Jin-Woo Cancels Shadow Extraction on Min Byung-Gu

by

Summary

  • Sung Jin-Woo surprises everyone by releasing Min Byung-Gu’s shadow, a first for him.
  • Byung-Gu’s shadow automatically heals Cha Hae-In after being summoned by Jin-Woo.
  • Jin-Woo cancels the shadow extraction on Byung-Gu out of respect for his peaceful nature.

In the popular series Solo Leveling, protagonist Sung Jin-Woo is renowned for his ability to summon shadows, a skill that lets him raise an army of these entities. Typically, he employs this talent on defeated adversaries. However, during the raid at Jeju Island, instead of the usual enemies, Jin-Woo utilizes the skill on Min Byung-Gu, a high-ranking S-rank healer who perished in combat against the Ant King. Remarkably, for the first time, Jin-Woo frees Byung-Gu’s shadow.

Before Jin-Woo takes on Byung-Gu’s shadow, the healer valiantly confronts the Ant Queen, her guards, and the Ant King. In a heroic attempt to safeguard his comrades, he uses every healing and enhancing magic at his disposal. Sadly, this brave struggle results in his untimely death. The Ant King not only consumes Byung-Gu’s head but also assimilates some of his powers. Luckily, Jin-Woo arrives in the nick of time to carry on Byung-Gu’s mission to rescue fellow S-rank hunters and vanquish the Ant King in the series Solo Leveling.

The following section contains spoilers from Solo Leveling‘s Jeju Island Arc

Sung Jin-Woo Uses Shadow Extraction on Min Byung-Gu

A Drastic Measure to Save Cha Hae-In’s Life

At first, I found myself in disagreement with Yoon-Ho’s resolution to participate in the fourth Jeju Island raid party, a decision that followed the heartbreaking aftermath of their previous attempt which claimed Eunseok’s life. However, Yoon-Ho’s unyielding spirit and dedication to safeguard our nation resonated deeply within me. Consequently, I emerged from my retirement to take part in this mission, standing by my friend. In the end, I became the lone healer for our group, bracing ourselves against the Ant Queen and her surviving guards.

Initially, everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, but then an unexpected turn of events occurred – the Ant Queen perished, and her potent successor, the Ant King, sought vengeance. Amidst this chaos, Byung-Gu, a crucial member of our team, employed his healing and augmentation spells, knowing full well that he was exposing himself to heightened danger. It didn’t take long for the Ant King to set his sights on Byung-Gu, leaving the other combatants, notably Cha Hae-In, in a precarious state due to their grievous wounds, thus hindering their ability to fight back effectively.

“Listen up, Shadows, go find Byung-Gu’s body!”—Sung Jin-Woo

Though it seems all hope is gone, Sung Jin-Woo exchanges places with a dark knight in disguise to assist in the defeat of the Ant King. In time, Jin-Woo discerns that Cha Hae-In’s life hangs in the balance due to her grievous wounds. With no other recourse, Jin Woo orders all his shadows to locate Byung-Gu’s remains. Even without Byung-Gu’s head, Jin-Woo manages to retrieve his shadow, which he uses to mend Hae-In and restore her life.

Min Byung-Gu Becomes One of Jin-Woo’s Shadows

Jin-Woo Fails Twice in Summoning Byung-Gu’s Shadow

In the story of Solo Leveling, Jin-Woo chooses not to take the shadows of defeated enemies for the first time. This is unusual because he often employs this skill on fallen foes, particularly those with immense power and strength. Previously, he never hesitated to use this ability on potential future adversaries. However, in a surprising twist, Jin-Woo decides to free Byung-Gu’s shadow despite knowing about his potent healing and buff magic abilities.

On Jeju Island, Jin-Woo unsuccessfully summons Byung-Gu twice, showing his remarkable determination to withstand this ability. It’s believed that the effectiveness of the shadow extraction skill hinges not only on a target’s strength or level but also on their readiness to acknowledge Jin-Woo as their leader and enlist in his forces. After three tries, Jin-Woo finally raises Byung-Gu’s shadow, leaving the spectators – notably Baek Yoon-Ho – utterly astonished, struggling to comprehend what transpired.

“This is the only way. Arise”—Sung Jin-Woo

Immediately following the summoning, Byung-Gu’s shadow spontaneously cures Cha Hae-In without Jin-Woo’s instructions, showcasing Byung-Gu’s benevolent and empathetic personality. However, for Yoon-Ho, the shadow is no longer Byung-Gu. He has tragically lost Byung-Gu and there’s no means to restore him in reality.

Jin-Woo Releases Min Byung-Gu’s Shadow

Jin-Woo Cancels Shadow Extraction

Although Min Byung-Gu’s shadow could prove valuable in combat due to his skills, Baek Yoon-Ho feels it would be a grave disregard if Jin-Woo were to consider keeping his shadow as a permanent arrangement. This is because Byung-Gu is not the type who desires to lead the charge and battle magical creatures repeatedly. His distaste for fighting was one of the factors that led him to decline the Jeju Island mission initially. Instead, he prefers a more scholarly path, aspiring to become a history professor rather than delving into dungeons and slaying monsters.

Observing the situation, it’s clear that Jin-Woo isn’t the type of anime character who disregards Byung-Gu’s feelings. Moved by Byung-Gu’s predicament, Jin-Woo elects to forgo using the shadow extraction skill on his own shadow, ensuring he can finally find peace. Similarly, in respect for Byung-Gu, Jin-Woo makes a similar choice regarding the Ant Queen’s shadow as well.

“I guess he thinks it’s immoral to turn a human being into a shadow.”-Sung Jin-Woo

In the captivating world of ‘Solo Leveling’, my encounter with Min Byung-Gu’s demise serves as a stark reminder that not even the mightiest S-rank hunters are invulnerable. His heroic last stand speaks volumes about his bravery, and it’s evident that Jin-Woo acknowledges this legacy, underscoring that even with extraordinary abilities, his humanity remains undiminished.

Read More

2025-03-29 16:54