I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

"There’s still one important part of the training left."

The boy blinked a few times, his tired mind trying to process the information.

"There’s more?"

Clavor smiled faintly, a mysterious glimmer in his eyes.

"Yes. There’s something you’ll need to do every day after you finish your exercises. It will greatly improve the results of your training."

Lukas’ eyes lit up once again, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

"What is it?"

"Come."

Clavor led him through the mansion’s corridors, passing the living room and the kitchen until they reached a part of the house that Lukas rarely visited. It was a secluded area, with heavy doors and stone walls.

In the center of the room stood a massive stone bathtub, carved from a single block of dark granite. It was large enough to comfortably fit three adults, its edges polished smooth from years of use.

It was already completely filled, the water slightly overflowing its edges. Warm steam slowly rose from the surface, creating a soft mist that filled the room with humidity.

Lukas tilted his head in confusion.

"Am I going to take a bath?"

The question made Clavor laugh, a warm sound that echoed through the stone chamber.

"Yes... and not exactly."

He took a small glass vial from his pocket, carefully wrapping his fingers around it. Inside, a dark crimson liquid shimmered in the candlelight, resembling blood or concentrated red wine.

Without hesitation, Clavor poured the entire contents of the vial into the water. The crimson liquid spread across the surface like ink, slowly blending with the clear water. Almost immediately, the water turned a reddish hue, as if someone had dissolved rubies into it.

"This is a Physical Enhancement Lotion," Clavor explained, holding up the now-empty vial.

Lukas watched curiously, his eyes fixed on the reddish water.

"Physical Enhancement Lotion?"

"That’s right." Clavor closed the empty vial and tucked it back into his pocket.

"It’s made from various rare medicinal herbs. The herbs are crushed, distilled, and combined through a process that takes weeks."

He stepped closer to the tub, touching the water’s surface with the tips of his fingers.

"The herbs strengthen muscles, tendons, and bones while helping your body recover much faster than it naturally could. They also relieve part of the strain caused by training, reducing inflammation and accelerating cellular regeneration."

Lukas’ eyes widened slightly as he processed the explanation. Something like this actually existed? A potion that accelerated recovery and strengthened the body?

Then he immediately understood. This was what his father had mentioned the day before. The "something" that would accelerate his growth. The tool that would make his training far more effective.

"Take off your clothes and get in," Clavor said calmly, taking a step back.

"For the first few minutes, you’ll feel a burning sensation on your skin, especially in the areas you worked the hardest during training. Endure it. It’s worth it. The feeling will fade after a few minutes."

Lukas trusted his father completely. Without the slightest hesitation or embarrassment, he quickly removed his sweat-soaked training clothes, leaving them piled on the floor before stepping into the tub.

The water was pleasantly warm, almost too hot, wrapping around his exhausted body like a comforting embrace. He sat down, submerging himself up to his neck, feeling the heat seep into his aching muscles.

For the first few seconds, nothing happened. There was only the soothing warmth of the water and the steam rising around his face.

"I’m not feeling..."

Before he could finish his sentence, an intense wave of heat surged through his entire body, beginning in his chest before spreading to his limbs. It felt as though someone had ignited a flame inside his muscles.

Then came the burning.

His muscles began to burn as though hundreds of tiny needles were piercing his skin, sinking deep into his muscle tissue. The sensation was strange, and uncomfortable, but not unbearable.

Lukas frowned, his eyes narrowing against the feeling. It hurt, yes, but unlike any pain he had ever experienced. It wasn’t like an injury or a wound. It was more as though his muscles were being awakened, activated, and forced to adapt.

The burning concentrated precisely in the muscles that had been worked the hardest during training. His arms, where he had lifted the Mountain Tree trunk. His legs, where he had run and jumped repeatedly. His back, where he had carried stones. His chest, where he had done push-ups until exhaustion.

Everything seemed to absorb that warm energy, that burning sensation that was both uncomfortable and invigorating.

Fifteen minutes passed slowly, each second feeling like an eternity.

The burning gradually began to fade, like a receding tide pulling away from the shore. The sharp sensation was replaced by a deep, penetrating warmth that seemed to envelop every muscle fiber.

Shortly afterward, it gave way to a pleasant feeling of relief. The soreness from the training was practically cut in half. Where his muscles had once felt as heavy as stone, stiff and aching... now they were simply tired. Much lighter, more flexible, and more responsive.

Lukas slowly opened his eyes, which he had kept closed throughout the process. A smile naturally appeared on his face, his lips curving with satisfaction.

It really worked.

He could feel the difference in his body. The exhaustion was still there, but it was a different kind of exhaustion, more like the fatigue after a good workout than the pain after an injury. His muscles felt relaxed, loose, ready to recover.

If he got a good night’s sleep, he was certain he would wake up completely refreshed.

And ready to train even harder the next day.

"Get out now." Clavor’s voice came from somewhere behind him.

"Don’t stay in for more than fifteen minutes. After that, the effects begin to diminish and can become harmful."

Lukas obeyed immediately, stepping out of the bathtub with movements far smoother than before. Water streamed down his body, dripping onto the stone floor.

Clavor handed him a thick, soft towel.

"Get dressed and go rest."

Lukas nodded, wrapping the towel around his shoulders.

"Father..."

Clavor turned around, one eyebrow raised.

"Thank you."

The man smiled, a genuine and warm smile.

"Get some rest. Tomorrow will be even harder."

Lukas let out a quiet laugh, his heart filled with anticipation.

He could hardly wait.