CHAPTER 3 CROSSING THE COSMIC THRESHOLD

On a vibrant morning on the exotic planet Zephyra, the air vibrated with a warmth that made you feel like you were wrapped in an embrace. Kyran, still trapped in the arms of Morpheus, was abruptly brought out of his slumber by the insistent hum of his LumiCom. In a mix of drowsiness and curiosity, he reached for the device resting on his bedside table and activated it. With a deft movement, he rolled over, placing a pillow beneath his neck to adopt a more comfortable position. As if by magic, the holographic image of his brother Claudius appeared before him, flickering with the softness of distant stars.

—How are you, little brother? —Claudius's voice sounded clear and worried.

—Well, — Kyran replied, his voice broken by an involuntary yawn. —What's wrong? Why are you calling me at this hour?

—We have a problem and we need you to come.

— ¿Okay, what problem is that?

—You better come and see for yourself.

—Mmm — Kyran grunted, his curiosity now fully aroused — So much mystery? Can't you give me a heads up on this?

—Brother, — the plea in Claudius's voice was palpable.

—Okay, okay, I'm just joking, — Kyran said, finally giving in. Not only did he share his father's physical appearance, but he had also inherited his sarcasm, his dark humor, and his irony. Claudius, on the other hand, knew his brother as well as if they had been one person in two different bodies, sharing that same mocking spirit that his father used to display when he was woken up at odd hours, always responding with a dramatic but affectionate complaint.

With a resigned but gentle sigh, Kyran turned off the LumiCom and turned on the light, preparing to face whatever needed his attention. The adventure was about to begin, and although he didn't know it yet, that day would mark the start of a series of events that would change the fate of Zephyria forever.

— Lights, — Kyran said, and instantly, the room was flooded with light, banishing shadows with the efficiency of a miniature sun. His brothers' calls were rare, reserved for moments of true urgency. Just hours before, they had gone out together to enjoy the night, with laughter and drinks, touring a bar and an exclusive men's spa, before parting ways with promises of future adventures. Now, shaken from his slumber by a matter of apparent gravity, Kyran stood, determined to face whatever was necessary.

After a quick shower that washed away the last vestiges of sleep, he dressed in comfortable but action-ready clothing. Before him, a transporter portal hummed softly, waiting. He entered the coordinates sent by Claudius and, with a firm step, crossed the threshold into the unknown.

Upon arrival, the spectacle that greeted him was of an unexpected magnitude: a voracious black hole devouring everything around it with an insatiable hunger. —What happened here? — Kyran asked, his scientific curiosity aroused by such an anomaly.

—That's what we want to know, — Claudius replied, his tone denoting a mix of concern and hope. —I called you because you understand these phenomena better than we do. We need you to find out what's going on.

Accepting the challenge, Kyran pulled a spatial anomaly analyzer device from his pocket and pointed it into the dark abyss. The device buzzed and flickered, spitting out incomprehensible numbers and data; it was as if the black hole existed and did not exist at the same time, an enigma shrouded in mystery. Frustrated, Kyran tapped the device, wondering if the technology had decided to fail at the most critical moment.

This wasn't just a mission to save Zephyra from a space catastrophe; it was a test of ingenuity, courage, and the unwavering curiosity that had driven Kyran since childhood. With the fate of his world hanging in the balance, he would delve into the darkest secrets of the universe, confronting mysteries that defy human understanding, armed only with his wits, his knowledge, and an unwavering faith in science.

Kyran's confusion grew at the paradox Claudius presented. —¿Wait, this is real?— Disbelief tinged his voice, a mix of amazement and skepticism at the phenomenon that defied all logic.

— If you're asking me if it exists, I'd say yes, it's very real — Claudius said seriously, his gaze fixed on the world-devouring abyss. — So real that it's already swallowed three planets. Fortunately, they were deserted and uninhabited, but that doesn't lessen the danger. We don't know how this phenomenon occurred or how it was formed. Our brothers are still investigating it, and you know how Safiro is with these things.

