Chapter 4
That afternoon, Leo decided he couldn't wait any longer. He had spent hours reviewing the notebook his grandmother had given him, trying to memorize the symbols, notes, and stories of the most common spirits. Each page gave him clues on how to recognize them and influence them, yet he still felt like he was taking his first steps in a world much bigger than himself.
He stepped into the backyard with a mix of fear and determination. The sun was beginning to hide behind the clouds, and the temperature dropped slightly. Leo noticed immediately: the air felt denser, heavier, charged with energy that made him tremble a little. That was the sign his grandmother had taught him.
"There…" he whispered, looking toward the rosebush where he had first seen the shadow. "I'm sorry. I'm looking for you."
A crackling sound made his heart jump. From the bush emerged a mischievous spirit, small and agile, with bright eyes and a mocking smile that seemed to challenge him. It waved its arms wildly, tossing leaves and branches, kicking up tiny clouds of dust. Leo noticed how the cursed energy around him intensified: a dark, turbulent aura he could feel on his skin.
"Wow!" Nando said, appearing behind him with a mix of amazement and concern. "Don't tell me you're going to face that alone."
Leo shook his head.
"It's not just facing it… it's controlling it," he said, his voice trembling but firm. "And I need to try now."
He took a deep breath and recalled his grandmother's words: observe, study, and use stories to influence them. He closed his eyes for a moment, visualizing the story he had learned about mischievous spirits that learned to live alongside humans. Carefully, he began to narrate it softly, as if telling a tale to calm the spirit.
"There was a spirit who loved mischief… but one day, it discovered it could help people instead of scaring them…" he began, his voice quivering. "And when it did, it felt happy, and the energy around it changed…"
The mischievous spirit flickered, as if confused. Its eyes glowed for a moment with a reddish hue, then its movements slowed, becoming gentler. Leo noticed the energy around him also calming little by little.
"Wow!" Nando exclaimed, wide-eyed. "Are you really controlling it?"
Leo opened his eyes and saw that the spirit began moving in a more orderly way, unconsciously following the story he was telling. For the first time, he felt he had a real tool against Cursed Energy. His heart pounded hard, but now with excitement and confidence.
"Yes…" he whispered. "But I need to focus more…"
The spirit tried to escape, sending out small bursts of energy that swirled the dust around it. Leo took another deep breath and expanded the story, adding details of bravery and cooperation. He imagined how the spirit could learn, change, and become part of something positive. His voice grew stronger and steadier.
Then a soft glow enveloped the spirit. The dark energy gradually dissipated, and the little being stopped moving erratically. Its eyes ceased their intense glow and adopted a more neutral, almost playful—but peaceful—tone. Leo stepped back, exhausted, but smiling: it had worked.
"I can't believe it…" Nando said. "You did it… you controlled a spirit!"
Leo sighed, still trembling. He knew this was only the beginning. His first encounter had been a success, but he had also learned something crucial: the more powerful spirits would not be influenced so easily. His ability was real, but he still needed training and experience.
That night, as he returned to his room, Leo remembered his grandmother's words: "Never underestimate what a legend can do when someone truly fears it." He knew there were far stronger spirits than this little one, and each encounter would be a greater challenge. But he also knew he had a unique gift: he could read the energy, perceive the signs, and use stories to influence the spirits.
He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling a mix of exhaustion and excitement. His heart still pounded strongly, but now there was a new certainty: he could face the unknown, and one day, he could even control the most dangerous energies.
A faint murmur came again, barely perceptible:
"Leo…"
This time it neither surprised nor scared him. It only made him smile. He knew his training had just begun, and that the world was full of secrets… and he was destined to discover them all.