Chapter 4: The Boy in the Shadows

Alex followed Kai down the corridor of the 13th floor, his eyes darting around, taking in the incredible sights. Unlike the dilapidated hallway he had seen in his "dream," the 13th floor now was filled with an otherworldly beauty. The walls flowed with a mercury-like luminescence, crystal chandeliers floated in mid-air, and the floor beneath their feet shifted in complex geometric patterns with each step.

"This... this is unbelievable," Alex muttered, reaching out to touch the flowing light on the wall.

Kai smiled, watching him. "The true face of Silver Moon Apartments always leaves a deep impression on those who see it for the first time. But this is just the beginning."

They arrived at a door at the end of the corridor. The door had no handle, only a complex runic pattern. Kai placed his palm on the rune, muttering a few words Alex couldn't understand. The rune began to glow, and the door silently slid open.

"Welcome to the Observation Room," Kai said, gesturing for Alex to enter.

Alex stepped into the room and was immediately awestruck. The entire room was transparent, as if suspended in space. Countless points of light flickered around them, some close enough to touch, others seemingly distant.

"These are..." Alex asked, his voice trembling with awe.

"These are all the other worlds connected to Silver Moon Apartments," Kai explained. "Each light represents a different reality. Silver Moon Apartments is the hub connecting these worlds."

Alex reached out to touch a nearby point of light. Instantly, an image unfolded before his eyes: he saw a person who looked exactly like himself, but this Alex was standing atop a pyramid, dressed in the robes of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.

"Is that... me?" Alex asked in surprise.

Kai nodded, "In a way, yes. That's you in another world. Each world has countless possibilities, and you, Alex, have the ability to see and influence these possibilities."

Alex withdrew his hand, and the image disappeared. He turned to Kai, his eyes full of questions. "Why me? What's so special about me?"

Kai's expression turned serious. "That's what we need to talk about. Alex, do you remember anything from your childhood? Particularly what happened when you were six years old?"

Alex furrowed his brow, trying to recall. "Six years old... That year I was seriously ill, had a high fever that wouldn't break, was in a coma for several days. The doctors said I might not make it, but I miraculously recovered."

"That's right," Kai said. "But it wasn't an ordinary illness. That experience activated the dormant ability within you. You're a 'Traveler,' Alex. You have the gift of traversing different realities."

Alex felt dizzy, having to lean against the wall to steady himself. Kai continued, "Silver Moon Apartments sensed your ability, which is why it attracted you here. And I," he paused, "I'm here to guide you."

"Wait," Alex interrupted, "You say you're here to guide me? Who are you? Are you... a Traveler too?"

Kai shook his head, a bitter smile crossing his face. "No, I'm not a Traveler. I'm... a Guardian. We are a group dedicated to maintaining the balance of reality. Whenever a new Traveler awakens, we appear by their side to guide them in using their abilities."

Just then, alarms suddenly blared in the Observation Room. The surrounding starry space began to distort, some light points dimming while others flickered violently.

"Oh no," Kai's face changed, "Someone is forcibly opening a channel between realities. Alex, we have to stop them!"

He grabbed Alex's hand and ran quickly towards the door. But just as they were about to reach it, a dark shadow suddenly rose from the floor, blocking their path.

The shadow gradually solidified, forming a human shape. Alex was shocked to find that the figure looked exactly like Kai, but enveloped in a layer of black mist.

"Long time no see, brother," the shadow Kai said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I see you've found a new toy."

Kai pushed Alex behind him protectively. "Zack, you shouldn't be here. You know the consequences of forcibly opening channels."

The shadow, called Zack, laughed loudly. "Consequences? Don't be naive, Kai. Power is right before our eyes; we just need to dare to reach out and take it. And you, you're content being a lapdog for those old men."

Alex felt a chill, the dark energy emanating from Zack instinctively filling him with fear. But at the same time, he could sense Kai accumulating some kind of power.

"Alex," Kai said in a low voice, "When I count to three, run towards that door on the left. Don't look back."

Before Alex could respond, Zack launched his attack. A bolt of black lightning shot from his hand, heading straight for Alex. In that critical moment, Kai suddenly pushed Alex away, shielding him from the attack.

"Run!" Kai shouted.

Alex stumbled towards the left door. Behind him, he could hear the sounds of intense fighting, but he didn't dare look back. Just as he was about to reach the door, a hand suddenly grabbed his ankle.

Alex fell to the ground, looking back to see Zack staring at him with a greedy look in his eyes. "You can't escape, little Traveler," Zack sneered. "Your power will ultimately belong to me."

Just then, a blinding light-struck Zack, knocking him away. Kai rushed to Alex's side, grabbing his hand. "Quick, we need to get out of here!"

They burst out of the room, Kai quickly closing the door and drawing a glowing symbol on it. "This will hold him for a while, but not for long," Kai said, panting. "We need to get to a safe place."

Alex followed Kai through the maze-like corridors of the 13th floor, his mind full of questions. Who was Zack? Why did he attack them? And what was the relationship between Kai and Zack?

Finally, they arrived at what looked like an ordinary room. Kai closed the door, and the room instantly transformed into a cozy living room.

"We're safe for now," Kai said, collapsing onto the sofa.

Alex sat across from Kai, taking a deep breath. "Now, you owe me an explanation."

Kai nodded, his face showing a tired and complex expression. "You're right. It's time to tell you the whole truth. About me, about Zack, about the secrets of Silver Moon Apartments, and... about the challenges you're about to face."

Alex leaned back on the sofa, ready to listen to this story that might change his life forever. Outside the window, the starry sky of the 13th floor still shimmered, but he knew that danger had already arrived, and his adventure was just beginning.