Chapter 163 Summary
The air inside the Red Gate was thick with a metallic tang that clung to the lungs like a veil of ash. Sunlight, filtered through the jagged crystal walls, fell in shards of amber, painting the floor in a chaotic mosaic of light and shadow. The S‑rank dungeon loomed ahead, its architecture a twisted blend of ancient stone and alien geometry, each corridor promising a new trial, each turn a potential death sentence. Sung Jinwoo stood at the threshold, his eyes narrowed, the faint glow of his aura pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat.
He had been summoned here not by chance, but by a summons that resonated deep within his very core. The Red Gate, notorious for its brutal encounters and the ferocity of its monsters, had called to him like a siren. The rumors that swirled through the hunter community—whispers of a new boss, a creature of unimaginable power—had reached his ears long before the portal opened. Now, with his Shadow Army assembled behind him, Jinwoo felt the familiar surge of anticipation that always preceded a great battle.
The first step into the dungeon was a test of resolve. The floor beneath his boots was slick with a thin film of blood, the remnants of previous hunters who had dared to challenge the gate and failed. Their lifeless forms lay scattered, their weapons rusted, their eyes forever frozen in terror. Jinwoo's gaze lingered on a broken sword, its blade twisted beyond repair, and he felt a flicker of respect for those who had fallen. Their sacrifice was not in vain; it fed the very shadows he commanded.
A low, guttural growl echoed from the darkness ahead, reverberating off the stone walls like a warning. From the gloom emerged a horde of lesser monsters—mutated beasts with elongated limbs and eyes that burned with a crimson hue. Their snarls were a chorus of malice, each one eager to tear apart any intruder. Jinwoo raised his hand, and the shadows that clung to his form coalesced into a legion of spectral soldiers. Their armor was black as night, their weapons forged from the essence of darkness itself.
"Form up!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the cacophony. The Shadow Army responded instantly, arranging themselves into a disciplined phalanx. Their movements were fluid, almost graceful, as they advanced toward the monsters. The first wave of enemies lunged, claws outstretched, but the shadows met them with a wave of dark energy that rippled across the battlefield. The impact sent the beasts sprawling, their bodies disintegrating into ash that was quickly absorbed by the surrounding shadows.
Jinwoo's eyes glowed brighter as he unleashed his new skill, a technique he had only just mastered after countless hours of training and relentless battles. The skill, known among the few who had witnessed its birth as "Soul Severance," allowed him to cut through the very essence of a monster, separating its soul from its flesh in an instant. He focused his will, and a blade of pure, blackened light materialized in his hand, humming with a power that seemed to echo from the depths of the void.
With a swift motion, he slashed through the nearest monster, the blade slicing cleanly through its torso. The creature let out a scream that was both a howl and a wail, its soul ripped from its body and drawn into the blade. The severed soul hovered for a heartbeat before being absorbed into Jinwoo's own aura, adding its strength to his growing power. The Shadow Army cheered silently, their forms shimmering with renewed vigor.
As the battle raged, a sudden shift in the atmosphere caught Jinwoo's attention. The shadows that had been his allies seemed to pause, their forms flickering as if sensing a presence beyond the ordinary. From the far end of the chamber, a figure emerged, moving with a poise that commanded respect. She was clad in a sleek, dark combat suit, her hair a cascade of silver that caught the amber light, framing a face both fierce and serene. Her eyes, a striking shade of violet, locked onto Jinwoo with an intensity that spoke of shared history and unspoken promises.
Cha Hae‑In had arrived.
The sight of her in the Red Gate was a surprise even to Jinwoo, who had expected to face the boss alone. Hae‑In's appearance in this S‑rank dungeon was a testament to her own resolve and the growing bond between them. She moved with the confidence of a hunter who had faced countless trials, her steps silent yet purposeful. As she approached, the shadows around her seemed to respond, aligning themselves in a protective formation.
"Jinwoo," she said, her voice low but steady, "I couldn't let you go in alone. This gate… it's more dangerous than we thought."
He nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I was hoping you'd show up. The boss here is unlike any I've faced before."
The ground trembled as a massive roar reverberated through the cavern, shaking loose dust from the ceiling. From the depths of the Red Gate, a colossal figure emerged, its form shrouded in a swirling vortex of crimson energy. The creature towered over the hunters, its limbs elongated and twisted, each movement accompanied by a crackle of dark fire. Its eyes burned like twin suns, and its roar seemed to split the very air.
Jinwoo felt the weight of the moment settle upon him. This was the Red Gate boss, the apex predator of this dungeon, a being that had devoured countless hunters and left only whispers of its existence. The battle that would unfold here would become the talk of the hunter community for years to come, a story that many would later read Solo Leveling chapter 163 online, dissecting each move, each strategy, each moment of triumph.
