I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

The journey continued peacefully throughout the day, the sun slowly rising in the sky as the carriage advanced along the mountain slopes.

The path wound between the rocky formations like a serpent of earth, following the natural contour of the mountain.

The wooden wheels creaked softly whenever they passed over loose stones, a sharp sound that mixed with the constant rhythm of the horses’ hooves against the hardened earth.

’Toc. Toc. Toc. Toc. Toc. Toc.’

The sound repeated almost without stopping, a natural metronome marking the passing of the hours.

The sun had risen quite high in the sky, but the heat was not as intense as in the lower regions they had left behind.

The air at that altitude was dry, almost cutting, and whenever the wind descended from the upper parts of the mountain, it brought with it a cold current that entered through the small gaps in the carriage, making the travelers snuggle deeper into their clothes.

Lukas was sitting near the window, his violet eyes turned outward, watching the landscape change little by little. The farther they advanced, the more different the vegetation became, as if every meter of altitude brought with it a slightly different world.

The trees were becoming lower and more twisted, their trunks seeming to have been shaped by the wind over decades, leaning in different directions as if they were fleeing from something invisible.

Some had almost white bark, reflecting the sunlight like natural mirrors, while others had a gray and rough coloration, covered in lichens that clung to the surface like small creatures.

The shrubs had also changed. Many had small, rigid leaves, accompanied by thorns that could easily tear someone’s clothes if they passed too close.

They were resilient plants, adapted to a hostile environment, where every drop of water was precious and every protection was necessary.

Among them, large outcroppings of gray stone appeared everywhere, like the bones of an ancient giant emerging from the earth. Some were small, mere protrusions that barely stood out from the ground.

Others were enormous, true miniature mountains that rose, defying gravity. At certain points, they looked like natural blades emerging from the ground, forcing the coachman to drive even more carefully, avoiding the obstacles with a precision that spoke of years of experience.

Lukas watched one of these formations slowly disappear behind the carriage, its silhouette outlined against the blue sky. There on the mountain were different animals, different plants, and different temperatures. Even the wind seemed different, sharper, more cutting.

And the higher they climbed, the harder it became to see what lay beyond the curves of the road. The landscape closed in around them, the trees and rocks forming natural walls that hid the horizon.

”Are you thinking about something?” Judite’s voice made him turn his face, pulling him from his thoughts.

She was sitting on the other side of the carriage, with an open book on her lap, its yellowed pages contrasting with the dark cover. Her curious eyes were fixed on Lukas, waiting for an answer.

”The mountain.” He answered, his voice calm.

”What about it?” Judite tilted her head, interested.

Lukas looked out the window again, his eyes sweeping across the rugged landscape.

”It’s bigger than I imagined. It will take longer to cross than I thought.”

Judite moved a little closer to look as well, her body leaning over the seat.

”It’s really enormous.” She remained silent for a few seconds, her eyes sweeping across the slopes.

”I wonder if there’s anything living up there?”

”Probably.” Lukas’s answer was practical.

”Monsters?” The question came with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

”Probably.” Lukas repeated, his voice without inflection.

Judite slowly closed the book, her hands wrapping around the cover.

”That doesn’t reassure me.”

Lukas laughed, the sound echoing inside the carriage.

”You just said you wanted to become a great mage.”

A great mage can be afraid of being eaten by a monster.” Judite’s defense was quick, her tone slightly indignant.

”Fair.” Lukas acknowledged the point.

Judite opened the book again, its pages rustling.

”Besides, I prefer fighting monsters that have the decency to appear in front of me.”

Lukas smiled, a smile that lit up his face.

”I’ll remember that.”

...

Shortly after noon, the group finally found a small stream flowing down the mountain slope, its crystal-clear waters shining beneath the sunlight. Clavor ordered a stop, his voice carrying the authority of someone who knew when it was time to rest.

The carriage slowly reduced its speed until it stopped near the water, the wheels finding a flat stretch of the road. The horses immediately showed interest, their snouts turning toward the stream, their nostrils contracting as they sensed the fresh water.

As soon as they were released from the reins for a few moments, they approached the stream and began drinking eagerly, their tongues catching the water flowing over the stones. The water was crystal clear, flowing between small stones, forming a narrow current that disappeared farther below among trees and shrubs, its constant murmur a gentle song.

The guards took the opportunity to refill their canteens, their hands dipping into the cold water. Aurora also left the carriage, her movements graceful as she descended the steps.

”Judite, come here.” Her voice was gentle but carried the authority of a mother.

”My hand is fine.” Judite replied but obeyed, approaching her.

”I know. Even so, let me take a look.” Aurora extended her hand, waiting.

Judite sighed but held out her hand to her mother. The wound caused by the vampire butterfly was already almost completely healed, leaving only a small reddish mark on her skin that bore witness to the incident. Aurora removed the old bandage and examined the area carefully, her fingers gently touching the skin around it.

”It’s healing very well.” Aurora’s voice carried satisfaction.

”I told you.” Judite replied, a touch of pride in her voice.

”That doesn’t mean you don’t need to be careful.” Aurora placed a lighter bandage, her nimble hands working with precision.

”Done.”

Judite moved her fingers, testing their mobility.

”Much better.”