Marvel: Death Knight

Gazing at the dozens of gang members in the abandoned factory, Garus suddenly felt overwhelmed by the idea of managing such a vast criminal organization. Kingpin's underworld influence extended across the entirety of America, a sprawling empire built over years of cunning and ruthlessness.

Yet Garus had no interest in becoming a crime boss. Even back in the Argent Crusade, when he had been a squad leader, his role had been more symbolic than substantive, despite his power ranking him among the Crusade's top fighters, second only to a handful of commanders.

What he needed now was a subordinate—someone utterly loyal, capable of carrying out his orders, and skilled enough to manage the organization on his behalf.

His gaze shifted to Frostmourne stored within his spatial pouch. The cursed blade possessed the power to raise the dead, transforming them into either mindless undead or Death Knights under absolute control. While anomalies like the Forsaken were rare exceptions, the sword's potential was undeniable.

Kingpin's talent was exceptional; it was the only reason he had managed to elevate his gang to such heights in mere years. Reviving him as a Death Knight could make him the ideal subordinate.

Garus pulled the Runeblade from Kingpin's corpse, the lifeless body slumping to the ground. He sheathed the weapon back into his spatial pouch.

"Host, if you're determined to use Frostmourne now, I must advise you to fortify your mind against its temptations," the system's voice suddenly warned.

Garus remained silent, his resolve unshaken.

Arthas had succumbed to the sword because his negative emotions had left him vulnerable. Garus believed that a single use wouldn't subject him to the same fate.

As Garus drew Frostmourne, the temperature in the factory plummeted. The gang members huddled together, their eyes filled with dread.

"Director Wesker, should we leave?" someone asked timidly.

"No. Stay put, and make sure no one acts rashly," Wesker replied with a wry smile. Their base had been destroyed; running now would accomplish nothing. Dissolving the gang and scattering was an unappealing option. Wesker harbored ambitions of greater power.

Gripping the sword, Garus felt a chilling voice invade his mind.

"Convert, convert, convert the world! The dead shall know eternal life!" The insidious whispers sought to overwhelm him.

Resisting the relentless chorus, Garus channeled his death magic into Kingpin's corpse. If Kingpin were to become his first Death Knight, it would be far more practical than relying on a decaying undead servant. Death Knight energy preserved the body, preventing it from deteriorating over time.

A fleeting thought crossed Garus' mind: perhaps he could assemble his own Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Under the gang members' horrified gazes, gray mist seeped from Frostmourne's blade, spiraling into Kingpin's lifeless form.

Garus felt his energy drain as he infused Kingpin with death magic. Converting an ordinary human into a Death Knight demanded an immense expenditure of power. No wonder Arthas had sought to raise powerful beings like Tirion Fordring—a mighty subordinate without the cost of depleting his own strength.

Though Garus himself was a formidable warrior, the process left him physically and mentally exhausted. The insidious voice persisted, urging him to annihilate all life and forge a new Scourge army.

After an arduous struggle, Kingpin's body finally stirred. The transformation was complete, leaving Garus disoriented. Frostmourne's power was overwhelming; it would be wise to refrain from using it until he became stronger.

Quickly sealing the sword back in his spatial storage, Garus felt his mind clear.

"Master!" Kingpin stood, bowing respectfully. His once-defiant eyes were now devoid of rebellion, replaced with unwavering loyalty.

If not for the gaping wound in his chest, the gang members might have thought they'd imagined his death. Witnessing their leader's apparent resurrection left them in stunned terror. A few couldn't resist the urge to slip away quietly, fearing Garus's ominous power.

"Return to your post and await my orders," Garus commanded telepathically, utilizing the mental link unique to Death Knights. After instructing Kingpin, he turned to leave.

Noticing Matt Murdock's incapacitated form nearby, he added, "Release Matt. Do not harm him further."

Though Daredevil's idealism irritated him, Garus couldn't help but admire his relentless pursuit of justice. Unlike other superheroes blinded by naive mercy, Matt never hesitated to punish the wicked.

As Garus departed, the system's voice chimed with new missions:

[System Task: S-Rank. Build the world's largest military-industrial complex. Reward: 300,000 exchange points. No time limit.]

[System Task: A-Rank. Infiltrate the United States Congress. Gain a seat for yourself or a subordinate. Reward: 100,000 exchange points. No time limit.]

The rewards were tempting, aligning perfectly with Garus's ambitions. The system, as always, seemed to tailor tasks to his innermost desires.

"From now on, cease all drug and underground fight operations," Garus instructed. "Focus on establishing military and tech enterprises. Hire top scientists, and work to infiltrate the American government. I don't want to be caught off guard by their backstabbing."

Kingpin, now utterly obedient, replied, "Yes, my master."

Their exchange, conducted telepathically, went unnoticed by the surrounding gang members, who watched Garus leave in fearful silence. With their resurrected leader's behavior unchanged, save for his newfound submission to Garus, their terror only deepened.

"Get me some clean clothes," Kingpin ordered, his voice cold yet authoritative. The gang members scrambled to obey, still shaken by the surreal events.

In the desolate factory, Matt Murdock remained on the ground. Garus trusted his resilience to ensure a safe escape. For now, his focus lay elsewhere.

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