I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Lukas spent the end of the early morning and the beginning of the day hunting alongside Prata, an experience that proved to be far more enlightening than he had imagined.

The forest was still immersed in that characteristic silence of the early hours of the day, when the world seemed to hold its breath before fully awakening.

The light of dawn could barely penetrate the treetops, spreading only a bluish glow between the trunks, as if the forest itself were wrapped in a veil of twilight.

Prata moved ahead, her silver body practically disappearing among the shadows dancing beneath the trees.

The eight small lenses of her eyes occasionally reflected the first rays of sunlight, tiny points of light that shone like stars in the darkness. But aside from that, it was difficult to notice her presence, she moved with a fluidity that made her almost invisible, a shadow among shadows.

Lukas quickly learned that hunting alongside her was completely different from simply accompanying her through the forest.

Prata did not search for her prey hastily, nor did she run from one place to another looking for food. She waited. Observed. Calculated. Every movement was preceded by a pause, a silent assessment of the surroundings.

At one point, the two approached a fallen tree, its trunk covered in moss and fungi. Prata stopped on a low branch and remained motionless, so still that she seemed to be part of the wood itself.

Lukas also stopped, his eyes scanning the area for whatever might have caught her attention.

”What is it?”

The spider did not answer, naturally. She simply slowly raised two of her front legs, pointing in a specific direction.

Lukas followed their direction, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. Among some dry leaves, a small rodent was busy searching for seeds, completely unaware of the danger approaching.

Prata waited, her eyes fixed on the prey. A few more seconds. Then, suddenly, an almost invisible web shot out, so fast that Lukas could barely follow the movement. The small animal barely had time to react before being pulled backward, immobilized before it even understood what had happened.

Lukas widened his eyes, a mixture of admiration and respect.

”Impressive...”

Prata calmly advanced and began wrapping the prey, her movements precise and methodical. There was no cruelty in her movements, nor any sign of pleasure in the hunt. Only efficiency, nature following its course with the precision of a perfectly calibrated mechanism.

Lukas watched in silence, absorbing every detail.

Throughout that morning, he watched Prata repeat the process several times, each hunt a lesson in itself.

Sometimes using webs to immobilize her prey from a distance. Other times, approaching slowly, her steps so silent that they were impossible to detect, and attacking by surprise with impressive speed.

On some occasions, she simply abandoned a prey because she judged that it was not worth the effort, that the energy expended would not compensate for the food obtained.

There was a logic behind every movement, a reason for every decision. A silent discipline that spoke louder than any words.

Lukas realized that, without even noticing it, he was learning. Not specifically about spiders, but about something more fundamental, about combat, about strategy, about the art of using energy efficiently.

Prata never wasted movement, never attacked when she did not need to, and never used more strength than necessary. Every action had a clear purpose, every decision was made based on a precise assessment of the situation.

It was something very similar to what Clavor tried to teach about mana. Efficiency. Control. The wisdom of knowing when to act and when to wait.

When the sun was already high, its golden light penetrating through the leaves, Lukas and Prata returned to the mansion. The spider entered through the bedroom window and disappeared into her usual little corner, her body blending into the shadows as if she had never left.

Lukas took a quick shower, the cold water washing away the dirt and fatigue from the morning, and went downstairs for lunch.

He found only Judite in the dining room, her eyes lighting up as soon as he appeared.

”Finally!” She exclaimed, practically jumping out of her chair.

”You took forever!”

Lukas laughed, amused by his sister’s reaction.

”Good morning to you too.”

Judite rested her elbows on the table, her expression animated.

”You know we’re traveling the day after tomorrow, right?”

”I know.” Lukas’s answer was calm, but his heart quickened slightly at the reminder.

”And do you remember where we’re going?” She tilted her head, her eyes shining.

”To the border.” Lukas sat down, picking up a piece of bread.

”Exactly!” Her eyes shone with almost childlike excitement.

Judite seemed incapable of remaining seated for long, her energy overflowing into words and gestures. She talked about the clothes she intended to bring, the books she needed to pack, the things she wanted to buy during the trip, and even about the possibility of continuing to study magic while they were away. As if distance could prevent her progress.

Lukas simply listened, occasionally answering something, but most of the time he simply smiled as he watched his sister pour out all that excitement. It was good to see her so happy.

After lunch, he spent the rest of the day in the forest with Astra, Rourke, and Tilbo. There was no training, no exercises, and no obligations. Just a peaceful walk, a moment of tranquility before the approaching journey.

Astra flew between the trees, her white silhouette cutting through the green of the forest. Tilbo explored the vegetation in his usual heavy manner, his antennae moving slowly as he investigated every scent. Rourke ran from one side to another, occasionally disappearing among roots and bushes, his energy seemingly inexhaustible.

Lukas played with them near a small stream, the running water producing a relaxing sound. He threw small sticks for Rourke to fetch, watched Tilbo investigate the stones along the bank, and felt the cool breeze on his face while Astra glided overhead.

When the sky began to darken, the vibrant colors of the sunset painting the horizon in shades of orange and purple, they returned to the mansion.