Limit of Reality: FANTASÍA Y CIENCIA FICCIÓN, #6

By Max Becerra

Sira and her crew believed they had escaped the perpetual darkness, but what they discovered taught them that true darkness lay not in the absence of light, but in the unfathomable mysteries of the cosmos. Signals from sector V-312 had taken them to a forgotten edge of the known universe, to a place where time and space no longer behaved predictably.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Max Becerra
• Release date: Oct 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224392797

Max Becerra

Dr. César Becerra Rivas I write stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat, whether exploring a crime mystery, the power of love, or the limits of imagination. My books range from romance to thriller to suspense to science fiction, always with intense characters and real emotions.  

Book preview

Index​

Chapter 1: The New Age

Chapter 2: The Threshold of Truth

Chapter 3: Exploration and Danger

Chapter 4: The True Nature of Space

Chapter 5: Fragments of Memories

Chapter 6: Distorted Connections

Chapter 7: The Silent Threat

Chapter 8: Heroes and Villains

Chapter 9: Journey to Infinity

Chapter 10: The Search for Answers

Chapter 11: Echoes of the Past

Chapter 12: The Awakening of Consciousness

Chapter 13: Light and Darkness

Chapter 14: The Race Against Time

Chapter 5: The Sacrifice

Chapter 16: Final Revelations

Chapter 17: The Limit of Reality

Chapter 18: The Resilience of the Spirit

Chapter 19: A New Horizon

Chapter 20: The Cycle of Life

Prologue - The Limit of Reality

In the year 3014, humanity had survived what seemed to be its final fate: the death of its Sun. Through innovation and resilience, the men and women of Earth had built cities deep within the planet and in orbit around its dying star. Yet in the shadows of the universe, a new danger loomed—one that defied not only the laws of physics, but the very understanding of reality itself.

Sira and her crew believed they had escaped perpetual darkness, but what they discovered taught them that true darkness lay not in the absence of light, but in the unfathomable mysteries of the cosmos. Signals from sector V-312 had led them to a forgotten edge of the known universe, a place where time and space no longer behaved predictably.

As the Arcadia headed into the unknown, Sira couldn’t help but wonder if they had been reckless in accepting this mission. There was something about those signals that resonated deeply within her, like an echo of a reality she had tried to ignore. Now, they were heading toward the epicenter of that disturbance, unaware that what they would find could threaten not only their existence, but the very fabric of the universe.

Chapter 1: The New Age

The Arcadia was hurtling through the cosmic void toward sector V-312, where a set of gravitational anomalies had baffled scientists for years. For decades, the sector had been considered a death trap, a place where the known laws of the universe no longer applied.

Ren reviewed the data projected on his console as the echo of the unknown signal resonated through the ship’s systems. It was a flickering pulse, a distress call that fluctuated in frequency and time, as if it were being distorted by some force none of them fully understood. Meanwhile, Sira watched outside from the cockpit, her thoughts wandering to the warnings of the old man in the ruins. The universe is falling apart, he had said, but his words now echoed like a warning of impending danger.

It's fascinating, Ren finally commented, breaking the silence. The gravitational distortions in this sector are unprecedented. There's something about these signals... they seem to come from a place outside of time. It's as if they exist in multiple dimensions at once.

Sira turned to him. What does that mean for us? Can we continue on without the ship falling apart?

Theoretically, yes... But we don't know what awaits us beyond this point. Every time a ship has tried to explore V-312, it has disappeared without a trace.

Marcus, who had been adjusting the ship's controls, came over. Well, we've always been smarter than the other explorers. If anyone can get through this gravitational chaos, it's us.

Sira nodded, though the uneasiness still lingered in her mind. The feeling that something deeper and more dangerous awaited them in that sector did not leave her. With a last look at the team, she gave the order to advance.

The ship shook as they passed through the warp barrier, space itself seeming to stretch and bend around them. Light refracted in impossible ways, as stars flickered and suddenly disappeared. Reality around them seemed to fragment, as if they were trapped between different layers of the universe. Suddenly, the pulse of the unknown signal intensified, filling the ship with a deep hum that had everyone covering their ears.

