REVIEW: ‘Solo Leveling’ Season 2 Episode 13 — “On to the Next Target”

It’s time for Sung Jin-woo (Taito Ban) and the other Hunters to pick up the pieces after the fight on Jeju Island. Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 13, “On to the Next Target,” sets the stage for what comes next as the season comes to a close.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 13 starts with Jin-woo extracting the essence of the dead Hunter Min Byung-gyu to use in his Shadow Army. It is an interesting choice, given that it reveals the truth about his abilities to everyone around him. What is really surprising, however, is what Jin-woo does after the fact.

Hunter Min’s shadow goes straight to heal Cha Hae-in without Jin-woo even ordering him. This is a great look at how the shadows actually carry over some of the personalities and memories of their living counterparts. One specific moment when Min’s shadow reacts to seeing another Hunter is especially powerful because it adds emotional weight to the shadow’s agency. They are not just empty vessels of power, something that comes into play later in Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 13.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 13 adds new dimensions to Jin-woo’s Shadow Army.

When the other Hunters confront Jin-woo, they ask for Hunter Min to be allowed to leave the battlefield and truly rest in peace. Jin-woo releases Min’s shadow, showing that Jin-woo is growing. He does not just care about his own power anymore, but he is aware of how others feel and react to his decisions, and it is clear that what others think of him matters to him.

There is still plenty of fighting left to do on Jeju Island. The ants are running wild now that their Queen is dead, leaving countless minor ants to clean up. Other Hunters are helping, but Jin-woo uses this as a chance to keep leveling up. He extracts the Ant King, giving him the name Beru.

What is really surprising about Beru is his ability to talk. None of the other shadows can speak, although we did get to see a glimpse into the potential humanity of the shadows earlier in the episode. The relationship between Jin-woo and Beru is certainly one to look out for going forward.

Beru’s emergence leads to questions about these monsters’ humanity and opens new doors.

Beyond being subservient to Jin-woo, Beru is also frighteningly strong. His abilities were evident when the two battled, but seeing Beru fighting for Jin-woo really shows how overpowered he is. The ants don’t stand a chance, and he proves himself quickly to be just the ally Jin-woo is going to need.

Once he is back in Korea, Jin-woo is asked by the Hunter’s Association President what he is going to do next, and he finally decides to start his own guild with the help of his friend Yoo Jin-ho (Genta Nakamura). Jin-ho was barely in Season 2, so it is nice to get to see him come back into play in Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 13. His friendship with Jin-woo is an important one, and it is being set up to play a bigger role next season.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 13 also establishes the next challenge for Jin-woo. There are some seriously interesting and mysterious reveals that make his next fight seem even more difficult than Jeju Island. Jin-woo might have a little bit of time to rest now, but this season finale sets up an even more intense third season to come for our beloved hero.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 13 wraps up an excellent season by tying up loose ends and introducing the next phase of Jin-woo’s story. He will have to work together with allies, new and old if he wants to get even stronger in the future.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 13 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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