—Oh, yes, I know, — Kyran replied, a smile lighting up his face as he thought of his brother Sapphire's obsession with scientific enigmas, often surpassing even his own passion. —But the device is indicating that it doesn't exist, while we're watching it. It's very strange.

The situation posed a unique challenge: a black hole that Kyran's instruments believed should not exist, and yet there it was, a tangible threat that had already consumed three worlds. This mystery not only tested his scientific knowledge, but also confronted him with the possibility that they were dealing with a phenomenon entirely new to science.

— We need to get closer, analyze it from a safe proximity. Maybe there is something we are overlooking — suggested Kyran, determined to discover the truth behind the anomaly. — And let's contact Safiro. If anyone can help us understand this enigma, it is him.

With that resolve, the brothers prepared to delve deeper into the mystery of the black hole. Armed with their wits, their bravery, and an insatiable curiosity, they were ready to face the unknown, determined to unlock the secrets of the cosmos and, hopefully, save their world from an invisible but devastatingly real threat.

Amidst the uncertainty and bewilderment caused by the black hole that defied existence itself, Kyran and Claudius exchanged worried glances. Kyran broke the silence, immersed in the mystery that surrounded them. —If the strangest thing is the other part, this supposedly non-existent black hole has already swallowed three planets. All of our devices indicate the same as yours: according to them, this thing does not exist.

— For a ghost, he eats way too much, — Kyran observed, attempting to lighten the gravity of his situation with a touch of humor. —Let me see what I can do. I'm going to call Safiro and see what readings her instruments are getting. — Rummaging through his pocket, he pulled out his LumiCom and activated it, dialing his brother. On the other end, the ringtone of Safiro's LumiCom rang out, before he answered, his attention divided between the call and the data flashing on his screen.

— ¿Yes? — Safiro's voice sounded distracted, absorbed in the readings in front of him.

—I want to know what your data is telling you. Mine has gone crazy, — Kyran said, hoping to get something that made sense.

—Mine are the same as yours, nothing consistent with what we are seeing. And I'm already getting a severe headache from the same thing. I don't understand what's happening and it drives me crazy — Safiro confessed, her frustration evident in her voice.

—Come on, calm down, brother. Where is our father? — Kyran tried to change the focus of the conversation to an equally worrying topic.

— He's being treated in the infirmary, — Safiro revealed, the seriousness of the situation reflected in her tone.

—¿What happened? — Kyran's question hung in the air, laden with worry and fear at the implications of the answer.

This interaction between the brothers reflects not only the depth of their concern for the crisis they face, but also the strength of their family bond. As the conversation progresses, they prepare to face the mystery of the black hole together, willing to do whatever it takes to protect their world and unravel the secrets of this enigma.

The conversation between Kyran and Safiro took an even more serious turn when they revealed the magnitude of the danger they faced. —He tried what we always do in these cases: use his power to try to stop the black hole, so that it wouldn't continue swallowing planets while we attacked with rays to try to eliminate it. But then, the black hole itself gave him back all his power, — Safiro explained, her voice tense with worry.

—Wait, wait, wait, let me process that,— Kyran interrupted, needing a moment to absorb the information. —Are you saying the black hole attacked our father with his own power?

— Yes, exactly that — Safiro confirmed, her tone grave. — I think we have a ravenous black hole with personality and consciousness. It's alive.

The conversation turned to his family's joint effort to confront this threat. —¿Where are our uncle Ashtar and our sister Elara? — Kyran asked, seeking to understand the full scope of their efforts.

—They're in the lab, two offices down from mine, trying to explain all of this. They're doing experiments with the matter they were able to extract from that black hole to find a way to eliminate it. The rest of the family is trying to figure out how to stop all of this chaos, — Safiro shared, outlining her family's collective effort.

