A floor boss represents the pinnacle of a dungeon layer.
So far, adventurers have discovered only four of them in millennia of dungeon exploration, earning these deities the tongue-in-cheek nickname: "The Four Generals of the Dungeon."
Seriously, the naming skills… someone hand them a medal?
Of course, there might be other floor bosses in the uncharted depths of the dungeon, but for now:
Potential Level 4: Giant – Goliath, spawning at the Wall of Sighs, 17th floor, Cavern Maze.
Potential Level 5: Amphisbaena – Amphisbaena, spawning at the base of the Great Fall, 27th floor, Water City.
Potential Level 6: Skeletal Beast – Udaeus, spawning in the Throne Room, 37th floor, White Palace.
Potential Level 7: Evil-Eyed Demon King – Balor, spawning deep in the 49th floor, Moytura.
Wait… why isn't Balor spawning on the 47th floor? My OCD is twitching… Renjiro muttered inwardly.
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Anyway, once Finn and the others confirmed that Ais would challenge Udaeus alone, the group picked up the pace, arriving at the Throne Room on the 37th floor just as night fell.
At the edge of the hall, Renjiro (Aether) and Lumine casually called out:
"Hi, big guy. Long time no see."
"Miss us?"
They sounded as if they were visiting a friend's house.
Inside, the floor boss…
Udaeus… remained motionless.
The atmosphere was… a bit odd.
Finn and the others exchanged awkward smiles.
They knew well that because Lumine had recently set up a teleportation anchor on the 39th floor, the Twin Stars had likely passed through here countless times.
For ordinary adventurers, such a journey would be almost suicidal.
But with Xiao? Everything was different.
Teleportation really is overpowered…
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Meanwhile…
"I say, Finn," Tiona piped up, "this is Udaeus. Are we really letting Ais face it alone?"
She had asked this countless times along the way.
Even easygoing Tiona couldn't hide her worry, proof of how fearsome Udaeus truly was.
Ais's response, however, was serious:
"I'm going alone this time."
Her expression was heavy. If she normally looked like a delicate, doll-like girl, now she seemed poised on the edge of darkening.
Fortunately, Ais wasn't the type to exploit an advantage without conscience. She knew her reckless decision had caused trouble for everyone.
Still…
Please… don't intervene.
With a pleading tone, she drew her Desperate and walked alone toward the seemingly calm Udaeus at the center of the hall.
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At the same time…
[Stellar Forces, converge here]
Night had fallen. With the Starry Abyss skill fully buffed, Renjiro (the main body) brimming with mana, Lumine summoned Xiao.
This was a precaution, a safety net.
After all, for rescue purposes, Xiao's teleportation ability outclassed everyone except Paimon, who had to remain hidden.
Even Bete, the fastest among the human-adjacent adventurers, couldn't compare.
"Thanks, Lumine," Riveria said, understanding the young girl's intention.
"No problem. Just a small favor," Lumine replied with a smile. "Besides, part of the reason Ais is acting recklessly is because of Aether and me."
"Then it's our responsibility to ensure she stays safe."
Her words soothed Finn and the others. With Xiao watching, Ais's safety increased dramatically.
The group had always been curious about the Genshin cohort, though Xiao's presence usually gave off a "keep your distance" aura, making interactions difficult. Even Tiona hadn't dared approach, only stealing glances.
Xiao, meanwhile, remained silent, lowering the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear and crossing his arms, observing the Throne Room.
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At the same moment…
"Lights, camera, action!"
Renjiro secretly summoned the hidden Paimon. Hovering near the domed ceiling, she pulled out a smartphone and started recording.
Then…
"Bzzz~"
A chilling wave of energy pulsed from Udaeus. The massive skeletal form, previously motionless, began to move.
Its upper torso emerged, claws clicking and teeth grinding, ominous sounds echoing through the hall. Two demonic horns jutted from its skull, and the eyes glowed dark red, locking onto Ais.
Then…
"Thwack~"
Without warning, as if a shadow had streaked through the air, Udaeus lunged, punching toward Ais.
Despite its enormous frame, its attack was incredibly fast, all prior slowness was a ruse.
And…
"BOOM~"
Ais, a high-level Lv.5 adventurer with specialized skills, combined Vengeful Princess and Ariel to evade… barely.
Yet immediately after, dark bone spikes erupted from the ground beneath the landing spot. She could no longer fully dodge.
"Pfft~"
In a flash, her left shoulder armor was knocked off. Reflexively turning her head, a bone spike slashed across her left cheek, leaving a clear wound.
If she had reacted slightly slower, a significant portion of her delicate face could have been ripped away.
First encounter… and it's already life-threatening.
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