Chapter 98 Summary
The night sky over the city was a bruised violet, the last remnants of daylight slipping away behind the jagged silhouettes of skyscrapers. In the distance, the faint hum of traffic was swallowed by an uneasy silence that seemed to settle over the world whenever a gate opened. Tonight, the Red Gate had erupted in a blaze of scarlet fire, its towering archway pulsing with a malevolent energy that sent a shiver down the spine of anyone who dared to look upon it. The gate was a scar on the fabric of reality, a tear that let the monsters of the other world spill into the human realm, and it had become the focal point of every hunter’s attention.
Sung Jinwoo stood at the edge of the Red Gate, his eyes narrowed, the faint glow of his aura flickering like a candle in a storm. He had spent years climbing the ranks, from a low‑level E‑class hunter to the unrivaled Shadow Monarch, a title that now seemed both a blessing and a curse. The weight of his responsibilities pressed against his chest, but his resolve was unshakable. He could feel the pulse of the gate, a rhythm that matched the beating of his own heart, and he knew that the battle that awaited beyond would test every ounce of his power.
Beside him, Cha Hae‑In adjusted the strap of her hunter’s coat, her expression a mixture of determination and quiet confidence. The two had fought side by side countless times, their bond forged in the crucible of countless dungeons and battles. Hae‑In’s silver hair caught the faint light, and her eyes, usually so calm, now burned with a fierce intensity. She had always been the one who could see through Jinwoo’s stoic exterior, understanding the turmoil that lingered beneath his calm demeanor. Tonight, she was ready to stand with him, not just as an ally, but as a partner in the fight that would decide the fate of the city.
The Red Gate roared, its crimson flames licking the night air, and a wave of dark energy surged outward. From its depths, a legion of monsters poured forth—hulking beasts with twisted limbs, winged horrors that screeched in the night, and swarms of smaller, feral creatures that darted like shadows. The air grew thick with the stench of sulfur and the metallic tang of blood. Jinwoo raised his hand, and the world seemed to hold its breath. The shadows that clung to his form coalesced, forming a dark armor that shimmered with an otherworldly sheen.
“Stay close,” he whispered to Hae‑In, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of the gate’s roar. “We’ll need to coordinate our attacks. The monsters are stronger than we anticipated.”
Hae‑In nodded, her hand tightening around the hilt of her sword. She had trained for moments like this, mastering the art of swift, precise strikes that could cut through even the toughest of hides. As the first wave of monsters surged forward, she leapt into the fray, her blade flashing in arcs of silver light. Each swing was a dance, a perfect blend of grace and lethal efficiency. She moved like a phantom, slipping between the claws of a massive, spider‑like creature, delivering a swift thrust that sent it crashing to the ground in a spray of blackened blood.
Jinwoo’s shadows responded to his will, forming tendrils that wrapped around the legs of a hulking ogre, pulling it down with a force that made the ground tremble. He could feel the creature’s fear, its desperate attempts to break free, and he fed off that terror, letting it fuel his own power. With a flick of his wrist, a wave of dark energy erupted, slicing through the ogre’s torso and sending a spray of gore across the battlefield. The monster’s roar was cut short, its lifeless eyes staring into the void.
The Red Gate battle intensified. The monsters seemed endless, each wave more ferocious than the last. Jinwoo’s eyes flickered as he sensed a shift in the flow of energy—a new presence, something ancient and powerful. A chill ran down his spine, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to tilt. The air crackled, and a figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in a regal darkness that seemed to swallow the light around it.
The Monarch appeared.
The sight sent a ripple through the battlefield. The monsters recoiled, as if recognizing the authority of the being that now stood among them. The Monarch’s presence was both awe‑inspiring and terrifying—a towering figure draped in a mantle of midnight, eyes glowing with a fierce, amber light. The aura that surrounded him was a storm of raw power, a manifestation of the very essence that Jinwoo had spent years mastering.
“Jinwoo,” the Monarch’s voice resonated, deep and resonant, echoing across the scarred ground. “You have called upon me in your hour of need. The Red Gate threatens to consume the world. Together, we shall seal it.”
Jinwoo bowed his head in respect, his own aura flaring brighter as he felt the Monarch’s power intertwine with his own. “I am honored,” he replied, his voice steady despite the chaos. “But we must act quickly. The gate’s energy is destabilizing, and if we do not close it, the monsters will overrun the city.”
The Monarch raised a hand, and a surge of dark energy rippled outward, forming a barrier that pushed back the oncoming horde. The monsters snarled, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and rage, but the barrier held, buying Jinwoo and Hae‑In precious seconds to formulate a plan.
Hae‑In, ever the tactician, scanned the battlefield, her mind racing. “We need to target the core of the gate,” she shouted over the roar. “If we can disrupt its source, the monsters will lose their anchor and be forced back.”
Jinwoo nodded, his thoughts aligning with the Monarch’s. “I will use my new skill,” he announced, a hint of excitement cutting through his usual stoicism. “The Shadow Extraction—an ability I unlocked after the last S‑rank dungeon. It allows me to siphon the gate’s energy and redirect it.”
