I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

The small moon of the Lunar Spring pulsed steadily, its rhythm constant and reassuring. Mana flowed naturally through the five newly formed channels, creating a pleasant, almost comforting sensation, as though a gentle current were coursing through his entire body.

Nothing hurt. Nothing felt unstable. It was as though his body had finally assimilated all the changes of the past few days, integrating them as part of its very essence.

His gaze swept across the room, a feeling of peace surrounding him.

Tilbo was already awake, his enormous form moving slowly near the wall. The ant waved its antennae as though inspecting the room for the hundredth time that morning, its usual, comforting behavior.

Astra remained perched atop the wardrobe, but now she had already spread her wings. The bird carefully groomed her feathers with her beak, each movement precise and meticulous. She let out a soft chirp when she noticed Lukas was awake, a sleepy greeting.

Prata was nowhere to be seen, and its web was empty.

Lukas smiled faintly, a smile of understanding. It had probably already gone out hunting, just as it always did at dawn, following its predator’s instincts.

His gaze finally settled on Rourke.

The little rat was still fast asleep, curled up beside the pillow like a tiny ball of fur. Its chest rose and fell slowly, its breathing calm and steady. The golden stripe running across its head looked completely normal once again, glowing softly beneath the sunlight.

Lukas watched his companion for several seconds, his eyes traveling over the little creature’s body.

The memory of the previous night returned immediately, vivid and unmistakable. The connection. The strange warmth linking the two of them. The visions. The different rats scattered throughout the forest, each offering a different perspective of the world. The sensation of being in two places at once.

Even after resting, it was still difficult to believe that it had truly happened, that it hadn’t simply been an unusually vivid dream.

For a moment, he almost tried using the ability again, his mind eager to explore its limits.

But he soon shook his head in quiet resolve.

No.

He had already promised himself that he would do it calmly, without rushing, without pushing his body and mind beyond their limits.

He climbed out of bed, his movements smooth and full of energy. Stretching leisurely, he heard a series of soft pops from his back and shoulders, a pleasantly liberating sensation.

Then he walked over to the washbasin in the corner of the room, his feet touching the cool wooden floor. He splashed cold water on his face, instantly washing away the last traces of sleep.

He ran his fingers through his white hair, trying to make it look at least somewhat presentable.

The result was still far from ideal, his stubborn strands refusing to cooperate.

He smiled to himself, accepting the outcome.

”Good morning... or maybe good afternoon.”

Astra answered with a short chirp, a sound of acknowledgment. Tilbo slowly turned its antennae toward him, a gesture Lukas had already learned to interpret as a greeting.

As though sensing its master’s movements, Rourke finally opened his eyes, his tiny black eyes focusing on Lukas. The little rat yawned, revealing its tiny tongue, then stretched across the bed in a movement that was almost human. Afterward, it scampered up onto the boy’s shoulder with its usual agility.

Lukas gently stroked its head, feeling the soft fur beneath his fingers.

This time, nothing happened.

No vision. No strange connection. No sensation of being in two places at once.

Only the familiar contact between them, the warmth of a tiny body against his skin.

”Looks like you needed the rest too.”

Rourke let out a tiny squeak before climbing onto his shoulder and settling there naturally.

Lukas chuckled softly, the sound quiet and cheerful.

He put on a set of light clothes suitable for spending the day outside his room and left his wooden sword leaning against the bed.

Today, he truly wouldn’t be training.

Clavor had been very clear, rest was also part of a warrior’s cultivation.

After making sure everything was in order, he opened the door and walked downstairs, his steps light and confident.

...

The aroma of food reached him before he even made it to the ground floor, a fragrance that made his stomach rumble in protest. The scent of fresh bread, cooked vegetables, and roasted meat formed a symphony of flavors that embraced him like a warm hug.

His stomach immediately answered with a loud growl, protesting the prolonged fast.

Only then did he realize just how hungry he truly was, a hunger that seemed to come from somewhere deep within.

In the dining room, only Aurora and Clavor were present, their familiar figures seated at the table. Judith was nowhere to be seen, having most likely already left for her training with Master Thorne.

As soon as she saw her son walk in, Aurora smiled, her eyes lighting up.

”Finally awake.”

Lukas rubbed the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed.

”I think I slept a little too much...”

She let out a soft laugh, warm and melodic.

”You certainly did. I went to your room earlier to wake you for breakfast, but you were sleeping so deeply that I decided to let you rest.”

Clavor nodded calmly, meeting his son’s eyes.

”Your body needed it.”

The warrior rested his arms on the table, his posture firm.

”The last few days demanded far too much from your mind. Forcing you to wake up early today would have done more harm than good.”

Lukas simply nodded, recognizing the wisdom in his father’s words. He knew Clavor was right, that every moment of rest was an investment in the future.

Aurora stood up, her movements graceful.

”Since you missed breakfast, I prepared lunch a little earlier.”

She walked into the kitchen and returned shortly afterward carrying a large tray, fragrant steam rising from it in gentle spirals. The aroma made Lukas swallow, his mouth instantly filling with saliva.

She placed a plate of steaming rice before him, the white grains glistening. Mixed into the rice were small cubes of carrots, peas, corn, and other vegetables, each one cooked to perfection.

Moments later came two thick steaks, still sizzling faintly, covered in a dark, aromatic sauce that slowly trickled over the meat.

Finally, she set a generous slice of orange pie beside the plate, its golden surface glossy and inviting.

The citrus fragrance mixed with the buttery aroma of the crust was irresistible, promising delightful sweetness.

”Eat everything,” Aurora said with a smile.

”You’re still growing. On top of that, you’ve spent an entire week training with hardly any rest.”

Clavor stood up immediately afterward, his movements smooth and controlled.

”I have a few matters to take care of in the city.”

Aurora adjusted her apron, returning to her morning routine.

”And I need to organize a few things around the manor.”

She gently ruffled her son’s hair, a simple gesture of affection.

”Enjoy your day off.”

The two of them left the dining room, their footsteps echoing down the hallway.