However, I soon discovered that bringing larger objects into the real world came at a cost. The bigger or more detailed they were, the more I felt something inside me drain away, as if those objects consumed my energy with every second they existed in this plane. No matter how much I concentrated, maintaining something like a table or a chair for just a few minutes left me exhausted, with a lingering weakness that lasted hours.

Realizing this, I knew I had to prepare beyond just my mind. If I wanted to control this ability without being left completely drained after every attempt, I needed to strengthen my body as well. So, I started training—not just to increase my physical endurance but also to improve my focus. I woke up early to run, did resistance exercises, and practiced breathing and concentration techniques to better control my energy.

Over time, the combination of these efforts began to pay off. Although I still felt fatigue when materializing larger objects, I was able to endure it for longer and with greater control.

I continued training and practicing every night, honing my concentration and stamina. At first, I could barely maintain a few items in my room before they vanished, but little by little, my effort bore fruit. I began materializing multiple things simultaneously: small objects, figures I had drawn in my dreams, and even a few extravagant creations just to test my limits. It became a sort of workshop of trial and error.

With every attempt, I felt my limits expanding. My room filled with objects that seemed almost real: a stack of books I had never read, a plant in an antique pot, even a lit lamp in the corner. Although they still disappeared after a few minutes, they lasted longer each time. To my surprise, I noticed that my body was better able to endure the fatigue as time went on.

With each physical and mental training session, the weight of materialized objects on me became more manageable. My stamina grew, and that motivated me to keep going because if I could already fill my room with objects for a considerable amount of time, what else could I achieve with enough practice?

One night, after a long day of practice, I decided I didn’t want to keep this to myself anymore. I went to my parents’ room that evening with a pair of small flowers I had materialized from a dream. The idea was for them to see it for themselves since I knew they wouldn’t believe me if I only explained it.

I knocked on the door and walked in. My parents looked at me, puzzled, and I handed them the flowers.

—What’s this? —my mother asked, taking one in her fingers.

—This is what I wanted to tell you about, —I said, watching their skeptical expressions. I knew it sounded strange, but I launched into my explanation—. I can bring things from my dreams and make them real, for a while. It’s hard to explain, but...

At that moment, the flowers began to fade slowly in my mother’s hands, almost turning to dust, and she dropped them with a slight gasp. My parents’ expressions shifted from disbelief to a mix of astonishment and fear.

—How... how did you do that? —my father asked, staring at me, speechless.

I took a deep breath and gathered the courage to tell them everything from the beginning. I talked about the creatures, the nightmares, the training, and how, night after night, I had managed to gain more control over the objects and details of my dreams. Their faces reflected every emotion I felt as I recounted the entire process.

When I finished, my parents exchanged a glance and then looked at me with a mix of sadness and guilt.

—Ángel... we’re so sorry, —my mother said, her voice slightly breaking—. We had no idea you were going through all this alone.

—I’m sorry, son, —my father added, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder—. We weren’t there for you when you needed us most.

I smiled a little, trying to reassure them.

—Don’t worry, —I said—. I chose to do it alone at first. I wanted to understand what was happening to me before telling you. But now... now I know I have your support, and that’s enough for me to keep going.

My parents promised to keep my secret, and at that moment, I felt the weight of everything I had been holding in finally lift a little. With their support, I knew I could understand and control even more of what I was capable of.

After that conversation with my parents, I became more serious about my training. I practiced every night, and after a while, I also tried doing it during the day with small objects. I wanted to see how far I could go, and each day I got closer.

At first, it wasn’t easy. I spent several weeks trying without success. But with every attempt, I felt something changing within me. It was as if the boundary between the dream world and reality was becoming slightly thinner. The first time it worked, I was alone in my room, staring at a small stone I had found in a dream. As I focused all my energy on it, I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, the stone was there, in my hands.

It was small, almost insignificant, but it was there. I smiled, barely able to believe it. But after a few seconds, the stone began to fade, as if the air dissolved it. I knew I couldn’t hold onto it for long, but this was a start.

I kept practicing, and each day the object I materialized lasted a little longer. It was exhausting, yes, and I felt that each attempt demanded more from me to maintain the connection. Sometimes, after a couple of hours, I was so tired that I fell asleep at my desk. But I didn’t mind. I knew that each small breakthrough brought me closer to mastering this ability that, until recently, I hadn’t even known was possible.

