I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Lukas simply nodded, his eyes heavy. He gave his mother a quick hug, feeling her warmth and her familiar scent.

Judite crossed her arms, pouting slightly in a way that was more theatrical than genuine.

"That’s not fair."

"You’ll find out tomorrow too." Lukas’ voice was gentle, carrying a promise.

She huffed dramatically, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I’ll hold you to that."

Lukas laughed, a faint but genuine sound. Then he entered the mansion, his footsteps echoing through the silence of the hallway.

...

The corridors were silent, the mansion immersed in a tranquility that only the night could bring. Only the sound of his own footsteps broke the silence, each echo a reminder that he was alone at that moment.

As soon as he started climbing the stairs, he heard several familiar sounds behind him. Tilbo walked slowly, each heavy step producing a soft thud against the wooden floor.

Prata quietly climbed along the walls, her legs moving with silent precision. Astra flew a few meters above, her wings cutting through the air without making a sound. Rourke happily ran after him, his little body darting swiftly between the steps.

They had all waited outside during the conversation, patient as always. Now they were returning to the room together, a silent procession of companions who shared his life.

As soon as he entered, each of them automatically took their usual place. Tilbo settled into the corner near the door, his enormous body filling its familiar spot.

Prata climbed up to her web near the window, her silvery threads glimmering beneath the moonlight. Astra landed atop the wardrobe, his golden eyes shining in the dim light. Rourke disappeared into his little makeshift burrow, curling up among the dry leaves.

Lukas watched the scene for a few seconds, his eyes passing over each of his companions. He smiled, a gentle smile filled with gratitude. It already felt like a routine, like a family.

Before changing into his sleepwear, he slowly walked over to the little wooden burrow. He crouched down, his knees touching the cold floor. Rourke immediately poked his head out, his bright eyes fixed on Lukas. His tiny nose twitched as he sniffed the outstretched hand.

The boy smiled, feeling the warmth of the little creature. He slowly reached out and gently stroked the top of the little rat’s head, feeling the soft fur beneath his fingers.

Then he focused his attention on him, activating his Affinity ability. The transparent window appeared before his eyes, the numbers glowing in a soft green.

[94%]

Lukas’ eyes widened slightly, his heart racing. Ninety-four. Only a single percent remained, a tiny fraction separating Rourke from the limit.

His heartbeat quickened, excitement swelling within his chest. Rourke was now practically at the threshold, so close that he could almost feel the change approaching. It meant that very soon he would receive a new ability. His fourth gift.

He had no idea what it would be. Perhaps speed, allowing him to move faster than any human. Perhaps heightened senses, granting him perceptions that others lacked.

Or perhaps some completely unexpected ability, something he could not even imagine.

The anticipation made his smile grow wider, lighting up his tired face.

"We’re almost there..." He stroked the little rat once more, his fingers tracing the golden stripe on his head.

"Just a little longer."

Rourke rubbed his nose against his fingers, a gesture of affection that spoke louder than words. Then he slowly returned to his burrow, curling his body into a ball.

Lukas stood up, his movements slow and heavy. He removed his boots, feeling relief wash over his tired feet. He carefully placed the wooden sword beside the bed, its familiar presence comforting him.

He cast one last glance at his four companions, his eyes lingering on each familiar figure. Then he lay down, his body sinking into the soft mattress.

His head had barely touched the pillow. All the exhaustion that had accumulated throughout the day finally overwhelmed him, like a wave crashing over his body. The hours spent guiding mana had completely drained his mental energy, leaving him empty and ready for rest.

His entire body relaxed, the tension melting away from his muscles. His breathing slowed, becoming deep and steady. His eyes closed naturally, darkness wrapping around him like a blanket.

Within seconds, Lukas was fast asleep, his body and mind finally surrendering to the rest they had needed so badly. No dreams, no worries, no anxiety. Only a well-earned rest after taking his first step onto the path of true warriors.

...

The following morning, Lukas awoke even before the first ray of sunlight passed through the window. His eyes slowly opened as awareness returned in gentle waves. For a few moments, he remained still, staring at the wooden ceiling of his room, at the familiar beams he knew so well.

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

A small smile appeared on his lips, lighting up his face. It was still there, tiny, fragile, yet alive. Even without closing his eyes, he could sense a faint pulse in harmony with his heartbeat, a second beat that seemed to echo beneath the first.

His Lunar Source was still minuscule, almost incapable of storing mana, but its mere existence made Lukas feel that he had finally crossed an important threshold in his life.

’I did it...’ The words escaped in a whisper, carrying an emotion he could barely contain.

Around the room, his companions also began to awaken, as though they could sense his joy. Astra slowly spread his wings atop the wardrobe, stretching his white feathers in a motion that resembled a morning stretch. He let out a soft chirp, a sleepy greeting.

Prata left her web near the window, slowly walking along the wall as her eight legs moved without making the slightest sound. Her dark body flowed with the grace of a living shadow.

Tilbo raised his enormous head from the corner of the room, slowly moving his antennae until they found Lukas, as if confirming his presence.

As for Rourke, he poked his tiny nose out of the makeshift burrow, sniffing the air with his usual curiosity. As soon as he caught Lukas’ scent, he quickly ran to the bed, climbing onto the mattress with agile movements.

Lukas laughed, a soft and cheerful sound.

"Good morning to all of you as well."

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