Episode 22 of Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- has been released, and it’s stirring up quite a bit of discussion among fans. The episode, titled “We Need a Hero,” premiered on March 8, 2025, and is available on Crunchyroll. It sets the stage for the impending Jeju Island raid, highlighting the strength of the Japanese hunters and the potential danger our heroes face.
Korea vs. Japan: A Friendly Match Turns Sour
The episode begins with a friendly sparring match between top hunters from Korea and Japan. This match serves multiple purposes:
- Action Quota: It provides the action that fans crave.
- Character Introductions: It introduces viewers to new characters in this arc, giving insight into their personalities and powers. We get to see more of hunters like Cha Hae-in and Bael, along with the new Japanese hunters.
- Power Scaling: It establishes the relative strength of the Japanese S-Rank hunters, who defeat the Korean hunters with relative ease. The Korean team’s composition, with a long-range fighter (Lim) and a swordsman not suited for unarmed combat (Cha), is offered as a partial explanation for their loss.
The Rising Threat: An Evolved Ant Monster
The defeat of the Korean hunters by the Japanese team is a crucial setup for the episode’s climax. It highlights the danger the heroes are in. The newly introduced Japanese hunters are essentially expendable characters, and if they, who are stronger than our heroes, are defeated by a strong enemy, it demonstrates the magnitude of the threat. This point is further emphasized by the second-round fight between Jinwoo and Ryuji, where Ryuji is shown to be on par with Jinwoo.
The episode concludes with a newly evolved ant monster easily dispatching a Japanese S-Rank hunter, building tension and emphasizing the danger the heroes are in. Meanwhile, Jinwoo is back in Korea, continuing his training.
Jinwoo’s Choice: Family Over Duty
Despite his overwhelming power, Jinwoo declines the invitation to join the upcoming fourth Jeju Island raid. His mother’s recovery is his top priority, and he chooses family over battle, shocking Chairman Go. This decision sets the stage for the raid to commence without the protagonist.
Jeju Island Raid: A Looming Disaster?
With Jinwoo absent, the fourth Jeju Island raid begins, led by Japan’s Goto Ryuji and Korea’s top remaining S-Rank hunters, including Baek Yoonho, Min Byung-gu, and Choi Jong-in. While the initial phase of the raid appears successful, a deadly turn occurs deep within the ant nest. A dark, menacing presence stirs within the shadows of the ant colony.
The ant king, a monster with overwhelming intelligence and power, emerges. His sheer speed and power rival, perhaps even exceed, those of an S-rank hunter. With Jinwoo absent, the hunters realize they may not stand a chance. The episode ends with the ant king lunging forward, signaling the start of a one-sided massacre.
Key Takeaways and Talking Points
- Power Balancing: The episode does a good job of power-balancing Cha, making it clear that she was both out of her element and holding back during the fight.
- Ants’ Perspective: The episode offers a glimpse into the ants’ perspective, suggesting that their motivation extends beyond simply being told to kill humans.
- Death Flags: The episode is filled with death flags, creating a sense of foreboding.
- Cliffhanger: The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers anxious for the next episode.
Adaptation and Fan Reception
Some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with certain elements of the episode compared to the original manhwa, particularly the cutting of certain scenes. However, others have praised the episode for its action and for giving screen time to secondary characters. Despite some mixed reactions, the episode has successfully built anticipation for the upcoming Jeju Island raid and the challenges the hunters will face.
Where to Watch
Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. New episodes are released on Saturdays.
