I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Lukas walked a few steps behind Clavor as they left the clearing, his feet finding the familiar path in the darkness.

The forest was silent, illuminated only by the nearly full moon hanging above the treetops like a silver beacon in the night sky.

Its light poured through the gaps between the branches, painting pale silver patches across the dirt path that wound between the trunks, accompanying father and son on their journey back to the mansion.

The night air was cool and pleasant, each breath filling his lungs with the freshness of the forest. But there was something different about that night, something Lukas could feel in every cell of his body.

With every breath, he noticed the damp scent of leaves, earth, and moss much more intensely than before, as if his senses had been sharpened, as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes.

He smiled to himself, a smile that no one but the moon could see.

It was a strange sensation, this new perception of the world. His vision seemed sharper, clearer, every detail standing out with a precision that had never existed before.

Even in the dimness of the nighttime forest, he could clearly distinguish the outlines of the trees, the texture of the moss-covered trunks, and even tiny insects crawling across some of the leaves, their minuscule bodies moving in a choreography invisible to ordinary eyes.

The sounds had changed as well. The distant song of the crickets seemed clearer, more distinct, each note separated within its melody.

The wind passing through the treetops carried different tones, as though he could tell which trees were swaying simply by their sound, the rustling of oak leaves, the whisper of pine needles, the murmur of birches.

Instinctively, he placed a hand over his chest, his fingers pressing gently against his heart.

The Lunar Source pulsed serenely at his core, a constant and comforting presence. The five main channels were now complete, forming a network that spread throughout his body like the roots of an ancient tree.

For the first time since he had begun his training, he felt his entire body functioning as a single organism, every part connected to the same source of energy.

Mana remained resting within the Source, like water in a tranquil lake. But now there was a true pathway connecting it to his legs, his arms, and his head. The structure was complete, the channels open, and the connections established.

He still didn’t know how to use that energy, and he still couldn’t strengthen even a single muscle. But the foundation had been built, solid and stable.

It was like possessing an entire city connected by newly built roads. The routes already existed; all that remained was learning how to make the resources travel along them.

The thought made his heart race, a wave of excitement coursing through his body.

”Finally...” The whisper escaped his lips before he could stop it.

Ever since he had heard Clavor explain warriors, he had imagined this moment. He wanted to feel mana flowing through his muscles, to discover what it was like to run faster than any ordinary person, to shatter a stone with a punch, to leap several meters using nothing but the strength of his own body.

The possibilities seemed endless, a horizon stretching out before him.

He smiled again, barely able to wait for the next training session.

As though he had guessed his thoughts, Clavor spoke without even looking back, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom.

”Don’t get impatient.”

Lukas looked up in surprise.

”I know...”

Clavor let out a quiet chuckle, a rare and genuine sound.

”No. You don’t.”

He continued walking, his voice remaining calm and instructive.

”Every warrior goes through this. After forming the Source, they believe the time has finally come to use mana freely. But this is precisely when the most accidents happen.”

Lukas listened in silence, absorbing every word.

”Your body and mind have gone through five extremely exhausting nights.” Clavor’s voice was firm, but not harsh.

”First we formed the Source. Then we opened the five main connections. All of that required mana control far beyond what is normal for someone your age.”

He paused briefly, his eyes fixed on the path ahead.

”Tomorrow, you’ll rest.”

Lukas grimaced slightly, his expression tightening.

”The whole day?”

”The whole day.”

”Not even physical training?” Hope still lingered in his voice.

”Not even physical training.” The answer came firmly, leaving no room for argument.

”Recovery is also part of training.”

Lukas sighed, feeling the weight of those words. He understood his father’s reasoning perfectly. In fact, his own body confirmed every one of them.

Although he didn’t feel intense muscle soreness, his head still felt somewhat heavy, as though a subtle mist lingered over his thoughts.

The concentration required over the past few nights had drained much of his mental energy, leaving him exhausted in a way that physical rest alone could not heal.

If he insisted on continuing, he would probably end up hindering his own progress. Even so, waiting would be difficult, a battle against his own impatience.

Clavor noticed his expression and smiled faintly, a smile filled with understanding.

”Enjoy the rest.”

”I’ll try.” Lukas’s reply was sincere, though tinged with barely concealed frustration.

”Spend some time with your companions. Read. Walk through the forest. Forget about mana for a day.” Clavor’s voice was gentle, almost like friendly advice.

Lukas nodded, recognizing the wisdom in his father’s words. Perhaps that really was for the best.

...

A few minutes later, they passed through the great gates of the Dmond Mansion, their footsteps echoing through the silence of the night.

Almost every window was dark, the mansion immersed in a deep sleep. The servants had already finished their work, their duties completed until dawn.

Only a few lanterns remained lit along the outer corridors, softly illuminating the gardens with their warm, flickering golden light.

The fragrance of the night-blooming flowers, jasmine, honeysuckle, and others Lukas couldn’t name, mingled with the cool mountain breeze, creating a unique scent that filled the air.

Clavor stopped near the main entrance, his silhouette outlined against the lantern’s glow.

”Go get some rest.”

Lukas smiled, a smile filled with gratitude.

”Good night, Father.”

”Good night.” The reply was simple, yet filled with affection.