With my parents' permission and after several serious conversations about what I was doing, I began spending weekends in a forest a little outside the city. It was the perfect place—far from prying eyes and quiet enough to focus without interruptions. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but something inside me told me I needed to take this step to improve.

The first time I went, everything seemed calm. I ventured deeper until I found a clearing surrounded by tall trees, where sunlight barely filtered through. Closing my eyes, I began to concentrate, recalling all those nightmares that had once paralyzed me—the deepest terrors I had ever felt. Strangely, these emotions, so dark and raw, seemed to flow more naturally, as if they were an intrinsic part of me.

When I opened my eyes, they were there: shapeless shadows, figures writhing in the dim light of the forest. It was astonishing to see how easily they materialized, as if fear was the easiest emotion for me to manifest. However, I noticed that releasing so much of my energy left me drained, as if each of those entities drew from me to exist.

As I practiced, I improved my control over the shadows. Every weekend, the forest filled with these entities that seemed to come to life only to dissolve into the air moments later. I realized that fear was the most intense emotion I had ever experienced, and now, oddly enough, it was becoming my greatest ally.

With each session, my abilities grew at an impressive pace. I was no longer limited to materializing shadows or fragments of my nightmares; I began to recreate complete structures and full figures. Entire creatures, with defined forms and the same twisted expressions that had once terrified me, emerged around me. Yet, I felt in control. Now, the elements of my dreams manifested with a precision and scale that made me genuinely proud.

After one of these sessions, I stood in the middle of the forest, observing the scene with a satisfied smile. I finally had control, and that made me feel strong, secure. I knew this was all part of a larger purpose, one I had begun pursuing since that night when everything changed. She, the one who had helped me see that I could master my nightmares, remained my primary motivation. Though I didn’t know where she was or when I’d see her again, I had decided that someday, I would be ready to face anything, even the distance that separated us.

The forest, with its fading shadows and clearings barely illuminated by the last rays of sunlight, became my sanctuary. With a mix of melancholy and hope, I thought that maybe, just maybe, the same life that had separated us would bring us back together. Until then, all I could do was keep practicing and growing stronger.

As I stood there in silence, still caught in the mix of pride and nostalgia, a soft applause broke the tranquility of the forest. I turned immediately, unsure of where it came from. And then I saw her: a woman leaning against a nearby tree, clapping slowly, her expression a blend of fascination and amusement.

— Well, well! This really is something rare to see, you know? —she said in a carefree voice as she took light steps toward me. Her smile was mischievous, as if she was enjoying some inside joke—You’ve done all this on your own, haven’t you?

I immediately tensed, on guard against her overly familiar attitude and the curious familiarity in her tone. Yet, at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued.

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—Who are you? And what are you doing here? —I asked, unable to hide the distrust in my voice. Though I didn’t sense an immediate threat, there was something about her that made me uneasy, as if she knew too much.

—Oh, how direct! —she replied, her carefree smile unwavering. She circled me a couple of times, observing me with a playful gaze—Consider yourself lucky; not everyone gets the pleasure of meeting someone like me. My name is Aura, and let’s just say I have a rather special position. I’m an anómala of divine category, so it’s normal that you have no idea who I am.

The way she introduced herself left me stunned. Not only had she appeared out of nowhere, but she spoke of herself as if it were the most natural thing in the world. A divine-category anómala… how had she even found me without me noticing?

—Have you been watching me this whole time? —I asked, trying to stay calm, though her presence continued to unsettle me with its blend of discomfort and curiosity.

—Oh, absolutely. It was so entertaining to see you so focused, so immersed in your own world! Besides, seeing someone do what you do… well, that’s rare, you know? —She looked at me with a mix of curiosity and amusement, as if I were some sort of fascinating experiment—Do you really think you can handle these abilities on your own, without help?

I stared at her, trying to process what she had just said. A divine-category anómala? What did that even mean?

—Anómala? What does that mean? And why mention a "category"? —I asked, trying to mask the unease in my voice.

Aura smiled as though my ignorance amused her. Crossing her arms, she began explaining in a playful yet clear tone, as if she were revealing a secret to a child.

