Did Sung Il-Hwan Originally Belong To The Rulers In Solo Leveling?

Solo Leveling introduces many powerful figures, but few are as mysterious as Sung Il-Hwan, the father of Jinwoo. From the moment he reappears, it’s clear that he is no ordinary human. His abilities, strength, and connection to higher beings raise one major question - was Sung Il-Hwan originally connected to the Rulers?

Sung Il-Hwan's sudden disappearance inside a Dungeon and his equally shocking return years later make him one of the most enigmatic characters in the story. Unlike other Hunters, he survived in an environment where death was certain, and when he came back, he had supernatural abilities that exceeded most high-ranking Hunters. This raises the theory that he may have been chosen by the Rulers or even belonged to them in some way.

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The Rulers And Their Role In The Story

The Rulers are god-like entities in Solo Leveling, engaged in a war against the Monarchs. They use human vessels known as 'Vessels of the Rulers' to influence the physical world. Thomas Andre, one of the strongest Hunters, is one such vessel, blessed with immense power. However, Sung Il-Hwan’s abilities seem different from those of the usual Ruler vessels. His actions indicate that he may not just be a vessel but someone who has an even deeper connection to the Rulers.

One of the biggest clues is that he fights against the Monarchs, just like the Rulers. When he saves Jinwoo from the Monarch of Frost, his abilities are strikingly similar to those granted by the Rulers, including his extraordinary strength and ability to withstand Monarch-level attacks. If he was simply a human Hunter, this level of power would be impossible to attain.

Sung Il-Hwan’s Time In The Dungeon In Solo Leveling

One of the biggest mysteries surrounding Sung Il-Hwan is his time inside the Dungeon. Unlike other Hunters who never return, he somehow survives for years and comes back stronger. This raises the question; was he taken in by the Rulers and trained to be their warrior?

There’s a strong possibility that, during his time in the Dungeon, Sung Il-Hwan was approached by the Rulers and given a purpose. The Rulers had been looking for humans strong enough to fight against the Monarchs, and Jinwoo was their ultimate pick. However, his father may have been an earlier candidate who was prepared to battle against the Monarchs before Jinwoo’s rise.

One example of this possibility is the difference between him and other national-level Hunters. While Thomas Andre and others received powers from the Rulers, none of them had the same aura as Sung Il-Hwan. His strength felt unique, almost divine, hinting that he may have been more than just a chosen warrior. Perhaps he was a being originally meant to serve the Rulers all along.

His Connection To Jinwoo’s Fate

Jinwoo’s entire journey in Solo Leveling revolves around him becoming the Shadow Monarch, the only entity strong enough to oppose the Monarchs. However, Sung Il-Hwan’s existence complicates this. If he was already working for the Rulers, was he meant to help Jinwoo reach his full potential?

It’s possible that Sung Il-Hwan was acting as a bridge between the Rulers and Jinwoo, ensuring that his son would one day gain the strength needed to fight the Monarchs. His decision to protect Jinwoo from the Monarch of Frost shows that he understood the importance of his son’s role in the grand war. However, his words and actions also suggest that he had prior knowledge of the Rulers’ plans, which wouldn’t be possible if he was just another Hunter.

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Another interesting point is that Sung Il-Hwan’s abilities disappeared when his role was fulfilled. This is similar to how the Rulers take back their powers from vessels when they no longer need them. If he was always meant to be a temporary warrior for their cause, this explains why his strength faded after Jinwoo stepped into his rightful place as the Shadow Monarch.

Final Verdict: Was Sung Il-Hwan Originally A Ruler In Solo Leveling?

While Solo Leveling never explicitly confirms Sung Il-Hwan’s connection to the Rulers, there are several signs that suggest he was more than just a chosen vessel. His strength, survival, and actions align too perfectly with the Rulers’ goals to be a coincidence.

It is possible that he was originally meant to be one of them or was granted a unique form of power that made him stand apart from other vessels. His role was crucial in preparing Jinwoo for his destiny, and in many ways, he served as the hidden protector of humanity long before his son took over.

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