40. Unemployed Igor

"Hi-hu——"

A large smoke ring was blown out, and Igor lay on the box with a smile, savoring a moment of tranquility.

"Ho ho ho!"

"Shut up! You beast!" Igor waved the whip on the side and struck the iron cage.

A pair of round eyes the size of a flashlight stared fiercely at him, the ferocious fangs dripping with sticky saliva, and two claws larger than a chopping board scraped against the ground inside the iron cage.

Igor's eyes widened, and he swung the whip in his hand again, this time hitting the big cat's face.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" He screamed in pain, instinctively covering his beaten face with his claws and whimpering.

Igor truly enjoyed all of this. If it weren't for the iron cage, this ferocious big cat, which must be at least XXXXX level, could bite off his head in one bite.

It's both cruel and beautiful...

Even Igor has to admit that this creature is kind of cruel and beautiful. It's about the size of an elephant, resembling a giant cat with a colorful body and a long, feathery tail.

Zuowu.

It's a magical creature from the Far East, obtained from a Greek smuggler two years ago. It is said that despite its fierce appearance, it never consumes live animals. In the Far East, it is highly revered and considered a symbol of kindness.

Igor sneered at this notion. Is it merciful not to eat live animals? Just because it doesn't eat them doesn't mean it doesn't kill!

Igor dared to assure everyone that he would not eat live animals. Every creature he consumed had already been killed.

"It's such a good life, but it's a pity that only the Magical Congress provides some relaxation. Stingy Skender, why can't he find a helper? I am a great animal trainer - at least, an aspiring one. Still, I'm the one who has to wash these beasts..."

Igor complained.

But as the saying goes, don't speak ill of your boss behind their back.

Every boss is like Schrödinger's boss. They may or may not be behind you. When you're working hard, they may not be there, but if you speak ill of them, they are sure to be!

"Ahem!"

Igor nearly dropped the cigarette in his hand. When he turned his head, he saw the bearded Skender staring at him with his lifeless eyes.

Behind him stood a young man who seemed unfamiliar.

"Boss, welcome to inspect my work. The hardworking Iger has taken care of everything here meticulously." Igor hopped off the box, removed his hat, and bowed like a gentleman.

"If you hadn't talked badly about me behind my back," Skender snorted. He walked around the surrounding cages, pointing and asking, "Igor! You lazy good-for-nothing! Is this what you call taking care of things?!"

Igor followed Skender's gaze. It landed on a water tank covered in green algae, with a steady stream of bubbles rising from it.

As a pair of claws covered in green scales reached out of the water, an ugly head emerged. It resembled a scaly monkey, but what stood out was its wide and short beak. The top of its strange head appeared as if it were wearing a flat hat, but it was sunken like a bowl filled with water. A pair of wise eyes looked around.

This peculiar creature seemed to dislike the green grass surrounding the water tank, especially the water grass on its head. It tore at it with its two claws and hatefully stuffed it into its mouth. The two catfish-like tentacles on the side of its mouth quivered and trembled, resulting in a rather comical sight.

"There are more aquatic plants in the kappa tank than there are lice on your body! Egg, it seems you haven't performed well in the past half month. I need to consider whether I should continue to pay you," Skender said coldly while looking at it.

"Uh... small problem, boss, I can fix it right away," Igor quickly responded, grabbing the tools next to the water tank as if wanting to attend to the issue.

"No need!" Skender raised his hand and regarded Igor indifferently. "You're fired."

"Okay, uh... what?" Igor was momentarily stunned before swiftly moving to Skender's side. "Boss, you want to fire me? That's impossible. Who will take care of these monsters if you fire me? Will you personally step into this smelly animal pen? Haha—" Igor laughed uncontrollably.

Aurelius, who had been standing behind Skender all this while, offered a sweet and innocent smile.

"..."

"Aurelius has agreed to take over your role as the cage administrator," Skender's words shattered Igor's last hope.

"No, no, Mr. Skender, look at this guy. He's a rookie who just graduated from school! I have over ten years of work experience. Are you seriously replacing me with a rookie?" Igor panicked, trying to gain Skender's favor.

"Yes, Igor. Remember your place. You're just a low-level squib! Do you have anything else to say?" Skender unexpectedly retorted.

"If you have nothing else to do, you can leave now. I hope your next boss can tolerate your laziness," Skender coldly declared, paying no heed to Igor's pleas. He then turned to Aurelius and said, "Your job is to take care of all the animal actors here and clean the water plants and green algae in the water tank for the kappa. I don't want it performing for an audience covered in green fur. Don't worry about him causing you any harm; his brain is no longer functioning properly."

"Okay, Mr. Skender, I've taken note of your instructions," Aurelius swiftly wrote down Skender's orders in a small notebook he retrieved from somewhere.

Skender looked at Aurelius in surprise and was highly satisfied with the new employee's dedication.

Glancing at the distraught Igor once more, there was a world of difference!

Indeed, low-class people are just low-class people – squibs waiting for death to claim them!

" And these, lizards, I know there are no magical animals in the Magical Congress that you may be familiar with. They are not baby dragons. They are just lizards that resemble dragons. Be cautious, as they are highly valuable. Pay close attention to their tails to avoid getting burned. If you fail to do so and get injured, I will not cover the expenses. Additionally, make sure to clean their cage every day."

As the wind and waves intensified, the enormous wings swept through, prompting Aurelius to squint.

With its snow-white wings, horse-like body, and immense eagle head, the Hippogriff was one of the most recognizable magical creatures among fans.

"Stay away from it! This creature can be quite ill-tempered," Skender advised, pulling Aurelius out of harm's way. The Hippogriff, seeing no threat, lowered its front half and folded its expansive wings.

"Dealing with a Hippogriff requires exceptional wizardry skills. It's not something you should attempt, especially considering your limited abilities. Remember to approach it with respect and bow before engaging with it," Skander instructed.

Perplexed, Aurelius questioned, "Why...?"

"Just do it. Don't question why, just bow. If it reciprocates, you can proceed with your duties."