WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for the Solo Leveling anime and the manhwa.
Synopsis of Rakan’s Arc
- Rakan, the King of Beasts, embodies arrogance as he pursues the destruction of all Ruler vessels on Earth.
- His cowardice is revealed in his confrontation with Jinwoo, where he abandons Sillad to his fate.
- Despite pleading for mercy, Rakan meets his end as a coward, unable to withstand Jinwoo’s assault.
Quick Navigation
The second season of Solo Leveling has unveiled a host of formidable characters, particularly Rakan and Sillad, who emerge in the climactic moments of the finale, setting up high stakes for Season 3.
While Rakan’s imposing physique may suggest he is a fearsome adversary, it is essential to note that beneath his intimidating exterior lies a cowardice that complicates his character. He may appear to be a warrior of significant strength, but his actions suggest he ranks among the weaker Monarchs, driven more by self-preservation than bravery.
Rakan: The Monarch of Fangs in Solo Leveling
The ‘King of Beasts’
Rakan, known as the arrogant King of Beasts, is driven by a desire to eliminate all Ruler vessels on Earth to facilitate Antares’s conquest. Alongside Sillad, he tracks Jinwoo’s mana to Jeju Island, only to discover that the Shadow Monarch has unexpectedly allied with the humans. This revelation leads them to concentrate on Christopher Reed instead.
During the Japan Crisis Arc, Rakan, joined by two fellow Monarchs, brutally executes Christopher Reed, exhibiting their sadistic nature in the process. Amidst a growing suspicion that Ashborn is acting against the Monarchs, Sillad proposes the elimination of Jinwoo before he fully manifests the Shadow Monarch’s powers. While many Monarchs withdraw, Rakan seizes the chance, motivated more by opportunism than bravery.
Believing Jinwoo to be vulnerable, Rakan engages in the battlefield, easily overpowering National Level Hunters Thomas Andre and Lennart Niermann. However, the tide turns when Jinwoo arrives, confrontation marking the beginning of Rakan’s decline.
Revealing Rakan’s Cowardice in Combat
Abandoning Sillad
As the battle ensues, Jinwoo showcases extraordinary strength, taking down Querehsha independently—a remarkable feat for a human. Yet, the combined might of Rakan and his allies proves overwhelming. In a cowardly act, Rakan stabs Jinwoo from behind while Jinwoo is engaged with Sillad.
Just as Rakan believes he has dealt a fatal blow, Jinwoo’s Black Heart resuscitates, indicating his transformation into the Shadow Monarch, empowered by Ashborn. Sensing an opportunity, Rakan attempts to deliver a finishing strike while Jinwoo is down, but through timely intervention by Sung II-Hwan, Jinwoo regains his strength.
As Rakan and Sillad realize the inevitability of their defeat, they contemplate a fair fight. However, Rakan’s cowardice prevails, prompting him to abandon Sillad and flee from the confrontation. This act of betrayal adds insult to injury as Jinwoo redirects his focus toward Rakan before finishing off Sillad.
In a moment of desperation, Rakan kneels before Jinwoo, pleading for forgiveness. Yet, Jinwoo scoffs, declaring he would only consider mercy if Rakan could endure five of his strikes. Tragically, Rakan falls short, perishing in a cowardly manner as he fails to uphold any honor. The confrontation serves as a captivating spectacle, piquing anticipation for what lies ahead in the upcoming Season 3 of Solo Leveling.