Editing Leviathan:Volume 6 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 3===

The man in black, Sophocles, had said the following to Hal before.

'By conquering water, sky and earth, successors to the power of dragonbane can become even stronger.'

'The more you increase your territories, the greater your power will grow, while at the same time, the closer you will get to becoming a dragon king.'

'In the past, the type of non-dragon creatures known as "hybrid" dragons—In truth, they were unexpectedly commonplace.'

Sophocles had calmly explained the rules of the dragonslaying game, the Road to Kingship. While explaining that, he was also telling Hal about the possibility of Tyrannoi turning into dragons.

The scene returned to the vast sky within Solomon's ark.

Standing on a wooden ship's deck, a place never in his wildest dreams would he ever expect himself to be, Hal told Hazumi the whole story.

Just as what Sophocles had explained for him previously.

"That being said, I've no idea how long it'd take for me to turn into a dragon."

Hal rolled his sleeve up to his elbow and presented his right arm to Hazumi.

The entire arm was giving off a glassy luster. The hard texture felt like metal.

Previously, Orihime had also noticed these "changes to the physical body."

Seeing Hazumi gasp, Hal shrugged and pulled his sleeve back down.

"Because I've been leveling up very successfully lately, I guess. I think it's time I start taking more care."

Acting as the confidant, Hazumi was dumbstruck, too stunned to take any notes.

It must have been quite a shock for her. However, ever since inheriting the dragonslaying rune Hal had suspected whether there might be risks, hence this news was nothing unexpected for him.

"Well, if you look at it from a different angle..."

Speaking on behalf of the dumbfounded Hazumi, Hal continued on his own.

This was because he found the silence inexplicably awkward. It felt very somber.

"This risk might not be that big after all. Think about it, I can still take human form after becoming a dragon. It's the same for Yukikaze, Hannibal and Hinokagutsuchi. To the point that it's hard to tell whether their true appearance is a dragon or a human."

"W-Well&mdash;"

Hazumi finally spoke. Her voice sounded  far more uncertain than Hal's frivolous tone of voice.

"I believe... If you truly think that, Senpai, you wouldn't have kept this a secret for so long."

"......"

"Is there anything else you're hiding? Apart from turning into a dragon, is there anything else very serious that will happen!?"

Sure enough, Hazumi was very smart. Despite her inexperience with matters of the world, on a fundamental level, she was a very wise girl.

Having pointed out the crux of the matter straight away, she left Hal no choice but to surrender. If possible, he wanted to keep this secret to the very end&mdash;No.

That was not it. In fact, it was the opposite.

Hal was aware of the fragile parts of his own heart.

Very likely, he actually wanted to find someone to discuss this. Hence, that was why he was prepared to tell this young girl about his speculation while sighing...

"Hinokagutsuchi said earlier that she couldn't remember if she started out as a dragon or a human because it was really too long ago," Hal said calmly.

"Based on my deductions, it's more than likely she was originally human. Then as her dragon powers grew stronger, she lost her memories from that time. However, I don't know if it happened before or after she became a dragon king..."

"Sh-She lost her memory?"

Hazumi jumped. Hal shrugged and said, "Who knows? Maybe it's like how we naturally forget our childhood memories, they gradually forget the memories from when they were still human. You've probably forgotten everything from your days as a baby, right?"

"Y-Yes."

"That's the basic gist I'm getting."

For hybrid dragon kings (and Tyrannoi), their human phase would be equivalent to "infancy."

After all, they were superbeings that could live for hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of years. The mere decades of a human's life expereince was nothing than a blink of the eye.

Hence, they would forget. They would naturally forget their time as a human.

Apart from that, their self-awareness as "a former human" would gradually fade away. Through the passage of time, their mental side would also change progressively.

From human to former human. Turning into an entity closer to dragonkind.

Human-like aspects would slowly deviate from one's original character, finally developing into a more monster-like personality.

Indeed. A personality as befitted a dragon king&mdash;the status belonging to dragonkind's sovereigns.

