It was the cube. The more he stared at it, the more uncomfortable he'd feel. It was almost as if...

*Thump* *Thump*

The cube was pulsating.

John's eyes were locked straight on to it. With each passing second he could hear his heart beat beat in rhythm with it's pulsations. He knew whatever it was or whatever it was doing was dangerous.

What made the situation even worse was how, the demon seemed to be getting stronger as it stood on top of the cube. The demon's head seemed to be changing shape as it seemed to grow out hair.

John knew he couldn't wait any longer, whatever that thing was, it was getting stronger. There was only one thing he could do.

"Stop it before it gets stronger...

" John muttered as he clenched his dagger.

Just as he was about to leap straight in, he was stopped by Serena who called out to him.

"Wait.

" She said as she got up

John turned back and noticed that the flames still remained active over Ariel. John felt relieved as he saw this, he was also very grateful to Serena for having such an ability.

"What?

" John asked

"Let's fight it together, that'll make it easier.

" Said Serena as she held up her wand.

The tip began to grow brightly as she pointed it towards the ceiling. As this happened, Serena shut her eyes before taking in a deep breath and letting it out.

"Sacred treasure art...

" Serena muttered

As she said this, yellow butterflies began to form in the air around it. Sweat poured down her face as she kept her eyes closed. She was in a deep state of concentration.

The butterflies began to move and circle around her wand before engulfing her body. They seemed to be taking a strange shape, but nonetheless, it was fascinating. Neither John nor Lydia, could move their eyes away.

However, right before it could take it's form, she was interrupted.

"That's enough.

" Said Master Sylvia as she placed her hand on Serena's shoulder.

Due to the sudden interruption, Serena ended up losing her concentration and before the butterflies could take their shape, they dispersed, leaving the surprised Serena behind.

"Wha- Why did you interrupt me!?

" Serena asked as she suddenly turned to Master Sylvia

John too was surprised, what was Master Sylvia thinking?

"Don't interrupt John's trial.

" Said Master Sylvia as she stared straight at Serena

"Interrupt...? I'm trying to help us!

"

"You can't.

"

Hearing this, the annoyed expression on Serena's face changed into a cold one as she stared back at Master Sylvia.

"Why not? Didn't you say John's previous trial was his last trial? What is all of this for?

" Serena asked.

Her trust towards Master Sylvia had already reached a low point, but now it was completely gone. There was something going on with Master Sylvia, and whatever it was, it was bad.

"That was the last trial. But John lost control of his spirit after not following instructions, so there's no choice.

"

Serena then quickly looked at John with a looked which asked 'Are you hearing this right now?!' and John, not knowing what to do placed his palm on his face.

"Hey... Master Sylvia. Just tell me one thing. What'll I gain if I beat that thing?

" John asked as he looked over at the demon.

Hearing this, with a smile Master Sylvia replied.

"Power and control.

"

"Is that so...? I see... I'll do it.

"

Hearing this, Serena looked like she was going to explode, she couldn't handle all of this stupidity anymore.

"Oi, John, tell me your joking. Do you really think-

"

Serena's eyes widened and she didn't bother to finish her sentence as John slowly turned his head to face her. The look on his face was a completely unexpected one for the situation he was in.

A small smile was formed on his face as if trying to ease up the tension along with bright glowing yellow eyes like hers.

No, it was nothing alike, despite appearing bright, there was nothing light about his eyes. Sure they looked kind and caring, yet at the same time, she could feel darkness behind them.

She wasn't sure what that darkness was directed at, but didn't want to find out. For some reason, for just that moment, as the two made eye contact, Serena felt anxious.

Not anxious towards John himself but anxious about what he was thinking. John was the reckless type and he always got himself into trouble. Serena knew that.

It was precisely because of that, that he was both easy and dificult to predict. He was smart but did stupid things, stupid but did smart things. However this time, the bad feeling just wouldn't disappear from her chest.

John was strong, he always managed to push through in dangerous situations like these, so it would be fine to let him do as he pleased, but... She was nervous, there was a bad feeling stuck to her chest that she couldn't get rid of.

The more she thought about it, the more it annoyed her. But it was John's decision. And whenever he made up his mind, he was impossible to convince otherwise.

Serena clenched her fist, before walking over to Ariel and crouching down. As she did so, she glared straight at Master Sylvia.

"Tsk, do what you want.

" She said

"Yeah... Thanks.

" Said John before turning back over to the bridge.

"Beat that demon quickly... We'll be fine. Idiot...

" Serena whispered to herself

John who heard it loud and clear, nodded before activating 'Fulgurationem'.

As Lightning sparks began to flow through his veins once again, he could feel himself once again getting faster. Only this time, there was a strange pain and strain in his chest.

Is it from conducting too much electricity...? John wondered

He then realised that he needed to be more careful. As he was about to leap away, he stopped before turning back and taking a look at Lydia who watched and listened closely in to everything, but knew that she had no place to join in.

"Lydia... Stay close to Serena and you'll be safe. Also... I want an explanation after

". Said John

"Understood.

" Said Lydia as she bowed and nodded.

John nodded before, turning back to the cube. When he did, his eyes widened.. The demon was gone.