Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12 Preview: What to Expect from 'Are You the King of Humans'

The official website for the Solo Leveling anime has shared a preview for the upcoming twelfth episode of season 2, called "Are You the King of Humans." It will air on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at midnight JST on Crunchyroll. After the exciting events of episode 11, where the Ant Queen was defeated but a stronger enemy, the Ant King, appeared, episode 12 is set to feature one of the biggest battles in the series so far.

Aftermath of the Ant Queen's Defeat

The last episode ended with what looked like a win for the S-Rank Hunters, as they managed to defeat the Ant Queen. However, their celebration was cut short when the Ant King appeared dramatically. This powerful creature seriously injured Cha Hae-in, killed Min Byung-Gyu, and then went after Goto Ryuji, ultimately killing him too. These shocking losses showed just how dangerous the Ant King is, making it one of the toughest enemies the Hunters have ever faced.

In the final moments of episode 11, Sung Jinwoo realized that things on Jeju Island had gotten really bad. His connection to his Shadow Soldiers helped him sense the danger, pushing him to take quick action that will be revealed in episode 12.

Sung Jinwoo's Strategic Arrival

The next episode will start with Sung Jinwoo's smart plan to handle the crisis. Realizing how serious the situation is for the S-Rank Hunters, he activates his Shadow Soldiers, making them appear from the shadows of the surviving Hunters on Jeju Island. This shows how much his powers have developed since the start of the series.

The preview images reveal the exciting moment when his shadow army comes to life to fight against the swarm of winged Ants, creating a temporary barrier that gives the injured Hunters some much-needed time. After this first attack, Sung Jinwoo will use one of his most useful abilities—shadow exchange—to quickly transport himself to Jeju Island by swapping places with one of his shadows.

This teleportation scene is expected to be one of the most visually impressive parts of the episode, as the animation studio A-1 Pictures has been doing a great job with the effects for Sung Jinwoo's shadow powers all season.

The Battle Against the Ant Swarm

When Sung Jinwoo arrives, he will quickly take charge of the battlefield. The preview hints at a long action scene where he directs his Shadow Soldiers in a coordinated attack against the winged Ants. These flying creatures have been returning to their nest in large numbers, and getting rid of them becomes Sung Jinwoo's top priority to secure the area.

The fight choreography in this part will likely show how Sung Jinwoo has improved not just in strength but also in strategy. Previous episodes have shown his growing ability to command his shadows more effectively, and this battle will highlight his skills as a leader in combat.

According to the preview, this segment will include several impressive wide shots of the battlefield, showcasing the scale of the fight as Sung Jinwoo's shadow army battles hundreds of winged Ants in the air. The organized movements of his forces will contrast with the chaotic tactics of the Ants, visually representing the clash between careful planning and instinctive aggression.

The Desperate Healing Attempt

After securing the area, Sung Jinwoo will focus on the injured S-Rank Hunters. The preview shows a tense moment where he uses his healing potions on the wounded survivors. These magical potions, which he got through his unique leveling system, have been shown earlier in the series to have amazing healing abilities.

This healing scene will likely provide a break from the action and allow for some character interactions, especially between Sung Jinwoo and other S-Rank Hunters like Baek Yoonho and Choi Jong-in. These exchanges may give viewers a glimpse into how these elite Hunters view Sung Jinwoo's impressive power growth since they last met him.

The preview images confirm that most of the surviving Hunters—Baek Yoonho, Choi Jong-in, Ma Dongwook, and Lim Tae-Gyu—will recover from their injuries thanks to Sung Jinwoo's help. Their recovery scenes will probably be shown quickly, highlighting how effective the healing potions are, while also building up to the moment when one Hunter is revealed to be beyond help.

Cha Hae-in's Critical Condition

The episode will take a more serious turn when it becomes clear that Cha Hae-in's injuries are too severe for the healing potions to fully heal her. The preview images show her in critical condition, slowly losing consciousness despite Sung Jinwoo's attempts to help. This situation adds emotional weight and a sense of urgency to the story.

Cha Hae-in's special ability to sense Sung Jinwoo's presence and their past interactions have created a strong bond between them. Her critical state is likely to deeply affect Sung Jinwoo, possibly impacting his future actions and decisions.

The preview hints at a touching scene where the other Hunters gather around Cha Hae-in as her condition gets worse, highlighting how serious the situation is and increasing the urgency for their evacuation. This moment serves as a reminder of the real dangers that Hunters face and the limits of even Sung Jinwoo's growing powers.

The Evacuation Attempt

With Cha Hae-in's life at risk, the S-Rank Hunters will decide to retreat from Jeju Island as quickly as they can. This part of the episode will likely include tense discussions as they plan their escape while trying to carry their seriously injured teammate.

The preview suggests that this evacuation will be shown with a feeling of urgent desperation, as the surviving Hunters move together to protect Cha Hae-in. Their effort to reach a safe extraction point will create tension, making viewers anxious about the upcoming confrontation that the preview has hinted at.

The Ant King's Return

Just as the Hunters start their evacuation, the story will reach a high point with the return of the Ant King. After killing Goto Ryuji, whom it thought was the "King of Humans" responsible for the Ant Queen's death, the Ant King has sensed Sung Jinwoo's powerful aura and tracked it back to the nest.

The preview images show the Ant King as a huge and intimidating figure, combining insect-like features with a creepy humanoid shape. Its appearance is meant to inspire both fear and a sense of ancient danger. The animation is expected to highlight its smooth, unnaturally fast movements, which are surprising given its large size.

The confrontation will likely start with a moment of realization, as the Ant King understands that Sung Jinwoo—not Goto Ryuji—has the aura of the true "King of Humans" it has been looking for. This misunderstanding, along with the Ant King's desire for revenge, sets the stage for the episode's exciting battle.

The Inevitable Confrontation

The episode will build up to an exciting showdown between Sung Jinwoo and the Ant King. The preview suggests that this will be more than just a physical fight; it will also be a battle of wills and identities. The Ant King's question, "Are You the King of Humans?" adds depth to the story, highlighting Sung Jinwoo's changing role and growing power.

This confrontation is likely to feature amazing animation as both fighters use their full abilities. Sung Jinwoo's shadow manipulation and the Ant King's incredible strength and speed will create a visually stunning battle scene. The preview images hint at a particularly dramatic moment when the two opponents first collide, creating a shockwave that impacts the surrounding area.

The episode is expected to end on a cliffhanger during a key moment in this battle, setting the stage for the continuation of their fight in the next episode. This storytelling style has been a consistent theme throughout the season, with major battles often stretching across multiple episodes for maximum dramatic effect.

Thematic Elements and Character Development

Beyond the action and plot development, episode 12 seems set to explore several important themes. The Ant King's desire to avenge its "mother" adds an unexpected emotional layer to the villain, making the story more complex than just a typical monster-slaying tale. At the same time, Sung Jinwoo's growing sense of responsibility for others and his role as a protector show his character development.

The episode will likely also address the hierarchy of power in both the human and monster worlds, with the idea of "kings" serving as a common theme. This parallel between Sung Jinwoo's rise in the Hunter world and the Ant King's position in its own hierarchy creates an interesting dynamic between the hero and the villain.

As "Are You the King of Humans" gets closer to its premiere on March 23, fans can look forward to an episode that combines exciting action with meaningful character moments and deeper themes. This continues Solo Leveling's tradition of enhancing typical battle anime elements with thoughtful storytelling and impressive visuals.