Hannibal's bold and unfettered ways, Princess Yukikaze's childishness and charisma, Hinokagutsuchi's haughtiness, perhaps these were the outcomes of such a transformation...

Hal explained his theory to Hazumi calmly.

From a long time ago, he had started secretly suspecting this possibility.

"Clearly my body is still a human's, but previously, Shamiram-san had called the Tyrannoi 'peers of dragonkind'."

"......"

"As a result, I think she's probably talking about the mental side of things. It wouldn't be weird for ordinary humans to go crazy after living for thousands of years, but I think what happens is that we lose our past and awareness as humans, living on through the years no matter what&mdash;as dragons."

"...B-But&mdash;"

Hazumi interrupted, finally able to squeeze out a voice and her thoughts.

"All this is all from your imagination, Senpai, isn't it?"

"Pretty much."

"Then it's also possible that reality is different from what you think!"

"But it ''wouldn't make sense'' otherwise. Based on all kinds of circumstantial evidence, I can be virtually certain that Hannibal and Princess Yukikaze are so-called hybrids... But you also know that they definitely see humanity as 'another race.'"

Hal recalled the way they spoke and behaved.

They should be humans to begin with, but Hannibal showed genuine curiosity in human culture, always treating humanity as another race. Yukikaze was similar.

Perhaps Haruga Haruomi would end up like that eventually.

"As I turn more and more into a dragon&mdash;"

Hal said quietly.

"Not only my body, but even my mind is affected... I might totally forget these past fifteen or sixteen years of my life. I'll end up not recognizing you, Asya, Juujouji, Luna and forget my relationship with everyone."

Indifferent to people in general, Hal did not actively cultivate social relationships.

For someone like him to lose all ties to friends and acquaintances, to begin a new life as part of the warrior race of dragonkind&mdash;

What a truly worrying blueprint of the future.

Sigh. Hal sighed lightly and shook his head.

Yet of all times, Hinokagutsuchi did not show up now. She did not say "on the contrary" to Hal... Did this imply that she was tactfully affirming Hal's speculation?

"C-Could it be that&mdash;"

Hazumi spoke in trepidation.

"You refrained from responding directly to a confession from someone as outstanding as Luna-san&mdash;It was because you were worried that you might turn into a dragon eventually and lose your memory?"

"Yeah... Maybe."

The two of them had finally built up a good relationship, yet he had to worry about something like this.

There would probably be many problems...

Now that Hazumi brought it up, Hal definitely felt that "this won't do" as well. Although he had not been aware of it, perhaps this was the sort of mindset that became a hindrance.

Hazumi continued to speak to Hal, who had fallen into deep thought.

Furthermore, it was an attack that blindsided him.

"Furthermore&mdash;I apologize if I misunderstood, but&mdash;Senpai and Nee-sama... There are signs that you didn't start going out despite harboring mutual affection for each other, sure enough, the reason is also&mdash;?"

"!?"

The fresh bomb dropping out of the blue left Hal at a loss how to react.

Due to his theory that "romantic relationships within the team would cause many problems," Hal was prepared to answer "of course not, that's definitely not the kind of relationship I have with Juujouji"&mdash;

In the end, under Hazumi's candid gaze, Hal found himself at a loss for words, whether to respond or to skirt the issue.

"Well, umm, how should I put it...?"

However, Hal did not have sufficient experience on this front to be able to speak fluently.

Panicking more and more, Hal desperately racked his brain on how to explain himself.

"I guess it might be impossible for me to deny that I hold certain special feelings for Juujouji, yeah. It is evident that the other person involved, Juujouji, might possibly... or rather, more than likely, holds feelings for me beyond what one would reserve for an ordinary male friend..."

"Uh, in other words... Both of you are aware of each other's feelings, isn't that right?"

"Yeah, something along those lines."

Hazumi had summarized the crux of the matter in a single sentence. Hal nodded stiffly.

In fact, they had "taken a small step forward" in progress, but Hal found it too embarrassing to talk to his junior about this sort of thing.

