I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Lukas took a deep breath, adjusting his stance. He wasn’t frustrated. On the contrary, every defeat showed him exactly where he needed to improve, and that was far more valuable than winning easily.

The training only came to an end when the sun was already high in the sky, its intense light shining through the leaves. Lukas was breathing heavily, his tunic completely soaked with sweat, his arms trembling slightly from the exertion.

Clavor slowly put away the wooden sword, his movements precise and economical.

”That’s enough.”

Lukas let out a long sigh, his shoulders relaxing.

The warrior looked carefully at his son before continuing.

”Tonight will demand a great deal from your mind.” His tone became slightly more serious, his eyes fixed on Lukas’s.

”Far more than the previous nights.”

Lukas nodded silently, fully understanding the weight of those words.

He knew exactly what his father was referring to. Forming the head channel allowed no mistakes, and tolerated no hesitation. And because of that, he would need to arrive completely rested, with a clear and focused mind.

...

Lukas was breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath as sweat ran down the tip of his chin and dripped onto the grass. His arms burned, his legs felt as though they were made of lead, and his entire body cried out for rest. Even so, there was a satisfaction that was difficult to describe, a sense of progress that transcended the pain.

Every morning of training left his body a little stronger than it had been the day before. His strikes came more naturally now, his movements had become steadier, and his balance had improved tremendously since the beginning of his training with Clavor.

The warrior observed his son for a few moments, his analytical eyes scanning his posture before speaking again.

”The physical training ends here.”

Lukas nodded, his breathing still rapid.

Clavor planted the wooden sword into the ground, the blade sinking into the soft earth, then crossed his arms.

”The rest of the day is just as important as the training.”

Lukas raised an eyebrow curiously.

A small smile appeared on Clavor’s face, rare and genuine.

”Rest is also part of any serious training.”

He slowly walked across the clearing as he spoke, his steps firm and steady.

”The body grows during rest, not during training. It’s when you stop that your muscles rebuild themselves, stronger than before. The mind organizes everything it has learned when it is calm, consolidating the day’s lessons.”

He paused for a moment, his eyes meeting his son’s.

”If you try to control mana after spending the entire day thinking only about mana, your concentration will become unstable. It’s like trying to fill a cup that’s already full.”

Lukas listened attentively, every word being engraved into his mind.

Clavor continued, his voice taking on a gentler tone.

”That’s why I always tell you to enjoy your afternoons.”

”Enjoy...” Lukas repeated, testing the word.

”Yes.” His father nodded.

”Walk through the forest. Play with your companions. Observe nature. Empty your mind.”

The warrior looked up at the blue sky above the trees, his eyes following the clouds as they drifted lazily by.

”Lunar Breathing requires serenity, a calm and receptive mind. The calmer your mind is when night falls, the greater your control over mana will be.”

Lukas smiled, understanding completely. Now he understood the reason behind that routine. It wasn’t simply about resting, it was about preparing his own mind, creating the ideal conditions for the night’s work.

Clavor picked the wooden sword up from the ground, his fingers wrapping around the hilt with practiced familiarity.

”I have a few matters to take care of at the mansion. I’ll return once the moon is high enough.”

”Alright.” Lukas’s reply was firm, filled with confidence.

Without another word, the warrior turned and began walking toward the forest, his silhouette slowly disappearing among the trees. A few seconds later, he was no longer visible, only the rustling of his footsteps fading into the distance.

Silence once again took over the clearing, the cool morning air wrapping around Lukas like a cloak.

Lukas remained standing still for a few moments, simply listening to the wind stirring the leaves, the distant songs of birds, and the murmur of the forest around him. Then he smiled, a smile filled with freedom and anticipation.

”Come on!” His voice echoed across the clearing.

He didn’t even need to call a second time. A white blur descended swiftly from the sky. Astra swooped down in an elegant dive before landing on a nearby branch, her wings folding neatly against her body.

Soon afterward, Tilbo came running out from the bushes, his massive body moving with surprising agility. Prata slowly descended along a strand of silk anchored to a tree, her legs moving with the grace of a dancer.

Finally, Rourke came scampering through the grass, climbing up Lukas’s leg before settling comfortably on his shoulder once again, his tiny body warm against him.

Lukas laughed, the sound pure and cheerful.

”It looks like you were already waiting.”

The little rat let out a happy squeak, as if confirming it.

...

The rest of the afternoon passed slowly, like a gentle melody unfolding without haste. There were no schedules, no obligations, and no worries beyond simply being present.

Lukas wandered through the forest accompanied by his four companions, his steps light and carefree. Spring made the scenery even more beautiful, with small colorful flowers blooming among the vegetation, painting the ground in shades of yellow, purple, and white.

Butterflies drifted lazily from one plant to another, their colorful wings shimmering beneath the sunlight. Bees worked tirelessly, buzzing among the flowers in search of nectar.

The constant sound of a nearby stream accompanied the entire walk, a natural melody that soothed both mind and spirit.

Lukas took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill his lungs. Now he could perceive something that had once gone completely unnoticed, something his senses were only beginning to understand.

Mana.

It was everywhere, a gentle and constant presence. Mixed with the wind that caressed his face. With the earth beneath his feet. With the water flowing through the stream. With the trees rising all around him.

His perception was still limited, like someone learning to see inside a dark room. He couldn’t perceive everything clearly, only vague shapes and subtle outlines. But he could feel that gentle presence enveloping the entire forest, like an invisible web of energy connecting all things.

It was like breathing completely different air, air that carried not only oxygen but also that primordial energy.