Chapter 1 Summary
The rain hammered the cracked pavement of Seoul, turning the city’s neon veins into slick ribbons of light. In the cramped apartment on the fifth floor of a building that had seen better days, a thin figure hunched over a battered desk, the glow of a monitor casting shadows across his gaunt face. Sung Jin‑Woon—known to the world of hunters as Sung Jin‑Woo—rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue that clung to him like a second skin. He was a Rank E hunter, the lowest tier in a hierarchy that measured power by the size of the monsters one could slay and the loot one could bring back. To most, Rank E meant a life of menial jobs, occasional raids that yielded little more than a few scraps, and a reputation that barely registered on the official hunter board.
Jin‑Woo’s phone buzzed, a reminder of the day’s schedule. “Double Dungeon raid at 14:00,” it read, the words flashing in a stark, bureaucratic font. He sighed, the sound barely audible over the rain. Double Dungeons were a new phenomenon, a rumor that had spread through the hunter community like wildfire. Two portals opened simultaneously, linking the real world to a labyrinth of monsters that seemed to double the danger and, supposedly, the reward. For a Rank E hunter, the promise of a double payout was a siren song, even if the odds of survival were slim.
He glanced at the wall, where a faded poster of a past raid hung crookedly. The image showed a group of hunters, their weapons raised, faces set in grim determination. In the corner, a small caption read, “Read Solo Leveling chapter 1 online to see how it all began.” Jin‑Woo smiled wryly. He had read the manga, the English translation, the scanlation that had taken the internet by storm. He knew the plot, the characters, the way the story unfolded in the first chapter. He knew how the world had changed when the gates opened, how hunters like him were thrust into a new reality. Yet, living it was a different beast entirely.
The clock struck twelve, and Jin‑Woo’s mind drifted back to the first raid he had ever taken part in. It was a modest affair, a small dungeon that had been marked as a Rank C. He remembered the tremor in his hands as he stepped through the portal, the stale air that smelled of damp stone and ancient decay. The monsters inside were grotesque, their eyes glinting with a hunger that seemed to pierce the soul. He had been terrified, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. The raid had ended in a blur of steel and blood, and he had emerged with a single, cracked sword and a bruised ego. That memory was still fresh in his mind, a reminder of how far he had come—and how far he still had to go.
The rain intensified, drumming a frantic rhythm on the windows. Jin‑Woo stood, stretching his cramped limbs, and headed for the door. The hallway was dim, the walls lined with peeling paint and flickering fluorescent lights. He passed by other hunters, each with their own rank insignia sewn onto their jackets. A Rank D hunter named Lee Min‑ho gave him a nod, his eyes reflecting a mixture of respect and pity. “You’re going for the double today?” Min‑ho asked, his voice low.
Jin‑Woo shrugged, the weight of his low rank evident in his posture. “If we survive, maybe we’ll get something worth the risk.” He tried to sound confident, but his voice betrayed a tremor of uncertainty.
Min‑ho chuckled, a short, dry sound. “You always say that. Just remember, the deeper you go, the more you’ll see what you’re truly made of.” He turned and disappeared into the stairwell, leaving Jin‑Woo alone with his thoughts.
Outside, the city’s streets were a river of umbrellas and hurried footsteps. The sky was a bruised violet, the clouds heavy with the promise of more rain. Jin‑Woo made his way to the designated meeting point, a nondescript warehouse near the river where the double portal would open. The building was a relic of an industrial past, its metal doors rusted and its windows boarded up. Inside, a handful of hunters gathered, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of oil and sweat mingling with the metallic tang of weapons.
At the center of the room stood a tall figure, his presence commanding despite his unassuming attire. He was the raid leader, a Rank B hunter named Park Hyun‑Suk, known for his strategic mind and calm demeanor under pressure. He raised his hand, silencing the murmurs that rippled through the group.
“Listen up,” Hyun‑Suk began, his voice resonating with authority. “We’re about to enter a double dungeon. Two portals will open, leading to separate chambers. The monsters inside are unknown, but the reward is double what we’d normally receive. We’ll split the loot evenly, but only if we all make it out alive. Remember, teamwork is our only chance.”
He glanced at Jin‑Woo, his eyes lingering for a moment. “You’re with us, Jin‑Woo. Stay close, and don’t take unnecessary risks.”
Jin‑Woo nodded, feeling a surge of adrenaline. The double portal shimmered into existence, a swirling vortex of violet light that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The hunters stepped forward, their weapons drawn, their hearts beating in unison with the rhythm of the storm outside.
The first portal opened, a gaping maw that led into a cavernous space lit by phosphorescent fungi. The second portal, identical in appearance, opened beside it, its darkness deeper, more foreboding. Hyun‑Suk gestured, and the group split, half moving into the left chamber, half into the right. Jin‑Woo found himself paired with Min‑ho and a young woman named Cha Ye‑ri, a Rank E hunter who had recently earned her badge after a successful solo raid.
