Overview
- The Frost and Beast Monarchs make their impactful debut in Solo Leveling, raising the stakes for protagonist Sung Jin-Woo and his allies.
- As Jin-Woo’s formidable power is showcased on Jeju Island, the Monarchs are drawn to him, hinting at their upcoming confrontations.
- By absorbing the powers of the Shadow Monarch, Jin-Woo completes his transformation from an incomplete monarch.
Table of Contents
- Monarchs Appear on Jeju Island
- Why Jin-Woo is Labeled as the Incomplete Monarch
- Is Jin-Woo Truly an Incomplete Monarch?
The conclusion of Solo Leveling Season 2 marks a pivotal moment in Sung Jin-Woo’s narrative. The emergence of two Monarchs in the finale signifies an escalating threat not only to Jin-Woo but also to his family, allies, and humanity at large. Throughout the unfolding storyline, these Monarchs derogatorily refer to Jin-Woo as the “incomplete Monarch,”seemingly diminishing his unparalleled strength.
The Frost Monarch and the Beast Monarch make their first appearance in the closing episode of the season. Although their presence is fleeting, it leaves a lasting impact, foreshadowing significant events in the narrative’s upcoming arc. As Jin-Woo’s abilities wax stronger, so too does the intensity of the adversarial forces converging on him.
This article contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa.
Monarchs Appear on Jeju Island
Introduction of Sillad and Rakan
Sung Jin-Woo successfully navigates a dungeon break on Jeju Island, thanks in part to his shadow army. He reaches the impressive level of 100, receives an enigmatic key from the system, and summons a new shadow general. Even though he enters the fray at the climactic moment against the formidable Ant King, his involvement is pivotal in sparing the lives of Korea’s S-rank hunters and triggering the Monarchs’ interest.
The primary motivation for Sillad and Rakan’s presence on Jeju is tied to Jin-Woo and the residual energy emanating from him. The considerable power he unleashed while combating the mutated ants inadvertently attracted the two Monarchs. They detected the presence of the Shadow Monarch’s influence through Jin-Woo, compelling them to investigate further.
“I’m certain it’s his power,”Rakan remarked to Sillad.
Although the Monarchs do not encounter Jin-Woo in the aftermath, they recognize the Shadow Monarch’s power. They anticipate contact with the Shadow Monarch in due time, mirroring the trajectory of other Monarchs who have seized control of their vessels. However, readers familiar with the manhwa understand that the Shadow Monarch has deviated from the expected path, which may provoke ire among the Monarchs.
Why Jin-Woo is Labeled as the Incomplete Monarch
Their Hatred for Jin-Woo
The Monarchs express disdain for Jin-Woo, labeling him an “incomplete monarch”and going to great lengths to undermine his capabilities and human qualities. Unlike their cooperative relationships with one another, Jin-Woo is perceived as a target that needs to be eliminated rapidly—a being they view as inferior and requiring a reminder of his rightful position in the grand scheme of existence.
“That’s peculiar. I can’t comprehend why he aids humans,”Sillad remarked to Rakan.
In the minds of the Monarchs like Sillad, Jin-Woo qualifies as an incomplete monarch because the Shadow Monarch has yet to fully possess his body. Unlike other vessels, Jin-Woo retains his consciousness, autonomy, and even acquires the black heart of the Shadow Monarch, a scenario that deviated from initial expectations. Had the Shadow Monarch conformed to the Monarchs’ designs, the conflict with the Rulers would have unfolded differently.
Is Jin-Woo Truly an Incomplete Monarch?
Jin-Woo’s Unification with the Shadow Monarch
By the conclusion of the Monarchs War arc in Solo Leveling, Jin-Woo evolves into one with the Shadow Monarch. He transitions from being labeled an incomplete monarch to achieving completeness by wholly absorbing the Shadow Monarch’s powers. This transformation eradicates all limitations, including restrictions on shadow exchange and extraction. For the Monarchs, this represents a worst-case scenario, reigniting their fears of the newly empowered Shadow Monarch.
Previously, the might of the Shadow Monarch struck terror into the hearts of the Monarchs, particularly against Rakan and Baran, culminating in their betrayal. Now, it is Jin-Woo who emerges as a daunting threat to Sillad, Rakan, and Querehsha, prompting their ambitions for a Seoul incursion. Although circumstances have evolved, the outcomes remain consistent: the Shadow Monarch reclaims the narrative supremacy.
“The hunt will proceed as planned. Nothing has changed,”Sillad reassured Rakan.
Even the revered Monarchs are not invulnerable within the realm of Solo Leveling. Each interference with Jin-Woo leads to a humbling encounter with his escalating prowess. While his adversaries perceive him as merely an incomplete monarch, his abilities bridge the divide between an ordinary human and a transcendent being. Ultimately, being an incomplete monarch proves advantageous as Jin-Woo embraces his unification with the Shadow Monarch in this gripping saga.