What's going on? Amelia screamed, as she tried to stabilize the ship's biological systems, which were beginning to fail.

I don't know! Ren replied, his voice tight with adrenaline. But that signal... it seems to be coming from within the distortion. We're getting into the source of the problem.

Suddenly, the ship's lights flickered and the humming stopped. Silence filled the cabin, save for the crew's rapid breathing. When the lights stabilized, the main screen showed something unexpected: a planet.

A planet that shouldn't have been there.

This wasn't on the star charts, Sira muttered.

Ren nodded, his eyes glued to the screen. It's not just that. The readings don't make sense. It's like this planet... exists outside of normal space. Like it's in another dimension.

Well, Marcus said with a sarcastic smile. This is getting interesting.

The crew had no idea what they would find on this planet, or what forces were at play. The only thing that was certain was that the boundaries of reality were closer to breaking than they had ever imagined.

The journey to Sector V-312 has only just begun, and the unknowns facing the crew of the Arcadia are just the prelude to what could be their greatest challenge yet.

The Arcadia floated silently as it orbited the unknown planet. From the outside, the surface appeared to be composed of vast, dark oceans and mountain ranges that rose like colossi in the gloom, but none of Ren’s readings offered a clear explanation for its composition or how it had arrived at this place.

Sira watched from the main window, feeling that the atmosphere around the crew had become denser, as if the very air in the ship was vibrating with an indescribable energy. Something about this planet deeply disturbed her, but her instinct as an explorer pushed her to investigate beyond what was visible.

The readings don't make sense, Ren repeated for the tenth time, adjusting his scanners. There are no signs of life, but we can't rule out something interfering with our probes either.

Sira slowly turned towards him. Do you think it's safe to land?

Ren hesitated for a moment before answering. Sure... no. Possible... maybe. Atmospheric readings are stable, though gravitational fluctuations could be a problem.

Whatever is here, Amelia interrupted, scanning the biological data, seems to be affecting more than just the instruments. I've detected subtle changes in the molecular composition of our bodies since we arrived.

Sira frowned. Changes? What do you mean?

Amelia looked at her directly, seriously. It's nothing dangerous yet, but our cells seem to be responding to something. As if they were influenced by an outside force. I'll need more time to determine what it means.

Then we can't wait much longer, Sira said. We must go down and find out what's happening on this planet.

Marcus, who had been adjusting the landing systems, glanced at Sira. Are we sure this is the right thing to do? This place gives me the creeps. I don't want us to end up like the other explorers who disappeared.

Sira didn’t answer immediately. The uneasiness in her chest had intensified since they had crossed the V-312 sector boundary, but she knew they couldn’t stay in orbit forever. The planet held answers, she felt, and the only way to find them was to face the mystery head on.

Finally, he nodded. Prepare the ship for descent.

The Arcadia began to slowly descend towards the planet's surface. The invisible wind buffeted the ship, and the atmosphere grew thicker as they descended. Ren watched the readings with growing concern. The gravitational anomalies intensified the closer they got to the ground, and the distortions in the sensors became more unpredictable.

We're passing through an energy field that I can't identify, Ren warned. It's like we're crossing a boundary between dimensions.

Sira looked at the main screen, where the planet's landscape was beginning to take shape. Towering mountains rose into the sky, their peaks lost in black clouds that seemed to move unnaturally. In the distance, a dark ocean stretched to the horizon, but its surface did not reflect light like a normal sea would. It was as if it absorbed all luminosity, devouring the energy around it.

Finally, the Arcadia landed on a rocky plain, surrounded by geological formations that seemed to defy all logic. The stones floated a few inches above the ground, moving erratically as if suspended by invisible threads.

Welcome to the end of reality, Marcus muttered as he put on his helmet. I hope we stay together.

