Overview
- Jinwoo has been recognized as Korea’s first S-Rank Hunter, igniting a fierce competition among major guilds for his allegiance.
- Hunter Rankings, determined by Mana concentration, categorize S-Rank Hunters as possessing immeasurable Mana levels.
- The Hunter Association plays a critical role in mediating the rivalry among top guilds, striving to recruit Jinwoo to maintain the equilibrium.
Table of Contents
In episode four of Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow –, the unexpected Rank reassessment of Sung Jinwoo unveils that his Mana levels are unmeasurable, classifying him as an S-Rank Hunter. This development poses a significant threat to the fragile balance upheld among Korea’s top Hunter Guilds, necessitating the monitoring efforts of the Hunter Association.
This episode highlights the vital functions of the Hunter Association, the prestige tied to the S-Rank status, and the intriguing history of Korea’s inaugural S-Rank Hunter. Currently, the country’s foremost protectors from magical beasts are not government officials; these roles are predominantly filled by Hunters and their guilds. This scenario is akin to five majestic dinosaurs maintaining a precarious equilibrium. The recruitment of Jinwoo by any single guild would disrupt this balance, converting the situation into a scenario dominated by whichever guild secures him. Herein lies the necessity of the Hunter Association as a stabilizing force, acting as a critical “sixth power.”
– Go Gunhee
Hunter Rankings Overview
Magic Power Measurement
The Hunter Ranking system offers an accessible reference for evaluating a Hunter’s magical power, specifically their Mana concentration. This Ranking is derived from advanced technological assessments that provide numerical values for a Hunter’s Mana concentration. The system operates on a tiered scale, with E-Rank representing the lowest level and S-Rank denoting the highest.
To qualify as an S-Rank Hunter, an individual’s Mana levels must be beyond the measuring capabilities of standard equipment, marking a unique threshold that cannot fluctuate over time. A Hunter’s Rank is fixed at their awakening, resulting in a vast skill disparity between each tier. Even an E-Rank Hunter possesses the ability to defeat an average human effortlessly, yet it remains significantly challenging for a lower-Rank Hunter to overcome one from a higher tier in combat.
When it comes to S-Rankers, comparison becomes subjective, often dependent on direct confrontations, which are generally avoided due to potential destruction. The vast differences in ability among S-Rank Hunters are demonstrated through characters like Sung Jinwoo’s father, Sung Il Hwan, and his defeat of Hwang Dongsoo. Although the Hunter Ranking System has been in existence since the inception of Gates, it notably did not apply during Sung Il Hwan’s tenure as a Hunter, contributing to his obscurity despite immense strength.
Introduction of Korea’s S-Rank Hunter
Role of the Hunter Association
Following his Rank reassessment, Jinwoo attracts considerable attention as leading guilds vie for his endorsement. Prominent figures, such as Choi Jong In from the Hunters’ Guild and Baek Yoonho of the White Tiger Guild—whom Jinwoo encountered post the Red Gate Incident—eagerly seek to secure the allegiance of this newly minted S-Rank Hunter. Even Go Gunhee, the Chairman of the Hunter Association, takes an active interest, visiting Jinwoo at the hospital to discuss the critical nature of his decision.
Choosing to align with one of the top five guilds could prompt a collapse of the existing balance, paving the way for dominance by whichever guild he selects. The Chairman envisions recruiting Jinwoo for the Hunter Association, providing him a stable pathway while concurrently sustaining this precarious equilibrium.
Go Gunhee characterizes the Hunter Association as an indispensable “sixth power” within the delicate power structure, maintaining oversight over the guilds due to the unique capabilities that Hunters possess compared to ordinary citizens. His viewpoints reflect extensive awareness of the consequences stemming from the emergence of Hunters in society. As the first-ever S-Rank Hunter in Korea, his insights elevate the importance of the Association’s role.
Currently, Korea has had only ten S-Rank Hunters, including Sung Jinwoo. It’s notable that the Chairman, having retired, no longer participates in Raids. His character embodies the archetype of a “strong elder” commonly found in shonen anime, manga, and video games, while his status as the inaugural S-Rank Hunter enhances the perception of his substantial power.
Catch up on Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow – streaming now on Crunchyroll.
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