In Mayan mythology, Kinich Ahau is one of the most revered and important deities. As the personification of the sun, he embodies life, energy, and the cycle of the universe. The name Kinich Ahau itself can be roughly translated as "Lord of the Sun", reflecting his vital role in the daily lives of the ancient Maya people.
According to Mayan mythological legends, the creation of the world began with the earth as an empty, dark place, devoid of light or life. The first gods gathered at a sacred pool called Xibalba, where they planned to bring light into the world. However, their first attempt failed because the sun they created lacked enough power to shine brightly.
After a series of trials, Kinich Ahau—the mighty and eternal Sun God—was born. He was seen as the manifestation of divine fire, bringing light to the entire world. With his arrival, the earth was filled with warmth and life. Plants flourished, animals roamed freely, and humans gained their primary source of energy from his rays.
For the Maya, the sun was more than just a natural phenomenon; it was a symbol of power and wisdom. Kinich Ahau was believed to be the protector of humanity, providing the heat and light necessary for survival. They saw him as the giver of life, for without his radiance, there would be no harvest or vegetation.
In Mayan cosmology, the sun's journey across the sky symbolized the cycle of life and death. During the day, Kinich Ahau appeared strong and dominant as he ruled the heavens. But at night, the sun died and descended into the dark underworld, known as Xibalba. The sun's journey through the underworld was seen as a struggle against darkness and chaos.
Every morning, when the sun rose again, it symbolized Kinich Ahau's victory over darkness, granting humanity hope and new life.
To ensure that Kinich Ahau continued to shine every day, the Maya performed various religious rituals. One of the main practices was sacrifice, whether in the form of valuable goods or human blood. Blood sacrifice, though controversial, was believed to nourish the gods, keeping them strong and capable of fulfilling their duties.
These sacrifices were typically carried out by priests or even the king himself. They believed that human blood held magical power that could sustain the universe.
According to legend, Kinich Ahau was not just a distant god residing in the sky. There were stories of him visiting the earth in human form. In this guise, he was depicted as a handsome man walking among humans, granting wisdom and blessings to those deemed worthy.
However, Kinich Ahau's presence on earth did not always bring happiness. In some tales, he grew wrathful when humans neglected their duty to honor him. As punishment, he brought droughts, famine, or other disasters upon them.
Kinich Ahau's wife was Ix Chel, the Goddess of Moon, love, fertility, and healing in Mayan mythology. The two had loved each other since the dawn of time. Yet, their relationship was fraught with challenges due to their duties. Kinich Ahau had to traverse the sky during the day to provide light and life, while Ix Chel only appeared at night to watch over the world in darkness. Their relationship, though rarely intersecting, was seen as a balance between day and night, light and dark, male and female.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Although Ren was instantly overpowered after becoming a Campione, he was actually the type of person who considered information the deadliest weapon. Whoever controlled knowledge about their opponent, their strengths, and tactics could dominate the battle.
Thus, when he obtained the obsidian dagger at Portobello Road Market—a relic said to summon the Sun God of Mayan mythology—he wasted no time in thoroughly studying the history and myths of Kinich Ahau.
"Wow, my luck isn't any worse than a protagonist's, huh? Just one trip to a flea market, and I find a relic connected to the Sun God."
Gazing at Kinich Ahau, who exuded an intimidating and majestic aura, Ren didn't cower. Instead, his lips curled into a smile.
There was no way he wouldn't be delighted. If another god had appeared, his chances of winning might have been only 50-50. But facing the Sun God? This was practically a guaranteed victory unless unforeseen variables came into play.
As the wielder of the Divine Authority: Sun Conqueror, Ren was the natural antithesis of the Sun God. The power he had stolen from Hou Yi, the archer who shot down nine suns, made him confident that his chances of winning exceeded 90%.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
On the other hand, Kinich Ahau felt something stirring his anger. The mortal before him gazed at him with excessive confidence, as if he were just an ordinary opponent. An unforgivable insult!
"Arrogant human! Do you think you can stand on equal footing with me just because you're a Campione? I am Kinich Ahau, the sun that gives you life—and the one who will bring your destruction!"
*BZZZ!*
With uncontrollable fury, Kinich Ahau unleashed his power. A manifestation of the sun appeared in the sky above Canvey Island, casting a brilliant light that instantly swept away the darkness of night. In mere seconds, night turned into day.
But this was no ordinary sunlight. The temperature rose drastically, making the air feel heavier. The light expanded for dozens of kilometers from Canvey Island as its center, illuminating every corner with unnatural intensity. The surrounding sea shimmered, reflecting the light with intimidating beauty.
"So, this is your power? You're making this even more interesting." The smile on his lips never faded, reminding Ren of Godou's White Stallion incarnation.
"You will regret this foolish bravery, human!" Kinich Ahau stepped forward, the solar aura around him blazing even fiercer. The dominating power of a god began distorting the space around them, as if the world itself bowed to his will.
"..."
Yet, Ren remained unshaken. Instead, his body surged with adrenaline, heightened hundreds of times to match the immense threat before him. Magical energy coursed through him, merging with the determination in his eyes. He raised his hand and began chanting:
"I who seize the light of the heavens, the archer who felled the gods of the sky! Appear now, bow of solar glory!"
A flash of golden light erupted around Ren, and the next moment, a simple bow materialized in his hand. This was no ordinary weapon—it was the legendary bow used by Hou Yi to shoot down the suns in ancient myth.
"Don't disappoint me, Sun God."
With those words, he channeled his magical energy, shaping it into radiant arrows that shone as brightly as the sun itself. Raising the legendary bow, Ren took aim directly at Kinich Ahau.
Meteoric Ascent!
*TWANG!!*
The first arrow was released, moving at meteor-like speeds, surpassing the speed of sound and leaving a trail of light in its wake.
*SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!*
A rapid succession of arrows followed, each striking with earth-shaking force, splitting the air with deadly precision as they homed in on Kinich Ahau.