Furthermore, it was possible that Juujouji would want to keep it a secret from her cousin too.

Taking care not to say anything reckless, Hal finally turned to face Hazumi.

"Say, Shirasaka, when did you notice 'that kind of relationship' between Juujouji and me?"

"I think it was around the time before the summer vacation."

While Hal was thinking "Eh? She already noticed back then?" in surprise, Hazumi said softly, "I love both you and Nee-sama very much, which is why I am always watching you two... Then seeing you two together, I feel that there is a nice atmosphere between you."

"O-Oh&mdash;"

"It struck me that 'Nee-sama and Senpai are walking so close together.' I also sensed different vibes from the two of you together compared to back in early spring."

"I-I see."

Hal jumped in surprise. ''So we were already acting "weird" all the way back then.''

But on further thought, Luna had named Orihime as her foremost rival after confessing to him. Weird rumors were also circulating in school...

Was Asya, given her extreme lack of feminine charm, the only one who had failed to notice?

Hal was frozen on the spot by embarrassment.

"So, Senpai... How will you handle your relationship with Nee-sama?" Hazumi asked in a murmur.

For some reason, the emotions on her face were mixed with sorrow and worry.

"Will you start going out as an official couple&mdash;"

"......"

The directness of Hazumi's question left Hal unsure how to proceed.

'Am I allowed... to love you, Haruga-kun? Or is romance within the team forbidden?'

'O-Of course, you're allowed, Juujouji!'

Indeed. This conversation with Orihime remained a vivid memory.

However, suppose Orihime had spoken words that were more direct and specific at the time, such as what Luna had said to Hal, "Let's start by going out then give the future some serious thought, okay?"

Would he have been able to give an affirmative reply immediately?

Just now, when Hazumi had asked him why he had not responded directly to Luna's confession, the same doubt had surfaced in Hal's mind.

How much longer could Haruga Haruomi maintain his personality and self-awareness as a human?

"Well, of course I'm very glad that she likes me. But someone like me... Am I allowed to have that kind of relationship with a normal girl?"

Hal voiced his thoughts honestly.

"Although one shouldn't think too much during times like these, from the perspective of animal instincts and love theories, dashing straight to the finish might be the correct answer after all."

Of course, there also existed the kind of love that blazed intensely because time was running out.

However.

Unfortunately, being slightly over-rational, Hal would not do that. For better or worse, he had a tendency to think too much.

After Hal brought out his own view, Hazumi spoke to him firmly "as someone currently still human."

"B-But Senpai, you are shouldering the toughest job... I believe you are the one who needs a g-girlfriend or family to support you the most!"

"No no no."

In the process of speaking his mind, Hal had organized his thoughts and feelings.

"Putting stuff like romance or love as the first priority in life doesn't suit my personality after all. I am really grateful to Luna and Juujouji for their feelings, but it's best to leave our relationships at the stage of 'more than friends but less than lovers.'"

"Please don't suppress yourself like this&mdash;Nnnnn!"

"Shirasaka!?"

Hazumi suddenly fell on her knees, clutching her gut.

Her stomach seemed to be in great pain, twisting her adorable visage in suffering, causing her to break out in cold sweat. Hal recalled what had happened earlier.

Was it another stress-induced stomach cramp?

"What on earth is happening to you?"

"I don't know... But Senpai, I suddenly feel a stomachache as soon as I imagine you going out with Nee-sama and Luna-san."

"Don't be silly. Didn't I just say that I won't be going out with them?"

"Th-That's wrong! I believe you must make as many happy memories as possible, Senpai. Ever since you obtained a dragonslaying rune, you've been working or making preparations for the future, always busy beyond belief, getting little rest even at night..."

Before losing his awareness as a human, before turning into a dragon...

Hal instantly understood that Hazumi had omitted these final words out of consideration for his feelings.

Despite the sudden stomach pain tormenting her, she was still trying her best to be considerate for others. This kindness was truly in Hazumi's style. Hal could not helped but feel touched.