The boss lunged forward, its massive claws slashing through the air with a speed that belied its size. Jinwoo and Hae‑In reacted in perfect sync. Jinwoo's Shadow Army surged forward, forming a barrier that absorbed the initial onslaught, while Hae‑In unleashed a barrage of swift, precise strikes, her blades cutting through the creature's flesh with a sound like the ringing of bells. The boss recoiled, a spray of dark blood splattering across the stone floor.
"Now!" Jinwoo shouted, his voice echoing through the cavern. He raised his hand, and the shadows around him gathered, swirling into a vortex of darkness that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The new skill he had honed—Soul Severance—glowed brighter, its blackened blade extending outward, forming a crescent of pure, cutting energy.
He thrust the blade into the creature's chest, the impact resonating like a thunderclap. The boss let out a guttural scream, its body convulsing as the blade tore through its core. The severed soul of the monster erupted in a burst of crimson light, spiraling toward Jinwoo. He felt the surge of its power as it merged with his own, the energy flooding his veins, amplifying his aura to a level he had never experienced before.
But the boss was far from defeated. With a roar that shook the very foundations of the Red Gate, it unleashed a wave of dark fire, a torrent of scorching energy that threatened to engulf everything in its path. The Shadow Army, already strained from the earlier assault, began to falter under the onslaught. Hae‑In's blades clanged against the creature's armor, each strike sending sparks of violet light into the darkness.
Jinwoo's mind raced. He needed to turn the tide, to harness the newfound power he had just absorbed. He recalled the ancient technique of shadow extraction, a method he had only glimpsed in the annals of hunter lore. It involved drawing the essence of a monster into his own shadows, binding it, and then using it as a weapon. The concept was risky; mishandling it could result in the monster's soul turning against him. Yet the situation left him no choice.
He focused his will, extending his aura toward the boss, his hand forming a sigil of binding in the air. Dark tendrils sprouted from his body, wrapping around the creature's limbs, pulling at its very soul. The boss thrashed, its roars turning into desperate snarls as the shadows tightened their grip. Hae‑In seized the moment, delivering a flurry of strikes that pierced the creature's armor, each hit amplifying the extraction process.
The boss's core began to glow, a pulsating crimson sphere that seemed to beat in time with its dying heart. Jinwoo felt the surge of the monster's power coursing through his veins, a torrent of raw, unrefined energy that threatened to overwhelm him. He steadied his breath, drawing upon the discipline he had cultivated over countless battles. The shadows around him responded, forming a protective cocoon that filtered the chaotic energy, allowing him to channel it safely.
With a final, decisive motion, Jinwoo thrust his hand forward, and the extracted soul burst forth, a concentrated blast of dark energy that shot straight into the boss's chest. The creature let out a final, ear-splitting scream before collapsing, its massive form crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact that sent shockwaves rippling through the Red Gate.
Silence fell over the cavern, broken only by the ragged breaths of the hunters and the faint crackle of dying embers. The Red Gate boss lay defeated, its massive body slowly disintegrating into ash that drifted upward, carried away by the lingering currents of the shadows. Jinwoo stood amidst the aftermath, his aura still blazing, his heart pounding with the exhilaration of victory.
Cha Hae‑In approached, her eyes reflecting both relief and admiration. "You were incredible," she said, her voice soft but filled with genuine awe. "I've never seen anyone wield a skill like Soul Severance with such precision."
Jinwoo lowered his head modestly. "It was a team effort. Your support made the difference."
She smiled, a rare, genuine expression that lit up her face. "We make a good team."
Around them, the Shadow Army reassembled, their forms shimmering with renewed vigor. The extraction of the boss's soul had not only granted Jinwoo a surge of power but also added a new shadow to his ranks—a massive, imposing figure that bore the likeness of the Red Gate's fallen guardian. This new addition would become a cornerstone of his army, a testament to his growing strength and the relentless pursuit of mastery over the shadows.
As the dust settled, Jinwoo's thoughts drifted to the countless hunters who would soon read Solo Leveling chapter 163 English translation, eager to relive the battle through the pages. He imagined the discussions that would unfold, the analyses of his new skill, the speculation about the future of the Shadow Army. He could almost hear the murmurs of the community, the excitement of those who would search for a Solo Leveling chapter 163 summary, dissecting each moment, each strategic decision.
He felt a faint tug at the back of his mind, a lingering echo of the Red Gate's ancient magic. The gate itself seemed to pulse, as if acknowledging his triumph. The crimson light that had once bathed the cavern dimmed, replaced by a softer, amber glow that illuminated the path forward. The S‑rank dungeon, now cleared of its greatest threat, opened up to reveal deeper chambers, each promising new challenges, new monsters, and perhaps even greater rewards.
Jinwoo turned to Hae‑In, his eyes reflecting the determination that had driven him since the first day he stepped into a dungeon. "There are more gates," he said, his voice steady. "More monsters. More secrets to uncover."
