The latest character reveal in Solo Leveling: Arise features another poignant example of the devastating Eternal Slumber disease, particularly affecting the character of Sung Jinwoo’s mother.
Netmarble’s official forum announced the introduction of a new webtoon release, centering on Shimizu Akari, the original Hunter. This touching narrative elaborates on the strong connection between the Shimizu sisters, especially the younger sister, Himari, who suffers from the Eternal Slumber illness.
Epic battles and emotional stakes that make Solo Leveling (Photo: Solo Leveling/A-1 Pictures and Aniplex)The story uncovers as Akari secretly takes Himari out of the hospital for a day of adventure, finally revealing the tragic circumstances surrounding Himari’s affliction. Readers can explore this story in detail below.
According to her Hunter Analysis File, Akari wields light-based healing powers and is an S-Rank Healer from the Japanese Blade Guild. She is voiced by Suzie Yeung, who is celebrated for her performances in roles such as Vladilena Milizé from 86, Makima in Chainsaw Man, Ranma in Ranma 1/2, and Sumi Sakurasawa from Rent-a-Girlfriend.
While Akari’s character is portrayed as excessively focused on money, charging her guild members for healing services, readers will likely grasp her motivations more deeply after experiencing her storyline in the webtoon.
Akari’s introduction is part of a broader series of original characters from Solo Leveling: Arise, which also includes well-established figures like Isla Wright and Thomas Andre, one of the strongest characters in the series.
Recently, the cinematic trailer for Solo Leveling: Arise highlighted the intense conflict between Beru and Jinwoo, depicting the brutal assault of ants on humans.
An epic battle sequence between these two characters also featured prominently. Solo Leveling: Arise adapts the original manhwa, with an anime series from A-1 Pictures also in the works, as its second season’s release date was confirmed this week.
Crunchyroll will stream the upcoming season as part of its Winter 2025 anime lineup, which features other titles such as the second cours of Shangri-La Frontier Season 2, Re:Zero Season 3, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, Dr. Stone: Science Future, and The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2.
The official synopsis for Solo Leveling states: “They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not the case for the world’s weakest hunter, Sung Jinwoo.
After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way. Now, he’s inspired to discover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon that spawned them.”