I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Lukas dashed through the forest like never before.

His feet struck the ground covered with dry leaves in a rapid, rhythmic sequence, each step an explosion of energy and joy.

The terrain, which had once demanded all of his concentration to cross safely, now felt almost like an extension of his own will.

He weaved around thick roots that rose like the fingers of the earth, circled moss-covered slippery stones, and leaped over fallen logs blocking the path, all by instinct, all without thinking.

The wind rushed against his face, making his white hair dance around his head like a crown of light, while a broad smile remained spread across his lips. It was a smile impossible to hide, a smile that seemed to come from the depths of his soul, illuminating his entire face.

Throughout the entire past week, that very same path had seemed long, heavy, almost suffocating. Every tree seemed to witness his frustration, every falling leaf seemed to remind him of yet another day without being able to sense mana.

The forest, which had once been a refuge of peace and freedom, had become a battlefield where he fought against his own limitations.

Now...

Everything was different.

The trees seemed more alive, their crowns stretching toward the sky like open arms. The wind felt lighter, a gentle caress wrapping around him like an embrace. Even the birdsong seemed happier, as though the forest itself were celebrating his discovery.

Not because the forest had changed. But because he had.

For the first time, Lukas could perceive that invisible presence spread throughout the world. Not with the same clarity as he perceived the trees or the sky, but it was there, subtle, flowing through all things like a silent current.

It was exactly as Clavor had described, mana, the primordial energy that filled the entire world.

It was still a faint, distant sensation, like hearing music through a thick wall. As though he were learning to see in a dark room, only beginning to distinguish the vague shapes around him. Even so, it was real. Very real.

”Hahaha...” A small laugh escaped his lips as he continued running, the beating of his heart echoing in his ears like a triumphant melody.

Rourke poked his head out from the sleeve of his tunic, his nose twitching as the wind blew through his fur. His bright eyes swept across the moving forest, taking in every detail.

”You’re happy too, aren’t you?” Lukas asked, his voice filled with joy.

The little mouse let out a high-pitched, affirmative squeak before partially hiding back inside the sleeve, as though shielding himself from the wind.

Above the treetops, Astra soared in wide circles, her white silhouette standing out against the blue sky. Her enormous wings sliced through the air with effortless grace, following Lukas without the slightest difficulty.

Farther behind, Tilbo raced across the forest floor. Despite his massive size, the giant ant moved with astonishing speed. His six legs propelled his heavy body forward with absolute precision, avoiding obstacles with ease, his dark carapace gleaming beneath the rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Prata was even faster. The silver spider practically vanished among the shadows of the trees, her form dissolving into the darkness before reappearing several meters ahead, as though teleporting through the forest. Her eyes shone like tiny stars in the darkness.

The four of them stayed by his side without straying, as always, as though they were an extension of his own will.

Lukas glanced back, his eyes sweeping over his companions.

”Come on! We’re almost there!”

As though they had understood, they all accelerated. The boy also picked up his pace, his feet finding the ground with the confidence that training had granted him.

His breathing remained steady, his chest rising and falling in a constant rhythm. The weeks of physical training were finally showing results. Even after running at that speed for so long, he no longer felt the desperate shortness of breath he had once experienced, when every step had seemed like a battle against his own lungs.

The scenery gradually began to change. The trees became less dense, the vegetation opening into increasingly larger clearings.

Not long afterward, the first gardens of the Dmond Manor appeared through the greenery, their colorful flowers and well-kept lawns contrasting with the wild nature of the forest.

Lukas rushed through the gates without even slowing down, his small figure darting between the stone columns like an arrow. The guards barely had time to react, their eyes widening as they saw the young master sprinting down the path.

”Young Master?”

He didn’t even answer. He kept running along the main road, his feet striking the stone pavement.

It had taken him about fifteen minutes to cross the entire forest, a feat that had once seemed impossible for him. At last, he had arrived.

The moment he reached the manor’s central courtyard, he filled his lungs with air and shouted at the top of his voice.

”DAAAAD!!”

His voice echoed throughout the entire estate, bouncing off the stone walls and spreading through the gardens. Servants tending the flowerbeds immediately raised their heads, turning toward the source of the shout.

Several knights training in the side courtyard froze mid-motion, their swords suspended in the air. Even the birds perched upon the roof took flight, startled by the sudden cry.

”DAD!!” The next shout was even louder, his voice nearly breaking from so much emotion.

A few seconds later, the manor’s front door burst open, slamming against the wall. Clavor emerged almost at a run, taking long, rapid strides.

His usually calm expression had vanished, replaced by one of intense concern. His eyes quickly scanned his son’s body, searching for wounds, blood, or any sign of danger. His right hand was slightly raised, as though ready to act at any moment.

”Lukas!” He crossed the courtyard in long strides, his voice filled with alarm.

”What happened?”

At the same time, a second-floor window opened with a creak. Aurora appeared almost immediately, her face carrying the same concern. Her eyes swept across the courtyard in search of her son.

”Lukas!” She rested her hands on the windowsill, leaning outward.

”Are you alright?”

Lukas looked up and smiled even more broadly, so widely that it seemed to brighten his entire face.

”I am, Mom!”

Aurora watched her son for a few seconds, her eyes examining every detail. No visible injuries. No scratches. No expression of pain or fear. Only... a happiness so immense that it practically overflowed, as though he were about to burst with joy.

She blinked in surprise, her concern slowly melting away. Then, a faint smile appeared on her lips.

”What a scare...” She shook her head, her hair swaying with the movement, and slowly closed the window. She had probably imagined that some terrible accident had happened, that her son had been injured or in danger. Realizing that everything was fine, she calmly returned to her tasks, her heart finally at ease.

Meanwhile, Clavor had already stopped in front of his son. He was still breathing a little faster than usual, a sign of his momentary concern. His gaze remained attentive, studying the boy’s face.