Chapter 37: The Pain of Separation

Since the Architect's appearance, the defense work of Silver Moon Apartments had entered an intense phase. Alex, Kai, Marcus, and the reborn Leo trained day and night, striving to enhance their abilities. However, fate seemed to have other plans.

This morning, the Architect gathered everyone in the Mind Library. His expression was unusually serious, making everyone feel uneasy.

"Time is running out," the Architect began, his voice heavy, "The Void's forces are launching attacks in multiple dimensions simultaneously. We must act separately."

Alex felt his heart tighten, instinctively looking at Kai. Kai was also looking at him, his eyes full of worry.

The Architect continued: "Alex, you need to go to the Time Corridor to repair the rifts there. Kai, your task is to go to the Shadow Realm to prevent the infiltration of Void forces. Marcus and Leo, you stay at Silver Moon Apartments to reinforce the defenses here."

The room fell into silence. Alex felt a wave of panic; he had never imagined being separated from Kai. Since they met, they had always fought side by side, facing every challenge together.

"But... can't we go together?" Alex tried to argue, "We've always been partners."

The Architect shook his head, "I understand your feelings, but this is necessary. Each of your abilities is unique, and only by acting separately can we address multiple threats simultaneously."

Kai took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm, "The Architect is right, Alex. We must do this."

Alex looked at Kai, feeling a pang of heartache. He knew Kai was right, but it didn't lessen the pain of separation.

Leo stepped forward, trying to comfort them, "Don't worry, you won't be alone. I'll maintain contact with you through the Mind Library."

Marcus also nodded, "Yes, I'll use my ability to help stabilize the memory structure of Silver Moon Apartments, so you can always feel its presence."

The Architect looked at them, a flash of sympathy in his eyes, "I know this is difficult, but remember, your connection is far stronger than physical distance. Trust each other, trust your abilities."

Alex and Kai exchanged a glance, then embraced tightly. Alex buried his head in Kai's shoulder, whispering, "Promise me you'll come back safely."

Kai gently stroked Alex's back, "I promise. You too, be careful."

As they parted, Alex noticed tears glistening in Kai's eyes. He reached out to gently wipe away the tears from Kai's eyes, "We'll see each other again, I'm sure."

The Architect waved his hand, and two doors appeared out of thin air. One door was carved with complex clock patterns, while the other was shrouded in deep shadows.

"It's time," the Architect said, "Remember, no matter what happens, believe in each other, believe in Silver Moon Apartments."

Alex took a deep breath, gave Kai one last look, then walked towards the clock door. Kai walked towards the shadow door. Just as they were about to step through their respective doors, Alex suddenly turned around.

"Kai!" he called out, "I love you."

Surprise flashed in Kai's eyes, followed by a gentle smile, "I love you too, Alex. We'll meet again, I'm sure."

With a flash of dazzling light, the two disappeared behind their respective doors. The room fell into silence, leaving only Marcus and Leo looking at each other.

The Architect sighed, "Now, we must give it our all. Marcus, Leo, come with me. We need to activate the ultimate defense system of Silver Moon Apartments."

As they left the Mind Library, the entire Silver Moon Apartments seemed to groan in sorrow. The runes on the walls dimmed, and a heavy atmosphere permeated the air.

Marcus looked at Leo, "They... they'll be alright, won't they?"

Leo nodded, although his eyes were also full of worry, "They are the best guardians. I believe they will complete their tasks and return safely."

The Architect walked in front, his back looking more hunched than usual, "The wheels of fate have begun to turn. Now, everything depends on them."

In the Time Corridor and Shadow Realm, Alex and Kai each faced unprecedented challenges. They felt each other's presence, the connection still strong even though they were miles apart.

Alex stood at the entrance of the Time Corridor, watching countless timelines intertwine before him. He took a deep breath, remembering Kai's smile, feeling a surge of power within him. "I will succeed," he said softly, "For Kai, for everyone."

Meanwhile, in the Shadow Realm, Kai felt the dark forces around him. He closed his eyes, recalling Alex's warmth, feeling his fear gradually dissipate. "Wait for me, Alex," he said in his heart, "We'll meet again."

The fate of Silver Moon Apartments, and the balance of the entire multiverse, now rested in the hands of these two young guardians. Their love and courage would face the most severe test.