*Chapter 245: The Main God's Stand (Second Update)*

As time passed, the Amazons, who once worshipped the Greek gods, had long lost the favor of the deities. In fact, before World War I, aside from the protective mist shield surrounding the island granted by Zeus, the Amazons had not received a divine oracle for over two thousand years.

After the battle with Ares, the Amazons lost their final connection with the gods, until a unique deity like Atreus emerged.

Atreus possessed divine authority, an official status among Olympus, and was able to protect them.

Thus, from the day Ares perished, Atreus subtly replaced Artemis as the true protector of Themyscira.

And now, in the modern era, Atreus even responded to Hippolyta's prayers.

Glancing around, Atreus could clearly see the excitement and eagerness in the eyes of the Amazon warriors.

He casually said, "What's this? I get the feeling many of you want to leave Themyscira and see the world. Coincidentally, I need some female bodyguards to enhance my appearance. Why not lend me some Amazon warriors?"

Hippolyta was momentarily stunned before giving a bitter smile, "If that is your will as the God of War, then I will comply."

"Awesome!" As soon as the Queen spoke, many young female warriors behind her erupted in cheers.

The Amazons had been suppressed for far too long.

They had preserved their ancient Greek way of life, refusing contact with the outside world.

But Themyscira was only so big, including the surrounding seas, just a few dozen square kilometers.

In ancient times, people might never have traveled far in their lifetimes.

But the Amazons were not ordinary humans; they were descendants of gods, often possessing long lifespans due to the concentration of divine blood.

On such a small island, they could explore every corner in just a few years.

The young warriors longed to see the outside world, and Princess Diana's example could not be underestimated.

Over the years, Hippolyta had suppressed this undercurrent solely through her prestige.

But now, this was perfect. Atreus, after all, was an Olympian god. His request was far more appropriate than Hippolyta giving in. She was merely going with the flow.

Meanwhile, far away, Louis, the head of Atreus’s bodyguards, sneezed. He had no idea he was about to be laid off. Luckily, Atreus had already prepared a check for five million dollars as severance. With that money, Louis could even buy a small villa in Beverly Hills.

Atreus’s secret couldn't be casually exposed. Rather than constantly worrying about his bodyguards, it was better to find an excuse to dismiss them.

It was a mutually beneficial situation!

Originally, Atreus thought that his timing wasn’t going to be so lucky. He was planning to stay on the island for a while, indulging in a carefree, shameless life.

As Hippolyta was about to lead them into the temple for a grand feast, a sinister blue light suddenly shone from a stone structure on a cliff near the island’s edge, resembling an upside-down pot.

Hippolyta's face changed drastically, "That’s...the [Mother Box]?"

"[Mother Box]?" Atreus feigned ignorance.

Hippolyta, though tense, secretly felt a sense of relief. If the Amazons alone had to guard such a foreboding ancient artifact, it would be a real headache. She certainly didn’t want to face Darkseid's army alone.

But with Atreus present, it was a different story.

As a fellow God of War, he was essentially a replica of that fateful battle.

A true god! Considering he could still communicate with the Olympians, this was a tremendous reassurance.

Hippolyta quickly explained the situation.

Atreus patiently listened, "Let’s hurry and take a look."

He and Hippolyta rode the [Tragedy of Troy] to the site, while the Queen’s sister and second-in-command, Antiope, led the Amazon army to follow.

Inside the half-spherical sealed temple, the Amazon warriors were on high alert, with three rows of sword-and-shield soldiers in front and five rows of archers behind, all aiming nervously at the center.

All eyes were on a pitch-black cube.

"Is this the [Mother Box]?" Atreus raised his eyebrows.

"Yes! It hasn’t shown any signs of activity for thousands of years," Hippolyta was visibly tense.

Atreus walked over, and the Amazon warriors made way for him, watching intently.

Atreus placed his hand on the box, and he could clearly feel it resisting him.

A system prompt arrived right on time: [Detected: (Mother Box)!]

[The entity is scanning the host’s life data—it has confirmed that the host is neither a (New Genesis) nor an (Apokoliptian). The entity has sealed its knowledge projection to prevent the host and this system from reverse-infiltrating…]

[The entity is attempting to activate (Emotional Control), but the host's willpower is too strong, rendering the psychic attack ineffective... The Mother Box is now issuing a warning to its master!]

A crack appeared on the dark cube, with blue light flashing through it, accompanied by a repeating, strange "ping! ping!" sound.

"What’s that...?" Penthesilea whispered.

"It’s a bit troublesome," Atreus frowned, "This thing tried to control me, but after failing, it sent a warning to its master."

"Darkseid!?" Hippolyta couldn’t help but blurt out the forbidden name.

At the mention of that name, the tension among the Amazon warriors skyrocketed.

"No, it’s probably not him," Atreus shook his head.

At that moment, the light from the Mother Box suddenly intensified.

The sky above gathered swirling storm clouds, rolling into a massive vortex that eventually formed a fierce, blue, phantom eye.

"Oh?" Atreus smirked.

Hippolyta, tense, drew her sword and shouted, "Prepare for battle!"

The warriors simultaneously drew their swords with a resounding "clank," nerves taut.

At that moment, Atreus slowly raised his hand and pushed forward into the void. His voice suddenly became ethereal and divine, as a vast and powerful aura emanated from him.

A towering, hundred-meter-tall golden-armored figure appeared in the sky above the sealed temple.

Although this voice was as loud as hundreds of bells ringing simultaneously, it had no oppressive force. Instead, the Amazons found it rather comforting.

"In the name of the God of War, I bestow upon you the [Power of War]!"

A surge of divine power descended, blessing each Amazon warrior guarding the temple.

[War God Skill—Fear Immunity!]

[War God Skill—Unbreakable!]

[War God Skill—Pain Forgetfulness!]

...

With seven divine skills granted in succession, not only the guards here but even the Amazon elites rushing over from outside received the War God's blessing.

Thanks to Atreus, their combat power tripled.

The warriors were on the verge of tears, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Even the oldest among them hadn't felt such divine favor in ages.

In times of great danger, having an Olympian god on their side was a tremendous comfort.

(End of chapter)