I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

The rest of the afternoon passed peacefully, the hours flowing like water in a calm stream. Lukas did not undergo any training, did not run, did not practice with the sword, and did not attempt to cultivate. After all, that was his day off, and he made full use of it.

He walked through the forest with his companions, exploring trails he already knew and others he had never walked before.

Astra flew above them, her shadow moving across the ground. Tilbo investigated every bush, his curiosity insatiable. Rourke sniffed everything he came across, his snout moving nonstop.

And Lukas simply enjoyed himself, every moment a gift, every step a discovery.

For a few hours, he completely forgot the pressure of training, the expectation of becoming stronger, and the challenges that awaited him. He simply existed, present in the moment, grateful for the company of his friends.

When the sky began to take on orange hues, he started making his way back, his steps slow and relaxed. The first stars appeared when he passed through the gates of Dmond Mansion, small points of light in the darkening sky.

Curiously, he was not tired. On the contrary, he felt refreshed, full of energy, as if that day of rest had recharged his batteries. Perhaps because that day had been different. There had been no pressure, no pain, only the simple joy of being alive.

When he entered the dining room, he found the family already gathered. Clavor was sitting in his usual place, his eyes scanning a small book.

Aurora was serving dinner, her movements precise and efficient. Judite was absentmindedly poking at her food while telling them something about a lesson with Master Thorne, her voice animated.

Lukas sat down, feeling the warmth of his family around him.

”You’re back late.” Aurora commented, a smile on her lips.

”I was exploring the forest.” Lukas’s answer was simple.

”Did you find anything interesting?”

Lukas discreetly glanced at Rourke, who was hidden inside his clothes, only his snout showing. A smile appeared on his lips.

”A few things.”

Clavor observed his son for a moment, his analytical eyes catching something in his expression. But he did not ask, simply returning his attention to the book.

The meal continued peacefully, the conversation flowing as it always did. Until, in the middle of dinner, Clavor spoke casually, his words falling like a stone into a calm lake.

”In approximately ten days, we’re going on a trip.”

Lukas raised his head, his spine straightening.

”Traveling?”

Judite practically dropped her utensils, the metal clattering against the plate.

”Really?!”

Clavor smiled slightly at their reaction, a smile carrying amusement.

”Yes.”

”Where to?” Lukas asked, his mind already beginning to imagine the possibilities.

Clavor rested his arms on the table, his expression becoming more serious.

”To one of the kingdom’s borders. The region is currently under the responsibility of Marquis Slyr.”

Lukas’s expression changed, his curiosity giving way to seriousness.

”The border?”

”Exactly.” Clavor paused briefly, choosing his words.

”Marquis Slyr is ill. I received orders from above to assist in defending the region while he recovers.”

Judite’s enthusiasm diminished slightly, her voice becoming more cautious.

”Is there a war?”

”Not an open war.” Clavor replied, his voice calm but firm.

”But borders are never completely peaceful places. There are always threats, always dangers, always something that needs to be watched.”

Lukas remained silent, processing the information. The idea of traveling was interesting, a chance to see a new region, visit other cities, and meet different people. But Clavor’s serious expression made it clear that this would not be an ordinary trip. It would not be an outing or a vacation.

His father was going to help defend a border, which meant danger, threats that could be real. Lukas deeply trusted Clavor’s strength, his ability to protect himself and others. Even so, he could not prevent a small concern from arising in his heart.

Aurora began asking about the preparations, her maternal voice concerned with the practical details.

Judite wanted to know how long they would be gone, whether she would have to bring her magic books, and whether Master Thorne would be going with them. Clavor patiently answered her questions, each answer easing one concern.

Lukas remained quieter, absorbing every piece of information, every detail. Ten days. The trip would take place in approximately ten days, which meant he had little time to prepare.

He did not know what he would find at that border or what challenges awaited him. But one thing was certain: his life was beginning to expand beyond that region, beyond the forest he knew so well.

When dinner ended, Lukas said goodbye to the three of them and went upstairs to his room, his steps slow and thoughtful. He took a warm bath, the water relaxing his muscles. He put on light clothes, preparing for the night.

Astra took her place atop the wardrobe, her white form standing out in the dimness. Tilbo settled near his usual corner, his enormous form a comforting presence. Prata was still outside, probably hunting, her web empty.

Rourke entered the small burrow and disappeared among the fabrics, his body curling into a ball.

Lukas lay down, his body sinking into the soft mattress. He spent several minutes staring at the ceiling, his thoughts revolving around the day he had spent.

He thought about the ability, the possibilities it opened, and the mysteries that still needed to be unraveled. He thought about the journey, the new lands he would see, and the challenges he would face. He thought about his father, the strength he represented, the example he set.

Then, one final memory surfaced in his mind, Clavor’s words echoing in his ears.

”Tomorrow begins the true body strengthening.”

Lukas smiled, a smile of anticipation. After so many days building the Lunar Source and connecting every part of his body, after so much effort and discipline, he would finally learn to use that mana to strengthen his muscles, bones, tendons, and senses.

The true path of a warrior would begin the next day.

With that thought, Lukas closed his eyes, feeling sleep approaching. Shortly afterward, he fell into a deep sleep, his body and mind finally surrendering to rest.

He slept without any worries, without anxiety, without fear. Dawn would bring new training, a new stage in his journey. And with it, the first step toward transforming the mana stored within his Source into true strength.