—I got it. I'll call you later, — Kyran said, deactivating his LumiCom, and turned to Claudius, who was waiting for an answer, a solution.

—¿What do we do? — Claudius asked, his gaze reflecting the urgency of the situation.

Kyran, trying to find some humor in the midst of the crisis, joked, —Maybe if we buy him some beers he'll stop destroying everything in his path. — Despite the attempt to lighten the moment, they both knew they were facing an unprecedented challenge.

—Do you think that thing will let us invite him? It's destroying everything in its path, like what it is, a black hole— Claudius replied, returning the conversation to the grave reality they were facing.

The interaction between siblings Kyran and Claudius, along with information provided by Sapphire, paints a picture of a family united in the effort to confront a cosmic threat of unimaginable proportions. Their determination, combined with a touch of humor at moments of tension, reflects the complexity of their struggle and the depth of their family bond. Together, they search for solutions, willing to use all the resources at their disposal to protect their home and unravel the mystery of an enemy that seems to defy the laws of physics and nature itself.

The conversation between Kyran and Claudius took a turn towards the unknown, as Kyran pondered aloud about the nature of the black hole. —One thing is certain, I've never seen a black hole behave like this, unless it has thoughts and a will of its own, unless,— Kyran paused, deep in thought, —it's not a black hole.— With scientific curiosity, he checked the numerical flows on his device, noticing that the figures did not match the typical intensity of a black hole, which would explain why it seemed to exist and at the same time not.

—Tell me, Claudius, ¿how long ago did all this start?— Kyran asked, trying to understand the time scale of events.

—It must have been five hours ago that it started devouring everything, — Claudius replied, his voice filled with concern.

—Five hours… hmm, — Kyran muttered, deep in thought. —At this rate, it should have already devoured this planet and everything on it, including us, or rather, you, if you've been here the whole time. Black holes move, and this one doesn't. I don't think it's a black hole and this whole thing could also be an illusion, making us believe it is one.

—And who would be doing something like that? He must be a real madman— Claudius couldn't hide his disbelief at his brother's suggestion.

—I don't know how crazy it is, but one thing is certain: we will find out, — Kyran stated with determination.

—And how will we do it? — Claudius looked at his brother, searching for a plan.

—We will go, we will enter that —black hole, — Kyran declared, his voice firm.

—You're crazy, Kyran. He'll kill us, — Claudius protested, fear evident in his voice at the thought of facing the unknown threat head on.

— ¿How can something that doesn't exist kill us, brother? — Kyran replied confidently, as he equipped himself with various devices and packed his backpack with analytical and precautionary items, including knives and a first aid kit. Claudius watched him, and, despite his reservations, he also grabbed a backpack, preparing to accompany his brother on this daring expedition.

The decision to confront the mystery head-on showed not only the brothers' bravery but also their unwavering determination to protect their world and uncover the truth.

Equipped with scientific tools and armed with the hope of unraveling this enigma, they prepared to enter what seemed to be an unknown abyss, ready to face whatever they found, challenging the limits of their understanding and reality itself.

Claudius, seeing the determination in his brother's eyes, felt a surge of courage that overcame his initial fear. The prospect of facing the unknown, a danger that defied all scientific and logical understanding, was overwhelming, but the idea of letting Kyran face that risk alone was unacceptable. —Fine, if you want to go in, we'll do it together. I won't let you go alone, — Claudius stated, his voice firm and full of resolve.

Before setting out on their daring expedition into the anomaly, Kyran and Claudius knew they would face challenges beyond the capabilities of any human. To increase their chances of success and ensure their safety, they decided to use the Valkyrie, a state-of-the-art intergalactic spacecraft designed for the exploration and study of extreme cosmic phenomena.

The Valkyrie was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a hyperluminal propulsion system that allowed them to travel at speeds that defied relativity, energy shields capable of withstanding the harshest conditions of space, and a suite of advanced scientific instruments for real-time analysis of astrophysical data.

