I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Clavor subtly raised an eyebrow, a flash of surprise that he quickly concealed. His eyes, however, remained fixed on his son, evaluating, processing. Aurora also seemed surprised, her eyes widening slightly as her hands clasped tightly together.

Neither of them had ever heard of anything like it. It was not a sword ability like Clavor’s, one that enhanced combat. Nor did it seem to be a traditional magical ability like Judite’s, which strengthened mana. It did not directly increase his strength either, like certain enhancement abilities.

It was... different. Very different. Something that did not fit into any of the common categories they knew. It made sense for it to be a Unique Ability.

Judite tilted her head to the side as she thought, her eyes drifting away for a moment while she processed her brother’s words.

Her expression was one of deep concentration, as though she were trying to solve a complicated puzzle. Then, a few seconds later, a smile slowly appeared on her face.

”Actually...” Her voice was soft and thoughtful, carrying an understanding that surprised even Lukas.

”That ability suits you perfectly, Brother.”

Lukas smiled, feeling the warmth of his sister’s words, the way she always seemed to understand who he truly was.

”I thought so too.”

Aurora gently ran her fingers through her son’s white hair, a gesture of affection she had made ever since he was little, a touch that conveyed all the love of a mother.

”It really does seem perfect for you.” Her voice was gentle, filled with pride and admiration for the person her son had become.

”Ever since you were little, you’ve loved animals, insects, and every creature you came across. You spend hours studying monsters in books. You even managed to become friends with those three beasts.”

She let out a soft laugh, a sweet, melodic sound that echoed gently through the hall.

”Perhaps no one could have awakened a more suitable ability.”

Clavor crossed his arms, silently agreeing with a nod. His eyes, however, remained fixed on his son, a look of deep contemplation on his face.

As unusual as it was, that ability seemed to reflect exactly who Lukas was. It didn’t have to be a combat ability to be valuable. Every ability had its own path, its own purpose, its own beauty.

As he watched his son, another question naturally arose in his mind, one he could not ignore.

That light... it hadn’t seemed to come from just one ability.

He clearly remembered the crystal changing color once more, the second burst of crimson light that had flooded the hall after the first one had already faded. It wasn’t his imagination, nor was it a trick of perception. He had seen it with his own eyes.

Aurora seemed to be thinking the same thing. The two exchanged a brief glance, a silent conversation that only years of marriage could create. A mutual acknowledgment that there was something more, something Lukas had not mentioned.

But neither of them asked, nor did they pressure him. If Lukas wanted to tell them, he would. Otherwise, they would talk calmly once they returned to the Dmond Mansion. There was no need to press him here, at this moment, surrounded by strangers and curious eyes.

Meanwhile, the ceremony continued. Another child was called to the altar, a little girl with red hair who nervously walked toward the Eternal Crystal, her steps hesitant and her eyes wide with fear.

A gentle yellow light shone for a few moments before fading away, an ordinary awakening that went almost unnoticed after the previous spectacle.

Soon afterward, another boy was called, his shoulders tense and his expression anxious. The same pattern repeated itself, one child after another, each with their own experience, their own discovery.

The ceremony continued as though nothing extraordinary had happened, as though the hall had not just witnessed something that occurred only once in a generation.

Lukas watched for a few seconds, his eyes sweeping across the scene. His excitement grew with every passing moment, an energy that seemed to vibrate inside him, making his fingers twitch restlessly.

Now that he had awakened, he could finally begin training for real. No longer the limited exercises of an ordinary child, which amounted to little more than running and playing, but proper, focused training aimed at developing his abilities.

He wanted to learn swordsmanship from Clavor, to feel the weight of a sword in his hands, to learn how to move like a true warrior. He wanted to strengthen his body, build muscle and endurance to face the challenges ahead. He wanted to learn more about mana, to understand how that energy worked and how he could use it more effectively in combination with his Silver Threads.

He wanted to discover just how far his new abilities could take him, what limits still needed to be surpassed. The stronger he became, the more creatures he could face, the more friendships he could forge, and the more talents he could acquire.

He turned toward his father, his expression resolute, his eyes shining with the promise of the future.

”Father.”

Clavor looked at him, his eyes meeting his son’s, recognizing the determination he saw there.

”Can we go home after this? I want to start training as soon as possible.”

A satisfied smile spread across Clavor’s face, a smile of approval that lit up his entire expression. His son’s excitement was obvious, his determination tangible, and it warmed a father’s heart.

However, he shook his head.

”Not yet.”

Lukas tilted his head slightly, confused.

”Why?”

”The person in charge of the Hall asked to speak with us after all the Awakenings are over.” Clavor’s voice was calm, yet it carried a sense of importance that could not be ignored.

”Apparently, it’s something important.”

Lukas blinked, slightly surprised. With him? Or with his parents? He had no idea. Perhaps it was because of the light, because of the spectacle he had caused.

Perhaps she wanted to explain his ability in greater detail, to provide information that only she knew about Unique Abilities. Or perhaps it was simply a normal procedure, something that happened to everyone who awakened an unusual ability.

He didn’t know. But he didn’t ask either. He simply nodded calmly, accepting the information without resistance.

”I understand.”

Then he returned to stand beside his family, his eyes shifting back toward the altar as he watched another child slowly climb the steps. His thoughts were elsewhere, but his attention remained in the present, watching, waiting.

As he patiently waited for the ceremony to end, a quiet sense of anticipation began to grow within him. Somehow... he had the feeling that this day was still far from over.