*Chapter 231: Fancy Pool*

Ordinary people might think this is pretty cool.

In reality, though, being a god can be a bit of a burden because anyone who speaks your name can technically be heard by you. But with so many people chanting Kratos' name, listening to every call would be like throwing Atreus into a crowd of hundreds of thousands of ducks — the constant quacking noise pollution would be unbearable just to think about.

Atreus would definitely go crazy.

So, he had the system block almost all the calls to his name, leaving only a few key words that would trigger a response, and some specific people who could summon him directly.

When Atreus heard the voice, his expression softened into a smile. He quickly put on his suit and stepped through the portal.

Sure enough, as soon as Atreus crossed the portal, he saw her — Black Black Widow, lounging on a pristine white chaise in the middle of the hotel suite, dressed in a black evening gown with a deep back and a front halter.

As Marvel's most seductive heroine, Black Black Widow's allure was undeniable.

Her face, a perfect blend of classical beauty and sultry charm, was adorned with a playful smirk and half-lidded eyes that could drive any man crazy.

And tonight, she was clearly pulling out all the stops.

Instead of the usual black leather suit she wore in S.H.I.E.L.D., she was flaunting her figure in this revealing gown, with a high slit that exposed almost all of her long, pale leg as she reclined.

Atreus smiled, "Was that intentional, or an accident?"

Unfortunately, Black Widow didn’t quite know how to play along. She replied, "What do you think?"

Atreus shrugged.

She lowered her feet to the floor, gracefully stepping down, and picked up two wine glasses from the nearby bar, pouring red wine into each with elegance. Swaying her hips as she walked, she handed one to Atreus.

Atreus gave what he thought was a charming smile, but in her eyes, it was a bit wild — no surprise, since Kratos’ appearance was naturally fierce.

Luckily, Black Widow was used to playing out the tale of "Beauty and the Beast."

Clink!

They lightly tapped glasses and downed the wine.

"I was right. When I call your name, you can hear it across space. Otherwise, I can't explain how you arrived so quickly when I couldn’t fend off Homelander's violence."

Atreus didn’t respond directly. "Actually, anyone I consider a friend, when they call my name, I can hear them."

"Is that what they call 'super hearing' for someone like you?" Black Widow's words were full of hints and probing.

"If that’s what you think, then sure." Atreus casually placed the glass on the table next to him. "So, what’s the reason for calling me tonight?"

"Can't I call you just because?" Black Widow performed a move that showed her experience and cunning in every sense.

"I'm pretty busy, you know."

"Busy playing games with your women?"

"I like any game that’s interesting enough," Atreus spread his hands, showing off his usual playboy persona.

Bring it on! Who’s afraid of whom?

After all, the Wayne blood flows through me.

I’m a renowned VIP black cardholder at Gotham’s nightclubs!

"How about we play a round?" Black Widow gestured to the side.

This suite was luxurious, even featuring a full-size pool table.

Playing pool is all about feel.

Atreus and Black Widow were playing a standard American nine-ball game.

Black Widow’s skill was purely technical.

Atreus, on the other hand, was using his insane agility and muscle control. Even though his technique wasn’t that professional, he still managed to clear the table with every turn.

After four consecutive games, whoever broke first would always win without giving the other a chance.

Even though Black Widow would strike seductive poses on the opposite side of the table, deliberately distracting Atreus, he still didn’t miss a single shot.

This time, it was Atreus turn to break again.

Black Widow pouted, "This isn’t working; we need to make it more challenging."

"How do you want to make it harder?"

"I’ll be the bridge."

In pool, when you can’t reach a ball far across the table, you usually lean over and use a bridge to guide the cue.

... Atreus had to admit, Black Widow knew how to play.

As she ran her hand along the leather of Atreus suit, she could clearly feel the separation between skin and material, and Atreus didn’t resist.

"Kratos, which one is the real you?"

"Natasha, which one is the real you?"

The same question, but with a different name, had a completely different meaning.

The first referred to Atreus hiding his identity under his suit.

The second was about Black Widow wearing different faces around different people.

Black Widow sighed, "It wasn’t Nick who asked me to come. I really just wanted to thank you."

"I know."

"Sigh. I don’t want to be caught between you and S.H.I.E.L.D."

"It’s okay. Other than Superman and maybe future Thor no one else qualifies to be my enemy," Atreus calm response was filled with overwhelming confidence.

"Thor, the legendary..." Black Widow was startled.

Not to mention Superman, who had survived a nuclear bomb and regenerated.

"You’ve got a living legend standing right in front of you," Atreus teased.

"What should I call you? Your Majesty? Your Excellency? Almighty God?" Black Widow was getting a bit salty.

"I’ll only respond when you call me 'Kratos,'" Atreus said with a mischievous smile, gently stroking Black Widow’s seductive face.

"Looks like you’re no angel yourself."

"Yep, I’m pretty bad."

Atreus smiled, and Black Widow grew a bit nervous, "Wait..."

After another hour of playful teasing, Atreus finally let Black Widow go.

"Natasha, the situation ahead might get dangerous for you. I’ve given you a little gift. Consider it my blessing."

A blessing?

From a god?

Black Widow was stunned as she saw a flash of golden light shoot from Kratos’ finger and into her chest.

She had no idea what it was, but she felt a surge of power flood her entire body. The transformation left her gasping in pleasure.

It felt incredible.

She felt light as a feather, her very soul seemingly floating. For a moment, she almost wondered if she was undergoing Captain America's legendary enhancement process.

Only, this felt much easier!

She didn’t know how long it had been, but by the time she snapped back to reality, Kratos was gone.

When she checked the time, Black Widow was shocked and hurriedly rushed back to S.H.I.E.L.D. in a panic. As she boarded the Quinjet for her mission and accidentally crushed the metal buckle of her seatbelt with her bare hands, Captain America, sitting next to her, was utterly stunned.

(End of Chapter)