Chapter 16: The Cursed Chandelier

Since Alex and Kai's relationship had deepened, Silver Moon Apartments seemed to have become even more magical and active. However, the mysterious building also began to reveal its more dangerous and unpredictable side.

One night, Alex was awakened by a strange screaming sound. He immediately put down the ancient magic book he had been studying and rushed out to check the situation.

The corridor was in chaos. Residents were running around in panic, and at the end of the hallway, a huge crystal chandelier was floating in the air. Its crystal prisms were flashing with an eerie light, constantly shooting laser-like beams at the people around.

"What's going on?" Alex exclaimed.

Just then, Kai rushed up from the stairwell. "Watch out!" he shouted, pulling Alex aside just in time to dodge a beam shot from the chandelier.

"That's the main chandelier from the lobby," Kai quickly explained, "It seems to have been activated by some dark magic. We need to stop it, or the entire building will be in danger."

Alex nodded, feeling adrenaline surging through his body. "What should we do?"

Kai's eyes flashed with concern, "This is my first time encountering such a situation too. We'll have to improvise."

Just then, the chandelier seemed to notice them. It slowly turned towards Alex and Kai, its crystal prisms beginning to vibrate violently, emitting a piercing sound.

"Split up!" Kai shouted, running to the left. Alex understood and immediately moved to the right.

The chandelier seemed confused, not knowing which one to chase. In that moment of hesitation, Kai seized the opportunity and released a shadow barrier, trying to trap the chandelier.

However, the chandelier suddenly burst with intense light, easily breaking through the barrier. It began to spin frantically, shooting out countless beams, turning the entire corridor into a dangerous maze of light.

"Alex!" Kai called out in the chaos, "Try to sense its energy source! Maybe we can dismantle it from the inside!"

Alex closed his eyes, concentrating. Slowly, he began to sense the energy flow within the chandelier. It was a twisted and dark power. Suddenly, he realized something.

"Kai!" Alex shouted, "It's not just activated, it's possessed! Something is controlling it!"

Kai's eyes lit up, "Of course! That explains everything. We need to exorcise that entity."

Just then, the chandelier suddenly stopped spinning. It slowly descended, hovering in the center of the corridor. Then, an eerie voice emanated from the chandelier:

"Foolish humans, do you think you can stop me? I am a messenger from the Void, your world will become our hunting ground!"

Alex and Kai exchanged a glance. They both realized that the situation was more serious than they had imagined.

"We need to work together," Kai said, extending his hand, "Remember what we learned on the rooftop garden?"

Alex nodded, grasping Kai's hand. Instantly, a powerful energy flowed between them. Their minds connected once again; their power multiplied.

"Let's exorcise this intruder together," Alex said, feeling the power surging within him.

They simultaneously extended their other hands towards the chandelier. A dazzling light shot from their palms, enveloping the entire chandelier.

The Void messenger let out a painful howl, the crystal prisms beginning to vibrate violently. Alex could feel the entity struggling, trying to break free from their control.

"One more push!" Kai shouted, sweat beading on his forehead.

Alex gritted his teeth, focusing all his energy on the exorcism ritual. He recalled the incantation Edward had taught him and began to chant softly:

"In the name of light, by the power of balance, banish the darkness, purify this place!"

As the incantation continued, the light grew more intense. The chandelier began to shake violently, emitting a piercing noise.

Suddenly, with a loud bang, a black mist was forcibly pulled out of the chandelier. The mist twisted and contorted in the air, letting out a final shriek before dissipating into the air.

The chandelier lost its ability to float and began to fall rapidly. Alex instinctively reached out, using his mind to control the chandelier, slowly lowering it to the ground.

When everything calmed down, the corridor was silent. Alex and Kai were both exhausted, gasping for air.

"We... we did it," Alex said, panting.

Kai showed a tired but relieved smile, "Yes, we did it. You were amazing, Alex."

Just then, other residents began to emerge from their hiding places. They looked at the chandelier on the ground, then at Alex and Kai, their faces filled with surprise and admiration.

Florea came forward, her petals still trembling slightly from the recent shock. "Thank you," she said sincerely, "You saved all of us."

Other residents also expressed their gratitude. Alex felt both proud and a bit embarrassed.

Kai patted his shoulder, "You see, this is the responsibility of being a Traveler. We not only explore the multiverse but also protect it."

Alex nodded, suddenly feeling a wave of fatigue wash over him. Kai seemed to notice and gently put his arm around Alex's shoulders.

"Come on, you need rest. You've been through enough for tonight."

As they walked back to Alex's apartment, Alex couldn't help but ask, "Kai, do you think what that Void messenger said is true? Will there be more invaders?"

Kai's expression turned serious, "Most likely. Silver Moon Apartments, as a hub of the multiverse, will always attract beings coveting its power. But don't worry," he tightened his arm around Alex, "We'll face it together."

Back in the apartment, Alex lay on the bed, reflecting on tonight's events. He realized that being a Traveler not only meant having magical abilities but also meant bearing the responsibility of protecting this world.

And with Kai by his side, he felt he could do anything.

Just as Alex was about to fall asleep, he heard a faint whispering from the walls: "Thank you, young Traveler. Your courage and strength make me proud."

Alex smiled as he closed his eyes. He knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead in the future, as long as he had Kai by his side and the support of Silver Moon Apartments, he could bravely face anything.

And in some corner of Silver Moon Apartments, the wheels of fate continued to turn, preparing even greater adventures and trials for this young pair of Travelers.