Overview
- Ashborn, the initial Monarch of Shadow, instilled fear among Rulers and Monarchs alike.
- He transferred his immense powers to Sung Jinwoo, a human he deemed worthy.
- Ashborn sought to discover his purpose by descending into the human world and sharing his Shadow Monarch abilities.
The second season of Solo Leveling has ushered in a host of formidable characters from the acclaimed Manhwa series. Yet, audiences have yet to enter the domain of Rulers and Monarchs and witness their full might, particularly the enigmatic Ashborn, the source of Sung Jinwoo’s extraordinary powers.
While many Monarchs vie for power throughout the narrative, Ashborn stands unparalleled. Renowned as the Shadow Monarch, anime viewers may not yet have seen him in action, though Manga readers are well-acquainted with his backstory. His narrative is punctuated not only by incredible powers but also by a complex and riveting history.
WARNING: This article contains significant SPOILERS regarding the Solo Leveling Manhwa.
Ashborn’s Origins as the Shadow Monarch
His Reputation Among Rulers and Monarchs
Initially, Ashborn did not emerge as the most powerful entity; he began as a Ruler engaged in a long-standing war against the Monarchs. His evolution into the Shadow Monarch transpired during an endless struggle orchestrated by the Absolute Being, a God-like figure in the Solo Leveling universe. Initially, the war served solely as entertainment for this being.
Eventually, the Rulers recognized their role as mere puppets and organized a rebellion against their overseer. In stark contrast, Ashborn remained loyal until he faced defeat from the other Rulers. As he neared death, he discovered a hidden reservoir of immense power within himself, bestowed upon him as a reward for his loyalty. This moment marked his transformation into the powerful Shadow Monarch, yet confusion awaited him as the Rulers had already slain the Absolute Being.
I am the record of your bitter struggle. I am the evidence of your resistance. I am the reward of your pain. I am death, I am eternal rest, and I am also terror. I am you – Ashborn to Jinwoo.
Despite his newfound strength, Ashborn took a side contrary to his earlier loyalties, opting to align with the Monarchs rather than join the Rulers, ultimately prolonging the lingering conflict. His power became a cause for fear even among the Monarchs, leading to betrayal by his once allies, Rakan and Baran. Ashborn triumphed in their confrontation, resulting in Baran’s demise.
Faced with the threat he posed, the Rulers extended olive branches to Ashborn, only to encounter his reluctance after betrayal. The resultant period of solitude for Ashborn allowed him to cultivate his Shadow Army while the Monarchs faced the Rulers’ might alone.
Ashborn’s Journey to Discover Purpose
Finding His Worthy Vessel, Sung Jinwoo
In the wake of a devastating defeat and subsequent retreat, Antares, the Monarch of Destruction, aimed to conquer Earth, prompting the Rulers to respond by granting abilities to promising humans, known as Hunters. Seizing this opportunity, Ashborn enlisted Kandiaru, a powerful mage, to identify a suitable vessel. Kandiaru, seeking immortality, created The System to facilitate this search.
After a rigorous selection process, Kandiaru found Jinwoo, a human with the potential to meet Ashborn’s expectations. Initially, Ashborn seemed poised to take over Jinwoo’s body upon achieving Level 100, yet he instead intended to make Jinwoo his successor. Upon realizing Jinwoo’s remarkable potential during the Monarch War arc, Ashborn gifted him his Black Heart.
During a fateful encounter where Jinwoo faced defeat against the Frost and Beast Monarch, Ashborn intervened through an illusion, assuming the guise of Go Gunhee to impart crucial truths to Jinwoo. This revelation allowed Jinwoo to embrace his role as Ashborn’s successor, inheriting the powers of the Shadow Monarch.
You are asking the wrong questions. Instead of asking me who I am, rather you should be asking who you are – The Architect to Jinwoo.
Throughout this ordeal, the Rulers sent their warrior, Sung II-Hwan, to eliminate the new Shadow Monarch, mistakenly believing Ashborn was still aligned with the Monarchs. As Jinwoo vanquished a Monarch, the Rulers slowly realized that he was, in fact, an ally. Ultimately, Jinwoo—the new Monarch of Shadows—continued Ashborn’s legacy, taking down each Monarch to safeguard the vulnerable.
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