Since that night when he revealed the truth—or at least part of it—Diego's life and that of his family took a new turn.
Every day began before dawn. Mornings were dedicated to physical training, and although it was difficult at first, it quickly became part of their routine. Diego organized each session with military-like discipline: endurance drills, strength training, flexibility, and coordination. No one was exempt. From little Matías to the grandparents, everyone participated, sweating under the sun with quiet determination.
Despite it all, Diego knew he couldn't share the full truth. No one would believe he came from the future.
So, he kept up the story of "the voice" that spoke to him in dreams. A supposed higher being guiding him. It was easier than admitting the reality—that he had already lived through the apocalypse and returned to change it.
"It's not just about being fit," he repeated often. "The world to come won't forgive weakness. We have to be ready for anything."
Rodrigo, his father, understood the seriousness of it all and took concrete action: he hired experts in martial arts and weapon handling. Every week, different instructors arrived at the house—some taught self-defense, others trained them in the use of knives, staffs, even bows and firearms. The family property quickly turned into a secret training camp.
Even Grandpa Juan Carlos found a new passion: blacksmithing. Diego had subtly suggested that learning to forge might be useful in a world where resources would be scarce. His grandfather took it as a personal challenge. He dusted off old tools, set up a small workshop, and began crafting knives, spear tips, and reinforcing tools.
But the biggest surprise came during one of their group meditation sessions. Aunt Romina—Rodrigo's sister—who had until then only participated out of courtesy, began to glow softly. Her body was enveloped in a warm golden light. When she opened her eyes, everyone stared in silence.
"Are you okay?" Milena asked, her sister-in-law.
Romina nodded, visibly surprised. When they approached her, Diego made a small cut on her arm using a twig. As soon as Romina placed her hands over the wound, it vanished.
"She has the gift of healing," Diego said softly but firmly. "She's awakened."
No one spoke for several minutes. The air was heavy with a mix of respect and fear. If Romina had awakened… who else might do so in the days to come?
"This is only the beginning," Diego added. "The closer we get to the event, the more people will awaken their abilities. But danger will rise too. Not just from outside… but from within."
The following weeks were even more intense. In addition to the training, they began stocking food, medicine, tools, and useful books. They learned how to make fire, purify water, grow food, and treat wounds. Matías, despite his young age, was one of the most dedicated—he learned quickly and trained with enthusiasm.
Diego felt the clock ticking. According to his calculations, they had less than nine months before everything began to fall apart.
That night, staring up at the starry sky, he felt a mix of hope and fear. He wasn't alone. His family believed in him. They followed him. They prepared with him.
But he also knew the world out there wouldn't be so willing to listen… and the first great test was approaching faster than anyone imagined.
Meanwhile… at school
Sofía sat at the back of the classroom, resting her chin on her hand, staring distractedly out the window. The class went on, but her mind was elsewhere.
"So strange…" she thought. "Diego hasn't come to school in days."
Since their first encounter, Diego had caught her attention—not just because of his physical skill and calm demeanor, but because of the mystery surrounding him. There was something about him that didn't quite fit.
She glanced again at the empty seat across the room.
"Is there something we don't know about him?" she wondered, her curiosity tinged with suspicion.
Unknowingly, Diego had left an impression on Sofía. And that small seed of doubt growing in her mind would soon push her to search for answers… answers that could change everything.