Secrets Unveiled: The Real Reason Monsters Attack in Solo Leveling

This article contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa series.

Summary

Magic beasts in Solo Leveling attack humans due to manipulation by higher beings like the Monarchs and Rulers.
Monsters have essence stones that compel them to attack humans, driven by a voice inside their heads.
The Rulers and the Monarchs use monsters as pawns to prepare for a large-scale war in Solo Leveling.

In the series titled “Solo Leveling“, creatures known as magic beasts possess an overwhelming urge to harm and assault humans. Regardless if they are high orcs, golems, or simple goblins, these magic beasts view humans merely as prey. Unlike many anime and manga that offer numerous explanations for the aggression of the monsters, the magic beasts in “Solo Leveling” attack humans due to a far more significant motivation than simply following their instincts.

The appearance of mysterious gates worldwide has led to a conflict between mankind and enchanted creatures. On the other side of these gates, extraordinary beings battle magical beasts, preventing them from causing mass human casualties and devastating cities. These valiant figures are a boon for humanity, but the monsters represent a curse—a manifestation of the unspeakable terrors hidden within the gates.

What Exactly Are the Monsters in Solo Leveling?

They Are the Denizens of the Chaos World

At first glance, the creatures in Solo Leveling seem like mindless beasts guided by instinct alone. However, it’s not widely known that certain monsters, particularly high-ranking dungeon bosses, possess reasoning abilities. They can converse, wield weapons, mobilize armies, and even devise battle plans. Given the communication barrier between humans and monsters, except for Sung Jin-Woo who speaks their language fluently, negotiations are out of reach, making a diplomatic approach to handling monsters appear impractical.

“The longer you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.” — Sung Jin-Woo

In chapter 137 of Solo Leveling, it’s disclosed that the creatures dwelling within the enigmatic gates hail from the turmoil-ridden world. However, they are not your average inhabitants as the beasts confined within the gates are mere remnants of the armies once commanded by the Monarchs. After being controlled by the rulers’ forces for such a prolonged period, their pride has eroded significantly, amplifying their lust for blood. The Monarch of the Beginning is the only exception, as these monsters have already succumbed to madness.

Why Do Monsters Attack Humans?

In their eternal struggle for existence, humans face relentless attacks by monstrous entities. These creatures are driven not only by instinctual impulses or deep-seated grudges, but also by external influences such as the Monarchs and Rulers. The monsters carry magic crystals or essence stones within them, which incessantly urge them to prey on humans. It’s as if an inner voice compels them to attack humanity against their own free will.

Primal Instinct and Survival

Monsters are predatory creatures that primarily act on instinct, with lower-intelligence ones tending to attack anything that’s moving. They often view humans as a food source, considering us part of the food chain. This behavior is natural given that we coexist in the same world. Additionally, magical beasts might perceive humans as a potential intruder into their territory, particularly hunters who raid dungeons. It’s also understandable for monsters to be hostile towards an unknown species, and even more so when that species shows signs of aggression or hunting intent.

Manipulation of Higher Beings

In many fantasies and isekai anime, it’s often depicted that more powerful beings, sometimes referred to as higher entities, control weaker creatures. These controlled entities are usually employed by a greater evil entity, such as a demon lord, who directs them to attack humans for the goal of destruction or conquest. This narrative is quite common in these genres.

Ever since I’ve been pondering if monsters could experience fear, it seems like I’ve finally found the answer to that intriguing question of mine.

In the series “Solo Leveling”, it’s revealed that the superior beings, particularly the Rulers, have a more sinister objective. They’re exploiting magical beasts to turn the human world into a vast battleground. Their ultimate aim is to fortify the human world with an abundance of magical energy, making it resilient enough to survive another conflict with the Monarchs. The creatures and essence stones serve as stepping stones for an impending war, where humanity finds itself entangled once more.

Right from the start, the struggle between Leaders and Kings significantly influences the destiny of monsters and humans in the series “Solo Leveling“. Thankfully, there’s a young man named Sung Jin-Woo who’s ready to sacrifice himself to alter this grim future.

2025-03-20 17:00