Chapter 8: The Phantom Housekeeper

Alex lay on his bed, physically and mentally exhausted from his time travel experience. He closed his eyes, trying to make sense of everything. Suddenly, a cool breeze swept across his face, and he opened his eyes to see a semi-transparent figure standing by his bedside.

"Ah!" Alex cried out, jumping off the bed.

The figure - an elderly man dressed in a Victorian-era butler's uniform - smiled gently and made a calming gesture. "Don't be afraid, young Traveler. I'm here to help you."

Alex's heart was still racing, but he forced himself to calm down. "Who are you? Or... what are you?"

"I am Edward, the phantom housekeeper of Silver Moon Apartments," the old man bowed elegantly. "I've been serving this building for over a century."

Alex cautiously sat back on the bed, staring at Edward. "So... you know about the secrets of this building? About the 13th floor and time travel?"

Edward nodded, his form glowing faintly in the dim room. "I know more than most. After all, death has given me a unique perspective." He paused, "I see you've just returned from your first time journey. How did it feel?"

Alex took a deep breath, "Honestly, I feel a bit dizzy. This is all... incredible."

Edward chuckled, "Trust me, young man, you'll get used to it. Now, do you have any questions for me?"

Alex's mind was buzzing with countless questions, but he decided to start with the most basic. "Why me? Why did Silver Moon Apartments choose me?"

Edward looked at Alex thoughtfully, "Every Traveler is special. There's something about you, a certain quality that resonates with time and space. Silver Moon Apartments sensed this and attracted you here."

"But how do I control this ability?" Alex asked, "The time travel just now was completely accidental."

"That's why I'm here," Edward smiled, "I'll teach you how to listen to the building's voice, how to sense the flow of time and space. Come, follow me."

Edward floated towards the door, and after a moment's hesitation, Alex followed. They walked out into the hallway. It was late, and the corridor was empty, illuminated only by the dim glow of emergency lights.

"Close your eyes," Edward said softly, "Feel the energy around you."

Alex did as he was told. At first, he felt nothing. But slowly, he began to sense a faint humming, as if the entire building was breathing.

"Do you hear it?" Edward asked.

Alex nodded, not daring to break the strange sensation.

"Good," Edward continued, "Now, try to merge your consciousness with this energy. Imagine you're part of the building."

Alex concentrated, attempting to do as Edward said. Suddenly, he felt a wave of dizziness, as if his entire being was being pulled into a massive vortex. When he opened his eyes again, he was amazed to find that he could see the entire internal structure of the building, like a three-dimensional blueprint.

"Wow," Alex gasped, "I can see every room, every person!"

Edward smiled, "This is the true face of Silver Moon Apartments. A living organism, connecting countless times and spaces."

Just then, Alex noticed a dark energy writhing in a corner of the building. "What's that?" he asked, pointing to the spot.

Edward's expression turned serious, "That's something we must be wary of. Some entities are trying to disrupt the balance of Silver Moon Apartments, to use its power for their own purposes."

Alex remembered Zack, the mysterious dark version of Kai. "How do we stop them?"

"That's what you need to learn," Edward said, "As a Traveler, you not only have the ability to traverse time and space but also to influence and shape reality. But it requires a lot of practice and control."

Over the next few hours, Edward taught Alex how to better sense and control his abilities. They moved through various hidden corners of Silver Moon Apartments, with Edward showing Alex many secret passages and rooms.

When they finally returned to Alex's room, it was almost dawn.

"Remember, Alex," Edward said, "Silver Moon Apartments is your ally, but it can also become your trap. Learn to listen to it, but don't rely on it entirely. Your power comes from within you."

Alex nodded, looking gratefully at the phantom housekeeper. "Thank you, Edward. I still have a lot to learn."

Edward smiled, his form starting to fade. "I'm always here, young Traveler. When you need help, just call my name."

With those final words, Edward disappeared, leaving Alex standing alone in his room, pondering this incredible night.

Just then, his phone rang. It was a text from Kai:

"I heard you met our old friend Edward. Ready to start your real training? Meet me on the roof. - K"

Alex took a deep breath, looking at the rising sun outside his window. He knew that from today on, his life would change completely. But for some reason, he felt more excited and expectant than ever before.

He quickly changed his clothes and headed for the roof. As he pushed open the door to the rooftop, the morning light bathed his face, and Alex felt as if he was standing on the threshold of a new world.

Whatever lay ahead, Alex was ready to face the challenges. After all, he now had Kai as a mentor and a phantom housekeeper as an ally. The secrets of Silver Moon Apartments were waiting to be uncovered, and he, Alex, was about to become part of this magical world.