I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Lukas devoured every page as though it were a treasure. His dream of building a zoo became more and more fascinating.

In fact, the more he learned, the more creatures he wanted to meet. Every description awakened within him the desire to see those creatures with his own eyes, to study them up close, to understand how they worked.

Unfortunately... when he finally began researching the little rat, the results were disappointing.

For two entire days, he consulted books about rodents, their species, their characteristics, and their habits. Then he searched through books about small beasts, which might include creatures similar to his little companion. Next, he researched mutations, hoping to find some reference to unusual markings or patterns.

After that came spiritual creatures, which might explain the golden glow on its forehead. Corrupted animals, which might have been affected by the Rat King’s mana. Sacred beasts, which might bear divine markings.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Not a single book mentioned a rat with a golden stripe on its forehead. No known species matched such a description. The little creature seemed to be completely unique, a specimen that fit into no known category.

In the end, he found only a small note hidden away in an old book about magical mutations, in a section that seemed to have been added as an appendix.

”On extremely rare occasions, ordinary animals may undergo spontaneous mutations after being exposed to high concentrations of mana.”

Another passage, on a separate page, read.

”Some mutations alter only the creature’s appearance. Others awaken entirely unprecedented abilities that cannot be predicted or categorized.”

Lukas slowly closed the book, his fingers still resting on the leather cover. The words echoed through his mind, offering a possible explanation, but not certainty.

Then he looked at the small box beside him. The rat stared back at him silently, its red eyes fixed on his. After so many months, it no longer tried to bite him or run away whenever he approached.

Quite the opposite. When Lukas opened the box and extended his hand, the little creature slowly approached, its steps cautious yet determined. It climbed onto his palm, its tiny soft paws pressing against the boy’s skin.

It remained there. Quiet. Still wary, its eyes scanning the surroundings, its ears alert to any suspicious sound. But no longer afraid. The fear that had once controlled its every movement had been replaced by calm caution.

Lukas smiled, feeling the warmth of the little body in his hand.

”So it really could be a mutation...”

He gently stroked its head, his fingers running through its soft gray fur. The rat closed its eyes for a few seconds, allowing itself to enjoy the touch, before opening them again to watch him with its attentive gaze.

Their trust grew little by little. Every day brought a small step forward, a gesture of acceptance that had once seemed impossible. Lukas was certain that, sooner or later, they would form a bond as well, just as he had with Astra, Tilbo, and Prata.

There was only one small problem. He simply had no idea what kind of ability he might receive from a rat. His other companions offered obvious abilities. Prata’s web weaving, Astra’s vision, and Tilbo’s strength. But a rat? What could a rat possibly teach him?

The thought made Lukas laugh to himself, a quiet sound that echoed through the silence of the library.

”I hope it’s something useful.”

The little creature merely tilted its head, unable to understand the words, but recognizing the affectionate tone in his voice.

The rest of the week passed quickly. Lukas continued studying until almost the very last moment, making use of every minute in that wonderful library.

Even on the seventh day, he remained in the hall until late at night. Candlelight flickered around him as he turned the final pages of a book about the ancient races that had ruled the continent before the Great Liberation.

When he finally closed the last book, his tired eyes wandered across the hall, taking in the countless bookshelves scattered throughout the room. There were still thousands of books he had not even touched. Most likely... he had not studied even five percent of all that knowledge.

Even so, he felt satisfied. There was no need to rush. He had time.

Now he understood far more about the world into which he had been reborn. He knew he was still nothing more than a drop before an ocean of knowledge, but he now had a direction. And that was enough.

He could return to Hark Castle as many times as necessary. The library would always be there, waiting for him.

On the morning of the eighth day, Lukas politely said goodbye to the servants who had taken care of him throughout the week. He thanked them for their hospitality, the delicious meals, the comfortable room, and their patience with his long hours of study.

Then he began the long descent down the Great Rock. The steps that had seemed endless upon his arrival now felt lighter beneath his feet. The path that had once been unfamiliar was now well known, every turn, every stone, every view.

When he reached the bottom, he found Clavor exactly where they had agreed to meet. His father sat atop his horse, patiently watching the road.

His father smiled when he saw him.

”Did you enjoy the trip?”

Lukas simply smiled back, his face glowing with the satisfaction of a week well spent.

”Very much.”

The two of them set off toward Dmond Manor. The carriage swayed gently along the dirt road, while the sound of the horses’ hooves created a steady rhythm.

Lukas intended to tell his father everything he had learned, to share all the discoveries he had made. But the moment he climbed into the carriage, the exhaustion from an entire week of studying and the sleepless night finally caught up with him.

He ended up falling asleep, his head resting against the window, his breathing becoming slow and steady.

Clavor merely chuckled quietly when he saw him asleep only a few minutes after they had departed.

”You really made the most of every second...”

...

The months passed quickly. Life returned to its peaceful routine at the manor, but with a new depth. Lukas now saw the world through different eyes, understanding his place within a much greater history.

Every few months, he returned to Hark Castle to study for several days before heading back home. The library became his sanctuary, his place of peace and discovery. He always learned something new. He always uncovered another small piece of that enormous world.