Had Sung Jin-Woo been introduced as an S-Rank hunter from the start in “Solo Leveling,” the direction of the story would take a completely different course.
His rapid advancement in power would reshape the journey, emphasizing large-scale confrontations over gradual personal growth. The narrative would shift towards world-threatening challenges rather than the struggles of an underdog.
Major guilds would compete for Jin-Woo’s loyalty instantly (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Rapid Development of Strength
Without the hardships of being an E-Rank, Jin-Woo’s abilities would evolve at an accelerated pace. He would gain access to formidable skills and superior resources right from the beginning, significantly altering the progression of his abilities.
Altered Guild Interactions
Holding an S-Rank status from the outset would attract widespread attention from powerful guilds. Instead of the slow-building relationships in the original storyline, he would be at the center of major alliances and rivalries early on, leading to different dynamics within the hunter community.
Global-Level Threats as a Priority
Rather than prioritizing personal survival and self-improvement, Jin-Woo would be immediately involved in conflicts that impact the world. His early engagement in high-stakes events would alter the sequence of significant moments throughout the series.
Reduced Emphasis on Character Development
The hardships and lessons he experienced as an E-Rank would be largely absent. His journey of overcoming adversity, which played a crucial role in his growth, would be diminished or entirely removed.
Important Changes to Main Story Elements
Pivotal events like the Red Gate incident and the double dungeon would either be heavily modified or excluded altogether. These moments were closely tied to Jin-Woo’s early struggles, which would no longer exist in this scenario.
Different Interactions with Other Hunters
Jin-Woo’s relationships within the Hunter Association and with fellow hunters would take an alternate path. Instead of navigating the established power hierarchy, his role would focus on direct cooperation with elite hunters to address pressing global dangers.
Challenges on a Larger Scale
Rather than facing smaller-scale dungeons and raids, Jin-Woo would be confronting powerful adversaries from the start. His battles would extend beyond local encounters, potentially drawing the attention of international organizations and rival forces much earlier than in the original storyline.