"Fufufufu."

At that moment, a devil's voice, opposite to an angel's, could be heard.

Hinokagutsuchi finally materialized, cackling while she stared at the two of them.

"Worry not, Hazumi.  Although this brat has pulled out a ton of nonsense logic... He is a man, all things considered. Furthermore, he is a man whose heart conceals an astounding amount of desires of the flesh."

She suddenly began to utter rubbish.

"This guy has already kissed the priestess whose name is Orihime."

"Ehhh!? Senpai, didn't you kiss Luna-san last time too&mdash;Right!?"

Hinokagutsuchi revealed the secret with a smug and knowing look, greatly shocking Hazumi.

Hal wanted to accuse her of invasion of privacy, but the self-styled devil was not finished.

"Well, simply stated, despite his eccentric and difficult personality, this guy still finds desires of the flesh impossible to resist."

"D-Desires of the flesh? Sorry, I don't know what that means..."

A term that could be designated R15 was making Hazumi tilt her head in puzzlement.

"Is it like a 'desire to eat meat'?"

"A bit off but not too far away. Your intuition is quite accurate. Please check the dictionary on your own later."

"Y-Yes!"

"Shirasaka, don't check that kind of term! Y-You, stop teaching her weird things!"

"This is nothing weird, brat. Know that it is a grave matter concerning your future."

Hinokagutsuchi smiled at the indignant Hal.

She seemed to have picked this timing to jump out and speak for the sake of causing trouble. Furthermore, the former dragon queen casually added, "I know not whether your theory is right or wrong, because I have already forgotten everything from when I was a Tyrannos, prior to becoming a dragon king."

"I knew it."

"Be that as it may... That little girl, Yukikaze, was definitely human once."

"As suspected."

"Now that I reflect upon what you said earlier in light of this&mdash;Fufufufu. Indeed, there are many points which make sense. Brat, I concede that focus of your argument is quite amusing. Allow a former queen such as I to offer a few words of praise to your discerning eye."

"Even if you praise me, it doesn't make me happy at all..."

Hal could not feel any joy from receiving extremely rare praise from the former dragon king.

Hinkagutsuchi laughed at the scowling Hal and turned to look at Hazumi.

"Hazumi. You wish for the brat to live slightly more 'normally' as a human, is that correct?"

"Th-That's exaggerating quite a bit... I simply wish for Senpai to live happier."

"The meaning is the same. You have noticed too that he is man who would brush normal life aside and immerse himself in work for the sake of pursuing his goals."

She seemed to be mocking Hal.

However, Hal was unable to muster a rebuttal.

Impressive as always, the former queen. She was unexpectedly sharp and had seen through Haruga Haruomi's true nature.

Indeed she was correct&mdash;Hal was someone who did not care about elements of happiness such as having droves of friends, self-indulgence after school, social networking on the internet, a clean and tidy home, fulfilling meals, sufficient sleeping time, family warmth, social gatherings, weekend dates... etc. The focus with which he buried himself in work was enough to label him a workaholic.

Never stingy with effort that would make life easier for himself&mdash;That was Hal's motto.

But conversely, this could also be construed as doing whatever it takes to succeed.

"Yes. Senpai is always sloppy about his own personal matters, which is why I worry a lot..."

"Even for a man of this sort, so long as thoughts of lust persist in his heart&mdash;"

The young girl in the kimono laughed.

"There will still be temptation he would find difficult to resist. Like secretly kissing your cousin, for example."

She was imparting inappropriate knowledge to Hazumi who was worrying about Hal.

Her words were like Satan's whispers, tempting the pure-hearted Eve, who was living together with Adam in the Garden of Eden, making her aware of "wisdom and desire."

"W-What kind of temptation is it?"

"For example, if your cousin were to offer up her magnificent body and demand to spend a night of passion in his company."

"!?"

"Suppose this were not enough, then have that lass named Luna do the same."

"Luna-san too!?"