The left chamber was a maze of stone arches and crumbling statues, the air thick with the scent of damp earth. Shadows moved in the periphery, and the faint sound of distant roars echoed through the cavern. Jin‑Woo’s grip tightened around his sword, the metal cold against his palm. He could feel the weight of his rank, the expectations of those who doubted his abilities.
“Stay alert,” Min‑ho whispered, his eyes scanning the darkness. “These things don’t like intruders.”
Ye‑ri nodded, her bow already nocked with an arrow. “I’ve heard rumors about this place. They say it’s a breeding ground for the strongest monsters. If we’re lucky, we’ll find something valuable.”
Jin‑Woo forced a smile, trying to mask his fear. “Lucky is a relative term,” he muttered, his voice barely audible over the distant growls.
The group moved deeper, the stone floor slick with moisture. Suddenly, a guttural roar shattered the silence, and a massive creature emerged from the shadows. Its skin was a patchwork of scales and fur, its eyes glowing with a feral hunger. The monster’s claws scraped the stone as it lunged forward, teeth bared, ready to rend flesh from bone.
“Form a circle!” Hyun‑Suk shouted from the other chamber, his voice echoing through the portal’s magical link. “Focus fire on the head!”
Jin‑Woo’s heart hammered as he raised his sword, the blade catching the dim light. He slashed at the creature’s flank, the steel biting into its hide, drawing a spray of dark blood. The monster recoiled, snarling, its massive tail whipping around and striking Min‑ho, sending him sprawling to the ground.
“Jin‑Woo, now!” Ye‑ri cried, releasing a volley of arrows that whistled through the air, striking the beast’s eyes. The creature howled in pain, its vision blurred.
Jin‑Woo seized the moment, thrusting his sword forward with all his might. The blade pierced the monster’s skull, a spray of crimson erupting as the creature’s life force drained away. The cavern fell silent, the only sound the ragged breathing of the hunters and the distant drip of water.
They stood over the fallen beast, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins. Jin‑Woo felt a strange warmth spreading through his chest, a sensation that was both exhilarating and terrifying. He glanced at Min‑ho, who was already getting to his feet, a grimace on his face.
“Nice work,” Min‑ho said, clapping Jin‑Woo on the shoulder. “You’ve got more guts than I gave you credit for.”
Jin‑Woo managed a weak smile, his eyes still fixed on the monster’s corpse. “Just… lucky,” he replied, though the words felt hollow.
The group pressed onward, deeper into the labyrinth. The walls grew narrower, the air colder. They encountered more monsters—skeletal warriors, hulking golems, and swarms of smaller, feral beasts. Each battle tested their resolve, each victory a small step toward the promise of a double reward. Jin‑Woo found himself moving with a fluidity he had never known, his sword dancing in a rhythm that seemed to sync with the heartbeat of the dungeon itself.
At one point, they entered a chamber illuminated by a single, flickering torch. In the center stood a pedestal, upon which rested a small, ornate box. The box pulsed with a faint, golden light, as if it contained a secret waiting to be uncovered.
“What is that?” Ye‑ri whispered, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Hyun‑Suk stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. “It could be a relic, a treasure, or a trap. We need to be careful.”
Jin‑Woo approached the pedestal, his hand hovering over the box. He felt a strange pull, a magnetic force that seemed to resonate with his very soul. He hesitated, then lifted the lid.
Inside lay a crystal, its facets catching the torchlight and scattering it into a kaleidoscope of colors. The crystal hummed softly, a low vibration that seemed to echo in Jin‑Woo’s chest. As he touched it, a surge of energy coursed through his body, a warmth that spread from his fingertips to the tips of his hair. He felt his senses sharpen, his perception expanding beyond the limits of ordinary humans.
“Whoa,” Min‑ho breathed, eyes widening. “What… what is that?”
Hyun‑Suk examined the crystal, his brow furrowing. “It’s a… a soul crystal. Legend says it can amplify a hunter’s abilities, but it’s also said to be cursed. We should take it back and analyze it.”
Jin‑Woo slipped the crystal into his satchel, feeling its weight like a promise. The group continued, the path now illuminated by the crystal’s faint glow, guiding them through the darkness.
Eventually, they reached the final chamber of the left dungeon. A massive door stood before them, its surface etched with ancient runes that pulsed with a faint, violet light. Beyond the door lay the heart of the dungeon, the source of its power and the ultimate prize.
Hyun‑Suk placed his hand on the door, chanting a low incantation. The runes flared, and the door swung open, revealing a cavernous space filled with treasure—golden chests, jeweled artifacts, and a towering statue of a forgotten deity. In the center of the room, a massive, pulsating portal shimmered, its surface rippling like liquid mercury.
