," Alex said softly, nudging Kai beside him.

Kai immediately opened his eyes alertly, "I sense it, something's not right."

Just then, their door was suddenly burst open. A humanoid creature made of pure shadow stood in the doorway, two points of pale blue light serving as eyes, silently watching them.

"Shadow Guardians," Alex exclaimed, "But aren't they supposed to protect Silver Moon Apartments?"

Kai was already prepared for battle, "Be careful, Alex. They don't look quite right."

The Shadow Guardian suddenly attacked, a wave of black energy surging towards them. Alex quickly released a spatial barrier, barely blocking the attack.

"We need to notify the others," Kai said, creating a shadow clone, "Go warn Marcus and Leo!"

The clone quickly disappeared into the shadows, while Alex and Kai faced the Shadow Guardian. The battle unfolded in the small room, furniture was shattered, and deep marks were left on the walls.

Alex used his spatial control ability, constantly changing the room's structure, trying to trap the Shadow Guardian. Kai engaged with his shadow power, the two shadow forces intertwining in the air, forming an eerie picture.

"Why are they attacking us?" Alex asked during a lull in the battle.

Kai dodged an attack, answering, "I don't know, but I feel they're being controlled by something. Look at their eyes!"

Alex observed carefully, noticing an unnatural red glow flickering in the Shadow Guardian's eyes.

Just then, Marcus and Leo burst into the room.

"What's happening?" Marcus asked, panting, "The whole Silver Moon Apartments is in chaos!"

Leo warily watched the Shadow Guardian, "Have they all gone mad? I just saw several rampaging in the hall."

Kai nodded, "We need to find a way to stop them, or the entire Silver Moon Apartments will be destroyed."

Suddenly, Alex had an inspiration, "Wait, if they're being controlled, there must be a source. We need to find what's controlling them!"

Just then, the Architect's voice resonated in their minds, "Children, come to the core room quickly! The Shadow Guardians are trying to destroy the core!"

The four exchanged glances, immediately understanding the gravity of the situation.

"We need to get there immediately," Kai said, "But these Shadow Guardians are blocking the way."

Alex took a deep breath, "I have an idea, but I need your cooperation. Marcus, can you use your ability to affect their memories? Make them temporarily forget to attack us."

Marcus nodded, "I can try."

"Leo," Alex continued, "you control time, give Marcus more operational space. Kai and I will cover you."

The plan was put into action. Marcus closed his eyes, concentrating on influencing the Shadow Guardians' memories. Leo controlled time, making Marcus's ability take effect faster. Alex and Kai fully engaged the Shadow Guardians' attacks.

Gradually, the Shadow Guardians' movements became sluggish, and the red glow in their eyes began to flicker.

"Now!" Alex shouted, "Let's go!"

The four seized the opportunity to rush out of the room, running towards the core room. Along the way, they saw the dire state of Silver Moon Apartments. The runes on the walls had dimmed, some places even completely extinguished. There were traces of battle everywhere, with some residents hiding in corners in terror.

Finally, they arrived at the secret passage leading to the core room. But the entrance was heavily guarded by a group of Shadow Guardians.

"Damn," Kai cursed under his breath, "How are we going to break through?"

Just then, Alex noticed that one of the Shadow Guardians' movements seemed unnatural, as if struggling against something.

"Wait," Alex said, "I don't think all the Shadow Guardians are completely controlled. Maybe we can awaken their consciousness."

Leo nodded, "It's worth a try. If we can gain some allies, our chances of winning will be much higher."

Alex took a deep breath and stepped forward. The others were on alert, ready to support at any moment.

"Hey, do you remember who you are?" Alex said to the Shadow Guardians, "You're the guardians of Silver Moon Apartments, not destroyers. Please wake up!"

The Shadow Guardians seemed affected, their movements becoming hesitant. Alex continued, "Remember Edward's sacrifice, remember the moment we conquered the Void together. Silver Moon Apartments needs you!"

Suddenly, one of the Shadow Guardians' eyes returned to blue. It looked at Alex, then turned to fight its still-controlled companions.

"It worked!" Marcus exclaimed.

More Shadow Guardians began to regain consciousness. Soon, the guardians at the entrance were embroiled in internal conflict.

"Quick, now's our chance!" Kai said, leading the charge towards the entrance.

They quickly entered the passage, rushing towards the core room. When they finally arrived, the scene before them left everyone stunned.

The core was violently shaking, wrapped in a black energy that seemed to be trying to devour it. And beside the core stood a familiar figure.

"Zack!" Kai shouted in surprise.

Zack turned, an evil smile on his face, "Long time no see, dear brother. I see you've brought some friends. Perfect timing, you can all witness the destruction of Silver Moon Apartments together!"

Alex clenched his fists, feeling the energy surging within him, "We won't let you succeed, Zack. Silver Moon Apartments is under our protection!"

As Alex's words fell, a battle concerning the fate of Silver Moon Apartments was about to unfold. The truth about the Shadow Guardians, Zack's plot, and the guardians' determination would all be revealed in this battle.