SEVEN DAYS SINCE DISSAPEARING IN THE FOREST

THE LAST DAY

They had been there for exactly a week, and their feelings were growing heavier because they would soon be parting ways with Amira. They were close to leaving the forest, and the pain was unbearable. It felt so heavy, according to Federico and Felimon.

Baynugo kept his promise, as they noticed that Felimon’s movements were now normal, and even his tone of voice and posture had slightly changed. They spent their time talking about their plans and what they intended to do once they left the forest.

Amira also told them that before they left the next day, she would give them plenty of fruits and vegetables so they wouldn’t have to work right away, allowing them a few more days of rest before returning to their normal lives.

Amira told them that they could return to the forest to visit her every Friday. They would never get lost again because the trees and the land would guide them to her hut. Moreover, the spirits in the forest already knew them and would no longer lead them astray.

Amira also promised that if she wasn’t too busy, she herself would visit the siblings’ home, taking the form of an old woman once again to avoid drawing the attention of evil beings outside the forest.

They were each given a gold necklace engraved with a symbol. Amira told them that it would serve as their protection outside the forest, as there were still many evil beings out there. The necklace would instill fear in any creature that might try to harm them, as it would signify their connection to Amira and Baynugo.

She assured them not to worry, as no one would ever be able to steal the necklace. If anyone attempted to take it, the necklace would return to them on its own, and misfortune would befall whoever tried to steal it.

Amira also told Federico that at any moment, he might start to feel nature testing him, as his third eye would slowly begin to open. He would start seeing beings he had never seen before. However, she warned him not to be afraid, as nothing would be able to harm him or Felimon.

He would see wandering spirits, some of whom would ask for his help. But he must not speak to them, as doing so would only make them persist. He would also see creatures like kapre, aswang, maligno, as well as nuno, duwende, and other earth spirits.

Additionally, he would gain the ability to recognize if someone was being targeted by an aswang, cursed by a mangkukulam or barang, or afflicted by any other form of supernatural disturbance caused by dark entities.

Prayers, chants, and remedies—along with the knowledge of what to do for those who seek his help—would naturally be engraved in his mind. The power that Baynugo had given him was immense, which meant he had to be strong and never allow himself to be consumed by beings that could manipulate his thoughts and tempt him to a***e the gift nature had bestowed upon him.

There had been others blessed with the same ability, but they had chosen to use it for evil. Federico had to be different.

Many people would laugh at him, doubt his abilities, and do everything they could to ruin him. That’s why he needed to learn to shrug it off and not take their words to heart. He could still be a good person, but that didn’t mean he should trust others too easily—because even the kindest-looking person could betray and use him.

He must always remember that when he helps, it should only go as far as what is necessary—nothing more.

Federico took all of Lola Amira’s advice to heart. He owed her so much, especially since they had been able to cure what he once thought was Felimon’s lifelong condition. He promised her that he would never fail to follow her guidance.

Now, he was eager to help others, knowing firsthand the struggles of people in their village who couldn’t afford medical treatment.

That day, Federico also saw a black maligno staring at him from a distance. It seemed like it wanted to say something, but it couldn’t come any closer. Instead, it spoke to Federico using its mind…

“The power they speak of is nothing compared to what we can offer you. With what we will bestow upon you, the creatures of the forest will worship you, and even Amira herself will kneel before you. The demon who wishes to merge with your being is far more powerful than anything you can imagine. You and your brother will share in this limitless strength—never again will you be weak, never again will you be powerless.”

“You will never have to fear anything, and no one will ever dare to challenge you. You will live beyond the bounds of mortality, untouched by suffering, untouched by fate itself. Whatever you desire, whatever you command, will become reality. Wealth, dominion, the unwavering loyalty of those who now look down upon you—all of it will be yours, and you will never again taste defeat. Accept this gift, and the world will bow at your feet.”

Federico smirked, as if mocking the creature. He stared at it with an expression that made it clear he had no interest in anything it was saying.

In his mind, he scoffed—Why us? Why me and my brother? If this demon was so powerful, why didn’t it just use the maligno itself as its vessel?

“Why us? Why not you instead? After all, you seem to know this demon well,” Federico responded in his mind, his tone filled with defiance. “If this so-called great power is as strong as you claim, then why does it need me? Why not offer yourself as its vessel?”

“I have no interest in power that comes at the cost of others’ suffering. I want to help people, not bring them harm. Whatever you’re offering, I don’t need it, and I never will. So go find someone else desperate enough to sell their soul for your lies.”

The maligno simply grinned, its eerie smile lingering for a moment before its body began to fade into the shadows. Within seconds, it had completely vanished, leaving behind only the unsettling chill of its presence.

Federico couldn’t help but think about the demon the maligno had mentioned. He had always believed that demons were nothing more than stories used to scare people, but now he was faced with the unsettling truth—they were real, existing even in the human world.

He recalled the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders the moment he accepted his spiritual abilities as a healer. It made sense now—if there were forces that sought to heal and protect, there were also those that thrived in destruction and chaos. And if he truly was meant to walk this path, it was only natural that he would have an opposing force, a demon that sought to challenge him.

The mere thought of something emerging from the depths of hell made his skin crawl. But he reminded himself—as long as I do good, I have nothing to fear. No harm will come to those who have no ill intentions.

Still, he knew this wasn’t the end of it. Even outside the forest, they would continue to haunt him, whisper temptations into his mind, and try to lure him into their grasp. Without Amira around to protect him, he was certain they would grow bolder in their attempts.

That’s why he needed to learn—quickly. He prayed that he would master his newfound power as soon as possible so he could banish them forever. He wasn’t afraid for himself, but for Felimon. His brother had just begun to heal, his mind still fragile. He wasn’t ready to face something like this.

And Federico would make sure he never had to.