The Black Ant: Unleashing the Ultimate Power in Solo Leveling!

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This article contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling Manhwa

Summary

  • Korea vs Japan ends with decisive victory as Jinwoo sits out, leading to major consequences.
  • The Black Ant emerges as the strongest magical beast, defeating multiple S-Rank Hunters instantly.
  • The Ant King, born with a vengeance after the Ant Queen’s death, possesses immense strength, speed, and skill absorption capabilities.

At last, the eagerly anticipated Solo Leveling’s Jeju Island Arc has been set in motion. Hunters from South Korea and Japan have united their efforts to quell the menacing ant colony on Jeju Island. The Japanese team served as distractors, while the Korean Hunters zeroed in on the Queen Ant. However, just when everything seemed to be going swimmingly, a formidable and enigmatic adversary emerged on the scene!

As the Raid party appeared to be nearing victory, an unexpected twist emerged with the arrival of a formidable black ant. With Jin-Woo not participating in this raid, how will this creature impact the ensuing battle? Is the latest character introduction in Solo Leveling, a beast imbued with extraordinary magical powers, the strongest we’ve encountered so far?

The Black Ant, Explained

What is the Black Ant?

Despite their incredible strength, the colossal ants were finding it challenging to endure. They had already wiped out all life on the island and the scarcity of food was causing them to resort to cannibalism. The Ant Queen recognized this dire situation and wanted to depart from the island promptly. However, they needed a powerful symbol to guide them if they were to rule over other colonies.

Currently, an egg crackles open, giving birth to the Black Ant. This creature possesses a humanoid form. Its body is encased in a robust and durable black exoskeleton. The remarkable power of the Black Ant is hinted at as early as Season 2, Episode 10, when it emits a powerful purple blast into the heavens.

There is not enough food here for my subjects to feed on.

This won’t do. We must leave this island.

I need stronger offspring…

A child more powerful than any other, capable of leading our kingdom.

– Ant Queen, Season 2, Episode 10

How Strong is the Black Ant?

In the anime, the Black Ant is the most powerful magical creature encountered yet. When it made its debut during the raid, it swiftly eliminated three top-tier Japanese Hunters without hesitation. Following this, it returned to find its queen deceased, triggering a fury within it. This enraged ant not only vanquished an entire party of South Korean hunters but also claimed the life of Min Byung-Gyu and gravely wounded Cha Hae-In.

Upon Jin-Woo’s arrival for battle against the Black Ant, he recognized its impressive might. He went so far as to liken it to the strength of Baran, suggesting that it may even surpass him.

What was the Black Ant’s Objective?

Originally, the Black Ant was born with the purpose of enhancing its colony by preying on humans. However, upon the demise of the Ant Queen, it embarked on a path of vengeance. In order to avenge the Queen’s death, the ant began searching for its human counterpart, whom they regarded as their “King.” This search earned the creature the moniker “Ant King“. Ryuji Goto asserted his kingship, only to meet an untimely end. Jin-Woo’s arrival resulted in a confrontation with the Ant King. Despite feeling superior in the fight, the Ant King ultimately perished shortly after.

From the very start, I, an onlooker, bore witness to the Ant King’s unshakable belief in its own strength. Yet, when I found myself face to face with Jin-Woo, the Ant King was left stunned as it was outmatched. In the aftermath of the Ant King’s demise, Jin-Woo claimed the fallen monarch’s shadow and christened him “Beru”.

The Ant King’s Abilities

Immense Physical Strength and Defense

The colossal Ant Queen boasted incredible physical power, swiftly eliminating eight elite S-Rank Hunters, among them Goto Ryuji. In a flash, it severely wounded Cha Hae-In as well. This formidable creature owed its durability to its robust black exoskeleton, proving resilient against multiple assaults from Jin-Woo initially.

High Speed

Instead of launching head-on assaults against Jin-Woo, the Ant King adapted to using its extraordinary speed as a tactic. By shrinking its colossal form, it allowed its four wings to generate remarkable velocity. Only Jin-Woo was faster.

Skill Absorption

The Ant-King had the unique talent to absorb the capabilities of any creature it consumed, thereby enhancing its own abilities over time.

  • Paralysis Poison: After consuming a cone snail, the Ant King was able to use a lethal poison which became deadlier after merging with the mana present in its body.
  • Human Speech: Consuming multiple Hunters gave it the ability to speak various human languages, which is evident from it being able to converse with both Jin-Woo and Ryuji.
  • Healing Magic: After consuming Min Byung-Gyu’s head, the Ant King gained access to healing magic which it used to heal its injured arm and wings.

In its Ant King form, this creature could singlehandedly overpower many high-ranking Hunters. Now, as Beru, it faithfully fights alongside Jin-Woo. With more powerful shadows at his command, Jin-Woo too is growing stronger. Is there anyone who can match or surpass the strength of Jin-Woo?

Solo Leveling is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

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2025-03-10 19:59