Late-game runes for leveling?

Before the DLC, when I had finished all content but Malenia and Radagon (and I mean every area, dungeon, quest) I started to level up in Mohg’s area against the albinaurics and crows, and then eventually learned of the “cheat” of jumping off the cliff near there and swinging the sword. Based on my type, that I didn’t want to change, I knew leveling would be the only way to beat the two end bosses for my glintstone sorcerer.

Thank god for the DLC, when I could finally level up a ton without farming, enough so I could go back and have a chance against Malenia especially.. I have now started my second play through, have gotten as far as Radahn and Rykard (without fighting them yet) and I’ve only leveled up two levels. Only 2 levels! And that’s like 20-35% of the game, and even explored Altus Pleateau a good deal too. I want to be a higher level when I face Consort Radahn and a few others this time so I can enjoy them more, but I definitely need to level up at least 10 levels I think.

I haven’t made it to Mohg yet, and I’m doing the long way this time since I killed Varre this play through, but I’ve also heard that “cheat” for runes is gone. I’ve had the good scarab the whole time too. What are the best ways to level up at this point? Or at any point in the base game or DLC besides the bosses? I did the snake finger people near Marika’s village in the DLC before starting the second game too.

Already beat the game once, just want to level up more to have more “fun” with big bosses and unlock all weapons I have. Thanks!