Overview
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Sung Jin-Woo encounters an imminent danger from the Monarchs, superior beings introduced in the
Solo Leveling series. - His connection to these Monarchs renders Jin-Woo a prime target due to his aspirations.
- The Monarchs are determined to eradicate Jin-Woo to thwart him from acquiring the Shadow Monarch’s abilities.
Navigation
The conclusion of the Jeju Island arc in Solo Leveling reveals a more profound threat looming over Sung Jin-Woo and humanity. No longer is the focus solely on hunters battling magical beasts; the real conflict now involves Sung Jin-Woo confronting powerful entities known as the Monarchs, who made a brief but impactful appearance at the end of season 2 of the series. The question arises: Who are these entities, and why are they targeting Jin-Woo?
From the series’ inception, subtle hints have indicated the presence of formidable adversaries beyond the magical creatures emerging from various gates. The looming statues within Cartenon Temple serve as a foreshadowing tool, reflecting the potential threat posed by these higher beings. Although the statues are not directly hostile, they possess a significant connection to the Monarchs, who are set to play a pivotal role in Jin-Woo’s journey.
Warning: This article reveals key plot details from the manhwa and novel of Solo Leveling.
Unraveling Jin-Woo’s Connection to the Monarchs
The Role of the System as a Connecting Force
Even prior to Jin-Woo becoming an active participant in the system, a Monarch was already eyeing him. This interest stemmed not from Jin-Woo’s initial lack of strength but rather from his frequent brushes with life-threatening situations. His transformation into a player is a pivotal moment, orchestrated by the Shadow Monarch, despite the reservations held by the system’s architect. Once Jin-Woo showcased his capabilities, his encounter with other Monarchs became unavoidable.
“You have achieved so much with the body of a human. I am truly impressed by how much you have grown.”—The Architect to Sung Jin-Woo
The system in question serves as a construct engineered by the architect to assist the Shadow Monarch in selecting a human vessel. The initial design aimed to enable the Shadow Monarch to inhabit this vessel to join the fight against their enemies, the Rulers. However, the Shadow Monarch’s defection altered this plan, transferring not only his powers but also significant aspects of his essence to Jin-Woo.
Why Jin-Woo Represents a Significant Threat to the Monarchs
Consequences of the Shadow Monarch’s Defection
The Shadow Monarch’s betrayal has escalated the stakes significantly for the remaining Monarchs, as human possession of his powers presents an unpredictable variable. Jin-Woo’s allegiances remain uncertain—will he side with the Monarchs or oppose them? One thing is clear: he is firmly committed to humanity, driven by a desire to safeguard his loved ones and the world around him. His pursuits align with the Rulers’ initial intentions to protect, making him a formidable obstacle for the Monarchs, who once sought to usurp the Shadow Monarch’s abilities for their own gains.
“I will swallow the whole system.”—Sung Jin-Woo
Ultimately, the Absolute Being created the Rulers as guardians, while the Monarchs were designed as destroyers. Jin-Woo, who stands as a protector of humanity, poses a significant threat to the Monarchs, whose earlier ambitions centered on exploiting the Shadow Monarch’s strength until betrayal shifted the balance of power.
Understanding the Monarchs’ Pursuit of Jin-Woo
The Urgency Behind Their Actions
The Monarchs, including Sillad, Rakan, and Quehresha, target Jin-Woo because he poses a considerable risk to their plans. Their initial success against Ruler vessels met a turning point with Go Gun-Hee’s situation, prompting Jin-Woo’s intervention. This confrontation has led the Frost Monarch to perceive Jin-Woo as an adversary that must be eliminated before he can fully harness the Shadow Monarch’s powers, jeopardizing their competitive edge against the Rulers.
In retribution, Jin-Woo vows to avenge the Frost Monarch for causing the chairman’s demise, leading to inevitable confrontations. Their eventual clash not only involves the Frost Monarch but also brings Rakan and Quehresha into the fray as they invade Seoul, yet Jin-Woo stands ready to defend against their onslaught, aided by Thomas Andre, Lennart Niermann, and even his estranged father. Their contributions empower Jin-Woo to access the Shadow Monarch’s complete abilities just in time.
“Don’t you find this amusing? A fight between a flame born in darkness and a darkness born in the light?”—Antares to Sung Jin-Woo
As this conflict unfolds, the remaining Monarchs anticipate the arrival of the Dragon Monarch, which presents another layer of challenge for Jin-Woo. Meanwhile, his relationship with the Rulers remains relatively stable following the battles.
Ultimately, the true conflict within Solo Leveling lies between the transcendent beings crafted by the Absolute Being. The ongoing battle between the Monarchs and the Rulers emerges as the core issue Jin-Woo must navigate, overshadowing the original struggles with magical creatures. Regrettably, humanity finds itself ensnared within this struggle, bearing all hopes on Jin-Woo’s unwavering resolve to achieve peace.