The mention of the new skill sent a surge of anticipation through the onlookers. The Shadow Extraction was a technique whispered about in hunter circles, a power that could turn the tide of any battle. Jinwoo had spent countless hours in the depths of the S‑rank dungeon, battling the fiercest monsters, and emerging with a deeper understanding of his own limits. The skill was a testament to his relentless pursuit of growth, a new chapter in his evolution as a hunter.
He extended his hand, and the shadows that clung to his form surged forward, coalescing into a massive, swirling vortex. The vortex reached toward the heart of the Red Gate, its tendrils probing the crack in reality. The gate’s crimson flames flared brighter, as if resisting the intrusion, but Jinwoo’s will was unyielding. He channeled his energy, drawing from the Monarch’s power, and the vortex grew, a dark maelstrom that threatened to swallow the gate itself.
The Monarch, sensing the critical moment, unleashed a torrent of his own power, a wave of blackened light that merged with Jinwoo’s vortex. The two forces intertwined, creating a cataclysmic surge that rippled across the battlefield. The monsters, caught in the shockwave, were thrown back, their bodies disintegrating into ash as the combined might of the Shadow Monarch and the Monarch’s ancient power overwhelmed them.
The Red Gate shuddered, its crimson flames flickering, then dimming. A deafening crack echoed through the night as the gate’s structure began to crumble. Jinwoo’s eyes widened as he felt the energy of the gate being siphoned away, the darkness within it being drawn into his own shadowy form. He could sense the gate’s life force waning, its power being absorbed and neutralized.
“Now!” Hae‑In shouted, her sword raised high. She thrust it into the ground, channeling her own mana into a focused blast that struck the gate’s core. The impact was a brilliant flash of white light, a stark contrast to the surrounding darkness. The gate’s crimson aura burst, scattering like shards of glass, and a deafening silence fell over the battlefield.
The Red Gate collapsed, its massive arch crumbling into dust and ash. The remnants of the monsters that had not been destroyed by the shockwave fell to the ground, their bodies turning to stone before disintegrating into nothingness. The city, once threatened by an endless tide of darkness, breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Jinwoo lowered his hand, the shadows receding back into his form. He felt a surge of exhaustion, but also a deep sense of fulfillment. The new skill he had acquired—Shadow Extraction—had proven its worth, allowing him to turn the very source of the enemy’s power against them. He glanced at Hae‑In, who stood panting but victorious, her sword still glowing faintly from the residual energy of her strike.
The Monarch, his presence now less imposing but still radiating an aura of ancient authority, bowed his head in respect. “You have done well, Jinwoo. The world owes you a debt of gratitude. The Red Gate is sealed, and the monsters have been driven back. Yet, remember—this is but one battle in an endless war.”
Jinwoo nodded, his eyes reflecting the lingering embers of the collapsed gate. “I understand,” he replied. “There will always be more gates, more monsters, more challenges. But with allies like you and Hae‑In, I will continue to protect this world.”
The Monarch turned, his form dissolving into the night as he vanished into the shadows from whence he came. The city’s lights flickered back on, casting a warm glow over the streets that had been shrouded in darkness moments before. The people emerged from their shelters, their faces lit with awe and relief, unaware of the true magnitude of the battle that had just taken place.
Jinwoo and Hae‑In stood amidst the ruins of the Red Gate, the dust settling around their boots. The night air was cool, carrying with it the faint scent of ozone and the lingering echo of the battle’s roar. Hae‑In sheathed her sword, her eyes meeting Jinwoo’s with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.
“You’ve grown even stronger,” she said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “The Shadow Extraction… it’s incredible. How did you manage to unlock it?”
Jinwoo’s gaze drifted to the horizon, where the first hints of dawn were beginning to paint the sky in soft hues of pink and gold. “The S‑rank dungeon tested me in ways I never imagined,” he replied. “I faced monsters that could tear reality apart, and in that crucible, I discovered a deeper connection to my shadows. It was as if the darkness itself recognized my resolve and offered me a fragment of its power.”
Hae‑In chuckled, the sound light and genuine. “You always find a way to turn the impossible into something achievable. I’m glad we’re on the same side.”
He turned back to her, a faint smile breaking through his usual stoic expression. “We’re a team, Hae‑In. Together, we’ll face whatever comes next.”
The two hunters began to walk away from the shattered gate, their footsteps echoing softly on the cracked pavement. As they moved, the city’s skyline came into view, the towering buildings bathed in the early morning light. The world seemed to exhale, the tension of the night giving way to a tentative peace.
Yet, beneath the surface, Jinwoo could feel the lingering threads of the Red Gate’s energy, a faint echo that whispered of unfinished business. He knew that the Monarch’s appearance was not a mere coincidence; it was a sign that greater forces were at play, forces that would soon test his limits even further. The Red Gate battle had been a turning point, a moment that revealed both his strengths and the looming threats that lay beyond the veil.
