Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadows S2 Ep 8 Review
Week after week, Solo Leveling continues to shatter streaming records on Crunchyroll. It is currently the most-watched anime on the platform, and a big part of that is due to its constant escalation of conflict. For example, two episodes ago, the Internet lost it over Jin-woo’s fight with the High Orcs. But that fight manages to get topped by this episode’s climactic battle and introduce the second-best girl in the series. Not only that, but it continues to build up another battle that’s been coming since the start of the series.
A New Waifu Approaches
When Jin-woo came looking for the group that was beating his Shadows, he fully expected a fight. He got one at first, but as soon as his opponents were down to one left…she surrendered. Then she tried to pull of a sneak attack, got intimidated, and surrendered for real.
This cowardly woman is Esil Radiru, the daughter of the distinguished Radiru family of Demons. As she explains to Jin-woo, she and all the other Demons were summoned to this Dungeon from the Demon Realm and ordered to defend it from intruders. I.E. from Jin-woo. Any further attempts to learn more, though, are hampered by the System.
Esil is into Sung Jin-woo
It is impossible not to love Esil ♥️ #SoloLeveling pic.twitter.com/lf0M4fTRum
— Solo Leveling (@SoloLevelAnime) February 23, 2025
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Between this and his failed attempt to learn from Beruka, it’s clear to Jin-woo that there are things the System does not want him to know. However, since he’s gotten stronger thanks to it, he gives it a pass for the time being. In addition, he also chooses to spare Esil and her house in exchange for two things:
1.) He wants their permit to head to the next level.
2.) He wants Esil to come with him as a guide/porter.
The Best Fight Yet
If it’s not obvious by the end of the episode, Esil’s fallen for Jin-woo for both his strength and his kindness to those weaker than him. This latter part proves important, as it shows that, despite his colder outlook on life, Jin-woo remains a kind and caring person to people like Esil and Jinho. As long as you don’t pick a fight with him, he’s a chill person. As a result of this kindness, Esil chooses to repay him by distracting the final boss during a critical moment that would have otherwise killed him.
As for the final boss of the Dungeon, Baram the Demon Monarch, it is as epic and as high stakes as you’d expect. Jin-woo pushes himself to his absolute limits to fight the anime equivalent of a Dark Souls boss. Even with all his power and army at his disposal, though, he only comes out by the skin of his teeth. Which is further proof that he needs to keep getting stronger if he wants to survive.
Especially since a threat that’s been looming in the background is about to rear its exoskeleton-covered head.
Wrath of the Mutant Ants
Jeju Island is the only arc left for Season 2!
It is one of the best arcs in the entirety of the series 🔥 #SoloLeveling pic.twitter.com/StDwmmlRVC
— Solo Leveling (@SoloLevelAnime) February 22, 2025
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Over the course of the two seasons, the anime has given viewers glimpses at a powerful threat brewing in the background. We prepared an entirely separate post better explaining it, but here are the basics.
- There’s an entire island overrun by giant Ant Monsters
- Even the common Ant Monsters are as strong as an A-Ranked Hunter.
- They’ve developed the ability to fly and reach other lands.
As shown in this episode, one of them reached part of the Japanese Islands, tore the place to shreds, and killed several Hunters before they could kill it. And there’s an island with thousands of them ready to leave to find more food.
In other words, if they get off Jeju Island, every country in the region will die. And the rest of Asia will be next.
Thus, the governments of Japan and Korea decide to do something about this and have agreed to form an alliance. The top Hunters from both countries will invade Jeju Island and wipe out the Ants before they can invade the mainland.
The Ant War is Coming
Jeju Island Raid is coming! 🔥 #SoloLeveling pic.twitter.com/54QnUPRxtp
— Solo Leveling (@SoloLevelAnime) February 22, 2025
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You can already tell where this is going. As the main protagonist, Jin-woo is going to be the lynchpin to making sure this operation succeeds. But now that he has the ingredients for the medicine for his mother, will he be willing to risk his life like this? He might want to take it easy for a while.
Who are we kidding? The plot will demand that he has to help fight the mutant ants. The sight of his Shadow Army fighting an army of killer ants is too good to pass up.
Now, who is the best girl?
Who is best girl in Solo Leveling? #SoloLeveling pic.twitter.com/TiKGbCmQ7O
— 𝐕𝐉☆ (@VjDontMiss) February 22, 2025
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