If there is one thing we’ve all learnt with the rise of Solo Leveling, it’s that the potential for a story like this is as limitless as its protagonist’s propensity to level up. Nothing brings this home more than the idea of a new spin-off webtoon set in an alternative timeline and exploring a rather different backstory for Cha Hae-In, the beautiful S Rank hunter. The spin-off makes up part of the lore for the Hunter: Origin Series, which is part of the Solo Leveling: ARISE game.
The spin-off, entitled Hunter: Origin-Pure Sword Princess Cha Hae-In’s Story, imagines a world in which Hae-In was awakened as the fifth S Rank hunter in Korea, rather than the ninth, and the implication is that she is much stronger in this new timeline than she is in the original story. The material circles Hae-In’s motivations for becoming a hunter, her personal struggles with the idea of progression, and a chance meeting between her and Sung Jinwoo, which changes how she views herself. It is a welcome view into a complex character that pays homage to the original story while expanding on core themes and the psychology of one of the most intriguing hunters in the series.
S Rank Content
Originating from a web novel spanning 270 chapters, Solo Leveling was adapted into a stunning manhwa when the renowned illustrator Jang Sung-Rak picked it up. From here, it was adapted into the anime that started turning heads with its release in the Crunchyroll Winter 2024 drop, and has continued paving the way with spin-off content, merch drops, and even a game release in Solo Leveling: ARISE. There is always something new and interesting to consume with this series, and the quality is always top tier.
Cha Hae-In’s Story is no different. The art style stays true to Jang Sung-Rak’s original vision, the story is well thought out within the context of the magic-infused world of Solo Leveling, and it never strays so far from the original material that we’re left wondering why this is relevant as the narrative inevitably draws attention back to Cha Hae-In and Sung Jinwoo’s relationship, exploring the idea of what he inspires in her and how they are connected across the multiverse. The spin-off is a bright and intuitive addition to the franchise that will surely serve to expand the world in an exciting way to keep up the hype as we wait for further information on that elusive Season 3.
This instalment of the Hunter: Origin Series follows on from a few other distinguished chapters exploring backstories for Goto Ryuji, Gunhee, and Thomas Andre. The idea of taking the spotlight off of Sung Jinwoo is quite ingenious for this story, as the context of the wider world and seeing the best of the best flounder within it, shows just how important Sung Jinwoo’s can-do attitude coupled with his overall disregard for any of the rules that will attempt to limit him really is. The story of Solo Leveling, along with its many multi-media branches, is about disregarding those limits in favor of the pure promise of progression, and these stories really highlight that message within the franchise.
Cha Hae-In Stacked?
Accompanying the drop of this brand-new webtoon is a YouTube mini-feature available on the Netmarble YouTube channel. Michelle Rojas reprises the role of Hae-In as the mini-feature provides an in-depth analysis of Hae-In’s abilities, including new moves, such as Swordstorm, Sword of Judgement, and Victory Strike, only seen used in this alternate timeline.
The video really puts into perspective how different this version of Cha Hae-In is, not just in terms of gameplay but in how she handles herself as the leader of the Valkyrie Guild in the spin-off versus holding the vice-master position for the Hunter’s Guild in the original story. This is most prominently highlighted in the battle that can be waged between the original Hae-In and this alternative Sword Princess version. The battle is dynamic and full of intrigue as a single person’s frictional philosophies literally go head to head, and in true Solo Leveling style, it likes to break all storytelling conventions, just like Sung Jinwoo likes to break people’s brains with his ever-evolving player skills.
Solo Leveling’s World Expands
Solo Leveling has a knack for telling its story in multiple ways, across multiple media platforms, and keeping the content consistently good. The intriguing lore of the world, the compelling characters, and the increasingly harsh situations they find themselves in keep readers and viewers engaged even while they’re waiting for more information about a Season 3 that might be dropping in 2028.
Cha Hae-In’s story takes a look at one of the most beloved characters of the series, showing her struggles with her self-imposed limitations, her isolation due to her abilities, and her propensity for leadership, which makes you question whether or not the original Cha Hae-In has the same dynamic strength within her. It adds a new layer of complexity and interest to this character that only serves to enhance the enjoyment factor of the original material.
The webtoon can be read on Netmarble’s official forums, where the other Hunter: Origin Series instalments can also be read.
