Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 8 Review: Looking Up Was Tiring Me Out

Hold onto your seats, Solo Leveling fans—Season 2, Episode 8 is a wild ride! This chapter finally gives us the battle we’ve all been waiting for: Jinwoo vs Demon Monarch Baran. It’s pure adrenaline—earth shattering punches, slick combat, animation so sharp you can feel every hit. But it’s not just about the big show; this episode starts the Jeju Island Arc and things gets real. And just when you think it can’t get any crazier, Goto Ryuji, Japan’s cocky S-Rank Hunter shows up and shakes things up. With epic battles, new faces and a vibe that screams “things are about to get wild” this episode is not just hype—it’s a launchpad for Jinwoo’s next level journey. Trust me you’ll be hitting replay while counting down to the next episode.

Episode 8, "Looking Up Was Tiring Me Out," aired Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 12 AM JST and adapted chapters 82-88 of the manhwa with a bang. From the get go, the episode threw viewers into the deep end as Jinwoo faced off against Baran, the Demon faction leader and boy—it wasn’t even a contest. Jinwoo dismantled Baran so effortlessly it was like he was giving a masterclass. Every move was dominance.

The animation team went all out—fluid combat, big effects and camera work that made you feel every punch to the ground. But it wasn’t just showy, the pacing was a vice grip, balancing fast action with quiet moments that simmered with tension. By the end you were on the edge of your seat and wondering what’s next. Whether you’re here for lore deep cuts or just want to watch Jinwoo smash demons in style, this episode had it all. Pure adrenaline, no filler. 🔥

The Encounter with Esil and the Radiru Clan

The episode starts by introducing Esil, daughter of the Radiru Clan. She has a funny conversation with Jinwoo and to his surprise she’s a female Demon. When he makes a threatening remark she agrees to help him by giving him the entry pass to the upper floors of the Demon Castle. Esil takes Jinwoo to her family’s home where the pass is hidden.

As they talk Jinwoo becomes curious about what the Radiru Clan really think about humans. Esil says unlike other demon clans they don’t want to kill humans, instead they need to protect their territory. Jinwoo finds this new way of thinking interesting and asks her more about it. She explains their protective instincts started after they came from the Demon Realm. But when he asks her more about their homeland Esil stutters and then faints leaving Jinwoo confused.

When they arrive at the Radiru Clan's castle, Esil's father sees how strong Jinwoo is and hands over the entry permit without putting up a fight. He also allows Esil to go with Jinwoo as his guide to the next floor, which strengthens their alliance.

The Rising Threat of the Ant Monsters

Then the scene cuts to an ant monster causing chaos in a nearby town and attacking people. Next we see Gunhee and his team talking about the ant monster invasion of a Japanese island 120 km from Jeju. Realizing the situation in Jeju Island is getting worse Gunhee suggests they act quickly. He proposes they work with Japan and other nearby countries to deal with the monsters before things get out of hand. This officially sets them up for the 4th raid in Jeju Island.

The Showdown: Jinwoo vs. Baran

Back in the Demon Castle Jinwoo promises Esil to defeat the other demon clans and make the Radiru Clan the strongest. When Esil asks why he wants to do that he just shrugs and says he likes her. She’s impressed and becomes more loyal to him. They move on to the upper floors where Jinwoo’s main goal of getting the Elixir of Life is waiting for them.

When Jinwoo reaches the 100th floor, he meets the Demon Monarch Baran. At first, he’s intimidated by Baran’s overwhelming aura, but he soon realizes to win, he needs to defeat Baran’s wyvern first. As Baran summons his huge army, Jinwoo’s shadow soldiers start fighting, and he faces Baran himself.

In a tense moment, he saves Esil from one of Baran’s wide-range attacks and comes up with a plan to end the fight before he runs out of mana. With his shadow generals’ help, he takes down Baran’s wyvern and turns the battle around.

The Climax and Goto Ryuji's Introduction

As the episode goes on, the fight between Jinwoo and Baran gets more intense. Jinwoo tries a key attack, but it doesn't work, leaving him open to an attack. He survives and fights back, but Baran's counterattack uses up all of Jinwoo's mana. This forces him into a tough one-on-one battle with the Demon Monarch. Even though he is at a big disadvantage and struggling, Jinwoo refuses to give up.

Even after losing his daggers, Jinwoo manages to stop Baran's attack with his bare hands. At a key moment, Esil throws him a weapon, boosting his determination. With this new strength, Jinwoo overpowers Baran and tears off both of his arms. As Baran tries one last desperate move, Jinwoo lands a powerful punch, ending the battle for good.

The episode ends on a calmer note as Jinwoo turns to Esil and tells her to let her father know that the Radiru Clan is now the strongest Demon Clan in the Demon Castle.

In the final scenes, the focus shifts to Goto Ryuji, one of Japan's top S-Rank Hunters, as he meets with Gunhee to talk about working together for the upcoming Jeju Island Raid. The Japanese Hunters share their research on the evolution of the ant monsters and suggest a plan to take out their queen, thinking this will get rid of the threat within a year.

With Jinwoo's win against Baran and the introduction of Goto Ryuji, Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 8 sets up an exciting continuation of the story. It promises even more intense battles and new alliances in the upcoming episodes.