The Valkyrie's interior was designed to maximize crew efficiency and comfort. The cockpit, with its multiple touchscreens and holographic controls, offered an intuitive interface for navigation and ship operation. The observation lounge, equipped with a reinforced glass roof, allowed occupants to admire the wonders of the universe in all their splendor, providing a constant reminder of the magnitude of their mission.

Preparation for their journey to the anomaly included loading essential supplies, survival equipment, and advanced spacesuits designed to protect them from the uncertainties of the cosmic void. Each item had been meticulously selected and tested, ensuring they could handle any eventuality.

Aboard the Valkyrie, Kyran and Claudius felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The ship hummed softly beneath their feet, a constant reminder of the incredible journey ahead. As they sailed away from the safety of their known world, the vastness of space stretched out before them, an endless canvas of possibilities and mystery.

The approach to the anomaly was meticulously calculated. The Valkyrie, with its advanced navigation system, could maintain a safe distance while gathering preliminary data. However, as they moved deeper into the anomaly's field of influence, the ship began to experience unexplained fluctuations. Instruments flickered erratically, and energy shields vibrated at an unknown frequency, defying Kyran and Claudius' understanding. This did not deter them; if anything, it strengthened their resolve to uncover the truth behind the mystery looming before them.

Upon crossing the threshold, the Valkyrie was plunged into an environment completely different from anything humanity had ever experienced before. The ship, quickly adapting to the unfamiliar conditions, became their sanctuary and their means of exploring the unexplored. Within this realm of unknown wonders and dangers, the brothers prepared to face whatever lay beyond, armed with their wits, their bravery, and the unmatched resources of their intergalactic spaceship.

—This doesn't make sense, — Kyran muttered, his gaze fixed on the instruments he carried. —The gravity here should be immense, but it's like something is dampening its effect, or rather guiding us.

Claudius, though still fearful, couldn't help but feel fascinated. —Could this be some kind of portal, Kyran? Something created by an advanced intelligence?

—It's as good a theory as any at this point, — Kyran replied, adjusting his equipment to collect as much data as possible.

As they crossed the threshold of what they perceived to be the entrance to the black hole, the brothers experienced a sense of distortion, as if space and time were bending around them. Instead of the overwhelming darkness they had expected, they found themselves floating in a vast space illuminated by multi-colored lights, with structures that seemed to be made of pure energy and unknown matter.

—Where are we? — Claudius asked, his voice filled with wonder.

—I think we've entered something that is not from our universe, or at least, not what we understand by universe— Kyran replied, his scientific curiosity overcoming any residual fear.

Exploring the strange surroundings, they came across artifacts and technology that were clearly advanced, but incomprehensible to them. Each piece seemed to pulse with a life of its own, and some even reacted to their presence, moving or changing color.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through space, speaking directly to their minds. —Welcome, Kyran and Claudius. We've been waiting for you.

The brothers looked at each other, surprised to be recognized in this strange place. —¿Who are you? ¿What is this place? — Kyran asked, trying to locate the source of the voice.

— We are the guardians of this threshold, a civilization that transcended physical limitations and ventured into the dimensions beyond. What you perceived as a black hole is actually a door, a meeting point between worlds and realities —

Claudius, taking in the magnitude of what he was hearing, asked, —¿Why us? ¿Why now?

—Your arrival is no coincidence. This meeting has been predicted as a turning point. Your species is on the verge of a great awakening, and we needed to make sure you were ready —

Kyran and Claudius were now faced with a revelation beyond their wildest theories and fantasies. This encounter not only challenged their understanding of the universe, but also placed them at the center of a cosmic event of unimaginable significance. With the promise of new knowledge and the chance to help their species advance, the brothers knew their lives had just taken a turn they could never have foreseen. They were ready to learn, to help, and most of all, to face this new challenge together, taking their brotherly bond and courage to new frontiers of knowledge and existence.