You Won't Believe Humanity's REAL Enemy in Solo Leveling

Summary

Humanity’s greed makes them monetize power, turning hunters into assets rather than protectors.
Humans exploit, betray, and kill each other for personal gain, unlike Monarchs, who follow their nature.
Some hunters defy greed’s norms and selflessly protect others, providing hope for humanity.

In a simplified and natural way: The destructive power and objective of total destruction represented by the Monarchs in Solo Leveling might lead one to view the central conflict as an obvious battle between humanity and all-encompassing evil. However, considering they were created from the Absolute Being for the sole purpose of destroying everything, this perspective seems justified. Readers familiar with their true nature from the original material understand that they are indeed relentless in causing chaos.

Without delving too deeply into the story, it’s clear that the perspective presented is quite simplistic. Although Monarchs are clearly destructive, human nature has shown an unsettling capacity for darkness throughout history. Greed, treachery, and ruthless ambition have led humans to commit terrible acts willingly – actions surprisingly similar to those of their supposed foes, the Monarchs. This raises a question: Could it be that in our struggle against beings destined for destruction, humanity’s most dangerous and perhaps truest enemy might be found within ourselves?

The Commodification Of Power

From A System Of Protection To A Market Of Abilities

Gates
Rank	S-E
Light Novel	Chapter 2
Webtoon	Chapter 2

In a remarkable turn of events, hunters emerged as our protectors against the sinister creatures that poured out from enchanted doorways called Gates, saving humanity from destruction. Yet, the exploitation of these hunters’ powers has been a stark reminder of mankind’s insatiable greed. Over time, it transformed into a form of entertainment, leading to the establishment of guilds and the acquisition of gates for clearing and boosting the guild’s wealth and power. The trade and ownership of hunters became commonplace. Instead of being viewed as fellow humans, they were devalued and assessed by their rank and abilities, with their worth measured in monetary terms.

One of the central ideas that the series highlights, although it’s not always immediately apparent, is that humans don’t just adjust to crises; rather, their greed leads them to exploit them. What was originally designed as a system for safeguarding those less fortunate evolved into a capitalistic structure, where power and resources are accumulated by the few who can afford it. This is evident even during the Jeju Island Raid, as high-ranking national hunters were excluded from the raid team due to their inability to pay the required fees.

This system strays from its original intent, making it difficult for those without or unable to afford electricity, putting them at a disadvantage. Although the idea of wealth being determined by one’s abilities isn’t inherently evil, human greed often goes beyond that point.

The Atrocities Of Monarchs And Humans

Monsters By Nature Vs Monsters By Choice

In the series Solo Leveling, the Monarchs are consistently portrayed as adversaries with a single objective: worldwide devastation and conquest. This inclination towards destruction and disorder is an inherent trait within them, not something that can be criticized. They bring chaos to the world not because they wish for specific events or favor one group over another, but simply because it’s what they were created to do. Conquering is their very essence. In contrast, humans in this story make conscious decisions about their actions, and more frequently than not, their avarice leads to choices that ultimately lead to chaos.

Hunters often prioritize financial rewards over their fellow comrades, while organizations do the same with their employees for wealth and reputation. These actions have become so commonplace that they’re viewed as smart moves instead of indications of greed or deceit. Regrettably, humans opt to harm each other for personal profit rather than naturally, and this is a choice, not an inherent instinct. Even nations aren’t immune, as Japan was ready to sacrifice high-ranking hunters from both Korea and Japan to boost Goto Ryuji to the National level. Some of the saddest moments in the series are caused less by the Monarchs and more by human greed and self-interest.

The Human Cost Of Greed

The Price Of Ambition

The terror and sorrow inflicted by monstrous creatures is one matter; the discrimination and harm inflicted by other humans is a different story. Throughout the series, we see instances where human greed results in tragic consequences. A clear illustration of this is Sung Jin-Woo before his transformation. As an E-Rank hunter, one of the weakest among them, Sung Jin-Woo was often victimized by the system. Due to his weakness, he barely managed to scrape together what was needed for raids and lived a hand-to-mouth existence, constantly evading death with insufficient weapons or protection.

Example of one who succumbs to greed is Kang Taeshik. Greed overtook him so much that he had no qualms about killing fellow hunters, even those who hadn’t wronged anyone. He went to great lengths to safeguard his name and his business, which involved capturing imprisoned hunters in dungeons for money, ultimately leading to his demise. Japan too suffered a steep cost due to greed, losing more than half of their S-Ranked hunters. The relentless pursuit of wealth, fame, or power can blind these characters to the fundamental need for empathy, a characteristic essential for human progress.

Hope For Humanity

Defying The Norms Of A Greedy World

It’s heartening to see that some hunters deviate from the materialistic values imposed by the capitalist system, often exemplified by Sung Jin-Woo. Throughout the series, Jinwoo consistently demonstrates his humanitarian spirit, choosing to aid and safeguard those in need, unlike other powerful characters who tend to act selfishly. His selfless actions serve as a beacon of hope for humanity, making him an exceptional protagonist.

In simpler terms, Monarchs could potentially pose a severe risk to humankind in the near future. However, human avarice functions much like a subtle toxin, gradually eroding society without immediate detection. While individuals such as Sung Jin-Woo contribute selflessly to society’s betterment, the greed of others may overshadow these noble acts, eventually turning them into adversaries for humanity in the long term.

2025-04-12 19:06

You Won’t Believe Humanity’s REAL Enemy in Solo Leveling