Si-woo scrolled through the catalogue and typed into the search bar:
Boss Authority Dungeon
He found what he was looking for in an instant.
[Boss Authority Upgrade – Rank E]
Cost: 5 Mana
Upgrade: 20 Mana
— That's crazy expensive! Si-woo protested.
The difference between regular monsters and bosses was already massive. He didn't even want to imagine what it was like between different ranked creatures.
But there was no time to hesitate. He spent 5 Mana with a wince and turned his attention to the shaman.
— Freeze!
Staff raised high, the goblin had been about to cast a large-scale spell—one that would trap every tile in the room and pinpoint Il-seong's location. But the sharp cry of his Master brought him to a sudden halt. The strain on his face showed the effort it took to resist the invisible leash Si-woo's voice had just snapped back around his neck.
The rage burning in his eyes didn't faze Si-woo.
He was way too pissed off to care.
— Dismiss the Goblin King.
A cruel smile twisted Yoh's face.
— Cancel the summoning! Si-woo barked.
His voice was sharper now. Reluctantly, the shaman raised his staff.
[Error! Action Impossible!]
The Goblin King has been designated as the dungeon boss.
Dismissal is not allowed.
— Of course it isn't… Si-woo muttered.
An explanatory page popped up. It detailed rare cases like this—when a high-ranking monster appeared inside a dungeon, its sheer power would automatically transfer the boss role to it.
Si-woo let out a sigh. But the relief was short-lived.
Il-seong's Stealth had just expired.
The Goblin King immediately sensed his presence and charged. Il-seong was now exposed—and vulnerable to every monster in the room.
— Don't move an inch, Si-woo ordered the shaman.
Without the endless traps, Il-seong was holding out better. He dodged the Goblin King's attacks with improved agility.
But it still wasn't enough.
The power gap was just too large.
The creature sniffed him out of hiding with ease, predicted his moves, and swung its massive club like a pro baseball player.
The system's reply was enthusiastic and firm.
But still, Si-woo hesitated.
The upgrade cost 20 Mana. That would leave him with only 4 out of the 30 he'd earned.
If he made the wrong move, finding another way to help Il-seong would become nearly impossible.
He was already running out of options…
Just as hesitation crept in, he saw Il-seong climb to the top of one of the statues. A burning fire blazed behind his shattered glasses.
— If I could take down Jeunk, then a freak like you doesn't scare me! I'm not dying like a coward, you hear me?!
The Goblin King didn't appreciate the rebellion.
It roared in fury. Its foul breath—tainted with blood and rotting rat—nearly knocked Il-seong off his perch.
But Il-seong stood firm. Bracing his legs, he prepared to strike.
— He's anything but a joke, Si-woo whispered, moved by his friend's speech.
Those words gave him the strength to press the upgrade.
A surge of energy rushed through him.
[Boss Authority Upgrade Successful]
You can now control dungeon bosses up to Rank D.
Il-seong leapt.
The Goblin King raised its club.
Si-woo slapped his cheeks.
It was time for the showdown.