Chapter 21: The Doctor's True Face

Since witnessing the dark historical fragments of Silver Moon Apartments, Alex and Kai's training had become more intense and grueling. They knew time was precious and they needed to quickly enhance their abilities to face the impending threat. However, they didn't realize that the greatest danger might be right beside them.

Late that night, Alex was awakened by a strange mechanical sound. He sat up, noticing the entire room was vibrating slightly.

"Is it happening again?" Alex muttered, thinking it was another dimensional fluctuation.

But when he left his room, he realized something was off. The corridor was empty, but a strange metallic scent hung in the air. Following the sound, he reached the basement, where he witnessed a shocking scene.

Dr. Blackwood stood before a massive machine, frantically operating the control panel. The machine emitted a blinding light, seemingly tearing through space.

"Doctor?" Alex called out in surprise, "What are you doing?"

Blackwood turned, his face bearing a manic expression. "Ah, Alex! Just in time. You're about to witness a historic moment!"

Just then, Kai suddenly appeared beside Alex. "Alex, be careful! Blackwood is trying to forcibly open the Void Gate!"

Blackwood laughed, "Clever Kai! That's right, I'm doing what you've always feared. But you don't understand, this is for a greater good!"

Alex felt a chill, "What good could outweigh the safety of the entire world?"

A glint of madness flashed in Blackwood's eyes, "Knowledge, Alex! Infinite knowledge! The Void contains wisdom beyond our imagination. If I can control it, we can unlock all the mysteries of the universe!"

Kai stepped forward, "Doctor, you're blinded. The Void will only bring destruction!"

But Blackwood no longer heeded them, continuing to operate the machine. Space began to warp, a dark vortex slowly forming.

"We have to stop him!" Alex shouted, preparing to use his powers.

Kai nodded, "Be careful, Alex. We don't know what that vortex might bring."

They released their energy together, trying to close the forming rift. But Blackwood's machine seemed to be constantly increasing its power, counteracting their efforts.

"You don't understand!" Blackwood yelled, "I've made a deal with the Void. It will grant us power, as long as we offer a sacrifice!"

Alex looked at Blackwood in shock, "Sacrifice? What sacrifice?"

Blackwood laughed maniacally, "Silver Moon Apartments! The energy of this building is enough to satisfy the Void's appetite. Once the ritual is complete, we'll gain unprecedented power!"

Kai's expression grew more serious, "Alex, we must stop him at all costs. If Silver Moon Apartments is destroyed, the balance of the entire multiverse will be shattered!"

Just then, the vortex suddenly expanded violently, a gigantic tentacle reaching out towards them.

"Look out!" Kai shouted, pushing Alex away, but getting caught by the tentacle himself.

"Kai!" Alex watched in horror as Kai was dragged towards the vortex.

He concentrated all his energy, releasing a powerful wave that severed the tentacle. Kai stumbled backward, and Alex immediately rushed to support him.

"Thanks," Kai gasped, "but we're not done yet."

Blackwood looked even more excited, "Do you see? This is the power of the Void! Imagine if we could control it, we'd be omnipotent!"

Alex shook his head, "Doctor, please wake up! This isn't power, it's destruction!"

But Blackwood was beyond listening. He turned back to operate the machine, the vortex growing larger and larger.

Suddenly, Leo's apparition appeared. "Alex, Kai, use your mind power! Only pure love and hope can counter the darkness of the Void!"

Alex and Kai exchanged a glance, immediately understanding what to do. They clasped hands, closed their eyes, and concentrated. They recalled every moment they had shared, their love for each other, and their protective heart for Silver Moon Apartments.

A dazzling light burst forth from them, forming a massive energy barrier. The Void's tentacles emitted a piercing shriek upon contact with the barrier, quickly retreating.

Watching his plan crumble, Blackwood let out a desperate roar. "No! You've ruined everything!"

He rushed towards the machine, seemingly intent on perishing with the Void. But Alex reacted faster, an energy ball precisely striking the control panel, causing the entire machine to smoke.

The vortex began to contract rapidly. Blackwood desperately reached out to grab something, but was ultimately sucked into the vortex.

"No!" Alex shouted, wanting to save him, but Kai held him back.

"It's too dangerous," Kai said, "we can't risk it."

With a tremendous boom, the vortex vanished completely. The basement returned to calm, only the smoking machine proving that what had just happened wasn't an illusion.

Alex slumped to the ground, feeling exhausted. "Did we... did we just let Dr. Blackwood disappear like that?"

Kai crouched down, gently embracing Alex. "We had no choice. He had been completely corrupted by the Void."

Leo's apparition appeared again, "You did well. Blackwood's betrayal is a heavy blow, but you've shown true power."

Alex looked up at Leo, "But this isn't over, is it?"

Leo shook his head, "Far from it. Blackwood's actions may have drawn the Void's attention. We must prepare, a greater storm is coming."

Kai stood up, extending his hand to pull Alex up. "Then we'll face it together. No matter what happens, we have each other."

Alex nodded, feeling a new strength surge within him. Though they had lost an ally, he was more determined than ever to protect Silver Moon Apartments.

As they left the basement, Alex felt the entire Silver Moon Apartments trembling, as if expressing gratitude to them.

"Let's go home," Kai said softly, "we have a lot to do tomorrow."

Alex nodded, following Kai towards the elevator. He knew tonight's events were just the beginning. Greater challenges awaited them. But with each other's support and their deep understanding of Silver Moon Apartments, they felt stronger and more united than ever before.

And in the depths of the Void, a pair of eyes watched all this, waiting for the next opportunity to attack. The fate of Silver Moon Apartments, and the balance of the entire multiverse, was in Alex and Kai's hands. Their adventure had only just begun.