In the universe of Solo Leveling, a fundamental distinction exists between entering a dungeon and undertaking a quest. Dungeons are open to anyone, while quests are exclusive tasks assigned to the protagonist, Jinwoo, by the enigmatic System. The primary goal within a dungeon is to defeat its boss, but players have the option to return and challenge the dungeon again. This is particularly true for standard dungeons.
Conversely, quests come with specific rewards and repercussions. Successful completion of a quest grants Jinwoo a reward, but neglecting or failing to complete it results in various penalties. Although the narrative introduces numerous dungeons, quests are relatively rare. With that context, let’s explore the notable quests that have appeared in the anime to date.
6 Courage of the Weak
The Quest That Changes Everything
- Episode(s): Episode 2
- Story Arc: D-Rank Dungeon Arc
The “Courage of the Weak”quest is the first quest introduced in the series, positioned within the perilous Double Dungeon. Jinwoo discovers that to escape this doomed place, he needs to sacrifice someone else, prompting him to volunteer his own safety for the sake of his teammates.
Unbeknownst to him, fulfilling this condition activates the “Courage of the Weak”quest. This act, driven by necessity rather than skill, brings unexpected rewards, including a pivotal transformation where Jinwoo transitions from a mere participant to an actual “Player, ” a change that notably alters the course of his life.
5 Strength Training Has Arrived
An Unforgiving Daily Training Regime
- Episode(s): Episode 3
- Story Arc: Reawakening Arc
Upon becoming a Player, Jinwoo receives support from the System to enhance his capabilities as a formidable hunter, in part through the Daily Quest. This quest, presented every morning, includes a rigorous training routine consisting of 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run.
Strikingly intense, this regime not only improves strength and stamina but also tests Jinwoo’s limits. However, he faces a tangible risk; failure to complete the daily tasks within 24 hours results in severe consequences.
4 Survival
A Severe Penalty for the Daily Quest
- Episode(s): Episode 3
- Story Arc: Reawakening Arc
Transitioning from the previous quest, if Jinwoo fails to complete the Daily Quest within the designated time, he is immediately transported to the penalty zone—a vast, treacherous desert teeming with ferocious centipedes. Faced with this dire predicament, a new challenge arises: the Survival quest.
In this harrowing quest, Jinwoo must endure for four hours amidst the deadly centipedes. His options are limited to fighting them off or evading their attacks, but the objective remains clear: survival. Completing this quest will allow him to return to the real world once more.
3 Defeat the Enemies
A Kill or Be Killed Quest
- Episode(s): Episode 6
- Story Arc: Dungeon & Lizards Arc
Beyond static quests like the Courage of the Weak or recurring tasks like the Daily Quest, there are scenarios where quests activate based on situational threats. Dubbed Emergency Quests, these challenges commonly mandate that Jinwoo neutralizes a presence with lethal intent directed towards him.
If someone near Jinwoo exhibits a violent inclination, the System identifies them as a threat, triggering this quest. The outcome is stark: success leads to status recovery, while failure equates to death. Both in dungeons and the real world, Jinwoo must navigate his surroundings carefully to avert triggering this deadly quest.
2 Job Change Quest
A Quest to Become the Monarch of Shadows
- Episode(s): Episode 11
- Story Arc: Job Change Arc
Since becoming a Player, Jinwoo has battled with a dagger, likening his combat style to that of an assassin. While adept in his role, he often contemplates whether a more suitable class exists for him. Upon reaching level 40, this inquiry is met with a Job Change quest.
After accepting the quest, Jinwoo finds himself in a dungeon with the task of eliminating all enemies while enduring as long as possible. Significant restrictions complicate the challenge—no potions, no store access, and no health restoration upon leveling up. Upon successful completion, he is awarded a new Job reflective of his combat expertise, emerging as a powerful Necromancer, or more specifically, the Monarch of Shadows.
1 Collect Demon Souls!
A Quest to Conquer 100 Floors of Demons
- Episode(s): Episode 15
- Story Arc: Demon Castle Arc
After completing Daily Quests and exceeding the required efforts, Jinwoo is gifted a Key to the S-Rank dungeon known as the Demon’s Castle. Drawn in by the promise of an Elixir of Life capable of curing any ailment, he bravely ventures into the castle, ultimately suffering a near-fatal defeat. Refusing to be deterred, he resolves to enhance his abilities before attempting to conquer the dungeon again.
Months later, having reached level 61 and secured his position as the Monarch of Shadows, Jinwoo re-enters the Demon’s Castle. There, he is met with the monumental task of collecting the souls of 10, 000 demons across 100 perilous floors, each increasingly challenging than the last.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the most arduous quests Jinwoo has faced. However, he forges ahead with the support of his formidable shadow army, determined to overcome the trials that lie within. Despite the allure of the Elixir of Life, he must also secure three critical ingredients, closely guarded by the castle’s powerful bosses. While the anime has yet to depict this climactic arc, fans can anticipate some of the most thrilling battles in Solo Leveling.
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