Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 21, titled “It Was All Worth It,” marks a significant turning point in Sung Jinwoo’s journey. After battling through the Demon Castle, Jinwoo finally obtains the Elixir of Life, the key to curing his mother’s Eternal Sleep Disease, but this victory brings him to a crossroads where he must confront his fears and decide his next steps.
Jinwoo’s Triumphant Return and Emotional Reunion
After conquering the Demon Castle, Sung Jinwoo obtains the final ingredient for the Elixir of Life [1, 4]. He rushes to his mother’s hospital room, hoping to save her from the Eternal Sleep Disease [4, 5]. The scene is described as fantastically scored and paced, with the little details exquisitely showing just how much this is affecting him [8]. The episode showcases a tender reunion between Jinwoo and his mother, highlighting the emotional weight of his journey [8, 11]. After four long years, Jinwoo weeps at the feel of his mother’s touch [8].
The Price of Power: Jinwoo’s Internal Conflict
However, Jinwoo is also plagued by the fear that he may have entered a realm where he should not have set foot [5, 11]. He has sacrificed much to bring his mother back, almost completely throwing away concepts like trust, empathy, and mercy [8]. He’s a murderer several times over, and that’s not counting the sentient monsters he’s slaughtered [8]. Jinwoo is well aware that he, at times, feels like he no longer fits in [8]. While he wants to immerse himself in the life he has regained, there’s still that other part of him that has awakened—the part that is driven to become ever stronger regardless of the consequences [8].
The Jeju Island Raid: A Crossroads
Meanwhile, Jinwoo is urgently requested to join a raid to reclaim Jeju Island, a rare opportunity for massive level progression [4, 5]. But as he contemplates the offer, the faces of his mother and sister flash through his mind [4, 11]. He is at a crossroads as he weighs what’s most important [5]. Will he risk everything for power, or prioritize his family [4]?
A Masterpiece of Character Development
Episode 21 is the anime’s first entirely actionless episode – & that’s a good thing [1]. It provides an important build up for the fight to come, while also bringing a major chapter in Sung Jinwoo’s personal journey to a close [1]. Solo Leveling episode 21 is nothing short of a masterpiece with the character development [9, 10]. After everything, Jinwoo finally cured his mom [9].
Looking Ahead
The episode hints at some action to come by way of the Korean Hunters’ sparring match with the S-Rank Hunters from Japan, but that’s merely the cliffhanger for next week [1]. The next few episodes will be full of the battles they crave, with the highly anticipated Jeju Island Raid officially starting [1]. Fans will have at least another week to wait before the true action is underway [1].
