Chapter 39: The Doctor's Redemption

Three days had passed since Alex returned from the Time Corridor, but there was still no news from Kai. The entire Silver Moon Apartments was enveloped in a tense atmosphere, with everyone preparing for the final battle to come.

This evening, Alex was in the Mind Library researching how to strengthen Silver Moon Apartments' defenses when he suddenly heard a commotion.

"What's happening?" he asked, rushing out of the library.

Marcus ran over, a panicked expression on his face, "It's Dr. Blackwood! He... he's back!"

Alex's eyes widened in shock, "What? How is that possible? Wasn't he swallowed by the Void?"

They hurried to the lobby to find a group of people gathered around. In the center, Dr. Blackwood lay on the ground in a disheveled state, his body entwined with a black energy.

The Architect and Leo were examining him, their expressions grave.

"Doctor, are you alright?" Alex crouched down, asking with concern. Despite Dr. Blackwood's past betrayal, Alex still harbored complex feelings for his former mentor.

Blackwood struggled to open his eyes, "Alex... I'm sorry... I... I made a terrible mistake..."

The Architect gestured for others to step back, "He's been severely contaminated by the Void's power. We must handle this carefully."

Just then, Dr. Blackwood suddenly began coughing violently, spitting out a black substance. The black matter writhed on the ground as if alive.

"Step back!" Leo shouted, releasing an energy barrier.

Alex felt a pang of fear, the black substance reminding him of the terrifying scenes he'd witnessed in the Time Corridor.

Dr. Blackwood struggled to sit up, "Listen... I don't have much time. The Void... they're planning a massive invasion. I... I managed to escape to bring back this message."

The Architect frowned, "How did you escape?"

Blackwood gave a bitter smile, "I used their power... but the cost was... I've been contaminated too."

Alex felt a surge of pain, "Is there any way to save you?"

Dr. Blackwood shook his head, "It's too late... but I can do one last thing to make amends for my mistakes."

He struggled to his feet, his body constantly shaking, "I can... use the Void energy within me... to reinforce Silver Moon Apartments' barrier. But doing so... will consume my life."

Everyone looked at him in shock.

"Doctor, you don't have to do this," Alex said, his voice choked, "There must be another way..."

Blackwood smiled gently, "No, Alex. This is my choice. Let me... do one last right thing."

The Architect was silent for a moment, then nodded solemnly, "If this is your choice, Doctor, we will respect it."

Dr. Blackwood turned to Alex, "Alex, I apologize for my past actions. You... you're an excellent guardian. Continue to protect this place, will you?"

Alex felt his eyes moisten and could only nod.

Blackwood took a deep breath, "Alright, let's begin."

The Architect guided Dr. Blackwood to the center of Silver Moon Apartments. A complex magic array lit up on the floor.

"Everyone," the Architect said, "We need your energy to support this process."

Alex, Marcus, and Leo formed a circle, placing their hands on Dr. Blackwood's shoulders. They felt a powerful energy begin to flow.

Dr. Blackwood closed his eyes and began to chant an ancient spell. The black energy on his body began to fluctuate violently, gradually merging into the magic array.

The entire Silver Moon Apartments began to shake, with all the runes on the walls lighting up. Alex felt a powerful energy wave spread from the center of the building, forming a huge protective shield.

Dr. Blackwood's body began to glow, then slowly became transparent.

"Goodbye... my friends..." he said finally, a peaceful smile on his face.

With a dazzling flash of light, Dr. Blackwood's body completely disappeared. The glow of the magic array also faded, leaving only a complex pattern on the floor.

The room fell into silence, everyone processing what had just happened.

Alex felt a tear slide down his cheek, "Goodbye, Doctor... may you rest in peace."

The Architect came over, gently patting Alex's shoulder, "He chose a path of redemption. His sacrifice will not be in vain."

Leo checked the energy flow of Silver Moon Apartments, "The protective shield is much stronger than before. Dr. Blackwood's sacrifice indeed strengthened our defenses."

Marcus looked at the pattern on the floor thoughtfully, "Do you think... Kai knows what happened?"

Alex felt a pang in his heart, "I don't know... but I hope he comes back soon. We need him."

Just then, the entire Silver Moon Apartments suddenly shook violently. Alarms sounded on every floor.

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

The Architect's expression turned serious, "They're here. The Void's army is attacking."

Alex felt a wave of fear, but then remembered Dr. Blackwood's sacrifice. He took a deep breath and stood up straight.

"We're ready," he said firmly, "For the Doctor, for Kai, for everyone... we must defend Silver Moon Apartments."

The others nodded, determination shining in their eyes.

The Architect looked at these young guardians, a satisfied smile on his face, "Then let's face this battle. Remember, no matter what happens, believe in each other, believe in Silver Moon Apartments."

With a huge boom, the whole world seemed to shake. The final battle for Silver Moon Apartments had finally begun.

And somewhere unknown, Kai was struggling to return to Silver Moon Apartments. The gears of fate were turning faster, and everything would be decided in this battle.