She nodded, her violet eyes shining with resolve. "Then let's keep moving. Together."
The two hunters stepped forward, their silhouettes merging with the shadows that danced around them. The Red Gate, now a memory, faded behind them, its crimson aura dissipating into the ether. Ahead, the unknown awaited—new dungeons, new foes, and the endless pursuit of power that defined their lives.
As they ventured deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of the S‑rank dungeon, Jinwoo felt the weight of his responsibilities settle upon his shoulders. The Shadow Army marched in perfect unison, each member a silent testament to his growth as a hunter. The new shadow, a towering figure with a visage reminiscent of the Red Gate's boss, followed closely, its presence a reminder of the battle they had just won.
The corridors twisted and turned, each passage lined with ancient runes that pulsed faintly, as if alive. The air grew colder, and a faint, metallic scent lingered, hinting at the presence of hidden traps. Jinwoo's senses were on high alert, his eyes scanning every shadow, every crack in the stone. He could feel the rhythm of his heart syncing with the pulse of the dungeon, a harmonious beat that guided his steps.
Suddenly, a low rumble echoed through the hallway, and the ground beneath them shivered. From the darkness ahead, a massive stone door began to slide open, revealing a cavern bathed in an eerie, violet light. At its center stood a colossal statue, its stone features twisted into a grimace, eyes glowing with an otherworldly fire. The statue seemed to watch them, its presence exuding an aura of ancient malice.
Jinwoo recognized the symbol etched into the base of the statue—a sigil associated with the Red Gate's lineage, a mark that denoted the presence of a hidden guardian. He knew that beyond this statue lay a deeper layer of the dungeon, a realm where the true power of the Red Gate was concealed. The challenge ahead would test not only his physical strength but also his strategic mind.
He turned to Hae‑In, his voice calm yet firm. "We need to dismantle that statue. It's likely a barrier protecting whatever lies beyond."
She nodded, her hand already moving to summon her own weapon—a sleek, silver blade that seemed to hum with energy. "I'll take the left side. You handle the right."
The two hunters split, their movements synchronized as if they had rehearsed this dance countless times. Jinwoo approached the statue's right flank, his Shadow Army forming a protective circle around him. He raised his hand, and the shadows coalesced into a massive, dark blade, its edge shimmering with the same blackened light of his Soul Severance skill. He struck the stone, and the impact sent a shockwave through the cavern, causing fragments of the statue to crumble.
Hae‑In, on the left, unleashed a flurry of swift strikes, each one resonating with a high-pitched chime as her blade met the stone. The statue's surface cracked, fissures spreading like veins across its body. The violet light intensified, as if the statue were feeding off the energy of their attacks.
As the statue began to break apart, a sudden surge of energy erupted from its core, a wave of dark, crimson fire that threatened to engulf the hunters. Jinwoo's Shadow Army surged forward, forming a barrier that absorbed the blast, their forms flickering as they channeled the energy into themselves. Hae‑In's eyes widened, but she held her ground, her blade glowing brighter as she pushed back against the onslaught.
The statue finally gave way with a deafening crash, its massive limbs collapsing onto the floor, sending clouds of dust spiraling into the air. In the aftermath, a hidden passage revealed itself—a narrow tunnel that led deeper into the heart of the Red Gate. The violet glow receded, replaced by a soft, golden luminescence that seemed to beckon them forward.
Jinwoo stepped into the tunnel, his aura flaring brighter with each step. He could feel the presence of a new, more potent source of power waiting ahead. The Shadow Army followed, their forms shifting and adapting to the changing environment. The new shadow, the one extracted from the Red Gate boss, moved with a deliberate grace, its massive frame casting a protective shadow over the group.
The tunnel opened into a vast chamber, its ceiling lost in darkness, its floor covered in a mosaic of ancient symbols. At the center stood a pedestal, upon which rested a crystal that pulsed with a deep, crimson light. The crystal seemed to hum with an energy that resonated with Jinwoo's own aura, a frequency that felt both familiar and alien.
He approached the crystal cautiously, his hand outstretched. As his fingers brushed its surface, a surge of power coursed through him, a wave of raw, unfiltered energy that threatened to overwhelm his senses. He felt the presence of countless souls, their whispers echoing in his mind, each one a fragment of the countless monsters he had defeated. The crystal was a repository of the Red Gate's essence, a core that held the accumulated power of the dungeon's history.
In that moment, Jinwoo realized the true significance of the battle he had just fought. The Red Gate boss was not merely a monster; it was a guardian of this core, a sentinel tasked with protecting the crystal from those unworthy of its power. By defeating the boss and extracting its soul, Jinwoo had proven his worth, earning the right to claim the crystal's power for himself.
He closed his eyes, focusing his will, and allowed the crystal's energy to