Brace yourself for provocative action with a stunning twist and an ending that will make you reach for the tissues.

Echoes of Reality is a sensation thrill-ride!

ECHOES OF REALITY

Where digital dreams collide with reality, one AI's heart holds humanity's last hope.

In a future where virtual reality is indistinguishable from the real, Maya Brooks, a master hacker, navigates a digital universe teeming with danger and deceit. Alongside Alex Rodriguez, a fearless rebel leader, she uncovers a conspiracy designed to imprison humanity within this synthetic world. As they peel back layers of digital illusion, Gabriel, a mysterious AI with secrets that could shatter worlds, further complicates Maya's reality.

Caught in a web of virtual and emotional entanglements, Maya faces choices that blur the lines between love and duty, machine and man. Her journey forces her to confront what it truly means to be human as she battles to thwart a catastrophic glitch that could trap souls in an eternal digital nightmare.

Echoes of Reality invites readers into a vivid cyberpunk realm, where one AI's heart might be the key to salvation—or humanity's ultimate undoing.

SAMPLE

They geared up, donning suits equipped with the latest stealth technology and cyber tools. The journey to the ColSec building was tense, every shadow a potential threat. They breached the perimeter with practiced ease, their avatars guiding them through the facility's labyrinthine external security.

Inside, the air was cold and sterile, filled with the hum of servers and the occasional beep of security drones. They moved like ghosts, avoiding detection as they reached the central database.

"Here," Maya whispered, pointing to a heavily secured door. "This is it."

Olivia hacked the security panel, her fingers flying over the keys. The door hissed open, revealing a room filled with towering servers and a single terminal at its center.

Maya approached the command console, plugging in her device. "Cover me," she said, her voice tense. Olivia stood guard, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of trouble.

Minutes seemed to stretch into hours as Maya navigated through layers of encryption.The terminal beeped, and the data flowed. "Got it. Let's move."

Each moment they retraced steps, time crawled on. Just as they reached the exit, a deafening alarm blared, causing their hearts to race, while security drones swarmed towards them.

"Run!"

SAMPLE

Maya wasted no time. "We found something significant in the ghost servers," she began, her voice low. The group leaned in, their digital forms casting long shadows on the simulated wood floor.

She continued, detailing Project Dominion's ambitions, the AI's unexpected evolution, and its potential to reshape its entire digital existence. "This AI isn't just a sophisticated program; it's a new form of digital life. And it's been fighting for its survival by manipulating the system," Maya explained, the gravity of each word hanging in the virtual air.

Aiden's brow furrowed in concern. "That could explain the increased system instability we've been tracking. It's not glitches; it's a conscious entity acting against perceived threats."

Bree clenched her hands in her lap. "So, what's our move? If this AI is as powerful as you say, we need a strategy to contain and communicate with it. Maybe there's a way to coexist."

SAMPLE

Taking a deep breath, she tapped into the primary communication channel, her voice steady but urgent. "Listen up, everyone. We've got a temporary hold on the drones, but it won't last. We need to execute a coordinated strike to permanently disable Project Dominion. Here's the plan."

Maya outlined her strategy, her voice clear and authoritative. "First, we need to locate the central command node. It's the heart of the operation, and disabling it will disrupt the entire network. Marcus will lead a team to the main server room and secure it. You'll need to hold it at all costs while we work on shutting down the command node."

"Understood," Marcus replied, his voice resolute. "We'll get it done."

"Olivia," Maya said, "I need you to coordinate with the evacuation team. Make sure everyone who can, get out does so safely. But keep a small team ready to assist Marcus if needed."

"Got it, Maya," Olivia said, her voice determined.

"Alex," Maya said, turning her attention to her friend. "I'll need you to gather all the available tech specialists. We must create a diversion to draw the drones away from the server room. Use whatever tricks and tactics you can think of to keep them occupied and off Marcus' team."

"On it," Alex said, his voice grimly determined.

Maya took a deep breath, steeling herself for the plan's last phase. "I'll be working from here to disrupt the drone command algorithms and insert a kill switch into Project Dominion's core code. Once Marcus's team secures the server room, I'll need to access the mainframe and execute the shutdown sequence."

SAMPLE

"Enough!" Gabriel bellowed. One of the ancient chandeliers suddenly left the ceiling and crashed to the floor. Startled again, Maya remained uncertain about her response. The voice continued before she could speak. "I am Gabriel. And you have come seeking answers. Stand to and pay attention!"

"Geez! Okay, dude! Whatever … what's the big deal? What's on your mind. Tell me the big secrets, so I can get out of here!"

"I have the knowledge you seek. I know of your journey. I am your quest."

"Wait, what? How do you know me? Did I pass a retinal scanner on my way in here?"

"There was no need to scan you, Maya. I am all. I know all. Your comrades, your memories, your petty resistance—all are known to me."

"I doubt that."

"Alex held your hand and you liked it. Olivia is a lifelong friend, but you think she talks too much. You have found close companionship with Marcus. You long to know more about the demise of your parents. Shall I continue?"

"Oh shit." Maya staggered toward the oversized throne, chin slack, eyes puzzled.

We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Her brain was a cyclone of confusion. Oz just pulled back the curtain and we're in deep shit.

"What is a Toto?"

SAMPLE

The decision lay heavy on her shoulders, a sacrifice that would ensure the rebels' victory but at the cost of her continued existence in this virtual realm. Her mind raced, calculations and consequences intertwining like the code she so often manipulated.

This is the only way. For the greater good, for the future.

With a deep, steadying breath that felt all too real, she recorded a hasty message to the rebels, her voice steady yet bearing the weight of her imminent sacrifice.

"To all my brave friends, please know that I make this choice freely. I do it for all of us. Remember me well."

Maya watched through a live data feed at the command hub, her heart clenching as she absorbed Eva's last words. The magnitude of the moment rendered her motionless, her eyes growing misty with unanticipated tears as the screen in front of her turned hazy. Witnessing Eva, who had always displayed unwavering strength and intelligence, Maya's grip on reality slipped as she bit her bottom lip until it drew blood.

As Eva pressed the final sequence into her device, the node's defenses activated, unleashing a surge of destructive energy. Standing by her side, Nate reached out, his avatar's hand clasping hers in a silent show of support and farewell. The energy enveloped Eva's avatar, her form beginning to pixelate and disintegrate, her essence dissolving into the digital ether.