In the days that followed, rumors spread across hunter forums and online communities. Fans of the series scoured the internet for the latest Solo Leveling chapter 98 online, eager to dissect every panel, every line of dialogue. The chapter’s summary flooded discussion boards, with readers debating the implications of Jinwoo’s new skill acquisition and the mysterious Monarch’s role. Translations of the chapter appeared in multiple languages, each version offering a slightly different nuance to the story’s unfolding. The English scan of Solo Leveling chapter 98 captured the intensity of the Red Gate battle, the vivid artwork bringing the clash of shadows and monsters to life. Fans speculated about upcoming spoilers, wondering what new challenges awaited the Shadow Monarch in the next S‑rank dungeon.
Jinwoo, however, remained focused on the present. He spent his days training, honing his abilities, and preparing for the inevitable next gate. He visited the ruins of the Red Gate, feeling the residual energy that lingered like a faint pulse beneath the earth. He meditated in the quiet of his apartment, visualizing the shadows that answered his call, strengthening the bond that had become his greatest weapon.
Cha Hae‑In, ever the diligent hunter, continued to support him, offering strategic insights and unwavering companionship. Their partnership grew stronger, each battle forging a deeper trust. They shared moments of quiet reflection, sitting atop a rooftop overlooking the city, watching the sunrise paint the sky in brilliant colors. In those moments, Jinwoo allowed himself to think beyond the endless cycle of gates and monsters, dreaming of a world where peace might finally prevail.
But the world of hunters was never truly at rest. New threats emerged, each more formidable than the last. Rumors of a hidden S‑rank dungeon, deeper and more treacherous than any before, began to circulate. Whispers of a new Monarch, one whose motives were shrouded in mystery, reached Jinwoo’s ears. The Red Gate battle had been a glimpse into the larger tapestry of conflict that stretched across dimensions.
One evening, as the city lights flickered below, Jinwoo received a message from an unknown source. The text was brief, yet its implications were profound: “The next gate opens at the heart of the ancient forest. Be ready.” The message was signed with a symbol—a stylized eye surrounded by swirling shadows—that Jinwoo recognized as the mark of the Monarch’s council.
He turned to Hae‑In, his eyes reflecting the glow of the city below. “It seems our work is far from over,” he said, his voice steady.
She nodded, a fierce determination flashing in her gaze. “Then we’ll face it together, as always.”
The two hunters prepared for the journey ahead, gathering supplies, sharpening weapons, and reinforcing their resolve. The night was thick with anticipation, the air humming with the promise of new battles and the potential for further growth. Jinwoo felt the familiar surge of excitement as he thought of the new skill he might unlock, the next level of mastery he could achieve. The Red Gate battle had shown him that even in the darkest moments, there was always a path forward, a way to turn adversity into strength.
As they set out toward the ancient forest, the city behind them seemed to hold its breath, the streets quiet, the people unaware of the looming threat that would soon emerge from the shadows. The forest loomed ahead, its trees towering like ancient sentinels, their leaves whispering secrets of ages past. The gate at its heart pulsed with a faint, ominous glow, a promise of danger and opportunity intertwined.
Jinwoo stepped forward, his shadowy aura flaring briefly as he felt the familiar pull of the unknown. He glanced at Hae‑In, her sword ready, her eyes sharp. Together, they crossed the threshold, the world shifting around them as the gate opened, revealing a landscape that seemed both familiar and alien—a realm where the laws of physics bent, where the sky was a swirl of violet and crimson, and where the ground trembled with latent power.
The battle that awaited them would be unlike any they had faced before. The monsters that emerged from the forest’s depths were unlike the ones from the Red Gate—creatures of pure darkness, their forms shifting like living shadows, their eyes glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light. Jinwoo felt the surge of his Shadow Extraction skill, ready to be called upon once more. He could sense the presence of the Monarch’s council, watching, waiting, perhaps ready to intervene if the need arose.
The fight began with a roar, the forest echoing with the clash of steel and the crackle of dark energy. Hae‑In moved with fluid grace, her sword cutting through the shadows, each strike leaving a trail of luminous afterimage. Jinwoo’s shadows swirled around him, forming blades of darkness that sliced through the enemy ranks. The battle was a symphony of motion, each hunter complementing the other’s strengths, their coordination honed through countless trials.
As the fight progressed, Jinwoo felt a familiar tug—a resonance that hinted at a deeper connection to the shadows. He realized that the Shadow Extraction could be refined, that he could not only siphon the gate’s energy but also channel it into a new form of attack. He focused, drawing upon the lingering energy of the Red Gate, the remnants of its power still echoing within him. A surge of dark light erupted from his hands, forming a massive, spiraling vortex that pulled the surrounding monsters into its core, crushing them with an intensity that seemed to bend reality itself.
The Monarch’s council observed, their eyes reflecting the battle’s chaos. One of them, a figure cloaked in midnight, stepped forward, his voice resonating like a distant thunder. “Jinwoo, your growth is remarkable. The Shadow Extraction has become a weapon of unparalleled force. Yet, there is more to learn. The true power of the shadows lies not only in destruction but in creation.”
Jinwoo paused, the vortex still humming with raw energy. He felt the weight of