Overview
- Beru is one of Jin-Woo’s most formidable shadows, known for his exceptional loyalty and healing powers.
- Hunters, including Cha Hae-In, have gradually learned to respect and accept Beru, despite his troubled past.
- The initial fear and hatred toward Beru have evolved into a profound sense of respect and acceptance.
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Once a figure of terror who easily dismantled S-rank hunters with his overwhelming speed and ferocity, Beru’s status has transformed significantly after becoming one of Jin-Woo’s shadows. This shift prompts a critical question: Do the surviving hunters now harbor resentment toward Beru?
As the latest addition to Sung Jin-Woo’s shadow army, Beru stands out not only for his rank as a general but also for his distinctive healing skills and ability to communicate like a human. His unmatched loyalty positions him as a vital leader on the battlefield, one who views Jin-Woo with reverence akin to that of a king.
The Trauma from the Jeju Island Raid
Expected Counterattack Without Casualties
The fourth Jeju Island raid is often viewed as a tactical success, yet the aftermath reveals a stark reality: it resulted in significant casualties and left indelible emotional scars on both hunters and civilians. The loss of key figures like Goto Ryuji from Japan and Min Byung-Gu, Korea’s only S-rank healer, underscored the raid’s tragic outcome, transforming plans for a casualty-free counterattack into a scene of chaos led by the brutal Ant King.
“You mean the S-rank hunters are being viciously torn apart by just one ant?” — Matsumoto Shigeo.
The Ant King’s ruthless assault ensured that the hunters would not depart Jeju Island without lasting trauma. Cha Hae-In sustained severe injuries, Baek Yoon-Ho faced the loss of a close friend, and Ma Dong-Wook lost his arms. Meanwhile, the Japanese hunters grappled with the mental shock following Goto Ryuji’s death, leading them to remember the Ant King as a nightmarish entity rather than just a dungeon boss.
This section contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa.
The Ant King’s Transformation into Beru
Beru’s Contribution in Jin-Woo’s Forces
In a poignant turn of events, Sung Jin-Woo used Shadow Extraction on the Ant King, choosing to include him in his ranks instead of permanently vanquishing him. Beru emerged stripped of his earlier malice, yet the haunting memories of his previous atrocities continued to weigh on those who survived the Jeju raid.
“My King. Please give me a name.” — Beru to Jin-Woo.
Initially, Cha Hae-In found Beru unsettling upon their reunion in the Ahjin Guild Arc, grappling with her past trauma while striving to press on. His intimidating appearance and previous brutality compounded her discomfort, making it challenging for her to regard him as anything other than a reminder of her terrifying experiences on the island.
Do the Hunters Resent Beru Post-Jeju Island?
The Acceptance of Beru by the Hunters
Rather than harboring hatred, the hunters gradually accepted Beru as an invaluable ally. Witnessing his capabilities during critical moments, they found themselves relying on him despite initial discomfort. Beru increasingly represented an extension of Jin-Woo’s strength, gaining their respect over time—a process that likely required considerable adjustment.
“I was the one who killed you. Can you still be obedient and follow me?” — Jin-Woo to Beru.
As Beru’s characterization develops, the dynamics shift significantly. While some hunters like Baek Yoon-Ho might retain personal grievances, acknowledging Beru’s usefulness against formidable foes becomes a shared realization. Others may prefer to avoid confronting their complex feelings toward him, leaving those inner struggles unexamined as the narrative pivots to larger conflicts.
From Fear to Respect: A Shift in Perspective
As the storyline unfolds in Solo Leveling, the hunters come to acknowledge Beru’s essential role within Jin-Woo’s army. His ability to counteract the Monarchs, command the shadow soldiers, and serve his master unwaveringly becomes undeniable. Instead of dwelling on past animosities from the Jeju Island incident, they prioritize the current threats they face together.
By navigating his complex past, Beru has evolved into a figure of protection, largely due to Jin-Woo’s influence. Were it not for Jin-Woo’s pivotal actions, the hunters might have experienced significantly greater challenges in coping with the trauma left in the wake of the fourth raid. Crucially, Beru’s journey has shown that he is no longer the fearsome monster who once terrorized the island.