Marvel: Death Knight

After listening to Kingpin's report, Garus finally understood what the vampires were planning.

In Azeroth, there existed a bloodline known as the San'layn, former high elves transformed by the Lich King's power.

The Blood Council's Prince Keleseth and Blood-Queen Lana'thel wielded immense power, mastering blood magic. They had once been a significant thorn in the side of the Northrend expedition forces.

Garus pondered the strength of this so-called Blood God. How would it compare to Hakkar the Soulflayer? As for Daredevil's concern that the entire human population might be transformed, Garus found the notion absurd. The sorcerers of the Ancient Order clearly didn't take these vampires seriously either.

"I'm on my way," Garus replied, feeling a spark of interest. It was rare for the Ancient Order's sorcerers to ask for help, and Garus had a certain respect for the Sorcerer Supreme.

A car transported the bandaged Daredevil toward the Azeroth Technology building.

Upon entering the towering building, they were surrounded by members of America's elite—businessmen discussing arms deals, particularly about Azeroth Tech's rumored weather-control weapons. However, none of these weapons had yet been sold.

Daredevil, uninterested in such matters, turned to the driver who had brought him. "Is Mr. Garus here?"

"Follow me," a staff member approached, leading Daredevil into an elevator.

As the elevator rose, each second felt like an eternity for Daredevil. The Punisher and Blade were still unaccounted for, and there was the possibility that the Blood God's power had already been summoned.

When they entered a room at the top floor, Daredevil sensed the presence of two individuals. "Mr. Garus?"

"Yes, that's me."

Recognizing the voice from a previous encounter, Daredevil urgently pressed, "Mr. Garus, time is running out. We must head to Fess's building immediately—"

"I understand." Garus cut him off. "You lead the way."

...

In the bustling commercial hub of New York City, Fess's company building stood tall. But today, its doors were tightly shut, and the inside eerily silent.

Could it be abandoned?

Ignoring the curious stares of bystanders, Garus stepped forward and punched through the glass doors with a resounding crash.

"Hey, isn't that the headmaster of the Mutant Academy? What's he doing here? Should we call the police?"

A passerby recognized him, but their companion whispered nervously, "Let it go. We don't want trouble. Let's just leave."

Inside the building, the silence was oppressive. Garus and Daredevil reached the top floor without encountering anyone.

"Matt, are you sure this is the place?" Garus asked, growing skeptical of the blind man's senses.

"Yes, Mr. Garus. I'm certain." Despite his blindness, Daredevil's heightened senses confirmed their location.

Blade's words suddenly came to Garus's mind: the ritual required a specific type of structure. Daredevil grew anxious. "They might already be conducting the summoning ritual, but I don't know where exactly."

This was troubling.

Just then, a bolt of lightning erupted in the distance, striking a newly constructed, peculiar tower.

"There," Garus said, turning toward the sight. He could sense an untainted, pure blood energy—unlike the chaotic power within himself.

Was it the Blood God's power?

…

Meanwhile, Fess was elated. With both the Punisher and Blade subdued, his plans were essentially complete.

"How's the ritual preparation, Hansen?" Fisk asked his subordinate.

"It's ready, boss. The tower is finished, and those old relic elders are under our control. Thirteen clan elders? Nothing but decrepit, useless fools."

Most younger vampires, along with those eager for change, supported Fess's cause. The coup had been swift, with the elders subdued in no time. Their leader, Gotenor, was exposed to sunlight and reduced to ashes.

"Good. Let's move," Fess ordered, wasting no time. Though he outwardly displayed confidence, he couldn't shake his wariness. Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, and S.H.I.E.L.D. were formidable threats. Only by acquiring the Blood God's power could he truly feel secure.

"What about the Punisher, boss?"

Vampires occasionally dabbled in underworld dealings, crossing paths with vigilantes like the Punisher and Daredevil.

"Bring him along. I'll turn him into one of us."

Under the darkening sky, a convoy carried the vampires toward the strange tower.

A large gathering of vampires awaited them at the site.

"Get in!"

A group of once-proud elder vampires was forced into the building. Though resentful, their allies had either been neutralized or turned, leaving them powerless to resist.

"Fess, you still believe in that myth? It's nothing but a fairy tale for naive fools," one elder sneered. He hoped to see Fess's ritual fail and the younger vampires crawling back to the elders for guidance. After all, the elders still controlled vast resources and networks.

"You'll see soon enough," Fess said coldly, holding up a weathered piece of parchment. "This is the key to summoning the Blood God. Watch closely—assuming you live to witness my ascension."

He signaled for his men to position the elders atop the ritual circle etched with mysterious runes.

Blade, still injured, was placed inside a specially designed stone coffin. Its interior was carved to fit him precisely, given that he was the only vampire capable of walking under the sun. His unique blood was crucial to the ritual.

Activating a mechanism, the coffin lid slowly sealed. Sharp blades extended from the restraints, carving deep gashes into Blade's wrists to collect his blood.

"What about the woman?" one of Fess's men asked.

"Throw her into the pit. A pity, but we have more pressing matters now," Fess replied indifferently.

"Got it," the subordinate muttered.

Jacqueline screamed as she was tossed into the pit, where another vampire—her vengeful ex-husband—awaited her.

Under the dim sky, the ritual was about to begin.

-----------------------

Want to read ahead of schedule?

Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON