I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Time passed so quickly that Lukas only realized it when the sun began to approach the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Golden hues spread throughout the forest, every leaf seeming to be bathed in liquid gold.

It was time to head back.

He packed the remaining fruit into his backpack, arranging everything carefully. Then he looked around, his gaze sweeping across the clearing.

"Rourke."

The little mouse immediately raised its head, its ears twitching toward the sound of its name. Without the slightest hesitation, it ran straight toward Lukas, its tiny body moving with surprising speed. It climbed up his boot, gripping the leather with its little paws. Then it climbed up his pants and quickly continued upward.

Until it finally settled onto his hand, its small, warm body resting against his skin.

Lukas smiled, feeling the trust of the little animal. Before putting it away, he decided to check its affinity once more.

He focused his gaze, activating his ability.

Instantly, a small glowing window appeared above the mouse’s head, its numbers shining in light green.

[89%]

Lukas froze.

"What..." His voice came out as a whisper, his eyes fixed on the small window.

A few days ago, the affinity had been just over seventy percent. It had taken entire months to grow that slowly, each point representing weeks of care and attention.

Now, in just a few days, it had risen to eighty-nine percent.

He remained completely silent for several seconds, his mind processing the information. His fingers gently stroked Rourke’s head, feeling the softness of its fur beneath them.

Then, at last, he understood.

"So that was it..." His voice was soft, filled with understanding. He looked at his little companion, his eyes meeting the mouse’s bright ones.

"You felt trapped."

Rourke rubbed its nose against his finger, a gesture of affection that spoke louder than words ever could.

"I was afraid you’d run away," Lukas admitted quietly.

"That’s why I kept you in the box, in the terrarium. I thought it was the best thing for you."

Another little squeak, as if the mouse were answering him.

"But... you just wanted freedom." Lukas smiled, warmth spreading through his chest.

"You wanted to explore, you wanted to run, you wanted to see the world."

His heart warmed with understanding.

"From now on, you’ll be able to come outside with me more often," he promised firmly.

"I’ll take you to the forest whenever I can."

The mouse seemed excited, its eyes shining with a special light.

"But we still need to be careful, okay?" Lukas continued in a serious tone.

"The forest can be dangerous. You need to stay close to me."

Rourke responded by happily sniffing his hand, as if agreeing.

Lukas laughed, a light and cheerful laugh. Then he carefully placed the little mouse inside the pocket of his tunic, leaving only its nose sticking out, its nostrils twitching as it took in the scents of the forest.

...

The journey back was peaceful, the last rays of sunlight illuminating the path through the forest.

Tilbo walked beside him, its presence comforting.

Prata traveled along the branches overhead, her bright eyes watching the group from above.

Astra glided gently through the air, her white feathers shining like a little star in the twilight sky.

When they finally reached the Dmond Mansion, Aurora was already waiting for them on the porch, her silhouette outlined by the light spilling from the house.

As soon as she saw them, she smiled with amusement, her eyes sparkling.

"You spent the entire day in the forest?"

Lukas laughed, feeling the pleasant fatigue in his muscles.

"I guess we did."

Aurora walked closer, her eyes scanning the group. Then she noticed the little nose peeking out from the pocket of Lukas’s tunic.

"Oh..." She tilted her head curiously.

Lukas carefully took out the mouse, holding it gently in his hands.

"He finally got a name."

Aurora smiled, her expression softening.

"And what is it?"

"Rourke."

She looked at the little animal, her eyes taking in its tiny figure.

"It’s a beautiful name. It suits him."

During dinner, Lukas excitedly told them everything they had done. He talked about the crystal-clear stream, their walk through the forest, Prata’s hunt, and the peacefulness of the day.

And especially about Rourke, about how the little mouse had explored the clearing.

Judite immediately leaned closer, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Can I hold him?"

Lukas tried, extending his hands toward his sister. But the moment Judite reached out, Rourke immediately backed away, hiding behind Lukas’s fingers, his tiny body curling up.

When Clavor glanced discreetly at him, the little mouse practically disappeared into the pocket, with only its tiny nose trembling slightly.

Judite pouted, her lips curling in disappointment.

"He only likes you."

Lukas laughed, gently stroking the mouse’s head.

"I think he’s still learning to trust. Just give him some time."

After dinner, he took Rourke back to his room. This time, he didn’t put him back inside the terrarium. Instead, he prepared a small, comfortable nest beside the bed, using dry straw, soft cloth, and a few leaves he had collected during their walk.

Rourke settled into it immediately, turning around a few times before curling into a little ball. His tiny body rose and fell with each breath as his eyes slowly closed.

Tilbo lay down in its usual corner, its massive body filling the familiar space.

Prata remained near the window, her bright eyes watching the night.

Astra returned to the top of the wardrobe, her wings folding neatly against her body.

Lukas blew out the candle, plunging the room into the gentle darkness of the night. He lay down slowly, his body sinking into the soft mattress.

Before closing his eyes, he looked up at the ceiling, his mind replaying the events of the day.

Tomorrow. The training would begin again. According to Clavor, the next phase would be much more difficult. But he was ready, his body stronger, his mind well-rested, and his bond with Rourke growing far more than he had ever imagined.

With a small, satisfied smile, Lukas closed his eyes.

Sleep came quickly, wrapping around him like a warm blanket. And he drifted off peacefully, completely prepared for the challenges that awaited him the following day.

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