*Chapter 230: Call My Name*

Atreus vividly recalls how, after the death of [The Invisible Man], Homelander gave an emotional speech beside the transparent coffin draped in the American flag, making the clueless audience shed tears.

A horde of the Seven’s die-hard fans became even more fanatical in their adoration of Homelander.

Compared to the Seven and Vought International, who unscrupulously profit from their superpowers while secretly committing heinous acts, the American higher-ups who seek to control the Avengers seem almost harmless.

The women around Atreus expressed their Atreus, which he fully understood.

He also understood the frustration of the American higher-ups.

These top brass didn’t dare trust superheroes like Superman, Kratos, or Batman, who operate independently and can’t be controlled. They tried time and again to train their own superpowered beings, only to be repeatedly humiliated.

Due to the intense early propaganda painting Homelander in a glowing light, a significant faction in Congress even hoped to mold Homelander into the new Captain America, relying on his “invincible power” to suppress the likes of Superman and other strong-willed superheroes, forcing them under state control.

After all, Homelander, with his laser eyes, ability to fly, and immense strength, seemed a more fitting symbol of America’s might than the “aging” Captain America.

The mainstream sentiment at the top favored Homelander.

But in reality, Homelander wasn’t just playing too dangerously in secret—he simply wasn’t strong enough.

Atreus could vividly imagine the reaction of those at the top when the report from Black Widow reached them.

When they learned that Homelander was easily defeated by Kratos and that Black Adam had his hand severed in one move, those opposing President Ellis must have felt utterly humiliated.

Thinking about this filled Atreus with joy.

But how long could this situation last?

According to the Marvel timeline, the events of Captain America: Civil War would happen soon. But before that, there was Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Age of Ultron—both of which were major turning points.

Interestingly, as a minor side effect of last night’s events, Starlight sought out Atreus.

In the underground chamber of the villa, Miss Starlight, having calmed her emotions, looked utterly exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes.

Atreus, dressed in Kratos’ leather armor, sat grandly on the sofa opposite her, watching as she initially sat upright, then shifted uncomfortably, crossing her legs and nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

Atreus didn’t call her out. “My people should have told you this isn’t a captivity. If you want, I can send you out of the country anytime.”

“I don’t want to leave yet,” she said firmly.

“And?”

Starlight hesitated slightly. “May I ask you a question?”

“Go ahead.”

“Are you… a god?” she asked, shrinking back.

Atreus gave a playful smile. “Why do you ask that?”

“Because the Huntress and Katana call you ‘He.’”

Atreus didn’t answer immediately. He leaned back into the sofa, crossing his fingers over his stomach. “Well, whether or not I’m a god doesn’t really depend on me. Thor, for example, has lived for thousands of years, can summon lightning, and destroy cities, but he doesn’t consider himself a god.”

“And you?”

“I don’t belong to this world, and I possess powers from a god in your mythology. But I don’t consider myself a true deity. Does that answer satisfy you?” Atreus deliberately kept things ambiguous.

Even so, this shook Starlight’s worldview. “Then your purpose is…”

“Like many superheroes, I can’t stand seeing this Earth ruined.”

Yes, it’s the planet he’s protecting—not any specific country, and certainly not under the orders of a politician.

Starlight began to understand the mindset of this god-like being who didn’t exist in legends. To her, Kratos’ position was nuanced, but that didn’t stop her sense of justice from burning brightly.

She straightened up, boldly declaring, “I want to serve you, just like Huntress and Katana. I want to fight for justice.”

No, my bigger goal is to erase all injustice.

Ahem, too far.

Atreus shifted his position, resting his head on his hand. “Indeed, serving me can grant you access to information and perhaps even powers beyond ordinary mortals. But I can’t promise that my sense of justice aligns with yours.”

Starlight hesitated, but then, recalling Kratos’ past heroic deeds, her resolve strengthened.

“No! Your actions, your bravery, have proven that you are the true guardian of Earth. I will not regret serving you,” she said, pausing as her face flushed red. “If not for you last night, I might have been forced to endure abuse from Homelander and the others…”

Atreus couldn’t help but laugh.

Starlight was foolish, no doubt, but she had a good heart, often sacrificing herself for the sake of others.

The key was that her power was decent. Given a power source, like a power plant, her combat ability could barely reach top-tier.

Coincidentally, there weren’t many on this planet who understood wind elements better than he did.

A smile tugged at Atreus’s lips. “Alright then, from now on, if you need anything, just call my name in your heart, and you’ll be able to reach me.”

With that, Atreus stood up and, as he left, casually flicked a small blue light toward her.

The tiny lightning ball, no bigger than a peanut, floated gently toward Starlight’s forehead. In the next second, she stiffened as if electrocuted.

Countless bits of knowledge she’d never encountered before flooded her mind like a tidal wave.

This was cross-dimensional element transmission technology—one might even call it magic.

Atreus had combined the dimensional summoning techniques of Kamar-Taj with his knowledge of wind element control, sending it all to Starlight.

How much she could comprehend would be up to her.

Recruiting Starlight as a follower had been a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Atreus had thought his life might get a bit dull again for a while, but as night fell and he walked through the villa’s corridors, he heard a familiar voice call out to him once more.

“Kratos—Kratos—Kra~tos~.” The first call was serious enough, but the later ones were more like a playful kitten teasing with its soft paws, filled with an enticing tone.

Having acquired the mantle of the God of War, and with Doctor Strange’s approval, Atreus could hear anyone on Earth calling the name “Kratos” in their hearts.

(End of Chapter)