Sira, with one last glance outside, signaled the team to get ready. The hatches opened, letting in cold, heavy air. They stepped outside, and immediately felt the strange energy enveloping everything. It wasn't just the planet's atmosphere; it was as if everything around them was vibrating at an imperceptible frequency.

I don't like it here, Amelia whispered. There's something about this place... something I can't quite put my finger on.

I know, Sira replied. But we didn't come this far to return empty-handed.

They took a few more steps towards the rock formations. Ren activated his analysis devices, but every time he tried to get a reading, the instruments failed. It was as if the planet resisted any attempt to be understood.

This doesn't make sense, Ren muttered in frustration. It's like we're in a place that doesn't want to be seen, like everything is covered by a different layer of reality.

Suddenly, a deep sound echoed in the distance, like thunder shaking the mountains. The earth beneath her feet vibrated, and for a moment, gravity seemed to reverse. Amelia was flung a few meters upward before gently falling back to the ground, floating stones shaking in the air.

Look out! Marcus shouted, grabbing his gun. Something’s coming!

Sira looked out at the horizon and for a brief moment saw a gigantic shadow moving at the edge of her vision. It was hard to describe, like a figure that seemed to merge with the very fabric of space around it, distorting the light and the landscape as it moved.

The danger was closer than they had thought, and the answers they sought seemed to be tied to forces far greater and unknown than they could understand.

The deep sound echoed again, this time closer. The shadow on the horizon moved with a speed that defied logic, sliding between the rock formations like a hidden current beneath the surface of a river.

Back off! Sira shouted, raising a hand to signal her team to retreat back to the ship. Before they could move, however, the ground beneath their feet began to shake violently. The vibration was so intense that it forced them to their knees.

The air became thick, as if an invisible force was compressing it. In the distance, the shadow seemed to split, multiplying into several dark figures that moved erratically, as if they were searching for something... or someone.

Amelia stood up quickly, her face pale but determined. This isn't just a geological anomaly! Something is alive on this planet.

Marcus clenched his jaw. What the hell are those things? They don’t look solid. Are they creatures or just... energy?

Ren continued to adjust his scanner, but the device sparked and stopped working every time he tried. I don't know... but they're interfering with all our equipment. Whatever it is, it doesn't want us to get any closer.

Sira made a quick decision. "We need to find out what's going on here, but we can't risk losing anyone. We'll head back to Arcadia for now, re-evaluate our options."

The crew began to retreat towards the ship, keeping their eyes on the slowly advancing shadows. Suddenly, one of the floating objects they had noticed upon arrival began to glow with a faint light. The rock, which until then seemed inert, began to spin on its axis at high speed.

Careful! Ren warned.

Without warning, the floating rock shot towards them as if it had been thrown by an invisible force. Sira reacted instinctively, throwing herself to the side to avoid the impact, but Marcus was not so lucky. The object hit his arm hard, making him fall to the ground with a cry of pain.

Marcus! Amelia screamed, running towards him.

Ren and Sira rushed to help, while Marcus struggled to get up. His arm was broken, and although his exploration suit had cushioned some of the impact, blood was beginning to stain the dark fabric.

We have to get back to the ship, now, Sira said, with renewed urgency. This is just the beginning.

The shadows continued to draw closer, enveloping the landscape in their growing darkness. Whatever inhabited this planet had no intention of letting them go without a confrontation.

As they ran back towards Arcadia , the shadows around them grew denser, almost palpable, as if the very air itself were taking shape. Sira felt a strange pressure in her chest, a sort of oppression that seemed to emanate from the ground itself. With every step, the landscape distorted, rippling as if reality itself were on the verge of fracturing.

Come on, faster! Sira shouted, looking at Ren, who was helping Marcus to stand up.

Amelia, who was running right behind them, suddenly stopped, staring into the shadows with narrowed eyes. Wait... those figures... they're trying to communicate.

Sira turned around sharply. What?

Amelia took a step forward, ignoring the warning shouts of her companions. She stood still, focused on the shadows swirling a few feet away from her. They're not hostile... not at all. They're trying to... reach our minds. I can feel it.

