Chapter 64: And thus, a challenge for the boss.

Two days later…

Kai stood in front of the mirror, yet another material the dungeon had created for him. Beside him was Lucifer, helping him into his robe with a smile on her face, while Lyra observed from the back of the room.

After a while spent trying to dress the Shadow of Victim in what she deemed suitable for the meeting, Lyra finally decided to take a step back, scanning him from head to toe.

She had gone to the human city, with his permission, to purchase the robe, and to her surprise, it worked well on him, despite Kai being in his monster form.

“You look splendid, my lord.” Lucifer took a step back, a proud smile on her face.

“Is that so…”

Kai looked at the mirror once more.

’I can’t tell if it looks good or not. But I guess being presentable makes more sense.’

Even in his former world, because he rarely ever went out, he never exactly had to worry about what to wear. If it came down to it, he knew to ask his sister, and she would always give him the best advice to follow. Leaving those thoughts aside, Kai turned his head toward Lucy.

“Do you have the other stuff ready for our guests?”

“Yes, my lord. Although it will be my first time cooking, I made sure to purchase a cookbook from the human who sold me the kitchen equipment. I have it under control.”

“Hm. Very well, then I’ll leave that in your care.”

Lucifer smiled at his response. Her master was truly dashing. The very next moment, Kai reached into his inventory and pulled out two rings—items he had bought from the system the day before for just 50 EXP each.

“I want you to have this.” He stretched the ring toward her. “As long as you have this on, you will be able to communicate with anyone wearing the same.”

“My lord…” Lucifer reached out to take the ring, noticing that even Lyra had one on her finger as well. “I’ll be sure to cherish it.”

Kai chuckled nervously in his mind.

’It’s just a ring. Besides, it makes it easier to relay messages. It’s not like there are cell phones in this world.’

“My lord, I just received a message from Sanovere. The guests have arrived and are looking to enter the dungeon.”

Kai paused, then looked toward her location.

“Let them in.”

….

{The first floor, throne room of the Shadow Lord.}

Kai was seated on his throne, his eyes fixed on the figures before him. Flanking both sides of his throne were the Pillars, and standing at the entrance of the door was Lucifer, accompanied by a few other maids and skeleton knights.

So these are the bosses in Jaun land? Not exactly what I expected.

The Goblin King, the Serpent Lord, the Fighting Orc, the Flamed Knight, the Ghost Spectacle, the Eye King, and the Flying Dutchman.

These were the monsters that stood before Kai.

The fact they were not on their knees pissed off the Pillars immensely, but they knew to maintain their composure as per Kai’s request.

But one thing was certain…

One of them is going to be a problem.

The moment they walked into the throne room, the system instantly granted Kai a blessing.

[Overseer]: This blessing allows you to see a person’s true nature through the aura they emit.

From where he sat, everyone in the room emitted a blue-like aura, some thicker than others. But only one person had a red aura around him: the Serpent Lord.

He was a creature that looked half-human and half-snake, a Level 95 boss with two axe-like weapons strapped to his back.

Kai’s eyes glowed slightly. He wanted to address it, but he chose to see how the event would play out first.

“Welcome to my dungeon. I am sure the journey was not easy. I am also aware that many of you have not eaten in months; as such, I have chosen to bless you with delicacies. Please, eat and don’t be shy.”

At first, it certainly felt like the bosses wanted no part of what Kai offered them. It was bad enough they were still shocked to find that the dungeon they had set foot in was eight floors deep, and many of the monsters had ridiculously high levels that it wouldn’t be too far off to consider them gods.

But now he was mocking them with food? A Level 10 boss? The matter could not be any more confusing.

Those thoughts vanished, however, the moment the food was presented to them.

Lucifer and some of the maids walked into the room, placing trays of high-premium food on the floor for the bosses to eat. From the largest meats to refreshing cold wine and dessert.

For monsters that had only been feeding when their stomachs hit them in the spine, this was the first time they had ever drooled that hard over a meal.

They all began to chow down, their murmurs echoing all around the place with each spoonful of food they threw into their mouths, all while Kai and his subordinates watched.

Phera could not believe her eyes; she found them even more unworthy now to be her master’s servants.

Lyra was no different, as she didn’t try to hide the disgusted look on her face.

As for Kai, he could not blame them, as even he had done the same thing when he tasted meat after so long.

Soon, the monsters finished the food before them, and the maids walked into the room to clear up the mess.

Then, the Goblin King spoke.

“I do not wish to sound ungrateful, and please do not mistake my words. But why have you chosen to give us your food? That would be enough to last a full week if it had been saved.”

Kai laughed.

“I guess you’re right. That is true. But if I am to discuss with you, then I would rather it be with a full belly.”

The goblin king wiped the back of his mouth with a skeptical look on his face.

“We appreciate the kind gesture, that said, boss of the nameless dungeon, why have you suddenly decided you want us to follow your rule? Do not misunderstand; we have been watching from a distance, and we have a faint idea of what your power would be. But if you are only a level 10, then shouldn’t you be begging us to allow you to serve us?”

“You insolent f-”

Kai raised his hand slightly, stopping Lyra from saying anymore.

It was clear the Pillars were angry from that statement.

Kai smiled, a genuinely amused expression despite the goblin’s blatant disrespect.

“It’s a fair question, Goblin King. One that I expected to be asked.” He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the arm of the throne.

His Shadow aura seemed to intensify, making the air in the room feel heavy.

“You ask why I, a Level 10, would demand the fealty of those far above me in rank. It’s simple: look around you. Look at the quality of this food, the architecture of this dungeon, and the strength of my subordinates.” Kai gestured to the Pillars with a flick of his wrist. “My power is not defined by a simple number above my head, but by my ability to command and provide.”

The Goblin King shifted uncomfortably, though his skepticism remained etched on his face.

“Indeed, the food is good, and your followers are terrifying. But leadership requires more than just wealth and strong guards. We are bosses, rulers of our own domains. If we follow someone, they must be the strongest. The one most capable of ensuring our survival against the inevitable Human invasion.”

He thumped a heavy fist against his chest.

“We do not understand how you acquired this power, but we believe a strong leader would be better for us. One who has proven their strength in battle, not just by sitting on a lavish throne.”

Kai’s smile widened, a cold, predatory glint entering his eyes. He slowly rose from the throne, his massive shadow form dwarfing the Goblin King. The air crackled with barely contained energy.

“Ah, I see. You want proof. A demonstration of ’true’ strength.” Kai’s voice dropped to a low, chilling register that echoed throughout the hall. “Very well. I agree. A leader should be the strongest.”

He descended the short steps of the dais, stopping directly in front of the assembled bosses.

“I offer you a challenge,” Kai announced, his gaze sweeping over the seven figures. The atmosphere in the room was suffocating. “You believe my level is too low. You believe you are stronger, more fit to lead.”

He paused, letting the silence stretch until it was nearly unbearable.

“I challenge you. Anyone among you who believes they are strong enough to take my place. Step forward now and fight me.” Kai held his hands open in a gesture of invitation. “Let’s see who is the strongest. Who among you would like to fight me in single combat?”

The bosses exchanged nervous glances. The Serpent Lord, however, tightened his grip on the twin axes strapped to his back, his red aura pulsating slightly.

…

[A/N]

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