I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Lukas walked over to the large terrarium he had built months earlier, his hands resting against the transparent glass. The small habitat was simple but carefully prepared. Soft soil, small plants, a bowl of water, and another filled with seeds and fruit.

He carefully removed the lid, his movements gentle so as not to frighten its tiny inhabitant.

For a few moments, he couldn’t find the animal. The terrarium seemed empty.

Then he smiled.

”You’re hiding again.”

He brushed away some of the soil in one corner, where he had noticed a slight movement.

There it was. Curled up inside a small underground burrow, its tiny body nearly invisible against the dark earth. The little rat was sleeping, its nose twitching faintly as it dreamed.

Lukas carefully picked it up, his hands gently cradling the little creature. The small rat slowly opened its eyes and immediately began sniffing his hand, recognizing his scent. Its tiny nose twitched rapidly as it picked up the familiar smells.

Lukas focused his gaze on the creature, activating his appraisal ability.

Instantly, a small window appeared above the animal’s head.

[78%]

His heart raced. It worked. His ability truly displayed the affinity level.

”Seventy-eight...” he murmured softly, a smile forming on his lips. It still wasn’t enough. But not by much.

If he kept taking care of it, feeding it, and playing with it, their affinity would continue to increase. And when it reached ninety-five percent, he would gain another ability. What would it be? He could hardly wait to find out.

Lukas spent a few minutes playing with the little rat, letting it run between his fingers and explore his hands. The animal seemed happy, its bright eyes shining while its tail swayed excitedly.

After a while, he carefully returned it to the terrarium, gently closing the lid.

The rat immediately began exploring its habitat, sniffing the soil and the plants, now completely awake.

Lukas watched it for a few more seconds, a smile on his lips.

Then he blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting silvery patterns across the floor.

He lay down on the bed, his body sinking into the soft mattress. Fatigue overtook him almost instantly, weighing down his limbs like a warm blanket.

This time, he didn’t dream. His sleep was deep, peaceful, and uninterrupted.

...

The next morning, he woke even before the sun had fully risen. The light was still gray and gentle, the sky just beginning to brighten along the horizon.

He dressed quickly, his movements swift and determined. He washed his face with cold water, feeling its refreshing shock against his skin, then hurried downstairs.

The smell of breakfast had already filled the mansion, mingling with the aroma of fresh bread and eggs.

Aurora was serving scrambled eggs, fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and warm milk. Her movements were precise and efficient, the morning routine perfectly established.

Clavor was already seated, his plate half empty and a cup of coffee in his hands.

Judite was still yawning as she tried to finish an apple, her eyes half-closed with sleep.

”Good morning,” Lukas greeted cheerfully, his voice full of energy.

”Good morning,” they all replied almost at the same time, each in their own tone.

As they ate, Lukas could barely hide his anticipation. His eyes constantly shifted between his plate and the door, as though he wanted to begin training immediately.

Aurora noticed at once. She smiled, her motherly gaze perfectly understanding what was going through her son’s mind.

”Don’t be in such a hurry.”

He looked at his mother, slightly surprised.

”Your body is only just beginning to adapt,” she continued, her voice calm and patient.

”If you overdo it, you could end up getting hurt.”

Lukas nodded seriously, taking her advice to heart.

”I’ll be careful. I promise.”

”Good.” Aurora’s smile widened.

”That’s all we ask.”

Shortly afterward, they finished breakfast. The dishes were cleared away, leaving the table empty.

Clavor stood up, stretching his imposing frame.

”Lukas.”

The boy was already on his feet before his father had even finished speaking, his eyes shining with anticipation.

”Let’s go.”

The two of them headed once more toward the clearing behind the mansion, crossing the gardens and entering the forest. The morning air was cool, carrying the scent of dew and damp earth. The songs of birds filled the surroundings, a natural melody accompanying their footsteps.

As soon as they arrived, Clavor set a backpack on the ground, the sound of the fabric brushing against the grass echoing through the quiet clearing.

”Today...” His voice was firm.

”...we’ll begin your physical conditioning.”

Lukas took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the fresh air.

Finally.

Clavor began by demonstrating a series of movements. Squats, push-ups, sit-ups, short sprints, jumps, and balance exercises using fallen logs. Everything was very similar to exercises Lukas remembered from Earth.

He had never gone to a gym. He had never received any formal training. But he had seen countless people exercising in movies, TV shows, and online videos. Because of that, he was able to imitate the movements quickly, his body responding with surprising ease.

Clavor watched in silence, his analytical eyes studying every movement his son made.

Surprised.

”You learn quickly,” he finally commented, a hint of pride in his voice.

Lukas smiled as he finished another set of squats, his muscles burning pleasantly.

Then Clavor demonstrated new movements. More difficult. More technical. Requiring greater coordination and balance.

After a few attempts, Lukas managed to follow those as well, adjusting his posture whenever his father corrected him.

Clavor became even more satisfied, a faint smile appearing on his face.

”Good.” He crossed his arms.

”But remember...”

His tone grew more serious as he stepped closer and carefully corrected his son’s posture, adjusting his shoulders and aligning his spine.

”It doesn’t matter how fast you do it. What matters is doing it perfectly. The body learns through repetition. If you repeat something incorrectly, your body will learn it incorrectly. And unlearning bad habits is far more difficult than learning them correctly from the beginning.”

Lukas nodded immediately, understanding the wisdom in his father’s words.

He began performing each movement slowly, paying attention to every detail. The position of his feet. The alignment of his knees. The curve of his back. The position of his arms. Every small aspect was adjusted with meticulous care.

Clavor watched for several minutes, his eyes following every repetition, every movement.

Then he smiled, a smile of genuine approval.

”Keep it up.”

He paused, as though considering something.

”When your body is strong enough, when you’ve built a solid foundation, I’ll give you something.”

Lukas immediately raised his head, his eyes widening.

”Something?”

Clavor nodded, a mysterious gleam in his eyes.

”Something that will accelerate your growth even further. A tool that will make your training more efficient.”

Lukas’ eyes shone with renewed intensity.

”What is it?”

His father merely smiled, an enigmatic smile that made it clear he wouldn’t reveal the secret anytime soon.

”You’ll find out when the time comes. When you’re ready.”

Even without receiving a direct answer, Lukas felt even more motivated. The promise of something greater, something that would accelerate his growth, was like fuel for his determination.

He focused completely. He repeated every exercise with the utmost attention. His breathing became rhythmic, his body responding to the effort, his muscles burning with every repetition.

His true training had begun.