I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

The night had passed without any new incidents, a silence that was both a relief and a source of latent tension.

The campfire had slowly burned until it turned into a pile of embers, its flames dancing in the darkness before finally surrendering to exhaustion.

The guards took turns keeping watch, their eyes sweeping through the darkness in search of any sign of danger.

The forest had remained strangely silent for much of the early morning, as if even the nocturnal animals were holding their breath.

After the encounter with that colossal existence, any small noise seemed capable of drawing the men’s attention, every snapping branch a potential announcement of danger.

But nothing happened.

No creature approached the camp, no group of bandits appeared, and no distant sound of battle disturbed the night. The forest remained still, indifferent, as if it were merely waiting.

When the first rays of sunlight passed through the treetops, reaching the ground covered in damp leaves glistening with morning dew, the journey continued.

The horses were given water and food before departing, their muscles preparing for another day on the road. The coachman checked the horseshoes, harnesses, and wheels of the carriage, while the guards dismantled the camp with efficient movements that spoke of practice.

Shortly afterward, everyone was once again in their places. The heavy carriage began to move forward, its wheels crushing some dry leaves near the road before reaching the packed dirt path.

’Toc... toc... toc...’ The sound of the hooves once again accompanied the journey, a constant rhythm that had become as familiar as breathing itself.

Lukas was sitting near the window, watching the forest. After so many days of traveling, he had already grown accustomed to that scenery, trees, roads, small clearings, rocks, streams, and more trees. The monotony was almost comforting, a constant amid the uncertainty of the journey.

Even so, there was something different. The mountain remained ever-present on the horizon, an imposing presence that dominated the landscape. During the first day of traveling around its slopes, Lukas noticed that the distance between them and the enormous rocky formation was slowly decreasing, each hour bringing them closer to that giant of stone.

The road constantly rose and fell, like a serpent coiling around the mountain. At some moments, the carriage traveled along relatively flat stretches, the road extending before them like a ribbon of earth.

At others, the horses had to strain to overcome a steeper incline, their hooves finding resistance in the uneven ground.

The coachman slowed the pace whenever necessary, his experience guiding the animals safely. There was no rush, the priority was to arrive alive and with the animals still in good condition.

The forest had also changed. The trees were shorter in certain regions, while others grew in a twisted manner, leaning over the road as if they wanted to touch the travelers.

Some had leaves so small that they resembled green needles, adapted to the drier climate. Others had almost white bark, reflecting the sunlight like natural mirrors.

Lukas liked observing those changes. It was a constant reminder that this world was much larger than the lands he knew, that there was still much to discover.

For most of the day, however, absolutely nothing happened. The road stretched before them, the forest passed by the windows, and the only sound was the constant rhythm of hooves and wheels.

Judite began to complain about the boredom, her natural energy becoming restless.

”How much longer?”

Clavor did not even turn his face, his eyes fixed on the road.

”I don’t know.”

”How can you not know?” Judite’s frustration was genuine.

”Because I’ve never taken this path before.” Clavor’s response was simple, factual.

Judite remained silent for a few seconds, processing the information.

”Then... how much longer do you think?”

Clavor took a deep breath, the air slowly escaping.

”Still quite a while.”

Judite made a displeased expression, her face tightening.

”That didn’t answer anything.”

Lukas laughed, the sound echoing through the carriage. Aurora also let out a small smile, her eyes lighting up at the familiar scene.

That routine continued for hours, the monotony of the journey broken only by Judite’s complaints and Clavor’s evasive answers. When night finally arrived, with the sun setting behind the mountains in a spectacle of colors, the group found a suitable place to set up camp.

The guards worked quickly, their movements precise and coordinated. A campfire was lit, the flames dancing in the darkness. The tents were set up, the horses were fed, and the food was prepared. The smell of the meal spread through the camp, a comforting aroma that spoke of routine and safety.

After eating, Lukas looked at Clavor, a silent question in his eyes. His father already knew what he wanted, the routine becoming established between them.

”Shall we?” Lukas’s voice was calm but filled with anticipation.

Lukas nodded, standing up. The two prepared to leave.

Judite immediately raised her eyes, her curiosity awakened.

”Are you going hunting again?”

”Yes.” Lukas replied, adjusting his robe.

”Can I go?” Judite’s question came quickly, full of hope.

Clavor shook his head, a firm movement.

”Not today.”

Judite pouted, her expression one of disappointment.

”Why?”

”Because yesterday you already fought quite a lot during the day.” Clavor’s voice was calm but filled with concern.

”I can go!” Judite’s determination was unwavering.

”Tomorrow.” Clavor’s promise was firm.

Judite crossed her arms, her face hardening.

”You always say ’tomorrow.’”

Clavor smiled, a gentle smile.

”And tomorrow you can come.”

Judite narrowed her eyes, suspicious.

”Promise?”

”I promise.” Clavor’s answer was clear.

She finally accepted, her expression softening. Lukas and Clavor departed, the night forest quickly swallowing them.

...

The darkness was much more intense on that side of the mountain, as if the shadows had accumulated between the trees. The moonlight could barely make its way completely through the treetops, creating a world of half-light in which every shadow seemed alive.

Even so, Clavor and Lukas could see, as their senses were enhanced by mana.