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This article contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa.

Summary

Sung Jin-Woo’s quick rise from E-rank to S-rank hunter status is a drastic development in anime and manhwa history.
Ashborn, the first Shadow Monarch, bestows his power upon Sung Jin-Woo, making him the second Shadow Monarch.
Sung Jin-Woo retains his title as Shadow Monarch, leaving fans curious about the possibility of a third successor.

In the vast world of anime, I’ve noticed that many protagonists from the shounen genre are blessed with extraordinary powers, often inherited from a superior being or a human with exceptional talents. And just like these characters, our hero Sung Jin-Woo in ‘Solo Leveling’ isn’t left out. Unlike other skilled hunters he initially starts with weak magical abilities, but when an unforeseen opportunity knocks, this triggers his meteoric rise to power!

In an extraordinary turn of events, Sung Jin-Woo’s swift rise from a lowly E-rank hunter to the mighty S-rank in such a brief period is one of the most significant transformations ever seen in anime and manhwa lore. The intricate system and the Shadow Monarch’s presence pave the way for Jin-Woo to wield a power so formidable that none can challenge him. As the dominant figure in Solo Leveling, many readers are left wondering if another character might eventually rise and claim the title of the third Shadow Monarch.

Who Is the First Shadow Monarch?

The Absolute Being Bestows a Hidden Power Within Ashborn

The initial Shadow Monarch is none other than Ashborn, also known as the King of Death. He governs the force of death and manages the darkest aspect of power. He is exceptionally powerful among the messengers of the Supreme Entity and is famously recognized as the Greatest Beacon of Radiant Light. After a rebellion by the other messengers against the Supreme Entity, Ashborn uncovers a hidden strength within himself when he opens his eyes again in the darkness.

I serve as a testament to your hardships, the proof of your resilience, and the result of your sacrifices. I am death, I am endless peace, I am fear.”

This version maintains the same overall meaning while using more natural language that is easier for most readers to understand. The original text uses somewhat poetic language that may be less familiar to some people.

Initially summoning just one command, Ashborn conjures an army of shadows and resumes combat. However, in time, he learns that the Supreme Entity he had faithfully served is no more. Since that fateful day, Ashborn persists in his eternal struggle, no longer a beacon of pure light or messenger of the Supreme Entity, but as the pioneering Shadow Monarch instead.

Who Is the Second Shadow Monarch?

Sung Jin-Woo Absorbs Ashborn’s Power and Becomes One With Him

In time, Ashborn decides to collaborate with a magician, often referred to as the ‘architect’, in their quest to discover an appropriate host for Ashborn’s future arrival into our world. This task turned out to be quite arduous, as no human seemed suitable until Sung Jin-Woo piqued Ashborn’s attention and curiosity. It was during the Double Dungeon incident that Sung Jin-Woo found himself participating in a distinctive game engineered by the architect. This system serves to shape Jin-Woo’s development, enhancing his physical abilities so robustly that they can endure the power of the Shadow Monarch.

“I will show you the true power of a necromancer. Arise.”—Sung Jin-Woo

Instead of seizing control himself, Ashborn opts to pass his powers and sinister spirit onto Jin-Woo. Rather than occupying Jin-Woo’s body, Ashborn elects to let Jin-Woo take over from him. After absorbing all of Ashborn’s power upon Jin-Woo’s death at the hands of Rakan, the Beast Monarch, Jin-Woo eventually merges with Ashborn. Later on, in a surprising twist, Jin-Woo reappears as the second individual to bear the title of Shadow Monarch.

Would There Be a Third Shadow Monarch?

As I reached the finale of the captivating “Solo Leveling” manhwa, it’s me, Sung Jin-Woo, who held onto my powers and the esteemed title of Shadow Monarch. Not a soul dared to challenge my authority or replace me as the Shadow Monarch, not even in the altered timeline. Intriguingly, in chapter 179, an emissary from the Rulers advised me to depart from the human realm, expressing concerns that my mere presence could shape the destiny of our world.

In the follow-up story, “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok,” there was much anticipation among readers that Sung Jin-Woo’s son, Suho, would eventually gain all of his father’s power and ascend to become the third Shadow Monarch. However, contrary to these assumptions, Sung Jin-Woo continues to be present and has no plans to depart soon. It’s worth noting that another Shadow Monarch cannot arise as long as the current one is still alive. Additionally, Suho isn’t in line to succeed Jin-Woo but instead Antares, even though he possesses some of his father’s shadow powers.

In my relentless pursuit, I strived for personal power to avoid being dominated by a formidable force. It’s this journey that led me to reach the point I am at now.

At present, there’s no immediate need for the Shadow Monarch’s title to pass on, considering Jin-Woo’s immense power and skills. Instead, it might be more intriguing to ponder how a new successor could come about if Jin-Woo were to meet his end. If such an event occurs, it seems probable that Jin-Woo would act similarly to Ashborn by merging with his successor rather than seizing control of their body. It’s uncertain whether another Shadow Monarch will emerge—only the author of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok knows for sure, so readers must patiently wait for more information to unfold in the story.

2025-03-19 17:39