So off the group continuing towards the kingdom through the remaining barren lands. As they did so, they noticed several flying demons eyeing them well while preparing themselves to attack at any position. But thankfully, they got there in one piece. Whether that was from sheer luck or if the demons actually saw the crests on their coats, wasn’t something that they knew. Regardless, they were thankful.

            And when they arrived at the Kingdom’s gate, Marcus hopped out of the wagon and walked up to the big blue demons in front of him. Though they weren’t as large as the malice composed giants, they were much more muscular and unlike the malice beasts, they had a solid form. In other words, they would hit much harder.

            Evan watched from afar as Marcus continued to chat with the creatures and eventually, the man returned as the huge gates opened and the guards stepped aside. Then, at a much slower pace, the horse moved onward pulling the wagon into the kingdom.

            The inside was much like a typical medieval kingdom with the exception that everything was redder and had a demonic twist to it. One such twist was the abundance of one ugly statue that decorated the streets and buildings all over. When Evan asked about it, Skull Jones replied with his usual manic demeanor. “Well, well, a good eye you have. Those statues are that of the first demon lord and consequently, the first overlord of hell. The current overlord is actually that demon’s twenty second grandson. A line which you might think short but you have to remember that a demon lord’s lifespan is much, much longer than a typical human.”

            And with that brief history lesson, the wagon continued. Things were going quite smoothly and it would have been nice if it continued that way. But sadly, a red fire soon descended from the skies and aimed itself at the wagon. It had reached so close to the group that if not for horse who blazed in flame himself and dashed forward, the wagon would have been all but destroyed.

            Following that fireball came another demon who wore a pair of crooked glasses along with a rather nice suit that he dusted off as he landed on the ground. Then without even asking questions, the demon dashed forward into the wagon and sliced his hand for Marcus’ throat. This time, it was Rill who saved the man by pulling him backwards and then sending a fist of water to the demon’s face. He barely flinched for a second before he struck another fist. But Marcus was now ready and sent several shards into the demon’s body. Then Evan engulfed him in clouds to send the demon floating into the sky. Next was Maya and Lelita who sent slashing winds and beams of light, respectfully, towards the demon in the sky.

            But despite all that, the demon appeared behind the wagon with his hands casually held behind his back. He had moved so fast that Evan hadn’t even seen when he dashed to the ground. And as for the cloud the boy had conjured, it was now gone entirely. How the demon had done that, Evan didn’t know.

            “Well aren’t you humans rather intrusive.” The man said grimly. “I don’t know why you’re here but do know it means death.” Then from the man’s hand emerged a cloud that was now filled with malice and formed into a fist. This time, there was no saving the wagon as the fist slammed into it and shattered the cart into pieces. But not before, all of its passengers jumped out to safety.

            “Hold on.” Marcus pleaded. “We’re am-”

            The demon didn’t listen and the darkened cloud only came towards Marcus who was saved by Evan who pulled him away using a cloud of his own.

            “How’s he doing that?” the boy asked. “I’m fairly certain that he’s using my Gift.” As the boy said that, the cloud soon dispersed like smoke from a fire.

            “I don’t know.” Marcus said. “But it doesn’t seem as though he can use it forever.” The man said as he rained shards down on to the demon who held a hand out in front. Then a milky like substance encapsulated the shards and they disappeared from view. And without even moving a muscle, the demon returned the shards, now filled with malice, towards the two floating in the air.

            Evan gritted his teeth and made a wall of hardened clouds in front of them, successfully blocking the attack.

            “Pesky ability.” The demon said. “I suppose I’ll deal with the others for now.” He continued and then focused his attention on the remaining Gifted who were still on the ground.