Chapter 32: The Memory Manipulator

Since their intense confrontation with Zack on the 13th floor, Alex and Kai had been working hard to repair the damaged dimensional barrier. On this day, they were studying ancient repair spells in the Mind Library when they suddenly heard strange music coming from the corridor.

"Did you hear that?" Alex looked up, frowning.

Kai nodded, his expression alert, "It sounds like... a music box?"

They walked out of the library to find a thin mist permeating the corridor. In the mist, a tall figure slowly appeared. It was a handsome young man, dressed in vintage formal wear, holding an exquisite music box.

"Welcome, dear guardians," the young man bowed elegantly, "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Marcus, a... special resident of Silver Moon Apartments."

Alex and Kai exchanged a wary glance. Although Marcus appeared polite, they both sensed an unsettling aura.

"Hello, Marcus," Alex said cautiously, "How come we've never seen you before?"

Marcus revealed a mysterious smile, "Oh, I've always been here. You just might have... forgotten me."

Just then, Marcus opened the music box in his hand. A melodious but eerie tune played, and Alex and Kai suddenly felt dizzy.

When they came to their senses, they were surprised to find themselves standing in the lobby of Silver Moon Apartments. More disconcertingly, Marcus seemed to have become a friend they had known for a long time.

"Hey, guys!" Marcus said enthusiastically, "Ready for tonight's party?"

Alex blinked in confusion, "Party? What party?"

Kai frowned, seeming to struggle to remember something, "Have we... known each other for a long time, Marcus?"

Marcus laughed, "Of course! We're best friends. Don't tell me you've forgotten all the crazy times we've had together?"

Suddenly, a series of images flashed through Alex and Kai's minds: partying with Marcus on the rooftop garden, swimming in the infinity pool on the 42nd floor, even fighting Void creatures together. These memories felt so real that they began to doubt their judgment.

But just then, Alex noticed the music box in Marcus's hand was emitting a faint glow. He blinked, trying to concentrate, and suddenly realized these memories were false.

"Kai," Alex said softly, "This isn't real. He's manipulating our memories!"

Kai took a deep breath, seemingly fighting against the false memories, "You... you're right. But it feels so real."

Marcus's smile grew brighter, but a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes, "Come on, friends. Why doubt? Accept these beautiful memories, and we can live happily together forever."

Alex firmly shook his head, "No, Marcus. We don't know who you are or what your purpose is. But we won't be fooled by your illusions."

Marcus's expression suddenly turned cold, "What a pity. I had hoped we could coexist peacefully. It seems I'll have to use more drastic measures."

He opened the music box again, this time the music became sharp and piercing. Alex and Kai felt a severe headache, as if someone was forcibly rewriting their memories.

Images kept flashing in their minds: Alex betraying Kai, Kai abandoning Alex, them becoming enemies... These false but painful memories nearly overwhelmed them.

"No!" Alex roared, struggling against these false memories, "Kai, remember our connection! Remember everything we've been through!"

Kai closed his eyes tightly, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, "I... I'm trying, Alex. But these memories feel so real..."

Just then, Leo's apparition suddenly appeared. "Children, use your mind power!" he said urgently, "Only pure emotion can break through the illusion of memories!"

Alex took a deep breath and reached out to hold Kai's hand. Instantly, a warm energy flowed between them. They remembered their first kiss on the rooftop garden, the courage they shared facing the time-space distortion, every warm moment they had spent together.

These real memories were like sunlight, dispelling the gloom created by Marcus. They opened their eyes to find themselves back in the corridor of the Mind Library.

Marcus stood there, his expression both surprised and annoyed, "Impossible! No one can resist my power!"

Alex stepped forward, his expression determined, "You're wrong, Marcus. True emotions and bonds are something no illusion can imitate."

Kai nodded in agreement, "Now, tell us who you really are and why you're doing this?"

Marcus's expression turned painful, "You don't understand. Memories... memories can be too painful sometimes. I just wanted to create a world where everyone is happy."

Leo's apparition floated to Marcus's side, his expression complex, "Marcus was once a resident of Silver Moon Apartments. In an accident, he lost the person he loved most. The pain awakened his ability to distort memories, and since then, he's been trying to create a perfect world without sorrow."

Alex's expression softened a bit, "Marcus, I understand your pain. But escaping reality isn't the way to solve problems. Real emotions, whether happy or sad, are an indispensable part of life."

Kai added, "And no one should alter others' memories without permission. That's a violation of personal will."

Marcus lowered his head, his voice trembling, "But... but without these memories, I'm nothing."

Leo said gently, "No, Marcus. You still have a choice. You can use your ability to help those troubled by trauma, instead of forcibly changing their memories."

Marcus looked up, a glimmer of hope in his eyes, "Can I... really do that?"

Alex nodded, extending his hand, "Of course. If you're willing, we can find the right way to use your ability together."

Marcus hesitated for a moment, then took Alex's hand. Instantly, a warm power flowed through his entire body, and for the first time in years, he felt true peace.

"Thank you," Marcus said softly, "I... I'm willing to try."

As they walked towards the Mind Library together, Alex felt Silver Moon Apartments trembling slightly, as if cheering for the addition of this new member.

He knew this was just another beginning of their adventure. But with Marcus joining them, they had gained another ally in their battle against the Void forces.