Chapter 50: The Moment of Choice

Since repelling the Void entity impersonating the Architect, Silver Moon Apartments had entered a seemingly peaceful period. However, both Alex and Kai sensed that a greater storm was brewing.

Late one night, Alex was awakened by a strong energy fluctuation. He found the entire room trembling slightly, with the runes on the walls flickering unstably.

"Kai, wake up," Alex called softly, "Something's not right."

Kai immediately sat up alertly, "I feel it. It seems to be coming from the Mind Library."

They quickly dressed and rushed to the Mind Library. When they arrived, the scene before them left them both stunned.

The entire library had transformed into a massive vortex, with countless books and memory fragments swirling in the air. At the center of the vortex floated a huge orb of light, emitting an energy that made their hearts race.

"What is that?" Alex asked in surprise.

Just then, a familiar voice sounded: "That is the core of the multiverse."

They turned to see Leo's apparition standing at the door. Although his form had become faint, his gaze remained determined.

"Leo!" Alex called out joyfully, "You're still here!"

Leo nodded with a smile, "My consciousness still exists within Silver Moon Apartments. But now, we face a great crisis."

Kai frowned and asked, "What crisis? Why has that core appeared here?"

Leo's expression turned serious, "The multiverse is collapsing. Marcus's actions and the Void's invasion have severely disrupted the balance of the universe. Now, the core is seeking a new guardian to reshape the multiverse."

Alex felt dizzy, "Reshape the multiverse? How is that possible?"

Leo looked at Alex, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, "Alex, the core has chosen you. You have the ability to become the new creator, to reshape everything."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Alex felt a powerful force calling to him, a feeling both tempting and terrifying.

Kai tightly held Alex's hand, his voice filled with concern, "Alex, you don't have to do this. It's too dangerous."

Alex took a deep breath, "But what will happen to the multiverse if we don't?"

Leo shook his head, "It will collapse completely. All realities, all life, will return to nothingness."

Alex felt the weight on his shoulders nearly crushing him. He looked at Kai, whose eyes were full of love and concern.

"If I choose to accept this power," Alex asked with difficulty, "Can I... can I still be with Kai?"

Leo's expression became even more serious, "I'm afraid not, Alex. Becoming a creator means you will transcend reality, you will no longer be human. You and Kai... will not be able to exist on the same plane."

Alex felt his heart breaking. Give up Kai? The thought was unbearable. But if he could save everyone...

Kai hugged Alex tightly, "Whatever decision you make, I support you. But please remember, everything we've been through together, our love, all of this is real."

Alex leaned into Kai's embrace, tears flowing uncontrollably. He recalled their shared adventures, every corner of Silver Moon Apartments, all the people they knew.

Suddenly, Alex thought of something. "Wait," he said, pushing away from Kai and walking towards the orb of light, "Leo, you said the core is seeking a new guardian, right?"

Leo nodded, "Yes, but..."

Alex interrupted him, "Then why does it have to be one person? Why can't it be... the entire Silver Moon Apartments?"

The room fell silent again, everyone looking at Alex in surprise.

"You mean..." Kai slowly understood Alex's idea, "Make Silver Moon Apartments the new core of the multiverse?"

Alex nodded, excitement flashing in his eyes, "Exactly! Silver Moon Apartments is already a hub connecting various realities. If we can disperse the core's power throughout the entire building, then every resident, every corner, will become part of the guardian!"

A flash of surprise crossed Leo's eyes, followed by approval, "This... this might work. But Alex, are you sure? If we do this, Silver Moon Apartments will no longer be just a building, it will become the foundation of the entire multiverse."

Alex nodded firmly, "I'm sure. This way, we don't need to sacrifice anyone. We can guard the multiverse together."

Kai tightly gripped Alex's hand, "I support you, Alex. Let's do this together."

Alex took a deep breath and walked towards the orb of light. The moment his hand touched the orb, a powerful energy surged into his body. Alex felt as if he could see the workings of the entire multiverse.

"Focus, Alex," Leo's voice sounded in his ear, "Imagine Silver Moon Apartments, imagine every corner of it, every resident."

Alex closed his eyes, picturing Silver Moon Apartments in his mind. He thought of the rooftop garden, the Infinity Pool, the Mind Library. He thought of every resident he knew, their smiles and stories.

Slowly, Alex felt the energy begin to flow out of him, merging into the entire Silver Moon Apartments. The whole building began to glow, every brick, every window, shimmering with a faint light.

When Alex opened his eyes again, he found himself floating in the air, the entire Silver Moon Apartments enveloped in a soft glow.

"Did we... did we succeed?" Alex asked weakly.

Kai supported the swaying Alex, a relieved smile on his face, "Yes, we did it. Feel it, the entire Silver Moon Apartments is full of new vitality."

Leo's apparition began to become more solid, "Alex, your choice has changed everything. From now on, Silver Moon Apartments will be the guardian of the multiverse. Everyone living here will bear the responsibility of protection."

Alex leaned into Kai's embrace, feeling both exhausted and relieved, "Does this mean... we can still be together?"

Kai gently kissed Alex's forehead, "Yes, we'll be together forever. Not only that, we now have a bigger family."

Just then, the entire Silver Moon Apartments lit up. Cheers came from every window, every room. All the residents seemed to feel this momentous change.

Alex and Kai smiled at each other, then looked out the window. Silver Moon Apartments now floated in space, surrounded by countless galaxies and realities.

"It seems our adventure is just beginning," Alex said, excitement flashing in his eyes.

Kai nodded, "Yes, but this time, we have the entire Silver Moon Apartments backing us."

Leo's apparition began to slowly dissipate, but his voice still echoed in the room, "Remember, young guardians. Love and trust are the most powerful forces. As long as you hold onto this, nothing is impossible."

After Leo completely disappeared, Alex and Kai stood by the window, looking at the infinitely vast universe. They knew greater adventures awaited them. But with each other, and the power of the entire Silver Moon Apartments, they were ready to face any challenge.

Because now, they were not only an indispensable part of each other's lives, but also the guardians of the entire multiverse. And this story had just turned to a new chapter.