The Twelve Divine Bone Fiends of Yuanchen and the Blood Transformation Divine Blade were both top-tier demonic abilities — artifacts of the highest order among the dark paths.
They consumed few resources, formed a complete advancement system, and could evolve layer by layer.
Even in powerful sects like the White Bone Demonic Sect or the Blood God Sect of Immortal World, only True Disciples favored by the elders had access to such divine arts.
Of course, for the current Ryan, those techniques were still a little too far away.
But for now, dealing with a family like the Cent Family was more than enough.
Besides, the main person going after them wasn't Ryan—it was Frank.
The White Bone Bead, transformed from a Withered Bone Demon, was merely a safety net. It would only activate when Frank faced a mortal threat, materializing to protect him.
As for the loyalty of these Bone Demons? No worries there.
Ryan's Red Dust Heart Refining Furnace was a top-tier treasure aligned with the Dao of Seven Emotions and Six Desires.
Anything or anyone that passed through it—be it mortal or celestial—would have their loyalty etched into their very soul.
Even though Ryan's furnace was only at the early stage of becoming a true Magical Artifact, it was more than enough.
Bone Demons, Withered Bone Demons, White Bone Spirits, and White Bone Gods were all semi-demon, semi-ghost, semi-puppet entities. The perfect minions—easy to control and hard to kill.
Once the furnace evolved further, Ryan could expand its range, gathering emotional energy faster and raising its rank.
At that point, he wouldn't just control Bone Demons—he could refine Demonic Heart Pills, maybe even influence world leaders.
Turning the President of the United States into a puppet? Tempting thought.
Of course, this was the Marvel Universe—full of gods, sorcerers, and aliens. Ryan wasn't crazy enough to test his luck.
He knew his limits and used only what he could handle.
After sacrificing and refining a new Bone Demon—completing his set of thirty-six White Bone Beads—Ryan sent the prayer beads back into the Pill Furnace.
Moments later, a message came from the secretary upstairs: Frank had arrived.
In the underground palace, Ryan took a deep breath.
The Heaven River True Method circulated within him, transforming endless streams of spiritual energy into two shining dragons that he absorbed into his body.
Feeling his magic refine and condense, Ryan took the elevator back to the chairman's office.
Not long after, the door opened.
Led by the secretary, Frank Castle walked in—expressionless, calm, dangerous. Like a lion that had seen too much blood.
Ryan dismissed the secretary with a wave and motioned for Frank to sit.
Facing someone like Frank, there was no need for pleasantries.
Ryan went straight to the point.
"Frank, I know a few things about you. You're planning to go after the Cent Family, right?"
Frank's eyes narrowed. "Yeah. I won't rest until every last one of them is gone."
Ryan chuckled. "I figured as much. But you're underestimating them."
He leaned back in his chair. "Tell me—what are you going to do about the Russian Mafia backing them? Or better yet, do you know who's backing the Cent Family?"
Frank frowned. "Who?"
"Kingpin."
The name alone made Frank's expression darken.
New York City—the beating financial heart of the world.
Manhattan—its center.
And Hell's Kitchen—the rot festering inside that heart.
Anyone who survived there had powerful backers, invisible alliances, and plenty of skeletons in their closets.
Frank had always known that once he started killing, the entire underworld would push back. But he wasn't just a lone wolf anymore.
Ryan had saved his wife and children. That made Frank vulnerable—and Ryan knew it.
Ryan tapped the desk rhythmically. Tap. Tap-tap.
After a moment of silence, Frank asked, "Mr. Ryan… you want me to be your blade, don't you?"
Ryan's tapping stopped.
"That's right," he said calmly. "But not just that."
"I'm giving you a proper identity, steady pay, and all the resources you need. You work for me—and I'll take care of my people."
Ryan smiled faintly. "You don't strike me as a pure idealist, Frank. You're not Captain America."
Ryan needed Frank precisely because he wasn't a saint.
Frank wasn't a superhero in the traditional sense—he walked the line between justice and vengeance.
If he ever let go of his bottom line, he could easily become a villain capable of wiping out half the underworld… maybe even the universe.
That kind of man was dangerous—but also useful.
Someone Ryan could trust to get his hands dirty.
If it were Spider-Man or Steve Rogers, Ryan wouldn't have even tried.
But Frank? Frank understood the gray areas of the world.
After a long silence, Frank finally said, "Boss, I need a respectable job. Something that lets me operate freely. And I'll need full equipment—guns, armor, the works."
Ryan grinned. "Done. From today, you're the Head of Security at Presbyterian Hospital."
"Also, you're officially the captain of the guard for New York's oldest undertaker family. Your former boss? Assassinated by the Cent Family and the Russian Mafia tonight. You can go wild."
"The Sullivan Family's manpower and weapons are yours to command. Use them however you like."
Ryan flicked a small white bead toward Frank. "Oh, and take this. A White Bone Bead—it'll keep you safe when things get ugly."
Frank caught it silently, his eyes glinting with something between respect and resolve.
For the first time in a long while, the Punisher had a new mission—and a new boss.
The first day's results are always the most important.
...
A/N: If you enjoyed this chapter, support with your collection, power stones, and reviews.
Marvel fanfics have been rare lately—let's bring that fire back.