Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1752

Chapter 1752: Burden

’Bearing.’

Ilyshkara had told him what she knew about Bourn’s will, and now he was witnessing it firsthand.

Bearing.

The power to bear any burden.

Right now, he was bearing every bit of damage Atticus had inflicted upon him, even his will, and turning it into fuel. Every attack he received made him faster. Stronger.

The more his burdens accumulated, the more powerful he became. In a prolonged battle, Atticus was at a disadvantage.

"Shared Burden."

Atticus’ eyes narrowed. A sudden weakness washed over him. His strength, his speed... everything. It felt as though it was being dragged away.

Bourn appeared above him, his weapon descending. Atticus’ blade flashed upward to meet it.

Boom!

The impact sent Atticus skidding backward, two trenches tearing across the wasteland in his wake. He eventually came to a stop and looked up at the slowly descending Bourn.

There was something different in those previously unmoved eyes. Contempt. He was looking down on him.

Atticus exhaled slowly, the breath seeming to carry away the lingering tension in his body. What Bourn thought of him wasn’t important. Instead, something else occupied his thoughts. Bourn himself.

A person’s will was the reflection of their life. Who they were at their deepest level. In a way, the nature of a person’s will revealed more about them than any words ever could.

Bearing.

To bear the burdens of oneself and others. What sort of life had his cousin lived?

Atticus watched him, suddenly curious.

"You haven’t used Solvath’s power. Why?"

He only half expected an answer, but surprisingly, one came.

"This fight is to determine who is better. Borrowed power has no place in it."

"Hm."

Atticus tilted his head slightly.

"Most people would call Solvath’s power a blessing. If it’s ours to use, doesn’t it count as our power?"

"I’m not most people."

Bourn frowned, irritation finally touching his expression.

"A blessing remains borrowed. A curse remains borrowed. What belongs to Solvath belongs to Solvath."

"And you think you’re better than me?"

"I am."

Atticus raised a brow.

"You think you can beat me with your own power?"

"I know I can."

Atticus laughed.

He wasn’t sure why he was being so talkative. He was rarely one to speak during battle. He suspected it was because Bourn was his cousin. Family.

He couldn’t help but compare him to Caldor. How different he was from the lively Caldor. He honestly wished there was another way for this to end. Unfortunately, there wasn’t.

"Alright then." Atticus spoke calmly. "I hope you don’t regret that."

"I won’t."

Bourn raised an arm.

"Give it all to me."

Atticus felt an overwhelming force crash into him. He staggered back, clutching his head. His mind spun. His flames flickered. This...

What is this?

Images from his life flashed through his mind. His rebirth. His climb. His suffering. His pain. Then realization struck.

’He’s trying to take everything.’

His burdens, his powers... everything. But his burdens were what gave him purpose. What kept him moving forward. Without them, what would remain?

Atticus fought back, but Bourn’s hold on reality was stronger. He was losing.

The memories flashed faster and faster. Bourn’s aura seemed to swell as the burden surged.

Then suddenly, he recoiled as though struck and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Atticus stumbled back, drawing ragged breaths. What happened? He lifted his gaze toward Bourn and froze.

His cousin was staring at him with wide, trembling eyes. The expressionless mask had cracked, and the contempt gone. In its place was fear, and... pity.

"You’ve been through so much...?"

Atticus immediately understood. Bourn had tried to carry all of his burdens, but it had simply been too much. The fear came from the realization that despite everything Atticus had endured, he still stood here, face calm and eyes steady.

"Fuel."

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