—You see, there are... anomalies in the world. Beings or phenomena that escape what you and other humans would call "normal." To maintain balance amidst all this chaos, we exist—"anómalas." You could say we’re the ones in charge of controlling and, in certain cases, eradicating these anomalies, —she said, making a dismissive gesture with her hand—Now, as for the "category," that defines our level. Like in video games, you know? The higher the category, the more powerful the anómala.

—So... you’re like a monster hunter or something? —I asked, still trying to make sense of it.

She let out a laugh, as though my comparison amused her.

—That’s oversimplifying it, but you’re not far off. The difference is that not everything we hunt is visible monsters. Many are beliefs, ideas, or embodied fears... things humans don’t fully notice but that can affect their lives and the places they inhabit. In fact... —her gaze grew sharper, as if she were observing something I hadn’t yet understood—I’m here because we received a report. Someone detected an incredibly heavy aura in this area every weekend. Something so strong and suspicious it seemed like an anomaly manifesting.

Her explanation hit me like a bucket of cold water. She wasn’t here by chance. Her original mission wasn’t to watch me; she had come with the intention of hunting a potential threat.

—Are you saying you thought I was an anomaly? —I asked, surprised.

Aura laughed, stepping closer with a confident expression and a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

—I thought I’d find a pretty dangerous anomaly, yes... and instead, I found something even more interesting: you, someone developing abilities on their own. That doesn’t happen every day.

I fell silent, processing what Aura had just said. If her job was to eliminate threats... did that include me? But if she wanted to get rid of me, wouldn’t she have already done so?

—So what are you planning to do with me? —I finally asked—If you thought I was a threat, you could have stopped me already, but you’re still here... what are you really waiting for?

Aura smiled, crossing her arms again as if she enjoyed watching me try to figure her out.

—Relax, I’m not here to eliminate you, —her smile widened, and her eyes seemed to shine with genuine excitement —I have a much better offer for you than risking ending up on one of our blacklists.

She took a step closer, speaking in a tempting voice.

—Join us at the Academy of Anómalas. There, you could perfect your abilities, refine them in ways you haven’t even imagined. You’d have access to training, knowledge, and everything you need to thrive. I can see your potential, and that’s not something that should go to waste.

I stared at her, stunned by her proposal. It was tempting, I admit, though something in me remained wary.

—Why would you make me such an offer? —I asked, wanting to ensure there was no hidden catch.

Aura chuckled softly and shrugged.

—Let’s just say the world of anómalas is vast and not without its conflicts. Not everyone has what you have, and that’s something worth supporting. If you decide to accept, the path won’t be easy, but I promise you’ll have everything you need to accomplish whatever you set your mind to—even finding her.

Her last sentence struck me. She mentioned the person I had been searching for all this time without me telling her anything. How much did this woman know? And more importantly, how far would her help extend?

I took a deep breath and asked the question burning in my mind.

—What about my parents? They already know about... this. —I gestured around the area where I had been practicing.

Aura tilted her head with a knowing smile.

—They know, huh? That makes things easier. We have solutions for situations like this, don’t worry. —She took another step closer, maintaining her relaxed but professional demeanor —. If you join the Academy and work as an anómala, your parents will be safe and at peace. The pay is quite good, actually, and confidentiality is strict. No one outside our organization knows about us, so nothing that happens will be compromised.

I nodded, considering her words. If everything she said was true, then... it made sense why I had never heard of the anómalas before. But how many others like me were out there, hidden among ordinary people?

Aura looked at me, a mischievous spark in her eyes.

—I know, it sounds crazy, right? But it’s a system that has worked for centuries. Besides, when it comes to her... —Aura paused deliberately, studying my reaction—. Well, let’s just say I have a friend who keeps me informed about these things.

I looked at her with curiosity and a mix of anxiety.

—How do you know about her?

Aura raised a finger, stopping me with a small gesture.

—I’ll tell you more, with details and everything you need to know... but only if you accept my offer. I assure you, it’s worth it. —She smiled confidently—. So, what do you say?

I remained silent, turning the idea over in my head. All of this seemed surreal, yet at the same time, tempting. It was an opportunity that could change everything—not just for me, but for my parents. Still, something deep inside told me I should decline the offer. I had managed this process alone so far; perhaps that’s how I should continue.

