Summary
- Sung Jin-Woo ventures into a perilous double dungeon alongside other hunters, facing ominous statues.
- The imposing godly statue is initially thought to be the dungeon’s main boss.
- However, the hooded statue, the architect of the system, evaluates Jin-Woo’s potential to become the Shadow Monarch’s vessel.
Quick Links
- What’s Inside the Double Dungeon?
- The Hidden Boss of the Double Dungeon
- Who Is the Hidden Boss of the Double Dungeon?
As the journey through Solo Leveling progresses, Sung Jin-Woo has triumphed over formidable dungeon bosses. His victories range from defeating the ice elf leader Baruka to conquering the fierce Ant King on Jeju Island. Yet, he’s yet to unveil the mysteries of the double dungeon and its concealed boss, at least in the animated version.
The inaugural episode of Solo Leveling places Jin-Woo within a double dungeon where he, accompanied by a group of novice hunters, encounters menacing giant statues. Among these, one is the colossal statue of God, while another bears the commandments of the Cartenon Temple, both showcasing the dreadful reality awaiting the unsuspecting hunters.
What’s Inside the Double Dungeon?
The First Look at Cartenon Temple
- Anime Episode: Episode 1
- Webtoon Chapter: Chapter 3
- Story Arc: D-Rank Dungeon Arc
In Seoul, a seemingly simple low-level gate opens, prompting a strike team of novice hunters, including Jin-Woo, to attempt a clearing. What was anticipated to be an uneventful day quickly spirals into chaos as the team stumbles upon a second dungeon, stirring excitement over potential rewards. Yet, their optimism fades as they confront a temple that appears innocuous but harbors lethal secrets.
“Hey, isn’t this place dangerous?” —Kim Sang-Shik
The Cartenon Temple resembles a set piece from a fantasy or horror narrative, with gargantuan statues armed and some elegantly playing instruments. Dominating the space is an awe-inspiring godly statue perched on a throne, radiating an ominous presence. As hunters search for elusive runestones and magical crystals, the alarming reality of their surroundings soon becomes apparent when they find themselves ensnared in danger.
The Hidden Boss of the Double Dungeon
No, It’s Not the Statue of God
It is understandable why audiences of Solo Leveling would designate the titanic statue representing the Absolute Being as the primary antagonist of the double dungeon. Towering over its peers and fixed in a prominent location, its grotesque and sadistic smile sends terror through Jin-Woo and his companions. The chilling expression, typically associated with malevolent figures, raises the stakes significantly.
The moment the statue becomes animated, sheer panic overwhelms the hunters as they realize their lives hang in the balance. With the capability to unleash lethal laser beams from its eyes, the statue compels them to flee or face a gruesome fate. Consequently, there seems to be no refuge unless they can interpret the riddle inscribed within the temple’s commandments.
“It can’t be! There’s a rule in this room?” —Sung Jin-Woo
Desperation leads Jin-Woo to decipher clues presented on a massive tablet held by the enigmatic hooded statue. Successfully interpreting the commandments allows him to rescue his bewildered allies while he remains to face his fate, set to transform into a pivotal player in this intricate system.
This section contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa.
Who Is the Hidden Boss of the Double Dungeon?
Sung Jin-Woo’s Correct Guess
Throughout the unfolding narrative, Jin-Woo forms a hypothesis about the true antagonist’s identity. His speculations prove accurate as he uncovers that the real hidden boss of the double dungeon is, in fact, the hooded statue safeguarding the temple’s commandments.
“You should not be asking who I am; you should be asking what you are” —The Architect to Sung Jin-Woo
To his astonishment, the hooded statue possesses comprehensive knowledge about the intricacies of the system, including why Jin-Woo has emerged as a player. This realization reveals the architect’s role as the overseer, meticulously evaluating Jin-Woo’s capability to become Ashborn’s vessel, the Shadow Monarch. Surpassing the architect’s assessments leads to an activation of the system, propelling Jin-Woo’s development.
This revelation exemplifies the engaging complexity of Solo Leveling, distinguishing it from other series. Just when viewers believe they comprehend the depth of the double dungeon, unexpected twists enrich the story, altering pathways and ensuring continued anticipation throughout the journey.