*Chapter 239: [Symphony of War]*

In times of peace, humanity often uses war as a pretext for plundering.

In times of war, people often use the banner of peace to end the plundering.

Regardless of whether there is a god of war in the long river of time, war remains an inseparable part of human history.

Even if Atreus might be the least interested war god in starting wars, it doesn’t stop him from using war to gain the divine power he needs.

Organizing regular events like e-sports tournaments could only maintain the minimum amount of divine power needed for him to use his powers.

But to go further, a real war is needed.

The entire Earth falls under Atreus's divine jurisdiction. Whether it’s in the sky, on land, or at sea, whether with primitive clubs or kitchen knives, or even shouting about the justice of an AK-47, or using Chitauri laser cannons, all forms of war generate power, which Atreus gladly accepts.

This is the almost unbeatable aspect of the god of war.

No one can ever destroy a god of war with just a war.

Zeus was right from the start: the god of war will never fear war. The only way to destroy a war god is through a powerful individual defeating him in combat.

War is a broad concept. Campaigns are components of war, and battles are the most basic units of a campaign.

At the very least, battles must be large enough to qualify as a war.

As Captain America and others planned a strong attack on S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Atreus had booked out the entire Metropolitan Opera House in New York. An entire symphony orchestra was performing for just a few extremely distinguished guests in a private box.

It was extravagance at its finest.

Outside the opera house, a special set of guests arrived.

A strikingly handsome, elegantly styled man with curly hair, dressed in a well-tailored suit, approached the entrance, accompanied by a chubby follower who, despite wearing a suit, looked rather rustic.

Truth be told, their attire didn’t quite fit the elegant surroundings. The seasoned usher immediately recognized that the leader’s suit was once a very impressive bespoke piece, but it was clearly outdated.

They were classic examples of a fallen aristocrat.

“Hello, I know this might be a bit presumptuous, but may I ask about today’s...”

Before the dashing man could finish his sentence, the usher smiled, “Dr. Stephen Strange, I presume? The gentleman inside has been expecting you for some time.”

Dr. Strange's expression immediately became rather interesting, while the chubby man beside him, Wong, twitched his facial muscles.

“Stephen, did he anticipate this?”

“Not surprising,” Dr. Strange muttered to himself.

Led by the usher, they arrived outside a private box.

Faced with the expectant gaze of the usher, Dr. Strange felt awkward—it was tip time. As the Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Strange had no use for petty cash. The tips in the VIP area of the Metropolitan Opera House start at $50, and to him, that was a small fortune!

At that moment, a stunning woman came to his rescue.

Though she wore a golden half-mask, the perfect lines of her visible face, paired with her graceful figure, made it clear she was an extraordinary beauty.

Elegantly, she pulled three $100 bills from her small purse. The usher, recognizing the gesture, immediately presented a tray.

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“No, thank you, beautiful lady.”

Pleased by the flattery, the woman added two more $100 bills to the usher’s tray, receiving effusive thanks in return.

After the usher left, the woman smiled and gestured, “Please follow me, Dr. Strange. Lord Kratos has been waiting for you.”

Before entering the private box, Dr. Strange grimaced as the music reached his ears.

“What’s wrong?” Wong asked.

“It’s the Symphony of War!”

“That guy…” Wong instinctively touched his bulging waist, where a set of magical artifacts from Kamar-Taj was hidden, ready for a fight.

“Don’t act recklessly. That’s Beethoven’s music.” Dr. Strange, born into an elite family, quickly caught on to the underlying message.

The Symphony of War, also known as Wellington’s Victory, was a piano piece composed by Beethoven in 1813.

Even in 1813, let alone three years ago, Kratos wasn’t a god of war.

Dr. Strange instantly understood: Kratos was sending a message. He wasn’t intentionally causing trouble—war has always been a central theme in human history.

Sure enough, upon entering, Dr. Strange ignored the opulent decor. His entire focus was on the towering figure in golden armor—a bald, muscular man radiating power.

This imposing warrior sat with three women in Grecian gowns, calmly listening to the orchestra. The scene was utterly surreal, like a fierce warrior embroidering flowers, completely out of place.

But since they had come, Dr. Strange straightened his suit and seated himself next to Atreus on a nearby sofa.

“You have quite an appetite for this, Lord War God.”

“No. To me, this is like performing an unavoidable surgery. While I might enjoy it somewhat, I’m far more interested in what it brings me.”

In just a few short words, the two had completed their first round of verbal sparring.

Dr. Strange subtly criticized Atreus for seeking divine power instead of stopping an impending war, implying he was no true hero. Atreus, however, parried and thrust, reminding Dr. Strange that he once performed surgeries like a vampire, seeking out only those operations that brought him money and fame. Dr. Strange used to avoid low-success-rate surgeries unless they promised significant rewards.

Dr. Strange realized that Kratos had a deep understanding of his past, leaving him speechless.

From Kamar-Taj's perspective, a war god continuously amassing power was undoubtedly dangerous.

Dr. Strange composed himself and initiated the second round: “How can I be sure you won’t abuse this power?”

Atreus rested his chin on his hand and fixed Dr. Strange with a thoughtful, amused gaze.

“My dear Doctor, who are you fooling? This war is destined to happen in the future. If you’re so afraid of a god growing stronger from war, you could stop me now, or be the hero and take down Hydra before the war even begins.”

Dr. Strange was caught off guard, while Wong’s mouth dropped open in shock. This meant Kratos had the ability to foresee the future, yet he knew this war was inevitable.

For Kamar-Taj, the greater fear was that altering a major event could lead to irreversible paradoxes in the timeline.

(End of Chapter)