“This is it,” Hyun‑Suk said, his voice reverent. “The double dungeon’s core. If we can secure this portal, we’ll have the power to claim the loot and return safely.”
Jin‑Woo felt a surge of excitement, his heart pounding in his ears. He glanced at his companions, their faces illuminated by the golden glow of the treasure. They had survived the monsters, the traps, the uncertainty. They had proven themselves, even as Rank E hunters, capable of facing the impossible.
“Let’s move,” Hyun‑Suk commanded. “Secure the portal, gather the loot, and head back before the dungeon collapses.”
The hunters spread out, each taking a portion of the treasure. Jin‑Woo approached the portal, his eyes drawn to its swirling depths. As he reached out, a sudden, deafening roar echoed through the cavern, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. The portal’s surface rippled violently, as if something on the other side was trying to break through.
“Everyone, get out now!” Hyun‑Suk shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar.
Jin‑Woo hesitated, his hand still hovering over the portal. The crystal in his satchel pulsed, its light intensifying. He felt a strange compulsion, a whisper in his mind urging him to stay, to claim the power that lay beyond. He could sense the danger, but also the promise of something beyond his wildest dreams.
In that split second, the portal erupted, a blinding flash of violet light engulfing the chamber. The hunters were thrown backward, their bodies slamming against the stone walls. Jin‑Woo felt his vision blur, his senses overwhelmed by a torrent of energy that seemed to tear at his very being.
When the light finally receded, the cavern was silent. The treasure lay scattered, the portal gone, and the hunters lay motionless on the floor. Jin‑Woo’s breath came in ragged gasps as he tried to comprehend what had happened. He felt a strange emptiness, a void where his consciousness should have been.
He opened his eyes to darkness. The world around him was a void of blackness, punctuated only by a faint, distant glow. He could hear his own heartbeat, a steady thrum that seemed to echo through the emptiness. Then, a voice—soft, melodic, and ancient—spoke from the void.
“Welcome, hunter.”
Jin‑Woo’s eyes widened. “Who… who are you?”
The voice chuckled, a sound that resonated like wind through leaves. “I am the System. You have been chosen.”
“Chosen for what?” Jin‑Woo demanded, his voice trembling.
“The world has changed, and so have the hunters. You have been given a gift—a power that will allow you to rise beyond your rank, beyond the limits of ordinary mortals. You will become a player in a game where the stakes are life and death, and the rewards are beyond imagination.”
Jin‑Woo tried to process the words, his mind racing. “A game? What do you mean?”
“The dungeons are not merely portals; they are stages. The monsters are not just beasts; they are challenges. And you, Sung Jin‑Woo, will be the one who can see the hidden layers, the hidden quests. You will be able to level up, to grow stronger with each raid, to become a hunter unlike any other.”
A surge of energy coursed through Jin‑Woo’s body, a sensation that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. He felt his muscles tighten, his senses sharpen, his mind expand. He could see the faint outlines of a UI—an interface that hovered at the edge of his vision, displaying his stats, his health, his experience points. A small window showed a quest log, with a single entry: “First Raid – Double Dungeon – Complete.”
“Is this… real?” Jin‑Woo whispered, his voice barely audible.
“It is as real as you make it,” the System replied. “You have been given a second chance. You can now see the world for what it truly is. You can become stronger, you can protect those you care about, and you can rewrite your destiny.”
Jin‑Woo’s mind swirled with thoughts of his family, of his mother’s frail smile, of his sister’s laughter, of the countless times he had been dismissed because of his rank. He thought of the countless hunters who had perished in dungeons, their names forgotten, their sacrifices unacknowledged. He thought of the promise he had made to himself—to become someone who could make a difference.
“I… I want to be stronger,” he said, his voice gaining confidence. “I want to protect them.”
The System’s voice softened. “Then accept the gift. Embrace the power. From this moment, you are no longer just a Rank E hunter. You are a player. Your journey begins now.”
A bright light enveloped Jin‑Woo, and the void dissolved. He found himself lying on the cold stone floor of the cavern, the treasure scattered around him, his companions unconscious but alive. The portal was gone, the cavern silent except for the distant drip of water. He could feel the crystal’s warmth against his chest, its energy still pulsing.
He rose slowly, his body feeling different—lighter, more attuned to the world. He looked down at his hands, noticing a faint, glowing rune etched into his palm, a symbol that seemed to pulse with a soft violet light. He felt a surge of power, a connection to something beyond the physical realm.
“Jin‑Woo!” Min‑ho’s voice called out, hoarse from the impact. “Are you… are you okay?”
Jin‑Woo turned, a smile forming on his lips. “I’m more than okay.” He extended his hand, and a faint aura of energy rippled from his palm, causing the nearby treasure to