Zip’s Lore
The Abyss, a realm of chaos, filth, blood, and unending darkness, harbors formidable and twisted abominations at every turn, preying upon the weak like Zip.
Zip, a member of the new Abyssal species, might seem less evolved compared to its monstrous counterparts, lacking sharp claws or an imposing physique. Yet, Zip’s distinction lies in being a “he,” not merely an “it.”
Before the demigods descended into the Abyss, transforming into Demons, its denizens were mere beasts, subject to the law of the jungle. Despite their strength, they could never rise to prominence in the world.
“The apex predator, perched atop the food chain, less useful than a mere rock,” scoffed Veera, the Queen of the Night. However, Zip stood apart. His race emerged from millennia of Abyssal transformation by the Demons. Initially excavating ore veins with sharp claws and forging tools from lava rivers, they ignited the spark of civilization in the Abyss, with Zip shining brightest among them.
Veera swiftly grasped Zip’s significance. Despite the Demons’ vast resources, their unruly monster army fell short of achieving their ambitions. Hence, she deemed it imperative to secure a foothold in Athanor, constructing dungeons and recruiting more Corrupted to bolster Abyssal forces.
Zip’s appearance altered Veera’s plans. If she could breed an army of Abyssal creatures endowed with Zip’s intellect and learning capacity, they would surpass their foes in both numbers and intelligence.
The new species required space to develop and encounter new experiences for observation and study. Veera granted Zip passage through all Abyss territories, assigning Mganga to observe and document Zip’s behavior.
“Come now, little one, it won’t hurt, just a few hairs!” Mganga attempted to reassure Zip with a warm smile.
“No! It hurt!” Zip resisted, but Mganga was swift. “It’s not up to you!” he declared, satisfied.
“Let me go! I’ll eat you!” Zip warned, emitting a blue light from his mouth, swallowing everything in its path, including Mganga. Zip’s body swelled several times its size.
“Well, well. The little one has a trick,” Veera remarked, instructing Mina to watch over Zip while cautioning against Mganga’s excesses.
Zip deflated suddenly, regurgitating Mganga and his captives, returning to his original size. Mganga, undeterred, danced in elation, intrigued by Zip’s pocket dimension within his stomach.
Mina, obedient to her mistress, approached Zip with her scythe. Zip, initially awestruck by her beauty, then fearful, felt a strange affinity and affection. Acting on instinct, he approached her, seeking solace. Mina, with a nonchalant kick, sent Zip flying before addressing Mganga, her menacing aura leaving no room for disobedience.
Zip, sensing danger, rushed after Mina as she departed, seeking refuge.