How Would Things Change If Sung Jin-Woo Lost Command of His Shadows?

Solo Leveling has gained widespread attention due to its intense action and detailed setting. Readers are drawn to the journey of Sung Jin-Woo, a once-weak hunter who steadily becomes a force to reckon with.

A major aspect of his transformation is the ability to summon and control an army of shadows, made up of warriors he gathers throughout his battles.

This shadow army, formed from the fallen enemies he resurrects, plays a vital role in both his development and the entire plot. Looking at how Sung Jin-Woo’s Shadow Army has expanded over time, some of the most powerful members stand out, each leaving a lasting mark on the unfolding events.

The Beginning of the Shadow Army: Sung Jin-Woo’s Awakening

Following a near-death experience in a double dungeon, Sung Jin-Woo was reborn as a “Player” and started his journey to strength. As he continued to grow, he unlocked the powers of the Shadow Monarch, granting him the ability to command the shadows of his fallen opponents.

The first shadow he summoned and kept was Igris, laying the foundation for what would later become a formidable army.

Igris: The Black Knight

Igris, a knight clad in black armor, is among the strongest and most dependable shadows under Jin-Woo’s command. He was initially an enemy of considerable skill, but after Jin-Woo defeated him, he was revived to serve as a commanding general.

His remarkable swordsmanship and unwavering dedication make him invaluable, bringing both strength and elegance to the army.

With expert mastery in close combat, Igris thrives in duels where speed and precision determine the outcome. As Jin-Woo’s forces expand, Igris remains at the forefront, leading critical battles and executing vital missions.

Tank: The Colossal Beast

Tank, a giant bear-like monster, was one of the earliest additions to Jin-Woo’s army. After defeating it in a dungeon raid, Jin-Woo resurrected Tank to bolster his army’s defensive capabilities.

With its immense size and raw strength, Tank dominates the battlefield, crushing formidable enemies and proving indispensable in large-scale confrontations.

With sheer physical power, Tank specializes in overpowering opponents through brute force. As a core part of Jin-Woo’s frontline, its presence is key in any fight where resilience and strength are needed to hold the line.

Tusk: The Spellcaster

Tusk, once an orc shaman, brings a different dimension to the Shadow Army. Before falling to Jin-Woo, Tusk was a menacing figure capable of wielding potent magic in battle.

Upon his resurrection, he took up the role of the army’s primary magic-user, excelling in ranged combat and fighting multiple enemies simultaneously.

His immense magical prowess allows him to launch devastating attacks from a distance, making him a crucial asset in situations where direct confrontation alone is insufficient. His presence ensures that the army is well-balanced with both physical and magical fighters.

Iron: The Shield of the Army

Previously a giant knight, Iron is a well-known figure within the Shadow Army. In his former life, he was feared for his overwhelming strength and resilience. Now as a shadow, he serves as the primary tank, drawing enemies toward him so that Jin-Woo and other shadows can strike from advantageous positions.

His imposing build and impressive durability make him ideal for absorbing damage and shielding his comrades from attacks. Iron thrives on the frontlines, withstanding heavy blows and maintaining the army’s defense against even the most fearsome adversaries.

Kamish: The Shadow Dragon

Among the strongest shadows under Jin-Woo’s command, Kamish stands out as a legendary presence. Before being turned into a shadow, Kamish was a fearsome dragon that wreaked havoc upon the world. His sheer strength and size make him one of the most terrifying members of the army.

With Kamish on his side, Jin-Woo gains unmatched aerial combat abilities and powerful energy-based attacks. Kamish’s dragon form enables him to unleash destruction across vast areas, ensuring that any battle he joins is tipped in Jin-Woo’s favor.

Jima: The Arcane Warrior

Jima, an elite shadow soldier, was resurrected from the remains of Boss Naga. The Naga were snake-like monsters known for their immense strength and endurance. Even in his shadow form, Jima retained these formidable qualities, making him one of the most powerful fighters in Jin-Woo’s ranks.

Armed with a trident, he fights with unmatched brutality, earning a reputation as one of the strongest elite knights. Though his appearances in the manhwa were limited, his presence highlighted Jin-Woo’s ability to resurrect and control beings beyond human limits.

Kaisel: The Flying Shadow

Kaisel was created from a wyvern defeated in a dungeon. Unlike the other shadows, he serves primarily as Jin-Woo’s mount, used for swift transportation across great distances. In several crucial moments, Jin-Woo relies on Kaisel for quick movement into battle or rapid retreats.

With the ability to fly at remarkable speeds, Kaisel allows Jin-Woo to cover large areas in short time frames. Though not a frontline fighter, his aerial mobility gives Jin-Woo a tactical edge, letting him strike enemies from unexpected angles and reposition at will.

Greed: The Silent Executioner

Greed, a swift and elusive shadow, is one of Jin-Woo’s finest assassins. His primary role in the army revolves around sneaking into enemy lines and eliminating key targets before they even realize what is happening. His attacks are both rapid and precise, ensuring that threats are neutralized efficiently.

His greatest asset is his ability to move undetected, striking before opponents can react. With unparalleled speed, Greed specializes in ambush tactics, making him an essential weapon in strategic battles where surprise attacks are needed.

The Ant Queen: Source of the Swarm

During the Jeju Island arc, the Ant Queen emerged as a dangerous foe, ruling over an army of deadly ants. Deep within an underground nest, she constantly produced new ant soldiers, making her a major threat to humanity.

Although she was not as combat-focused as some of her offspring, her durability and power made her a serious challenge.

Eliminating her was a turning point, as it stopped the endless expansion of the ant horde. When Jin-Woo defeated the Queen, he secured one of his most valuable shadows—Beru, a powerful ant soldier whose strength changed the course of many battles.

Her demise played a crucial role in the victory against the magical creatures invading from dungeons.

Beru: The Ultimate Ant Warrior

Beru stands as one of the most formidable figures in Jin-Woo’s Shadow Army. Originally a terrifying adversary, Beru was known for his immense strength, speed, and combat abilities.

Upon being resurrected as a shadow, he maintained these attributes but now served under Jin-Woo’s command.

As a warrior, Beru combines raw power with intelligence, making him one of the most effective fighters in the army. His ability to adapt and counter opponents swiftly makes him a nightmare for any enemy.

Among the shadows, Beru’s dominance is unquestioned, and his presence alone can shift the outcome of a battle.