Ever since she noticed Diego's absence from class, Sofía hadn't been able to stop thinking about him. It wasn't just curiosity—it was a strange feeling… as if something important was happening and no one else could see it.
The next day, she raised her hand in the middle of class and asked the teacher:
"Sir, do you know why Diego hasn't come in such a long time?"
The teacher checked some papers and shook his head.
"I haven't received any notice. I only know he stopped attending a few weeks ago. Maybe he's sick."
Sofía frowned. That answer didn't convince her. She waited until the day ended and, once most students had left, approached the teacher quietly.
"Could you tell me his address? I'd like to visit him… as a classmate. I just want to know if he's okay."
The teacher looked at her for a few seconds, considering. Seeing her sincere concern, he nodded.
"Alright. But only because I see that you truly care," he said, handing her a paper with the address.
The next day was a school-free day, and Sofía asked her father to accompany her.
"He's a classmate who's missed a lot of school," she explained. "The teacher said he might be sick, and I just want to check if he needs anything."
Her father, a serious man with a kind heart, agreed without hesitation.
"Alright. Let's go see how your friend is doing."
The ride was uneventful—until they arrived at the address… and stopped dead in their tracks.
Before them stood a massive property, surrounded by tall concrete and steel walls, with towers on the corners and what appeared to be reinforced gates. More than a house… it looked like a medieval fortress, straight out of a movie or video game.
"Is this… a house?" her father asked, astonished.
"It's like they're getting ready for war," Sofía murmured.
From inside, they could hear metallic clashes—weapons striking, shouts of effort, and heavy footsteps. Curiosity overpowered hesitation, and they approached the main entrance. They rang the bell.
After a moment, the door opened, revealing Milena, Diego's mother, wearing a cautious expression.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
Sofía's father stepped forward politely.
"Good morning. I'm Manuel, and this is my daughter Sofía. She's a classmate of Diego. We're here because we're worried about his absence. We just wanted to check if he's okay."
Milena hesitated, clearly unsure of how to respond. But then, Diego's voice called out from inside:
"Mom, it's okay. Let them in."
Milena stepped aside, allowing them to enter. And what they saw inside left them speechless.
The property held a vast open field. People of all ages were training—running, lifting weights, practicing combat with wooden swords, spears, and other weapons. In one corner, the rhythmic clang of metal came from Juan Carlos' blacksmith workshop. It was like an entire community… preparing for battle.
"What… is this place?" Sofía's father asked, in awe.
"Diego? What's going on here?" Sofía added, stunned.
Diego greeted them with a somewhat nervous but steady smile.
"This is my family. We like to stay in shape… and be ready for any emergency."
But just as he spoke, his eyes landed on Sofía's father… and he froze.
That face.
Those eyes.
He knew him.
The memories struck him like a wave.
In his other life, after his parents had died and he was surviving alone with Matías, this man had helped them. His name was Manuel, and he was searching desperately for his missing daughter. He took pity on them, gave them food, shelter, and traveled with them for weeks. He had been one of the few kind souls in that hell… and had died protecting others from the monsters.
Diego swallowed hard, emotions rising within him.
"You…," he whispered, barely audible. "You helped us…"
Manuel looked at him, confused.
"Have we met before?"
Diego shook his head slowly, regaining his composure.
"No… it's nothing. Just… thank you for coming."
But inside, Diego was shaken. Fate had just dealt a new card. Sofía's father was someone destined to be important… and now, he had a second chance to protect him.