I Used to be a Boss – Full Story Summary

Every hunter who dares to climb the Tower of Abyss knows that at its peak waits a fearsome opponent, the legendary boss monster known as Baphomet. For countless years, this towering being has stood as the final challenge to adventurers and hunters, a figure feared and respected by all who enter the dungeon. Strong, merciless, and unmatched in battle, Baphomet has lived as the ruler of the tower, defeating every challenger who stepped into his domain.

Yet over time, even power and endless victory can become dull. For Baphomet, the battles that once thrilled him grew repetitive. He longed for something new, something that could break the cycle of facing wave after wave of hunters who never truly challenged him. Each fight ended in the same way—his triumph and the hunter’s death. With every trophy he collected from fallen opponents, his curiosity about the human world grew stronger. These items swords, armor, journals, and trinkets—were more than just spoils of war. They were glimpses into the lives of humans, lives that were completely different from his existence as a dungeon boss.

It was during this time of growing boredom and curiosity that everything changed. The hunter he had always dreamed of finally appeared before him. Unlike the countless others who had failed, this warrior possessed strength and spirit that matched his own. The clash between them was fierce, and for the first time, Baphomet felt something he had not experienced in ages—excitement. This battle shook the very core of his being, not just because of the hunter’s power, but because it awakened in him a fascination with humanity itself.

Baphomet realized that humans were not just fragile beings who existed only to climb towers and fall before monsters. They were complex, filled with determination, ambition, and resilience. The more he thought about it, the more he became entranced by the idea of living as one of them. Unlike a dungeon boss, bound by rules and cycles, humans had freedom. They could walk different paths, make choices, and shape their destinies. That realization planted a seed inside him that would change everything.

No longer satisfied with being the eternal boss of the Tower of Abyss, Baphomet made an extraordinary decision. He would become human. He would leave behind his life as a monster and step into the world he had only observed from the shadows of the tower. This decision was not born out of weakness but out of longing—longing for freedom, for discovery, and perhaps even for the chance to fight on equal grounds without the weight of being a “final boss.”

The journey that follows is what makes I Used to be a Boss so unique. Unlike most stories where humans strive to become stronger to defeat monsters, this tale flips the idea on its head. Here, it is the monster who seeks to live as a human. Watching Baphomet step into society, interact with people, and learn about their world provides both humor and depth. He is powerful beyond measure, yet unfamiliar with the simplest aspects of daily life. His perspective creates moments of both awe and comedy as he tries to balance his overwhelming strength with the normalcy of human existence.

But becoming human does not erase his past. Baphomet carries the instincts and experiences of a monster who has fought countless battles. This means he is not only strong but also cunning, with knowledge of combat that surpasses most humans. However, living among them teaches him things that power alone never could. Relationships, emotions, choices, and the fragile yet beautiful nature of humanity become lessons he must learn firsthand.

As readers follow his story, they see a character who is both terrifying and relatable. Baphomet embodies the struggle of finding meaning beyond strength. His battles are no longer just about survival or dominance but about understanding what it truly means to live. His growth as a character is as important as his strength in combat, making him a protagonist unlike any other in action-fantasy manhwa.

The manhwa blends thrilling fights with lighthearted and thought-provoking moments. Watching Baphomet interact with humans while trying to hide his true identity creates engaging situations. At times he is like a fish out of water, trying to understand human behavior. At other times, his raw power reminds everyone that he is still far from ordinary. This balance of action and character development keeps the story fresh and exciting.

I Used to be a Boss is not just a tale of a monster turned human. It is a story about identity, curiosity, and the search for something more than endless battles. It asks what makes humanity special, and why even the strongest beings might envy it. Through Baphomet’s eyes, readers experience both the awe of incredible strength and the vulnerability of stepping into an unfamiliar world.

For fans of action-packed manhwa with a unique twist on the usual dungeon and hunter genre, this series is a must-read. It offers epic battles, comedic misunderstandings, and a main character whose journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about power.

In the end, Baphomet may have started as the terrifying boss of the Tower of Abyss, but his story as a human promises something even greater. He is no longer just the ruler of a dungeon. He is a being who seeks freedom, meaning, and a new life. And for readers, that journey is just as thrilling as any battle.