Ore dake Level Up na Ken (Solo Leveling) [Season 2 Episode 12]

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12: “Are You The King of Humans?” – A Battle for the Ages

If there’s one thing Solo Leveling has mastered, it’s the art of making every fight feel like the endgame. Episode 12 of Season 2, titled “Are You The King of Humans?”, is no exception. This episode, produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Shunsuke Nakashige, delivers a spectacle that fans have been eagerly anticipating—the climactic showdown between Sung Jinwoo and the Ant King, Beru. And boy, does it deliver.

The Hype Was Real

From the moment the episode dropped, the internet exploded. Fans on MyAnimeList, Reddit, and beyond couldn’t stop raving about the animation, the intensity, and the sheer coolness of Jinwoo’s dominance. One fan put it perfectly: “Holy shit… nothing more needs to be said.” And honestly, they’re not wrong.

The episode picks up right where the previous one left off—with Jinwoo teleporting onto the battlefield, ready to clean house. The absence of the opening theme was a dead giveaway that this episode was about to go hard. As one fan noted, “If the OP ain’t in it, then shit IS about to go DOWN.” And down it went.

Jinwoo vs. Beru: A Fight for the Ages

The highlight of the episode? The brutal, high-octane duel between Jinwoo and Beru. Fans have been waiting for this moment since Beru was introduced as the Ant King, and the anime did not disappoint. The animation was insane—fluid, dynamic, and packed with sakuga moments that left viewers breathless.

One fan gushed, “Animation-wise this was peak, a pity the writer isn’t up to it.” While some criticized the writing (more on that later), no one could deny the sheer visual spectacle. The fight choreography was top-tier, with Jinwoo and Beru trading blows that felt like they could level cities. The moment Jinwoo unlocked a new skill mid-fight to save himself from losing an eye? Chef’s kiss.

But it wasn’t just about the flashy moves. The fight had weight. As another fan pointed out, “Despite Jinwoo being OP, the fight did give you the feeling of uncertainty of the outcome.” Beru was no pushover, and for a moment, it seemed like even Jinwoo might be in trouble. That tension made the eventual victory all the more satisfying.

Cha Hae-In’s Fate and the Elixir Debate

While Jinwoo was busy flexing on Beru, Cha Hae-In’s condition took a dark turn. The episode revealed that even the legendary Elixir of Life couldn’t fully heal her, leaving fans shocked. “What a waste!!” one fan lamented, while others speculated about what this means for her character moving forward.

Some viewers questioned Jinwoo’s priorities—why use the elixir on Cha when he could’ve saved it for a more dire situation? One commenter theorized, “Despite the name, it’s apparently more like an antidote/debuff remover than a health potion.” Whether this was a misstep or a calculated move remains to be seen, but it definitely sparked heated discussions.

The Soundtrack and Voice Acting

No review of this episode would be complete without shouting out the soundtrack and voice acting. Hiroyuki Sawano’s score elevated every moment, from the eerie tension of Beru’s introduction to the adrenaline-pumping climax. And let’s not forget Akira Ishida’s performance as Beru—his chilling delivery made the Ant King feel like a true force of nature.

One fan summed it up perfectly: “Turned off my lights, full bass on speakers, what a goated episode!!!” If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is.

The Haters Gonna Hate

Of course, not everyone was impressed. A small but vocal minority called the episode “boring” or “one of the worst of the season.” But as one fan clapped back, “If you have said that it was not that special it may be believable but you are saying that worst episode of season even SL haters will not believe that.”

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Episode 12 was a moment. Whether you’re here for the fights, the lore, or just to see Jinwoo be an absolute badass, this episode delivered in spades.

Final Thoughts

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12 is a masterclass in hype. It’s the kind of episode that reminds you why you fell in love with anime in the first place—jaw-dropping animation, pulse-pounding action, and a protagonist who makes you want to stand up and cheer.

As one fan put it: “Absolute Cinema wow, impossible to not enjoy this ep apart the haters of course.”

With only one episode left in the season, the stakes have never been higher. If this episode is any indication, the finale is going to be legendary.

Rating: 11/10 – Peak Anime Achieved.