Explained: Solo Leveling – Return to the Demon Castle Arc

Explained: Solo Leveling – Return to the Demon Castle Arc

Overview

  • Sung Jin-Woo comes to the aid of a raid team during a disastrous A-rank dungeon encounter with High Orcs.
  • After achieving S-Rank status as the 10th Hunter in Korea, Sung establishes his own guild, turning down offers from prestigious guilds.
  • He ultimately defeats Demon King Baran and revives his mother from Eternal Slumber, completing a crucial quest.

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Within the Hunters Guild Gate Arc, Sung Jin-Woo took it upon himself to assist a strike team as they ventured through an A-rank dungeon. What began as a routine expedition quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis when they encountered High Orcs, ultimately necessitating a face-off with the formidable High Orc Shaman, Kargalgan. Facing imminent danger to the raid team, Jin-Woo stepped in heroically, protecting his comrades and adding the High Orcs to his shadow army.

Motivated by a personal mission to return to the Demon Castle for ingredients critical to creating the Holy Water of Life, Sung’s resolve intensified; he could no longer delay in awakening his mother from Eternal Slumber. The following highlights encapsulate the key events from the ‘Return to Demon Castle’ arc.

Korea’s 10th S-Rank Hunter

Jin-Woo’s Decision to Launch His Own Guild with Jinho

Sung Jin-Woo in action
  • Arc: Return to Demon Castle
  • Webtoon Chapters: 76 to 89
  • Webnovel Chapters: 93 to 110
  • Prior Arc: Hunters Guild Gate
  • Following Arc: Jeju Island

In the aftermath of his spectacular performance in the A-rank dungeon, Jin-Woo declined an invitation from Yoo Jinho to join the Yoojin Guild. His impressive feat of single-handedly clearing the dungeon caught widespread attention, piquing the interest of the top guilds in Korea. Notably, Choi Jong-In and Baek Yoon-Ho eagerly awaited his arrival at the Hunter’s Association, hoping to persuade him to join their organizations on the day of his S-rank hunter certification.

Upon arrival, Jin-Woo was ambushed by the media, which was gathered there for Lee Minsung’s promotional announcement for the Fiend Guild. After officially being declared Korea’s 10th S-rank Hunter, the excitement quickly spread through the nation, leaving Jin-Woo feeling overwhelmed. To escape the limelight, he darted away from the cameras, showcasing an almost superhuman ability to evade detection. Observing his extraordinary capabilities, Baek surmised that Jin-Woo might embody a unique type of hunter capable of continuous leveling-up. Responding to the buzz surrounding Jin-Woo, Yoo Myunghan encouraged Jinho to assume leadership of the Yoojin Guild; however, Jinho made a surprising announcement that he would be joining Jin-Woo’s new guild as vice guild master instead.

Impact of Fame and Jinho’s Courageous Choice

Jin-Woo Safeguards Jinah from Fame’s Perils

Protecting Jinah

As his focus shifted back to the Demon Castle, Sung Jin-Woo purchased protective artifacts to shield himself from the castle’s flames. Upon his arrival home, he found the media eager for any opportunity to capture his image, which made his sister Jinah anxious. To ensure her safety, he discreetly stationed members of his shadow army around their home.

The following day, Jinho brought Jin-Woo to Daesung Tower. Sung had offered him the position of guild master, but Jinho altruistically chose to be the vice master instead. With Sung’s impending tasks ahead, Jinho assumed responsibility for securing an office for their burgeoning guild.

Sung Returns to Demon Castle

Sung’s Swift Mission to Create the Holy Water of Life

Demon Castle

Upon returning to the Demon Castle, Jin-Woo immediately directed his efforts toward the 76th floor to accomplish his mission. Organizing his shadow army into specialized teams—Team Tusk, Team Igris, Team Iron, Team Tank, High Orcs Team A, and High Orcs Team B—he tasked them with eliminating any enemies encountered while seeking the all-important entry permit for the next floor.

Jin-Woo’s strategic management of his shadow forces proved effective as he ascended to the 80th floor at a rapid pace. Nevertheless, progress began to wane after two days passed without finding the permit. During this period, Jin-Woo realized that his mana was depleting at an alarming rate, indicating that his shadows were suffering unsustainable losses.

After analyzing the ongoing attacks, some key patterns emerged. His enemies exhibited intelligence, targeting specific weaknesses within his teams. Anticipating an assault on Team Tusk based on this logic, Jin-Woo strategically positioned himself nearby. His foresight was proven correct when a demon noble and three knights attempted to close in on his forces.

The Escapes of Esil Radiru and Jin-Woo

Esil Radiru

Displaying formidable combat skills, Jin-Woo defeated the knights and subdued the demon noble. In a desperate bid for survival, the noble revealed her royal lineage as Esil, the eldest daughter of the Radiru Clan. She offered him an entry permit to the next floor in exchange for her and her clan’s safety.

Esil informed Jin-Woo that her clan had a stored entry permit and expressed a willingness to assist him on the condition that none were harmed. Accompanying him to her father’s castle, she quickly realized it was unwise to oppose Jin-Woo, given his past victories over other clan leaders, and willingly relinquished the entry permit.

Not yet satisfied, Jin-Woo took Esil under his wing to aid him in navigating through the more treacherous floors, leveraging her knowledge of the remaining permits. With her guidance alongside his shadow army, they systematically dismantled the clans throughout the floors with relative ease. Within mere days, he conquered the challenges of the 99th floor and obtained the permit essential for confronting the Demon King at the final level.

Sung Jin-Woo’s Victory Over Demon King Baran

Jin-Woo Revives His Mother Post-Quest

Jin-Woo with his mother

Upon reaching the climactic 100th floor, Sung Jin-Woo faced Baran, the Monarch of White Flames. The Demon King, quick to notice his arrival, ordered an attack against him. As enemies fell upon him, Sung chose his moment wisely, summoning his shadow army to turn the tides of battle. During the clash, Baran singled out Jin-Woo, this moment initiating a fierce confrontation.

A troubling realization struck Jin-Woo: each time his high-ranking generals fell, his mana significantly decreased. With Baran’s relentless assaults, rejuvenating his mana became a daunting challenge. Understanding the urgency, Jin-Woo recognized the necessity to conclude the battle swiftly.

In a final push with Igris’s support, Jin-Woo struck Baran, but the Demon King’s resilience proved formidable as he fought fiercely. However, with his back against the wall and his limits tested, Jin-Woo unleashed the Commander’s Touch, delivering a flawless finishing blow that ended Baran’s reign.

Park Kyung-Hye Awakens from Eternal Slumber

Mother and son

Having successfully completed his arduous mission, Jin-Woo gathered the necessary ingredients for the Holy Water of Life. Rushing to the hospital, he prepared the potion and, in a quiet moment, gave it to his mother, fervently hoping for a miracle.

Upon consumption, the transformation was immediate. Park Kyung-Hye opened her eyes, awakening from Eternal Slumber and recognizing her son, sparking tears of joy from Jin-Woo, who had fought so hard to restore his family. With newfound fame and wealth, nothing mattered more to him than the reunion with his mother, culminating his extraordinary journey.

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