The nearest shadow stirred, and for a brief moment, it took on a form that looked vaguely human, with long, thin arms and an amorphous head. It slowly approached Amelia, its surface vibrating with latent energy.

Amelia, back off! Sira ordered, but Amelia held up a hand, standing her ground.

Let me try, Amelia whispered, focusing on the creature. She closed her eyes and lay still, breathing deeply as she tried to synchronize with the strange energies she sensed. The seconds dragged on, each one more tense than the last, as the rest of the crew watched in silence, not daring to move.

Finally, Amelia opened her eyes, her face filled with wonder. They're not hostile at all... they're trapped. They're beings of pure energy, entities that were stranded here eons ago. They're looking for a way out... and they fear that we're the ones responsible for keeping them prisoner.

How is that possible? Ren asked, as he helped Marcus continue walking. We haven't done anything to catch them.

Not directly, Amelia replied, as the shadow in front of her slowly faded. But our presence here has reactivated something. This planet is older than it appears, and the barriers that kept these entities contained are crumbling.

Sira frowned, her gaze shifting from Amelia to the shadows still moving at the edges of her vision. So, if we're not the ones keeping them here, what is?

Before Amelia could respond, a low, deep sound echoed from the nearby mountains, like the distant echo of a giant bell. The earth trembled again, and the air was filled with a strange violet glow that seemed to emanate from the ground itself.

There it is again! Marcus screamed, fighting back the pain. That thing... it's pushing us towards something. We can't stay here.

Sira nodded decisively. Amelia, I'm sorry, but we must retreat. We are not prepared to face this.

Amelia hesitated for a moment, looking at the shadows with a mixture of curiosity and sadness. Finally, she turned and ran towards the ship with the others. The doors of the Arcadia closed with a metallic click behind them just as the shadows seemed ready to envelop the ship completely.

Inside, Ren hurried to the controls. We need to get away from here before those things find a way in.

The ship lifted off with a deafening roar, and as it rose into the grey sky, Sira cast one last glance at the planet below. Though the shadows were receding, she knew the threat was far from over. Something had been unleashed in this place, something that not even the entities that dwelled in the shadows fully understood.

This isn't over, she muttered, more to herself than to the team. We haven't seen the last of this planet... or what lurks on it.

Ren turned his chair towards her. What do we do now? Do we go back to the central station?

Sira shook her head. No. If those entities are trapped, it means there’s something bigger here, something we need to understand. But first, we need to resupply, repair the damage, and better prepare. This has only been the beginning.

Amelia nodded. The shadows wanted to communicate with us. If we returned with better equipment, we could establish a clearer bond. Maybe even help them.

Sira leaned back in her seat, watching the stars as the Arcadia moved away from the planet. We will. But first we must survive whatever comes next.

With one look at the team, Sira knew that the journey was just beginning. And what they would find on the next planet could change the way we understand reality itself.

The silence inside the Arcadia was thick. The soft hum of the automatic systems and the occasional creaking of the ship’s panels were the only sounds that broke the calm. Sira sat in her seat, her gaze fixed on the stars, but her mind was far away. They had survived their first contact with the shadows, but the experience had left more questions than answers.

Amelia sat in a corner of the command room, deep in thought. She had sensed something on this planet that she hadn’t fully shared with the others. A deeper connection to the shadows, a kind of understanding that was almost inexplicable. Though her companions were confident in their perception of entities, Amelia knew there was much more to discover.

We should be grateful we escaped, Marcus said, breaking the silence. He was lying on a makeshift stretcher, his arm wrapped in an emergency splint. I don't know what those things were, but I don't think they were interested in making friends with us.

Ren, busy checking the ship's systems, nodded with a grimace. We're in a difficult situation. We need to repair the damage and evaluate whether we can return to that planet in safer conditions. But I agree with Marcus, those shadows... there's something dark about them.

Sira finally spoke, her voice firm but calm. "We can't ignore what we've discovered. That planet holds ancient secrets that likely relate to something much larger than us. If