He goes under the guise of a traveler named Shadi Smith and meets Phoenix at the Borscht Bowl Club. Zak had a confidence befitting a famous magician, and he was very jovial. However, he had a violently competitive side that showed when he played poker. He took great pride in his win record, going to great lengths to "punish" Wright for his victory over him, and turning his anger on Olga Orly when things didn't go his way. He was also rather violent toward Spark Brushel, punching him on several occasions when he revealed secrets that Zak didn't want revealed.