"By this point, if he is still grumbling this or that, Hazumi, you could simply join in and tempt the brat too."

"M-M-M-M-M-Me too!?"

"H-Hold on a sec, what are you trying to make Shirasaka do!?"

Hazumi was left dumbstruck by the series of outrageous statements, so Hal screamed on her behalf. Hinokagutsuchi puffed out her chest proudly and snickered.

"I feel that developments would take for an amusing turn next, which is why I wanted to guide her along the path of love."

"I knew it, you were planning nothing good!"

"It is not like you have nothing to gain from this, so just shut up."

"Don't tell me to shut up! Stop putting strange ideas into the angelic Shirasaka's head!"

He was the only one who could protect his junior's pure and innocent soul.

Filled with righteous fury, Hal protested against the young girl who was the devil incarnate. He also asked Hazumi, "By the way, Shirasaka, you don't think of me like that, right?"

"Huh? Like what?"

Hazumi was taken aback for a moment. Hal asked more explicitly, "As a romantic prospect, someone to develop a man-woman relationship with."

"Uh, umm, well... Of course I love you very much, Senpai. I wish to maintain a good relationship with you forever, and sometimes I think 'wouldn't it be wonderful if only I had an older brother like Senpai?' B-But, I've never thought about going out with you or getting married..."

As expected, Hazumi denied it.

Hal nodded. Indeed, their relationship ought to remain platonic, starting as senior and junior then finishing as a pseudo-sibling relationship.

...However.

He would be overjoyed if Hazumi really thought of him as a potential partner.

Ignoring Hal, Hinokagutsuchi asked the girl, "I see. So you have never thought about it before? Then what about now?"

"Huh?"

"Hazumi. After the battle against the Red Flame Emperor... known nowadays as 'Hannibal,' you have been experiencing frequent stomachaches. Every time, you were thinking about this brat, weren't you?"

"Y-Yes. I was thinking about Senpai and Nee-sama."

"Fufufufu. The pure little lass has finally awakened her jealousy? Well, the embers of carnal desire do get lit by the bond of unorthodoxy linking her to the palm and heartmetal of the man she admires..."

Hinokagutsuchi was speaking as though Hazumi was harboring affections for Hal.

Hazumi also sneaked a glance at Hal before lowering her head immediately. It seemed as though she was too embarrassed to show her face to anyone, unable to organize her thoughts and feelings.

What the heck? Hal was thrown into confusion.

''This atmosphere makes it almost like Shirasaka actually likes me in that way&mdash;''

"By the way, brat."

Hinokagutsuchi suddenly spoke to the confounded Hal.

"Suppose your assumptions are correct, it would not be strange for your mind to show symptoms of 'losing one's memories and self-awareness as a human,' would it? Allow me to help you confirm."

A smile was hanging on the young girl's face.

"Fufufufu. You have known that girl named Asya for many years, have you not? When and where did you first meet her? What were you two doing together at the time?"

"Now that's a really sudden question from you."

The subject had changed without warning. Hal could not help but grumble.

However, this turned out to be perfect for dispelling the awkward mood between him and Hazumi.

"I remember it was eleven years ago when we were five. The two of us... were lost in a certain European country, so we bought either a burger or a hotdog to share. Back then, it was either Asya or me who paid, I guess?"

Hal answered fluently.

He remembered very clearly, so it took no effort to recall.

"Anyway, I don't think there's any problem with my mind."

"Apparently so. It would be very entertaining if you turned into a fool as quickly as possible."

Hal and Hinokagutsuchi bickered.

Listening from the side, Hazumi tilted her head slightly in puzzlement, perhaps unable to keep up with the two who had dispelled all sense of gravity from the situation.

Just as Hal was about to explain to Hazumi&mdash;

The silhouettes of seventy-two dragons suddenly appeared in the sky over their location of the wooden ship's deck. Naturally, they were the serpent souls.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

The serpent souls began to sing a mournful melody.

King Solomon had finally arrived at the "climax."