Chapter 46: The Betrayer

Since Alex and Kai experienced the test of love in the Infinity Pool, Silver Moon Apartments seemed to enter a period of calm. However, this tranquility was soon broken.

Late one night, Alex was awakened by a strange sound. He gently woke Kai beside him, "Did you hear that? It seems to be coming from the Mind Library."

Kai sat up alertly, "Something does seem off. Let's go check it out."

They quietly approached the Mind Library door, surprised to find it ajar, with low chanting sounds coming from inside.

Alex and Kai exchanged a glance, then carefully pushed open the door. In the dim candlelight, they saw Marcus standing with his back to them, in the center of a strange magic circle.

"Marcus?" Alex called out puzzled, "What are you doing here?"

Marcus spun around, a flash of panic crossing his face, but he quickly regained composure. "Oh, Alex, Kai, you're just in time. I... I was just trying out a new memory spell."

Kai frowned, "In the middle of the night? And this magic circle... it doesn't look like ordinary memory magic."

Just then, the magic circle suddenly lit up with a blinding red light, and a powerful energy wave swept through the room.

"Watch out!" Kai shouted, immediately deploying a shadow barrier to protect Alex.

When the light faded, Marcus's expression had completely changed. His eyes glinted dangerously, a cold smile curling his lips.

"I didn't want to expose myself so soon," Marcus said, a hint of regret in his voice, "But since you've discovered me, I have no choice."

Alex couldn't believe his ears, "Marcus, what... what do you mean?"

Marcus laughed, "Oh, naive Alex. Did you really think I would reform just because of a few words from you? I joined you only to better execute my plan."

Kai's gaze sharpened, "What plan?"

Marcus said smugly, "To use the power of Silver Moon Apartments to reshape the memory of the entire multiverse! Imagine, if I could control the memories of everyone in every reality, I would truly be a god!"

Alex felt a pang in his heart, "But... but we trusted you, considered you a friend..."

Marcus's expression softened for a moment, but quickly returned to cold, "Friends? Nothing is more ridiculous than that on the path to pursuing power."

Just then, the entire Mind Library began to shake violently. Books fell from the shelves, and countless memory fragments scattered in the air.

"What have you done?" Kai demanded.

Marcus spread his arms, "I'm rewriting the core memory of Silver Moon Apartments! Soon, the entire multiverse will believe that I am the master here!"

Alex and Kai realized the severity of the situation and immediately took action. Alex tried to use his spatial ability to restrict Marcus's movements, while Kai used shadow power to interfere with the magic circle's operation.

But Marcus was clearly prepared. He easily dissolved Alex's spatial confinement, while dispelling Kai's shadows with a strange light.

"It's useless," Marcus mocked, "In the Mind Library, the power of memory is supreme. And this is my domain!"

Alex felt dizzy, his memories beginning to blur. He looked at Kai, finding that he too was struggling.

"Kai," Alex said with difficulty, "We... we can't forget each other..."

Kai gripped Alex's hand with all his might, "Focus, Alex. Think of everything we've been through, think of our promises."

They held each other tightly, struggling to stay conscious in the storm of memories. Seeing this, a flash of jealousy crossed Marcus's face.

"Why?" he roared, "Why is your connection so strong? Why can't I have such a bond?"

Just then, a gentle voice sounded: "Because true bonds aren't gained through control and manipulation, Marcus."

Everyone looked in surprise at the source of the voice. The Architect had appeared in the room.

Marcus stepped back, "Impossible... how can you resist my power?"

The Architect calmly said, "The Mind Library isn't just a storage place for memories, it's also the conscience of Silver Moon Apartments. Your actions have triggered its self-protection mechanism."

With the Architect's words, the energy in the room began to change. Marcus's magic circle slowly dissipated, replaced by a warm light.

Marcus fell to his knees, "No... my plan... my power..."

Alex broke free from the memory's grip and stepped forward, "Marcus, it's not too late. You can choose to stop."

Kai also said, "Yes, although you betrayed us, if you truly repent, we're still willing to give you a chance."

Marcus looked up at them, complex emotions flashing in his eyes. But finally, he gave a bitter laugh, "You'll never understand. Having the power to change everything, yet choosing to restrain yourself... how ridiculous."

With that, he suddenly pulled out a strange device from his pocket. Before anyone could react, a bright light flashed, and Marcus's figure disappeared.

When everything settled, the Mind Library returned to its usual calm. But a sad atmosphere still lingered in the air.

The Architect sighed, "Marcus has escaped into the cracks of the multiverse. With his abilities, it will be difficult to find him."

Alex leaned on Kai, feeling both angry and heartbroken, "We trusted him so much... and yet..."

Kai gently rubbed Alex's back, "We gave him a chance to change, but the final choice was his. We can't blame ourselves for this."

The Architect looked at them, his eyes full of approval, "You performed well in this crisis. Your bond once again saved Silver Moon Apartments."

Alex looked up, "But Marcus has escaped. He knows many secrets of Silver Moon Apartments, won't this become a hidden danger?"

The Architect pondered, "Indeed. From now on, we must be more vigilant. Marcus's betrayal is just the beginning, a greater storm may be brewing."

As they left the Mind Library, Alex felt Silver Moon Apartments seemed to have become heavier. Marcus's betrayal was not just a betrayal of friendship, but a threat to the entire multiverse.

Kai held Alex's hand tightly, "Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

Alex nodded, and although his heart was still full of doubts, he felt strength with Kai by his side. He knew this was just another turning point in their adventure. Greater challenges awaited them, but as long as they stood united, there was nothing they couldn't overcome.

And in some corner of the multiverse, Marcus was planning his next move. This war about memory, trust, and power had only just begun.