Solo Leveling: The TRUTH About Ashborn They DON’T Want You To Know!

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Summary

  • Ashborn was the original Monarch of Shadow and was feared by both Rulers and Monarchs.
  • After finding a human vessel, Sung Jinwoo, Ashborn passed on all his powers to him.
  • Ashborn decides to find purpose by descending to the human world and passing on the Shadow Monarch’s powers.

The second season of Solo Leveling has presented us with some of the Manhwa series’ strongest characters so far. Interestingly, we haven’t ventured beyond the human realm to witness the immense power held by Rulers and Monarchs yet. Intriguingly, Sung Jinwoo’s powers stem from one such Monarch – Ashborn.

Among the numerous dominant and treacherous rulers portrayed in the series, none compare to the enigmatic figure known as Ashborn, the Shadow Monarch. Though he has yet to make an appearance on screen for those following the anime, readers of the manga have already been captivated by this intriguing character.

What sets Ashborn apart from the rest is not merely his extraordinary powers but rather his compelling backstory. This mysterious Monarch, who wields unparalleled strength among all his peers, has left us eagerly awaiting more insights into his past and the motivations that drive him.

WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for the Solo Leveling Manhwa.

Ashborn Was The Original Monarch Of Shadows In Solo Leveling

He Was Feared By Both Rulers And Monarchs

Ashborn wasn’t initially the most dominant figure; instead, he was among the many rulers who had been waging war against the Monarchs for millennia. Eventually, Ashborn rose to become the Shadow Monarch or the King of the Departed. The conflict between Monarchs and Rulers had been raging since the Absolute Being, a divine entity in the world of ‘Solo Leveling’, was still active. The rulers and monarchs were engaged in an eternal war at the behest of the Absolute Being, but they later discovered that their struggle was senseless. It served no purpose beyond providing amusement for the Absolute Being.

In a different phrasing, here’s how the story could be told:

The Leaders opted to break free from their controlled roles and staged a revolt against the Supreme Entity. However, Ashborn remained steadfast in his devotion to his deity and suffered defeat at the hands of the other Leaders. Just moments before his demise, Ashborn discovered that the Supreme Entity had stored immense and terrifying power within him all along. In a sense, his God compensated him for his unwavering loyalty. Later on, after unlocking these powers, Ashborn assumed the title of Shadow Monarch, rushing to protect his deity. Unfortunately, it was already too late. The Leaders had slain the Supreme Entity, and they also detained Legia, the First Monarch.

I serve as a testament to your fierce battle. I stand as proof of your defiance. I embody the result of your suffering. I am both death and everlasting peace, and I am also a source of fear. I am you – Ashborn to Jinwoo.

In this situation, the Rulers held dominance, poised to conclude a conflict stretching across eternity. Yet, Ashborn chose to intervene by joining forces with the Monarchs, ensuring the war persisted as decreed by the Cosmic Entity. For many years, Ashborn battled against the Rulers, his immense powers striking fear into even the mighty Monarchs. Envy or dread caused two Monarchs, Rakan and Baran, to betray the Shadow Monarch. In the ensuing conflict, both Monarchs suffered defeat, with Baran ultimately losing his life in combat against Ashborn.

At this juncture, the Leaders came to understand that Ashborn had never been their adversary, hence they earnestly requested his return to their alliance. However, Ashborn found no reason to fight anymore after being deceived by the Monarchs, so he remained undecided about their proposal. Instead, he chose to conceal himself, a move that left the Monarchs exposed and, as anticipated, they ultimately lost the battle against the Leaders. During this period, Ashborn was working tirelessly to reestablish his Secret Troops. Several years down the line, Ashborn sought out Antares, the Destructive Monarch, and aligned with them. Yet, he did not join the Monarchs to battle the Leaders; rather, he aimed to monitor them from within.

Ashborn Decides To Find A Purpose By Descending To The Human World

He Finds A Worthy Successor, Sung Jinwoo

Following their defeat in the war, Antares contemplates a new strategy: conquering Earth and enlisting humans to augment his military forces. The rulers were determined to thwart this plan, thus they established the Hunters and bestowed powers upon those deemed worthy. Seeing an opening, Ashborn moves decisively by approaching Kandiaru, a powerful mage, requesting him to find a suitable human host. Intrigued by the offer of immortality, Kandiaru agrees to carry out Ashborn’s wishes and develops The System to identify a worthy vessel for Ashorn. Over an extended period, Kandiaru meticulously screened numerous humans, but it was Jinwoo who finally measured up to Antares’ expectations.

At first, it seemed like Ashborn intended to seize control of Jinwoo once he reached Level 100. However, the Shadow Monarch had a different scheme for Jinwoo; he aimed to choose Jinwoo as his successor by transferring all his powers to him instead. While Jinwoo initially experienced only fragments of Ashborn’s abilities via the System, it was during the Monarch War arc that Ashborn recognized Jinwoo’s potential and granted him the Black Heart, bestowing greater power upon him.

In the instance when Jinwoo was on the brink of death following his defeat against the Frost and Beast Monarch, Ashborn disguised himself in a vision as Go Gunhee. However, Jinwoo recognized the deception and requested to see the genuine figure. At this juncture, Ashborn stepped forward, unveiling the truth to Jinwoo, and bestowing upon him the powers of the Shadow Monarch.

The Supreme Entity bestowed the powers of the Dark Ruler upon Ashborn, and after discovering Jinwoo as an ideal candidate, Ashborn followed suit. Throughout his life, Ashborn remained steadfast in his devotion to his deity, and recognizing that Jinwoo shared an equal level of resolve to safeguard his kin, the Dark Ruler concluded that the boy was his ideal successor.

In a more conversational style, here’s your suggested rephrase: “You know, instead of trying to figure out who I am, maybe it would be more beneficial for you to ponder on who you are – as your own architect.

Meanwhile, the rulers dispatched their warrior, Sung II-Hwan, with the mission to slay the newly appointed Shadow Monarch. Despite Ashborn’s refusal to accept the rulers’ apology, they presumed he was still loyal to the monarchy. However, it wasn’t until one of Ashborn’s successors eliminated a monarch that they understood the new Shadow Monarch was not their adversary. Eventually, Jinwoo, the current Shadow Monarch, upheld Ashborn’s traditions and wiped out every remaining monarch to protect the weak and vulnerable among them.

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2025-02-08 22:24