Episode 3 starts to unravel more of what’s happening around Jinwoo’s world.
The change of pace in the third episode of Solo Leveling Season 2 is a welcome shift following two adrenaline-fuelled, fast-paced episodes. While intense combat and high-stakes action are staples of this genre, it’s always appreciated when a series steps back, slows down and lets the plot brew a little more.
Episode 15, titled Still a Long Way to Go, eases into a more measured tempo as it transitions from the Red Gate arc. This allows the focus to shift beyond Jinwoo and his singular journey, opening up new plot threads, characters, and elements of worldbuilding that enrich the overarching narrative.
While staying relatively faithful to the manga, this episode arranges scenes in a way that heightens the gravity of impending conflicts so it feels fresh to the viewers.
Warning: Major plot points ahead.
Jin-ho and Jinwoo’s human side
The episode begins with a brief action sequeunce, introducing Jinwoo’s shadow army to Jin-ho, who was left in awe of Jinwoo’s newfound skill.
In a lighter moment, the monsters even show off a playful side, handling Jin-ho crystals they’ve collected. We have want to see more pockets of comedic relief throughout the series, so hopefully we see more of these monsters in upcoming episodes.
Jinwoo’s softer side is also revisited as he takes a moment to relax with beer and grilled meat, a stark contrast to the stoic, steel-cold demeanour he displayed in the previous episodes. Meanwhile, Jin-ho’s subplot develops further—he’s determined to take the helm of their guild but must first fulfil a condition before stepping into leadership.
To me, having Jin-ho around is a great way to showcase Jinwoo’s more human side. Although the requirements to form a guild have been completed, we’ve yet to see what trajectory this character’s story is going to take.
A video game come to life
Jinwoo’s dive into the S-rank Demon Castle feels like watching a live RPG stream—and honestly, it’s a blast. The moment he mounts an Ice Bear? Peak video game vibes. Then come the quests: clearing ridiculous numbers of enemies, ascending an endless tower of challenges, facing off against boss fights, and even crafting elixirs from monster drops. It’s like someone took every iconic RPG element and tossed it into this arc, and the anime captures it perfectly.
The episode is packed with these little nods to gaming—like Jinwoo collecting gear sets with bonus effects, which feels straight out of an action-RPG. It’s a shame we don’t get to see him looking hilariously mismatched in tooth-like armour or over-the-top accessories like you’d expect in a game. Instead, everything stays polished and sleek—great for the visuals but lacking a certain chaotic charm… but maybe we should expect that from Jin-ho instead.
That said, if you’re here for long fight scenes, you might feel short-changed. The action is still superb but plays more of a supporting role this time, clocking in at just a few minutes. It’s less about the spectacle and more about setting the stage for what’s next. Still, it’s hard not to get a kick out of watching Jinwoo tackle the Demon Castle like a seasoned gamer speedrunning a dungeon.
Enter Sung Il-hwan
Sung Il-hwan arrives with wild, unkempt hair and an intimidating presence, immediately setting the tone as he takes down S-rank hunter Hwang Dongsoo in a single blow. It’s clear he’s not an ordinary character. Il-hwan reveals he’s searching for his son—Sung Jinwoo—and is determined to stop a catastrophic threat from unfolding.
His appearance brings a shift in the story, as his cryptic warnings about a “catastrophic force” add a sense of urgency. The episode hints at something much bigger brewing, but for now, the details remain shrouded in mystery.
A Growing Threat
Il-hwan’s statement—“The worst catastrophic force has finally awakened”—is chilling, but the full meaning is left unexplained. Meanwhile, another scene shows Cha Hae-in urging Choi Jong-in to warn the public about the “winged ants.” Manga readers will recognise the danger these creatures pose, but the anime keeps their significance under wraps.
Could this be the same threat Il-hwan was talking about? Or, after being trapped in a dungeon for so long, has he seen something far worse than winged ants, and is referring to an even greater catastrophic force?
Episode 15 may have taken a breather after all the action, but that doesn't mean it's boring. Instead, it drops some huge hints about trouble coming - from Il-hwan showing up with warnings about a catastrophic force to those mysterious winged ants that have Cha Hae-in worried.
While we might not get as many fight scenes this time around, it feels like the show is getting ready for something big, and I'm here for it—episode 16 can’t come soon enough!
