Solo Leveling Vol. 4 brings the heat with nonstop action, strategic twists, and a deepening sense of global stakes. We begin with a quieter moment—Jinwoo checking in on Songyi, his sister’s friend, who is considering becoming a hunter. Concerned for her safety, Jinwoo invites her to observe a C-Rank dungeon raid, hoping it will show her just how dangerous this world really is. Unfortunately, their “simple” excursion takes a dramatic turn when the dungeon unexpectedly transforms into a Red Gate, a rare anomaly that traps everyone inside and only releases them if the boss is defeated.
Inside the Red Gate, things go south fast. A-Rank hunter Chul arrogantly assumes command of the raid, splitting the team and placing Jinwoo and Songyi with the so-called “leftovers.” Predictably, this decision leads to disaster as Chul’s group is overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Jinwoo taps into his rapidly developing abilities, outwits deadly monsters, and eventually defeats the dungeon boss, Barca. His victory is both thrilling and significant—it marks one of his most intense solo fights yet and proves that he’s no longer someone who can be underestimated.
Unbeknownst to Jinwoo, his exploits are drawing attention outside the dungeon. One notable figure is Dongsoo, a hunter who arrives in Korea seeking revenge for his brother’s death. Though he loses interest once he learns Jinwoo is trapped in a Red Gate, the mere fact that Jinwoo is becoming a point of interest for international hunters adds an ominous undertone to his rise. The manga subtly sets the stage for larger conflicts down the line, hinting that Jinwoo’s journey isn’t just personal—it’s becoming political.
After the Red Gate arc, Jinwoo unlocks a new System quest that challenges him to collect 10,000 Demon Souls across a 100-floor dungeon. Each floor is more dangerous than the last, and while we only see the beginning of this descent, it’s clear this is going to be a massive test of strength and endurance. It also represents Jinwoo’s commitment to growth. He’s not coasting on talent—he’s putting in the work to reach new heights, and that resolve makes him all the more compelling.
This volume also marks a major milestone as Jinwoo undergoes a re-evaluation of his hunter rank. When the machine used to measure his power returns an “Error” reading, it becomes clear that he’s reached a level beyond ordinary classification. The result? Jinwoo is officially ranked as an S-Rank Hunter—the tenth in Korea. This recognition rockets him into a new tier of power and political attention, with top guilds now scrambling to recruit him. It’s a pivotal moment that completely shifts the landscape of the hunter world.
At the same time, Jinwoo remains grounded. He’s not drunk on his own power—his concern for Songyi, his loyalty to his sister, and his measured approach to navigating the political landscape all speak to his maturity. It’s this balance of humility and strength that makes him such a magnetic protagonist. He’s not just a one-man army; he’s a strategist, a brother, and a mystery that even other hunters are starting to fear.
As Jinwoo ascends, so too does the tension in the world around him. The growing threat of the S-Rank gate on Jeju Island looms large, and the introduction of Il-Hwan—an enigmatic character whose strength rivals Jinwoo’s—hints at deeper forces in play. These threads are expertly woven into the background, creating a sense of anticipation that builds steadily with every chapter.
I absolutely loved this volume and can’t wait to see how the series continues. Solo Leveling Vol. 4 delivers incredible action, character evolution, and world-building in equal measure. It’s exciting to see Jinwoo’s journey evolve from gritty survival to full-blown power fantasy, all while staying emotionally resonant. If this volume is any indication of what’s to come, the next chapters are going to be absolutely explosive.
