Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 9 Review: It Was All Worth It
In the new episode of Solo Leveling, “It Was All Worth It”, Jinwoo’s journey takes a bittersweet turn as he awakens his mom from her 4 year long Eternal Sleep. This is a personal achievement for Jinwoo but also sets the stage for the Jeju Island Raid and raises the stakes for everyone.
The episode aired on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 12 AM JST and adapts chapters 88 to 91 of the manhwa. It starts with Jinwoo reaping the rewards of his victory over the Demon Monarch Baran and gets the Elixir of Life. With this elixir he can create 6 vials of Holy Water of Life which is crucial for his mom’s awakening. He also resurrects a shadow wyvern and names it Kaisel and he gains a new skill called Shadow Exchange, which allows him to instantly swap places with his shadows.
A Heartwarming Reunion
As Jinwoo says goodbye to Esil he gets on Kaisel and flies to the hospital where his mom is. The weight of the moment is heavy as he looks at the scar on her neck. He is uncertain about the Elixir but he decides to try it and to his huge relief she wakes up. The reunion is so warm and tearful and joyful as Jinwoo, his mom and Jinah share a moment they’ve been waiting for a long time. This scene is the emotional core of the episode and shows what Jinwoo has been sacrificing for his family.
In the meantime the story jumps to the Jeju Island Raid preparations. Gunhee and Jinchul discuss strategies and take into account Goto Ryuji’s insights, a Japanese Hunter. The episode also introduces retired S-Rank Hunter Min Byungu who has a touching moment with Yoonho as they reminisce about past raids and honor Eunseok who died. Byungu decides not to join the upcoming raid his thoughts highlight the seriousness of the situation.
Jinwoo's Internal Conflict
As Jinwoo comes home with his mom and Jinah they have a heartwarming family moment and talk about his dad and the struggles they went through. But Jinwoo is haunted by the thought that his life as a Hunter will create an insurmountable distance between him and his family. This internal conflict adds to his character and the burdens he carries.
The episode takes a turn when Jinwoo gets a call from the Hunter Association and we meet Thomas Andre, an American National-Level Hunter. His sudden appearance raises questions about why he’s here, and Gunhee and Jinchul wonder if it’s related to Dongsoo or something else.
Rising Tensions and Preparations
As the episode goes on Gunhee and Jinchul arrange a meeting with Jinwoo to talk about his participation in the Jeju Raid which is in 4 days. Jinwoo is hesitant to join since he already achieved his main goal of curing his mom, but suddenly he feels the presence of mana and knows the S-Rank Hunters are here.
The climax of the episode takes place in a gym where the S-Rank Hunters from Korea and Japan are gathering for a joint training. The atmosphere is tense as Yoonho and Ma Dongwook, the Guildmaster of the Fame Guild are sparring. Gunhee introduces Jinwoo to the training area and they talk about strategies and preparation.
A Showdown on the Horizon
Tension arises when the 10 Japanese S-Rank Hunters, led by Goto Ryuju come in. They seem unimpressed by the Korean Hunters’ abilities and Ryuju proposes a friendly competition to test their skills. Yoonho sets the rules and Gunhee suggests only combat type Hunters participate, making it even more competitive.
The episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving us wanting more for the next episode as the stage is set for a Hunter showdown between the Japanese and Korean S-Rank Hunters. With emotional reunions, rising tension and epic battles to come, Solo Leveling is getting better and better, mixing feels with action. As the credits roll, we’re left wondering what Jinwoo decided and what’s to come, and eagerly waiting for the next chapter.
