Not all high-ranking hunters are arrogant or incompetent.
Episode 17 of Solo Leveling, titled This is What We’re Trained For, keeps the tension and excitement high with a formidable team and a horde of powerful enemies. While Jinwoo remains an undeniable force with his skill and strength, this episode also shifts some of the focus to other hunters and their adversaries.
It’s a refreshing change, especially since Jinwoo’s presence has overshadowed Season 2's side characters thus far. We've seen strong and high-ranking hunters who often act arrogant, foolish, or both. With only a handful of A or S-rank hunters genuinely caring about their roles, the rest of the bunch are preoccupied with power struggles—competing over status and privileges, while treating B-rank and lower hunters as mere tools or nuisances.
Warning: Spoilers ahead
Love at First Smell?
The episode kicks off with some tension—Cha Hae-in nearly catches Jinwoo, who’s tempted to aggro the boss in the A-rank dungeon. But just as quickly, the mood shifts into something unexpectedly light and fluffy. During their encounter, Hae-in, who is known for her ability to smell the mana or magical power of hunters and bosses, covers her nose with a handkerchief.
In short, to Hae-in, both monsters and hunters—stink. But then, we get a moment straight out of an Axe commercial; one that’s been fueling memes in the manhwa fandom for years.
Fun fact: before this week’s episode aired, the official Axe X (formerly Twitter) account even referenced it:
The scene is pure gold: a soft glow, perfectly timed sound effects, and even faint sparkly sounds in the background. So, it looks like it’s love at first smell? Maybe not, but it’s certainly enough to spark her curiosity about him.
Second Assault Team
When Jinwoo joined the second assault team of the Hunter’s Guild as a substitute porter, I expected some level of arrogance or incompetence among its members, with Jinwoo inevitably taking centre stage. However, the team proved to be far from what I anticipated.
They were a well-oiled unit, operating more as partners than mere subordinates under a captain. When things went south, no one pointed fingers. Instead, they showed mutual respect—not just for their leader, but even for Jinwoo, whom they believed to be an E-rank hunter.
To draw a real-life comparison, this group would be that one solid team from work—no unnecessary drama, no slackers, just a group of officemates who actually have each other’s backs and get things done—the kind you want to work with!
Of course, given the dungeon’s circumstances, they eventually found themselves overwhelmed. Jinwoo, staying in the background, helped them discreetly, making him feel more like a supporting character enabling the team’s efforts rather than the outright protagonist.
But what’s truly remarkable about them isn’t their strength or skill—because, in the end, they lacked the sheer power to prevail. It’s the way they put each other first and refuse to back down, even when the odds were stacked against them. Unlike the many hunters in the story so far who have been driven by personal gain or power, this team is in it for the right reasons: to protect the world from monsters emerging from dungeons.
Knowing they were likely facing death, they still pushed forward, making a last stand. And in an even more striking contrast to previous hunters we’ve seen, they genuinely wanted Jinwoo to escape—not because they underestimated him, but because they saw no reason for an E-rank to risk his life. No complaints, no bravado, just a team doing their duty.
It’s a refreshing change from the arrogant, corrupt, or outright foolish hunters we’ve seen so far, and it serves as a reminder of why hunters and guilds exist in Jinwoo’s world in the first place.
High Orcs & Kargalgan
Then there are the High Orcs and Kargalgan. Jinwoo has taken on plenty of tough opponents, with the cunning Snow Elves from the Red Gate arc being one of the most memorable in recent memory. But there’s something uniquely terrifying about Kargalgan and his army. They’re not just strong—they’re smart and organised. They have defined roles within their ranks. They exude an overwhelming presence, making them some of the most intimidating adversaries yet.
The way they’re introduced only amplifies their menace: a long, ornate hallway lined with statues and intricate carvings, red banners draping the walls, and eerie lighting setting the mood. Rows upon rows of Orcs stand in formation, each wielding distinct weapons, each belonging to different ranks.
And then, the music—an ominous blend of choir and heavy metal—drives home the sheer magnitude of the threat. As Jinwoo and the second assault team step into this scene, they are utterly dwarfed, appearing as mere ants before a vast, disciplined army.
In the episode’s final moments, we catch only a glimpse of Kargalgan. Seated on his throne, he welcomes them with an almost chilling composure. From this moment on, it’s clear: a massive battle is coming. And given the circumstances, Jinwoo can no longer remain in the background as an E-rank hunter.
This episode serves as a perfect setup for the mid-season escalation. And, as Jinwoo himself points out, the team’s desperation mirrors his experience in the double dungeon. With that in mind, I can already feel the intensity building—this is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds in the coming weeks.
Want an in-depth analysis of last week's Apothecary Diaries Season 2 episode? You can find out here. If you want an explanation of Sakamoto Days’ latest episode, you can find out here. And if you want to explore what went down in My Happy Marriage Season 2's episode last week, you can read here.
