Solo Leveling ending explained – Does Sung Jinwoo become the Shadow Monarch?

The Solo Leveling anime, based on the popular manhwa series, has been met with overwhelming success. It has captured the hearts of both new and existing fans, who have been eagerly anticipating its adaptation into an animated format. The show has gained a significant following and has become a favorite among audiences.

The twelfth and final episode of the winter 2024 anime, titled Arise, aired on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Fans are feeling bittersweet as they bid temporary farewell to the series until its second season. However, there is also a sense of excitement as the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, is bestowed with a new job title by the System. Despite this, there are some fans who have expressed doubts about Jinwoo’s new class designation as the Shadow Monarch.

Eagerly anticipated by fans, is the conclusion of the Solo Leveling anime which will reveal whether the protagonist successfully obtains the Shadow Monarch title. The truth is that Jinwoo does indeed become the Shadow Monarch.

Jinwoo Becomes the Shadow Monarch: The Epic Conclusion of the Solo Leveling Anime

The first season of the Solo Leveling anime concluded with its twelfth episode, in which the main character Sung Jinwoo successfully completes the job-change quest by defeating an endless horde of enemies.

Despite his success, Jinwoo is bestowed with the class of Necromancer by the System, giving him the choice to either accept or decline his new position. Initially hesitant due to his preference for frontline combat as an assassin, Jinwoo eventually decides to decline the offer.

Despite initially considering accepting the offer, Jinwoo reconsiders his decision upon receiving a warning from the System about the possibility of being assigned a hidden class. However, he realizes that being a Necromancer does not necessarily mean he will be relegated to the back lines and ultimately chooses to accept his new job title after careful consideration.

Jinwoo with his shadow army in episode 12 (Image via A-1 Pictures)
Jinwoo with his shadow army in episode 12 (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Upon accepting the quest, Jinwoo is promptly awarded numerous bonus points for his outstanding performance. He surpasses the expected survival time, refrains from utilizing the Instant Teleportation Stone, successfully finishes the quest with more than 50% HP remaining, defeats all encountered enemies, and accumulates advancement points, surpassing the class threshold.

As a result, he is given the new job title of Shadow Monarch. Thus, the conclusion of the Solo Leveling anime shows Jinwoo being assigned the Shadow Monarch job title by the system. This signifies the start of his journey towards becoming the true Shadow Monarch, which would unfold in the future story.

Despite potentially causing confusion for viewers who are only familiar with the anime, fans of the manhwa and light novel are already familiar with this particular aspect of the story.

As per the original narrative, Jinwoo’s role as the Shadow Monarch in the anime’s ending marks the start of his journey towards becoming the genuine Shadow Monarch.

Despite this, it should not be assumed that he has fully embraced his role as the true Shadow Monarch. In the current storyline of the anime, Jinwoo has only begun to take the necessary steps towards embracing his new identity and fulfilling his role. Though he has successfully gathered and is able to control his shadow army, he has not yet reached the level of power that is typically associated with the true Shadow Monarch, such as Ashborn.

In conclusion

Jinwoo in episode 12 (Image via A-1 Pictures)
Jinwoo in episode 12 (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The conclusion of the Solo Leveling anime also introduces a crucial turning point by initiating the Jeju Island Arc. In the final episode, Choi Jongin, Cha Haein, and their fellow hunters arrive on Jeju Island and quickly encounter a highly evolved ant monster with wings.

This progress suggests the future difficulties and obstacles that will arise in the fourth Jeju Island expedition, set to unfold in the second season of the anime.

Evaluation of Solo Leveling at the midway point of the season

Comprehensive roster of voice actors for Solo Leveling

Information about the sequel to Solo Leveling

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