But then I thought of her. Of the void she left when she disappeared without warning, of how that absence had fueled every practice and every effort I had made. My mind returned to Aura’s words, to the implicit promise that there was a way to find her again, and I felt it was impossible to say no.

I looked up, certain of my decision but with a condition.

—All right. I’ll go to the Academy... but I want something in return. —Aura looked at me curiously—. I want your help to find her, to see her again. And I want you to assure me that you’ll do it when I ask.

Aura nodded without hesitation, her calm smile intact.

—Deal. The Academy is here to support you. When you feel ready, we’ll move heaven and earth to reunite you with her. —She extended her hand toward me, sealing the agreement—. Welcome, Ángel.

Aura looked at me with a mix of seriousness and camaraderie before saying:

—So, will you take me to your house? We need to talk to your parents and get everything sorted out at once.

I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. As we walked back, she pulled out her phone and made a few calls. Her tone was calm, almost casual, so I didn’t pay much attention, focusing instead on what I would say to my parents and how they might react to something so surreal.

When we arrived home, my parents were in the living room. They were surprised to see Aura; after all, it wasn’t common for me to bring someone home. Especially someone like her, so self-assured and exuding an aura of confidence.

—Mom, Dad, —I said, trying to stay calm—. I have something important to tell you.

They exchanged a worried glance, and my mom quickly invited Aura inside. It was clear they were trying to hide their doubts, but they weren’t doing a great job. We sat down, and while I took a breath to begin, Aura flashed a kind smile, as if she already knew exactly how to handle the situation.

Aura took the lead and spoke, her tone calm and reassuring as she looked directly at them.

—Ma’am, sir, I understand this might sound a little strange, —she began confidently—. Your son has unique abilities, abilities that not just anyone possesses. What he’s achieved so far is remarkable, enough to catch our attention, and we believe it’s important for him to develop his potential in a place where he can be safe and learn to manage it.

My parents exchanged another glance, trying to process her words. My mom’s expression was a mix of amazement and worry, while my dad remained serious, evaluating Aura.

—Who exactly are you? —he asked, his voice wary.

—My name is Aura, and I work for an organization dedicated to training people like your son. People with special abilities —we call them anómalas. What we do is train and guide them so they can develop their capacities in a controlled and safe environment, away from the risks of not understanding the scope of what they can do.

My parents looked at each other again, clearly struggling to process this information.

—I know this might feel overwhelming, —Aura continued—. but I assure you your son will be in good hands. Our program will not only allow him to advance his abilities but also provide stability. And... —she added, her tone turning more persuasive—, this comes with benefits for you as well. You won’t have to worry about keeping everything that’s happened a secret; the organization provides financial support and ensures that both he and you are in a comfortable and secure situation.

—How... safe is all of this? —my mom asked, biting her lip, still filled with doubt.

Aura nodded understandingly.

—It’s completely safe, ma’am. We’ve been working with boys and girls like him for years, and we’ve perfected our methods to ensure no one gets hurt or put in danger. In fact, our training is specifically designed to avoid risky situations.

My dad leaned forward, his expression thoughtful.

—Why our son? —he asked—. Why now?

Aura met his gaze directly, maintaining her serene demeanor.

—Because he has immense potential, —she answered—. It’s not something I see often, and I believe denying him this opportunity would be limiting him. I can’t guarantee it will be easy for him, but I can say he’ll be in a place where he’s understood and can advance safely.

Then, my parents looked at me, searching for any signs of doubt in my expression. But I could only look at Aura, filled with a sense of hope and determination.

My dad frowned, locking eyes with Aura.

—This sounds great in theory, but I don’t think you train kids like my son just to give them a "better life," —he said firmly—. If you’re training him for something, that means there’s a real risk, doesn’t it? What are you really preparing him to face?

Aura kept her composure, but her smile faded slightly. After a brief pause, she sighed and nodded.

—You’re right. It’s not just about learning to use their abilities; we also prepare them to face threats that, yes, can be dangerous. —She paused, her gaze scanning our faces with seriousness—. I’m sorry, I wanted this to be a less heavy moment for you, but the truth is... yes, there is a risk. On this path, one might face difficult situations, even the possibility of death.