Зикис

Chapter 1 Zikis yawned widely, waking up from a deep lethargic sleep, and then went limp again. He's a demon. However, it does not give him any pleasure. He hates noisy wars and vulgar bloodshed, and deception is not very interesting to him. Humanity and its waste fill the long and dreary history of Esperia. Whichever side you take, you'll get nothing but problems. "Life... is so troublesome." The only reason for waking up was the hunger he was experiencing. He needs to eat. Chapter 2 Pearl fishermen living near the town of Matt Heer are famous for their hard work. It is their hands that lift the priceless, luminous pearls of Matt-Hira from the seabed, which then become ornaments for the noble ladies of Quilin. Toddle is the laziest fisherman from the nearest village, who was even called a Quitter. It is these people that Zikis values most of all: absent-minded, incorrigible idlers. Pretending to be a traveler, Zikis quickly made acquaintance with Toddle. They were lying in the hold of a battered boat, while the rest of the fishermen went to sea every morning with their leaky nets and returned home only after sunset. Toddle could not repair the leaky thatched roof over his head, but nevertheless constantly ranted about the glory of his ancestors-sailors. The aura of Toddle's carelessness captured Zikis. For the latter, it was like the best treat. But it wasn't enough. Zikis's pupils turned into slits under the midday sun. He licked his lips in anticipation of a more satisfying feast. "The tax collector came again this morning — no matter how lazy Toddle was, after lunch even he went out to sea for pearls. — The people of this village are so hardworking. Their taxes have increased by thirty percent this year." Waving his arms, Toddle explained that although most had to work longer and harder, there were still skilled fishermen who exchanged pearls for good boats and tackle. This was, for example, Cooper. "Everyone hates him!"—Cooper was the best fisherman among the villagers and the most skilled pearl diver. Unlike the loafers on the streets of Matt Hira, he had ambitions and aspirations. The flow of young workers like him has never weakened. They worked themselves to exhaustion just to feed their families. When the others went home with the catch, Cooper continued to dive deeper and deeper, and the bag on his belt was always filled with the largest and roundest pearls. "Soon Cooper will earn a house in Matt-Heer," Toddle lay in his cabin and frowned contemptuously. "Maybe my pathetic dad was right. Maybe only hard work leads to a luxurious life." "Who knows?" Zikis grinned as he watched the young fishermen dive into the water. As he dived, Cooper noticed a bright gleam ahead. It was a huge, magnificent shell, such as he had never seen before! Cooper rushed to her with all his might, his young body resembling a strong and tireless barracuda. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't reach the sink in any way, as if it was some kind of visual illusion... an illusion. Chapter 3 Zikis snapped his hooked claw, and the shells, swaying, suddenly crumbled into hundreds of bubbles among the corals. Cooper's pupils dilated. When the last rays of the sun illuminated the ocean with golden light, the fisherman's heart stopped. "Hard work is the right way to hell." The best pearl diver, who could hold his breath much longer than his comrades, gave his life trying to achieve the unattainable. The pearls and shells were just an illusion created from bubbles by the magic of a cunning demon. "Hard work doesn't lead to comfort, Toddle. Everything you do is in vain. Nothing makes sense," an inhuman condescending whisper rang in the ears of the young fisherman. Toddle could not believe his eyes: his comrade, lying on the deck, suddenly stretched out, dropped his human form and soared into the air, spreading his huge wings. The town of Matt-Hir was reflected in the blood-red eyes of Zikis. This wonderful, lively place was often called the "Pearl of the Desert". In the descending twilight, lights began to light up in it. If everything goes according to plan, a lot of precious pearls will be sold at a good price tonight. As the splendor of Matt Hir grows, taxes in the coastal region will also rise. Toddle seemed rooted to one place. He was afraid to move under the demon's gaze. This terrible lazy man was impenetrably stupid, he could not understand a word… Actually, that's why he was elected. There was a note of joy in Zikis's voice: "The streets of Matt-Hir are full of lazy people and tramps who have nowhere to go. Naturally, the greatest of them should sit in a luxurious town hall." Zikis has already elected a new mayor. What new heights will laziness and arrogance of a Slacker reach in such an important position? Zikis couldn't wait to find out. Although the feast was a success, his appetite was never satisfied. The hunger only intensified. For the demons of Esperia, laziness is just a snack. The true treat for them is internal struggle, despair and pain. Ignorant people, the more you work, the more blows you will get, and the more ridiculous your miserable situation will be. Serves you right." — Zikis