Raiyokan and the Fibonacci Sequence

Chapter 17: The Final Duel

Upon awakening after the sorrowful farewell, I was met by Óxion, whose gaze fixed intently on me. His eyes locked with mine as I returned to full consciousness. It was a peculiar situation, for even in the vulnerability of my existence, he chose not to end things swiftly.

Instead, his presence remained suspended above me. His gaze conveyed satisfaction, a celebration in witnessing the tragic conclusion of my feelings for Mariana. He drew pleasure from seeing me before the calamity born of betrayal.

— I see that the farewell was painful, Kenzo — Óxion said with a malicious smile. — It is always fascinating to observe how human emotions can be so... destructive.

Óxion understood that the realm of ideas was fertile ground where the seeds of despair would flourish. His delight was not in physical annihilation, but in dismantling the emotional foundations that sustained me.

— You know — he continued, his voice serpentine — the pain you feel now can be transformed into something powerful. I can offer you that. Power beyond your most ambitious dreams.

In his cunning, he wove seductive words. His propositions, wrapped in promises of power, hovered like temptations in the air. The suggestion of alliance, though veiled under a cloak of apparent equality, hid the claws of manipulation.

— Imagine, Diego — Óxion whispered, approaching. — By my side, you could command the destinies of entire worlds. Not as a subordinate, but as an equal. Consider what you could accomplish.

His sinuous voice enveloped me, painting a picture of grandeur and influence. He depicted a scenario where, by accepting his offer, I would ascend to an immeasurable stature. I would not be submissive, but an ally of equal standing—a piece in the game behind the scenes of existence.

— By my side, you would have the power to save Earth. I do not speak of mere survival, but true redemption. All of this lies within your reach. All you must do is accept.

His proposal weighed upon me, its veracity tangible in my very being. It was clear that by accepting his alliance, he would neither destroy Earth nor me. The grandeur of what he promised lay within my grasp. Yet, despite the promise of peace, the truth was riddled with dilemmas.

He wanted me to accept this offer because I would be drawing a line in the sand against the concept of absolute good. It was a direct provocation to the faith that permeated Mariana's goodness and that of her community. Óxion sought to prove that even a malevolent entity could be a source of peace, challenging the belief that peace was solely tied to the light of goodness.

— No, Óxion — I said firmly, my voice resonating with renewed determination. — True peace cannot be born from darkness. The pain and betrayal you have caused only strengthen my faith in goodness.

Óxion's expression contorted with rage and humiliation at my refusal of his offer. It was evident he felt foolish for thinking I would succumb to his temptations. Yet this blow to his pride only fueled his fury, making him an even greater threat. Now I faced an adversary driven not only by his strength but also by his wrath.

Looking back, the cruel reality emerged: Mariana, fallen and lifeless, bore witness to my trial. The combat that was about to unfold would be a quest for the redemption of those who succumbed to evil. The weight of responsibility fueled my resolve to defeat Óxion on behalf of all who resisted.

Assuming the Kung Fu fighting stance known as Kim Yeung Ma, I executed a bold gesture of challenge, beckoning Óxion with my fingers, transmitting a message of courage.

In the battle, as Óxion's vigor threatened to overwhelm even my resistance, a symbol erupted on my forehead. It was the Litsu script, and the symbol etched there proclaimed an ancient concept: the Fibonacci sequence. Óxion, surprised and stunned by this manifestation, found himself confronted with something beyond his comprehension.