Chapter 67: The Doctor's Farewell

After the anniversary celebration of Silver Moon Apartments, Alex and Kai thought life would return to normal. However, fate seemed to always enjoy surprising them. One morning, as they were enjoying breakfast, Leo's voice suddenly sounded, with an unusual hint of tension.

"Alex, Kai, the control room has detected a strange energy fluctuation. You'd better come and see."

The two immediately put down their breakfast and rushed to the control room. When they arrived, they saw a familiar yet strange figure on the holographic projection.

"Is that... Dr. Blackwood?" Alex said in surprise.

Indeed, the person in the projection was Dr. Blackwood, who had disappeared years ago. He looked much older than they remembered, but his eyes were still sharp.

"Alex, Kai," Dr. Blackwood's voice came through the projection, "I'm glad to see you've grown into such excellent guardians. I've been watching you from afar."

Kai stepped forward: "Dr. Blackwood, where have you been? Why are you appearing only now?"

The doctor gave a bitter smile: "I've been wandering through the cracks of time, trying to find a way to solve the multiverse crisis. Now, I've finally found the answer, but it's also time to say goodbye."

Alex and Kai exchanged a worried glance. "What do you mean, Doctor?" Alex asked.

Dr. Blackwood took a deep breath: "I've discovered that to completely solve the multiverse crisis, we need a powerful energy source. And I... have decided to become that energy source."

"What?" Kai exclaimed, "But that means..."

"Yes," the doctor said calmly, "I will no longer exist in my current form. But don't worry, this is a decision I've made after careful consideration."

Alex felt a pang in his heart: "But surely there must be other ways, right? We can figure something out together."

Dr. Blackwood shook his head: "We're running out of time, children. The balance of the multiverse is collapsing at an accelerating rate. We must act immediately."

Just then, the entire Silver Moon Apartments suddenly shook violently. Alarms sounded throughout the building.

"What's happening?" Kai shouted.

Leo's voice answered: "Multiple parallel worlds are colliding at an accelerated rate! If we don't stop it, it will have catastrophic consequences!"

Dr. Blackwood's expression became even more determined: "You see? We have no choice. Alex, Kai, I need your help. You must guide me into the core of Silver Moon Apartments."

Despite the reluctance in their hearts, Alex and Kai nodded. They knew that sometimes sacrifices had to be made for the greater good.

The three of them went to the deepest part of Silver Moon Apartments, where there was a huge energy core emitting a soft glow.

"This is it," Dr. Blackwood said, "After I enter the core, you must immediately activate the protective barrier. Remember, no matter what happens, don't stop."

Alex fought back tears: "Doctor, we... we'll never forget you."

Kai added: "Yes, you've taught us so much. We'll continue your work."

Dr. Blackwood gave a kind smile: "I know you will. You've already exceeded my expectations. Remember, true power comes from your hearts, from the bond between you."

With that, Dr. Blackwood walked towards the energy core. Just as he was about to touch the core, he looked back at Alex and Kai one last time: "Take care of each other, take care of this home. Goodbye, my dear children."

With a flash of dazzling light, Dr. Blackwood's figure disappeared into the energy core. The entire Silver Moon Apartments began to shake violently, as if bearing enormous pressure.

"Quick!" Leo's voice sounded urgently, "Activate the protective barrier!"

Alex and Kai immediately sprang into action. They placed their hands on the control panel, concentrating all their energy and emotions. Slowly, a powerful energy barrier began to spread from Silver Moon Apartments, encompassing the entire multiverse.

The shaking finally stopped, and the alarms gradually faded. When everything calmed down, Alex and Kai collapsed on the ground, exhausted.

"Did we... succeed?" Alex asked, panting.

Leo's voice came: "Yes, you did it. The balance of the multiverse has been restored. Dr. Blackwood's sacrifice was not in vain."

Kai stood up and walked to the energy core: "The doctor... is he really gone?"

Just then, the energy core suddenly flickered, and an image made of pure energy appeared before them. It looked like Dr. Blackwood, but much younger.

"Don't be sad, children," the image said, its voice gentle yet powerful, "I haven't really left. I've now become a part of Silver Moon Apartments, an eternal force guarding the multiverse."

Alex and Kai looked at the image with delight. "Does this mean... we can still see you?" Alex asked.

Dr. Blackwood's image nodded with a smile: "Yes, although not as frequently as before, but I will appear when you need guidance. Remember, true wisdom comes from experience and reflection. Continue your exploration, continue to guard this home."

With these final words, the image gradually faded. Alex and Kai stood there, their hearts filled with complex emotions.

"We should be happy for him," Kai finally said, "He found his purpose."

Alex nodded: "Yes, and he will always be a part of Silver Moon Apartments, our family."

They left the energy core room and returned to the familiar control room. The entire Silver Moon Apartments seemed to radiate new vitality, with every corner glowing with warm light.

"From today on," Alex said, "we not only continue to guard Silver Moon Apartments, but also carry on Dr. Blackwood's wisdom and courage."

Kai held Alex's hand: "We will. As long as we're together, we can face any challenge."

As night fell, Alex and Kai stood in the rooftop garden, gazing at the starry sky. They knew that in that endless universe, Dr. Blackwood's spirit would always be with them. Although they had lost an important mentor, they had gained greater power and responsibility.

The story of Silver Moon Apartments continues, and Alex and Kai, carrying Dr. Blackwood's teachings, will continue their great mission of guarding the multiverse.