I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Lukas opened his eyes even before the first ray of sunlight fully crossed the window.

The light was still gray and gentle, the world outside only beginning to awaken from its nightly slumber.

The silence of dawn was broken only by the distant songs of a few early birds and the soft rustling of leaves swaying in the morning breeze.

He remained seated on the bed for a few seconds, his violet eyes scanning the familiar room.

His body felt different that morning, lighter, steadier, more prepared. There was no trace of muscle soreness left from the previous week. Only a pleasant sensation of strength rested in every part of his body, as though his muscles had fully recovered and were eager to get back to work.

A smile naturally appeared on his lips. The day of rest had truly done its job.

Without wasting any time, he got out of bed with a swift movement and quickly put on his training clothes.

Comfortable dark pants made from durable fabric that allowed complete freedom of movement. A simple tunic fastened with a leather belt, fitted enough not to get in the way, yet loose enough not to restrict him. And the sturdy boots Clavor had given him a few days earlier, were already molded perfectly to his feet.

He ran his fingers through his white hair, trying to tidy it.

It was a futile effort. A few strands stubbornly refused to stay in place, sticking out in every direction as rebellious as ever.

Lukas let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.

”In a little while, the wind will mess it all up again...”

On top of the wardrobe, Astra was already awake. The small eagle slowly spread her white wings before folding them back again, watching Lukas with her attentive golden eyes. Her body remained still, but her head followed the boy’s every movement.

Beside the bed, Rourke was still fast asleep. The little rat remained curled into a tiny ball inside the improvised nest Lukas had prepared the previous night. Only the golden stripe on his head was visible among the dried leaves and soft cloth, a thread of gold shining in the dim light.

He looked completely at peace, his tiny body rising and falling with each steady breath.

Lukas walked over to the nest and smiled, his voice barely above a whisper.

”Keep sleeping.”

Then he looked at Astra, his eyes meeting the eagle’s golden gaze.

”Keep an eye on him.”

The little eagle tilted her head, a quick and precise movement.

”Pii.”

It was a short sound, but enough. Lukas had already learned that Astra understood far more than she let on. She would stay there, guarding Rourke.

In the corner of the room, Tilbo remained motionless, her enormous black form occupying its usual place. The giant ant’s long antennae slowly turned toward Lukas, sensing his presence.

She knew he was leaving to train, but unlike the previous days, she showed no intention of following him immediately.

Lukas simply nodded in her direction. She would come whenever she wanted.

Prata, on the other hand, was already awake. The enormous spider silently descended on a strand of silk until she reached the window, her dark body moving with the fluidity of a living shadow.

With one of her front legs, she carefully pushed the window open. The wood swung outward without making nearly any sound, only a faint creak that vanished into the silence of the morning.

The dim morning light poured into the room, illuminating Lukas’s face.

Prata turned toward him for a moment, her bright eyes fixed on his. Then she leaped outside, her black body disappearing among the forest branches like a shadow.

Lukas watched the direction she had gone. She was probably already heading out to hunt. It was her favorite routine, her moment of independence.

A few minutes later, he went downstairs to the first floor. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the mansion, mingling with the scent of melted butter, warm eggs, and herbal tea. The kitchen was alive, full of warmth and activity.

Aurora was already setting the table, her movements precise and efficient. Clavor was finishing a cup of coffee, his eyes scanning a small notebook open on the table.

Judite yawned repeatedly as she struggled to keep her eyes open, her head gently bobbing.

”Good morning,” Lukas said, his voice full of energy.

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

Breakfast that morning was simple, yet plentiful. Fresh bread straight from the oven. Creamy scrambled eggs seasoned to perfection. Freshly picked fruit from the garden. Firm white cheese. Golden honey slowly dripping. And herbal tea that warmed his throat.

Aurora discreetly watched her son as he ate, her eyes studying his face with a mother’s careful attention.

”You don’t have to rush.”

Lukas smiled, his fork hovering over his plate.

”I’m training with the sword today, aren’t I?”

Clavor subtly raised an eyebrow, his eyes settling on his son with a mixture of surprise and amusement.

”How do you know?”

”Intuition,” the boy replied, his smile widening.

The man simply smiled faintly, a smile that confirmed Lukas’s suspicion.

Judite looked curiously at the two of them, her drowsiness momentarily forgotten.

”I’m starting a new kind of training today too.”

”With Master Thorne?” Lukas asked, turning toward his sister.

She nodded excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

”We’re going to start improving my mana control. Master Thorne said, I’m ready for the next stage.”

Aurora smiled at both of her children, her gaze filled with pride.

”Then it looks like today will be an important day for both of you.”

Shortly afterward, they finished breakfast. Aurora cleared the dishes with swift movements, and Judite practically ran toward the garden where she trained with Master Thorne, her morning energy finally awakened.

Clavor rose calmly, his movements slow and controlled. Tucked beneath his arm was a long bundle wrapped in dark cloth, carefully folded.

Lukas’s eyes immediately locked onto it, his heart quickening. He didn’t ask any questions. He simply smiled, his eyes shining with anticipation.

...

The two of them crossed the gardens of Dmond Mansion, their footsteps echoing through the silence of the morning. The grass was still covered with tiny drops of dew that sparkled beneath the rising sun like diamonds scattered across the ground.

The forest welcomed them with its familiar scent: damp earth, green moss, dried leaves, and ancient wood. The air was fresh and pure, every breath invigorating.

As they walked, Lukas discreetly glanced at the bundle Clavor was carrying. It was long, straight, and carefully wrapped. It looked heavy, and its outline suggested a very specific shape.

His heart beat faster and faster, his anticipation growing with every step.