On March 8, 2025, Solo Leveling season 2 episode 10 made a significant impact with the heart-wrenching demise of Akari Shimizu, an S-rank healer from Japan. Her tragic death, occurring even before the 4th Jeju Island Raid commenced, left fans mourning deeply. The narrative surrounding her character, particularly her burdensome backstory illustrated in the series’ mobile game, added layers of tragedy to her fate.
Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers for Solo Leveling season 2 episode 10.
The Painful Legacy of Akari Shimizu’s Origins in Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 10
Akari Shimizu, introduced in Solo Leveling season 2 episode 10, is a pivotal supporting character. As a Japanese S-rank Hunter, she traveled to Korea to take part in the critical 4th Jeju Island Raid. Before this episode aired, audiences were largely unaware of her backstory, a fact that resonated with fans given the lack of exposure in the original manhwa.
Her comprehensive origin tale unfolded in Solo Leveling: ARISE, a mobile game that provides deeper insights into various characters through a series of graphically rich chapters designed by Dubu of ReDICE studio. This backstory portrays Akari’s life across six detailed chapters, offering context to her motivations and struggles.
Akari was raised in a devoutly religious family that held unwavering beliefs in the Sun God, which clashed with her free-spirited nature. Despite her parents’ expectations for her to adhere to their beliefs, Akari’s aspirations extended beyond their narrow confines. At just seven years old, she welcomed her little sister, Himari Shimizu into the world, who was expected to be the destined one, likely indicating a future awakening as a Hunter.
Akari took it upon herself to shield Himari from the harshness imposed by their parents, who isolated her from peers and experiences, deeming her unworthy of freedoms like attending local festivals. Defying her family’s restrictions, Akari brought Himari to a festival, finally allowing her sister a glimpse of joy, only for the moment to be tragically interrupted when their parents discovered them.
In a devastating turn of events, their scolding was overshadowed by the sudden attack of giant magic beasts at the festival. This crisis triggered Akari’s awakening, enabling her to vanquish the creatures effortlessly. Tragically, in a heartfelt moment, Himari referred to her sister as her ‘Sun’ before falling into an Eternal Slumber, which left Akari with the profound responsibility to carry her sister’s burdens. Driven by the need to validate herself and protect her family, she joined the 4th Jeju Island Raid.
However, just four days later, during the Raids depicted in season 2 episode 10, Akari’s journey concluded violently when she was brutally decapitated by the Ant King, marking her as the first casualty of this perilous mission. This brutal death, while heart-wrenching, is magnified by the weight of her family’s expectations and the sacrifices she made throughout her life, rendering her demise not only tragic but an insult to her character’s development.