Warning: Contains spoilers for Solo LevelingSolo Leveling’s second season has come to a close, putting a wrap on the climactic Jeju Island arc and with it, establishing the seriesas anime’s current hottest title. With seemingly each new episode released, longstanding records were broken, and hordes of new viewers became dedicated fans of the hit show. However, withthe brief and mysterious introduction of the Monarchsin the anime’s final episode leaving viewers on somewhat of a cliffhanger, many are rushing to the manhwa adaptation of the series for answers.
Ever since the intense battle between Sung Jinwoo and Igris that capped off the anime’s first season, the protagonist’s ability to extract and summon an army of shadows has become his main gimmick. Though by the time the second season closes, Jinwoo only recruits a few major members to his ranks. Those that have picked up the anime’s source material will be met with quite a few more, including seemingly everyone’s favorite, Beru. All pale in comparison to one shadow, though:the most loyal Grand Marshal, Bellion.
Who Exactly Is Bellion?
Solo Leveling’s Strongest Shadow in Existence, Explained
For being the strongest shadow inSolo Leveling’s universe,Bellion doesn’t actually appear in the series until the very last arc. Introduced in chapter #167 of the manhwa, he, along with an entire army, descends from the airborne gate to meet with Jinwoo before the series' final climactic showdown. The moment occurs following the defeat of the Beast, Frost, and Plague Monarchs, coinciding with the protagonist’sadoption of the Shadow Monarch’s full abilities.
Unlike all the other shadows introduced to this point in the series,Bellion is not actually extracted by Jinwoo, and fought alongside Ashborn as a member of the previous Shadow Monarch’s army. It’s only after the System is deleted and Jinwoo gains full control of his abilities that Bellion and the rest of the troops arrive to fight for him. The strongest shadow in existence stuck by Ashborn’s side for an eternity, even before his death and transformation into the Shadow Monarch.
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Solo Leveling season 2 was a smash hit, and even with all the success, the series made a significant amount of changes from the source material.
As such, Bellion’s loyalty is absolute, and he places his trust in his former liege’s decision to make Jinwoo his successor. This leads to a wholesome moment when the shadow recognizes Ashborn in his new ruler,and comes to understand just why he was chosen as the next Shadow Monarch. His ability in battle far exceeds that of any other soldier in the army, as displayed in his sparring match with Beru in preparation for the final confrontation. And though he’s much more serious, there is a humorous moment shared between the two when a castle is built for Jinwoo.
Bellion Is the Strongest Member of Jinwoo’s Shadow Army
No Other Shadow Is Quite On Bellion’s Level
Shadows are ranked based on ability, much like the Hunters are inSolo Leveling. The most common soldier in Jinwoo’s army is likely in the Elite or Knight grade, and is able to stack up the strength of a B-Rank and A-Rank Hunter. The next step-up is the Elite Knight rank, equivalent to the average S-Rank Hunter, packing a pretty notable punch. Above them are the Generals, equivalent to the top S-Ranks, and then the Commanders or Marshals, who are the supreme stand-outs among the rest of the shadows.
Of that top rank, there are only three members: Beru,Igris, and Tusk, the shadows with the most spotlight. However, there is one grade above them,reserved for the single strongest member of Jinwoo’s army. The one and only Grand Marshal, Bellion, fulfills that role, much to Beru’s initial dissatisfaction. His immense size and strength, combined with great speed and unique whip ability make him an incredibly useful asset, and his serious demeanor does make for some entertaining chemistry within the army.
Solo Levelinghas seemingly taken over the anime world ever since its debut in 2024, and its second season has successfully followed up on what was already an incredible start for the series. Now that fans are diving into its source material, they have the chance to meet characters who are still much further down the road, including Jinwoo’s strongest shadow soldier.The inevitable Season Threewill begin to unravel some of the series' biggest mysteries, and fans will want to keep an eye out for any news regarding its comeback.
Solo Leveling
Cast
Solo Leveling follows Sung Jin-woo, the world’s weakest hunter, who gains extraordinary powers through a mysterious program after surviving a brutal monster attack. As he navigates his newfound abilities, Jinwoo embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of his powers and the dungeon that altered his fate.
