I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Chapter 147: Hark Castle (2)

By the end of that morning, the final step was finally behind him.

Lukas took one more step, and for the first time since beginning the climb, his feet reached the vast plateau atop the Great Rock.

The feeling of reaching the summit was indescribable, a mixture of relief, accomplishment, and awe that made his heart beat faster.

He paused for a moment, allowing his eyes to adjust to the view stretching out before him. The effort of the climb, the fatigue in his legs, and his labored breathing, all of it seemed to disappear before the grandeur of what he was seeing.

The wind blew strongly at that height, making his hair dance and Astra’s feathers flutter gently. The breeze was cool, carrying scents from far away, earth, water, forests, distant cities.

From up there, the entire region could be seen as though it had been drawn upon a map. The colors blended into a living landscape that stretched as far as the eye could see. The city looked small, its houses and streets reduced to geometric shapes arranged in orderly patterns.

The rivers cut across the landscape like long silver ribbons, their winding courses gleaming beneath the sunlight like liquid jewels. The forests formed an immense green ocean that vanished into the horizon, their canopies swaying like waves beneath the wind.

Lukas took a deep breath, feeling the mountain’s pure, cold air fill his lungs.

"It’s even more beautiful from up here..."

Astra let out a soft cry of approval as she gazed at the open sky above them. The little eagle seemed just as captivated as he was, her eyes shining at the endless horizon stretching before them.

Ahead, a broad stone road led directly to the massive gates of Hark Castle. The stones were ancient, worn smooth by centuries of use, yet they remained solid and well-maintained. Small flowers grew in the cracks between them, adding touches of color to the gray landscape.

The walls were even more impressive up close. Built from enormous blocks of dark stone, they seemed to be part of the mountain itself, as though they had been carved directly from the rock rather than constructed upon it.

The stone was dark, almost black in some places, with veins that shimmered beneath the sunlight as though tiny crystals lay within. The marks of time were visible on every block, yet the structure remained solid and imposing.

Watchtowers rose dozens of meters above the ground, each crowned with battlements that allowed the soldiers to survey the entire surrounding territory. No enemy could approach the castle without being seen.

Armed soldiers constantly patrolled the walls, alert to every movement. Their armor gleamed beneath the sun, and their spears reflected the light like silver needles. The vigilance was constant and relentless, as befitted a fortress that had withstood countless sieges over the centuries.

The banners of the Hark family fluttered in the wind. A great golden eagle crest adorned the center of every standard, its wings spread in a display of power and majesty. The gold and crimson colors stood out against the blue sky, an unmistakable symbol of the presence of that powerful family.

Lukas walked toward the entrance. His steps were steady and confident despite the admiration he felt. He had been invited, expected, and welcomed. That gave him a sense of belonging that made the castle’s grandeur feel less intimidating.

The two guards stationed before the gate watched him approach. Their armor was immaculate, their posture perfectly straight, their eyes evaluating. They studied the boy for a moment, recognizing his clothes, his appearance, and his bearing.

One of them recognized him immediately. His face, previously stern, softened into a welcoming smile.

"Young Lukas Dmond?"

Lukas nodded, a polite smile on his lips.

"Yes."

The guard smiled, his eyes bright with cordiality.

"We were informed of your arrival. Welcome to Hark Castle."

Without delay, the enormous gates slowly began to open. The heavy sound of reinforced wood echoed throughout the courtyard, a deep groan that seemed to rise from the depths of the mountain itself. Though well maintained, the hinges still produced that ancient sound that spoke of centuries of use.

The gates opened completely, revealing the castle’s inner courtyard.

As soon as he entered, Lukas found himself impressed once again. Even though he had visited the castle before during Elara’s birthday celebration, he could now take it all in at a much calmer pace, free from the excitement and haste of that special occasion.

The inner courtyard was enormous. The space was so vast that a small village could comfortably fit within its walls. The central area was paved with evenly cut stones arranged in intricate geometric patterns.

Knights trained with wooden swords in a practice arena off to one side. The sounds of their strikes echoed throughout the courtyard, a steady rhythm of wood against wood that was occasionally interrupted by grunts of effort and words of encouragement from the instructors.

Servants hurried through the corridors carrying crates, food, and bolts of cloth. Their movements were quick and efficient, each fulfilling their duties with the precision of those who knew their work by heart. Carriages constantly arrived and departed, bringing goods and visitors while carrying away letters and passengers.

Blacksmiths worked in a small workshop near the walls. The sound of hammers striking metal provided a constant accompaniment, a rhythm that seemed to pulse through the very walls of the castle. Tiny sparks flew with every blow, creating showers of light that vanished into the air.

It was almost like a small city living within the castle. Every person had their role, their duty, their place in the intricate machinery that kept the fortress running.

A middle-aged servant approached shortly afterward. His clothes were simple but clean and well cared for. His face was lined with wrinkles that told stories of years of service, yet his eyes remained lively and attentive.

"Young Master Lukas?"

"Yes."

"Please follow me. Your quarters have already been prepared."

Lukas followed the man through the stone corridors. The passageway was broad, high enough for two mounted knights to ride side by side. The walls were made of dark stone, polished smooth by time and the touch of countless hands.

As they walked, Lukas observed everything around him with curious eyes. Every detail seemed to carry history, every corner seemed to hide secrets.

The walls were decorated with tapestries depicting ancient battles. Scenes of warriors in combat, castles under siege, and knights fighting monsters were woven into wool and silk threads that had retained their vibrant colors despite the passing centuries.

Portraits of past counts of the Hark family lined the long hallways. Men and women with stern faces and piercing eyes watched passersby from their gilded frames. Every portrait was a window into the past, a record of an era when those people had ruled these lands.

Complete suits of armor stood as decorations near the staircases. Some were ancient, bearing the scars of battles that had been carefully preserved. Others were newer, gleaming from recent polishing that kept them in perfect condition.

The castle seemed even larger on the inside. The corridors branched in countless directions, staircases climbed and descended, and Lukas had the feeling that he could easily become lost if he were not following his guide.