Chapter 38: Solo Adventure

Alex stood at the entrance of the Time Corridor, feeling the flow of temporal energy around him. The space here extended infinitely, with countless timelines intertwining like threads, forming a dizzying sight. Despite the magical scenery surrounding him, Alex felt an unprecedented loneliness.

"Kai..." he called softly, but only his echo responded.

Alex took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He recalled the Architect's words: "There's a rift in the Time Corridor that's damaging the temporal structure of the multiverse. You must find it and repair it."

He carefully took his first step, finding himself standing on a glowing timeline. As he moved, the surrounding scenery constantly changed, and he saw glimpses of Silver Moon Apartments' past, present, and future.

Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded in his ear: "Alex, can you hear me?"

"Leo?" Alex asked in surprise, "How did you..."

"I've established a connection with you through the Mind Library," Leo's voice explained, "I can't directly help you, but at least I can provide some guidance."

Alex felt a bit of comfort, "Thank you, Leo. I feel this place is too vast, I don't know where to start looking for that rift."

"Trust your instincts, Alex," Leo said, "You have a special connection with Silver Moon Apartments. Let that connection guide you."

Alex closed his eyes, trying to feel the energy flow around him. Suddenly, he sensed a disharmonious fluctuation in the distance.

"I think I've found the direction," Alex said, walking towards it.

As he went deeper, the surrounding timelines began to become distorted and unstable. Alex saw some disturbing scenes: Silver Moon Apartments being devoured by the Void, Kai being corrupted by darkness, the entire world falling into chaos.

"These... are these all possible futures?" Alex asked, trembling.

Leo's voice also sounded worried: "Maybe, but they could also be illusions created by the Void. Don't let them affect you, Alex. Remember your goal."

Alex nodded and continued forward. Suddenly, he saw a huge rift, with dark energy seeping out of it, contaminating the surrounding timelines.

"I've found the rift!" Alex shouted, "But... it's much bigger than I imagined. How do I repair it?"

Just then, several tentacles suddenly extended from the rift, grabbing towards Alex.

"Watch out!" Leo shouted.

Alex instinctively released a spatial barrier, blocking the tentacles' attack. But more tentacles kept emerging, and he soon found himself in a tough battle.

"I need help," Alex said, panting, "I can't do this alone..."

Suddenly, he felt a warmth in his chest. Alex looked down to see the amulet Kai gave him glowing.

A voice resonated in his heart: "I'm always with you, Alex."

It was Kai's voice.

Alex felt a surge of power throughout his body. He recalled every moment he had spent with Kai, every adventure they had experienced together. These memories gave him courage and strength.

"I'm not alone," Alex said firmly, "I'm never alone."

He concentrated all his energy, combining spatial control with his newly learned shadow abilities. A powerful energy wave burst from within him, repelling the tentacles.

Alex took the opportunity to approach the rift and began trying to repair it. He used his own energy to fill the rift while using the method Kai taught him to stabilize the surrounding timelines.

The process was extremely difficult, and Alex felt his energy rapidly depleting. Just as he was about to give up, he suddenly felt energy coming from Silver Moon Apartments.

"We're with you, Alex," he heard Marcus's voice.

"Hold on, you're almost there," this was the Architect's voice.

Alex gritted his teeth and released a final wave of energy. With a loud boom, the rift finally began to heal. The surrounding timelines became stable again, and the dark energy was dispelled.

When everything settled down, Alex knelt on the ground exhausted, breathing heavily.

"You did it, Alex!" Leo's joyful voice came through, "You successfully repaired the rift!"

Alex smiled weakly, "We did it together..."

Suddenly, he felt dizzy. The surrounding scenery began to distort, and Alex found himself being pulled back to the real world.

"What's happening?" he asked in panic.

"Don't worry," Leo comforted, "The Time Corridor is sending you back to Silver Moon Apartments. Your mission is complete."

With a flash of bright light, Alex found himself back in the Mind Library. Marcus and Leo immediately ran forward.

"Alex!" Marcus called out in delight, "Are you alright?"

Alex nodded weakly, "I'm fine... just a bit tired. What about Kai? Has he returned?"

Leo and Marcus exchanged a worried glance.

"Not yet," Leo said softly, "But I believe he'll be back soon."

Alex felt worried, but he forced himself to stay optimistic. "Kai will be fine," he said firmly, "He promised me he'd come back."

The Architect walked over, a satisfied smile on his face, "You did well, Alex. You not only repaired the rift but also proved your worth as a guardian. Now, take a rest. We have more challenges waiting for us."

Alex nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on the door through which Kai had left. He silently prayed in his heart: Kai, please come back soon. We have so many more adventures to experience together.