Mike rubbed Emperor's neck and said, "I think I underestimated us."

"I thought we could only fight a Peak Rank 0," he continued, "but we already defeated a Peak Rank 1—and it was a powerful Epic-grade monster." He exhaled slowly. "So yeah, this might be a sure-shot suicide… but let's give the Rank 2 boss, Leviathan, a try."

He couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Earlier, just thinking about fighting a Rank 1 boss had made him hesitate. Now, he was preparing to face a Rank 2 boss.

"Still," Mike said, patting Emperor's neck again, "we need more preparation."

He climbed onto Emperor's back, and Emperor began guiding him toward the nearest safe zone.

Every dungeon had safe zones—areas where one could rest without danger. Depending on the dungeon's rank, these zones could range from small shelters to massive, City or even Kingdom-sized regions.

Winter Island was since a high rank Dungeon, it have a City size safe zone.

Despite being part of a dungeon, it was vast—and ironically, it was also the safest place inside it. Compared to the outside of the Dungeon gate, here there are never any montser attack.

As they reached the safe zone, Mike saw what looked like a city carved from snow and ice.

Snow-built streets stretched outward, lined with hostels, inns, shops, and even entertainment venues. Warm light spilled from windows, and the air buzzed with quiet activity.

Mike dismounted and walked straight into one of the larger shops.

A Magical Item shop.

He scanned the shelves carefully, his eyes sharp as he searched for useful items. After a brief negotiation, he purchased multiple high-grade buff items—potions, scrolls, and consumables designed to enhance strength, defense, mana, and regeneration.

He didn't stop there.

Mike moved to another section and bought several undead-enhancing items as well—artifacts and buff scrolls meant to strengthen undead summons.

"These should help the Lich," he muttered, storing everything away.

"Do you have anything that can increase my mana?" He asked the shopkeeper.

The lady looked at him as she shook her head " You can't find them that easily as such items are rare and they are always sold at the Auctions and the next one is in 21 days" She said as Mike sighed and left the shop.

Mike also tried his luck at various other shops but none of them had any such item.

Without wasting any time, Mike headed straight toward the next target.

The boss.

Leviathan.

An Early Rank 2 boss, Level 201.

On paper, it was only two levels higher than the Deep Sea Serpent they had just defeated. In reality, the difference was monstrous—easily a gap of a hundred levels or more. Leviathan wasn't just stronger; it was a true boss-type monster, meaning its stats, abilities, and combat instincts were on an entirely different tier.

As Mike reached the boss zone, he stopped and raised his hand.

Black shadows rippled outward as the Shadow Grave opened.

One by one, undead figures emerged—knights and mages—all radiating deathly aura.

"Secure the perimeter," Mike commanded calmly. "Don't let anything interfere."

The undead scattered instantly, forming a wide defensive ring around the battlefield.

Only then did Mike lift his gaze.

Leviathan surfaced.

It was massive—easily ten times larger than the Deep Sea Serpent. Its colossal body moved beneath the icy sea, dark scales glinting beneath the frozen surface. The pressure alone made the air feel heavier.

Mike exhaled slowly.

"I think I've chosen my second suicide button," he muttered dryly. "But it's fine."

This was one advantage of being an Awakener.

"I'll get another avatar with 20% penalty this time."

If he died, his total stats would be reduced by 20%—a harsh penalty. Each death stacked another penalty, and by the tenth… total reset. Back to Level 1.

Still.

"I can win," Mike said firmly. "No negative thoughts."

He patted Emperor's neck.

"Okay, buddy. This is our most difficult fight yet."

Emperor growled low, cerulean energy flaring around his body as he stared at Leviathan—completely unafraid.

"Good," Mike said. "But first… let's send the big guy."

Mike took out the two artifacts he had purchased to strengthen his undead.

The first was the Ring of Cursed Soul, a Rare-rank artifact.

The second was the Necklace of the Weeping Lady, also Rare-rank.

Together, they increased the stats of all undead under his control by 30% and reduced his mana consumption by 20%.

But Mike had more.

He activated Midas Touch.

Golden light flashed over both artifacts as their ranks were elevated.

Rare → Epic.

Now, together, they boosted the overall power of his undead by 40% and reduced mana consumption by a staggering 50%.

"Now I know why rich kids don't care about class rank," Mike muttered, feeling the difference immediately.

"Money is the real rank."

He exhaled slowly.

"Preparations complete. Time to call him."

Mike activated the Eldritch Lich Summoning skill.

Dark mana exploded outward as a massive, pulsing purple-black magic circle formed in midair. Ancient runes carved themselves into existence as the temperature dropped sharply.

From the circle, a presence emerged.

The lich's power was far greater than before. Its strength scaled with Mike's level—and compared to the last time it had been summoned, Mike was now more than twice as strong.

Dark magic crackled. Shadows twisted unnaturally. Eerie laughter echoed across the frozen land.

The Mythical Lich emerged.

Its skeletal form hovered above the ground, dark robes flowing like liquid night, eyes burning with ancient dark flames.

"You call me, young lord?" the lich said, its voice echoing unnaturally.

Mike nodded and pointed toward the sea.

"That's the target."

The lich followed his gaze—and laughed.

"Marvelous. More than worthy of my bindings," it said delightedly. "Do not worry, young lord. I am here to help. I will show you death's true elegance."

With a chilling laugh, the lich flew forward, dark magic trailing behind it as it descended toward Leviathan's domain.

The sea responded violently.

Massive waves rose, icebergs cracked apart, and the Leviathan's enormous silhouette surged upward.

Dark magic clashed with ancient sea power.

Black spears of condensed death magic formed around the lich, launching toward the beast as Leviathan roared, the sound shaking the frozen ocean itself.

Mike tightened his grip on his sword.

This wasn't fear he felt.

It was excitement.

"This," he said quietly, eyes burning with excitement, "is going to be one hell of a fight."

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