Chapter 48: The Price of Life

Since the Thirteenth Hour incident, Silver Moon Apartments seemed to have entered a new phase. The entire building was filled with unprecedented vitality, but it also brought more unpredictable dangers.

Late this night, Alex was awakened by a violent tremor. He immediately sensed something was wrong.

"Kai, wake up!" Alex shook the person beside him, "Do you feel it? Silver Moon Apartments is... crying."

Kai quickly sat up, his face filled with concern, "Not just that, I feel the balance of the entire multiverse is shaking."

Just then, Leo suddenly appeared in their room, his face pale.

"Quick, come to the Mind Library!" Leo said urgently, "Something terrible has happened!"

The three rushed to the Mind Library, finding the Architect already waiting there. The entire library was in a state of chaos, with books flying in the air and memory fragments scattered everywhere.

"What happened?" Alex asked, trying to dodge the flying books.

The Architect's expression was unusually serious, "Marcus's actions have triggered a chain reaction. The barriers of the multiverse are collapsing, and different realities are beginning to collide. If we don't stop this process, the entire multiverse will fall into chaos."

Kai frowned, "What should we do?"

Just then, a huge vortex suddenly appeared in the center of the Mind Library. Through the vortex, they saw countless realities collapsing.

Leo stared at the vortex, a flash of determination in his eyes, "There's only one way. We need an anchor point strong enough to stabilize the multiverse. And Silver Moon Apartments... is the best choice."

Alex felt a sense of unease, "You mean..."

Leo nodded, "That's right, we need to inject all of Silver Moon Apartments' energy into this vortex. But doing so... will consume all of Silver Moon Apartments' life force."

"No!" Kai said firmly, "This is our home, we can't lose it!"

The Architect sighed, "I understand how you feel. But if we don't do this, not only will Silver Moon Apartments disappear, but the entire multiverse will also cease to exist."

Alex felt a wave of despair, "But... but how can we do this? We don't have enough power to guide all of Silver Moon Apartments' energy."

A flash of sadness and determination crossed Leo's eyes, "I'll do it. As part of Silver Moon Apartments, I can be the conduit for the energy."

"Leo, no!" Alex exclaimed, "If you do this, you'll..."

"Disappear, I know," Leo said calmly, "But this is my choice. My existence was meant to protect Silver Moon Apartments and the multiverse. If my sacrifice can ensure the continuation of everything, then it's worth it."

The room fell into heavy silence. Alex and Kai couldn't believe they might lose Leo.

The Architect walked to Leo, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Are you sure, my child?"

Leo nodded firmly, "I've never been more certain."

He turned to Alex and Kai, a gentle smile on his face, "Don't be sad. Remember, I will always live in the memories of Silver Moon Apartments. And you... you must continue to protect this place, protect all realities."

Alex felt tears flowing uncontrollably, "Leo... thank you. Thank you for your guidance and help all this time."

Kai also stepped forward, his voice choked, "We won't let you down. We'll continue your mission."

Leo smiled and hugged them, "I know you will. You are the best guardians."

Then, Leo walked towards the huge vortex. He looked back one last time at his beloved Silver Moon Apartments and his friends, then resolutely stepped in.

Instantly, the entire Silver Moon Apartments began to shake violently. Alex could feel an incredibly powerful energy gathering. Leo's body began to glow, gradually becoming transparent.

"Hold on, Leo!" Alex shouted, wanting to step forward, but was stopped by the Architect.

"We must let him finish," the Architect said, his voice filled with deep sorrow.

Leo's voice echoed throughout Silver Moon Apartments, "Goodbye, my friends. Remember, love is the most powerful force."

With a flash of dazzling light, Leo's figure completely disappeared. A massive energy wave burst from the center of Silver Moon Apartments, sweeping across the entire multiverse.

Alex and Kai were pushed back several steps by the powerful energy. When they opened their eyes again, they found the Mind Library had returned to calm. The dangerous vortex had disappeared, replaced by a small orb of light floating in the air.

The Architect walked towards the orb, gently lifting it, "This is Leo's final gift. It contains the essence of Silver Moon Apartments and Leo's consciousness."

Alex and Kai stepped forward, carefully touching the orb. Instantly, they felt Leo's presence, warm and firm.

"He's still here," Alex said softly, tears in his eyes, "In another form."

Kai squeezed Alex's hand, "Yes, he will always be with Silver Moon Apartments, and always with us."

The Architect looked at them, his eyes full of pride and hope, "Leo's sacrifice saved the entire multiverse. From now on, Silver Moon Apartments will exist in a new form. And you will become its new guardians."

Alex took a deep breath, feeling Silver Moon Apartments' renewed energy, "We won't let Leo's sacrifice be in vain. We will continue to protect this place, protect all realities."

Kai nodded in agreement, "For Leo, for everyone."

As they walked out of the Mind Library, Alex felt the entire Silver Moon Apartments gently trembling, as if mourning for Leo while also celebrating rebirth. The runes on the walls flickered with warm light, and a new energy permeated the air.

Alex knew that from today on, everything would be different. They had lost an important friend and mentor, but at the same time gained greater responsibility and power. Leo's sacrifice not only saved the multiverse but also gave them the courage to move forward.

And in some corner of Silver Moon Apartments, Leo's consciousness still existed, silently guarding this place he deeply loved. He knew that under Alex and Kai's protection, Silver Moon Apartments would usher in a new chapter.

The fate of the multiverse now rests in the hands of these young guardians. And they, carrying Leo's blessings and expectations, will continue this adventure across time and space.