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Sung Jinwoo’s rise from the weakest hunter to the second Shadow Monarch inSolo Levelinghas solidified his status as one of the most captivating protagonists of modern manhwa. However, although his journey is defined by his necromantic powers, a crucial aspect of his abilities was never fully explored in the story: his ability to use magic or mana manipulation beyond necromancy.

Mana manipulation is not just a tool for necromancy, but it is the fundamental energy that governs all magical systems within theSolo Levelinguniverse. While Jinwoo demonstrated proficiency in utilizing mana to power his shadow extraction abilities, hints scattered throughout the series suggest that this proficiency could’ve granted him even more extraordinary powers, if given proper highlight.
Sung Jinwoo’sMana Manipulation: A Glimpse of Untapped PotentialinSolo Leveling
Sung Jinwoo‘s journey from an E-rank hunter to the Shadow Monarch inSolo Levelingis mainly defined by his necromantic abilities. As a necromancer, he can resurrect fallen enemies as shadow soldiers, creating an ever-growing army under his command. His ability to summon generals likeIgris, Beru, and Tusknot only made him a formidable opponent but also defined his role as a ruler.
However, necromancy is just one aspect of his magical abilities.Mana, the core of all magical energy in theSolo Levelinguniverse, is the primary source of Jinwoo’s abilities. During his moments of transformation, Jinwoo demonstrated an innate ability to manipulate mana. However, the series never explored how Jinwoo could have used mana manipulation beyond these applications.

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This omission raises an interesting question: Could Jinwoo have mastered other forms of magic, such as elemental control, healing, or even reality-bending spells?
While it is natural for someone who is very proficient in mana manipulation to be good in using various types of magic as well. However, theSolo Levelingmanhwa didn’t cover this aspect of Sung Jinwoo at all. All of the other magical elements he has shown in the story are the attributes of other items, not his own magical abilities.

What Could Have Been:Theoretical Application of Sung Jinwoo’s Mana Control
The concept of mana manipulation in theSolo Levelinguniverse opens the door to mastering elemental magic — fire, water, earth, Thunder, and air. If Jinwoo had pursued this path, he could have unleashed devastating attacks on his opponents. Elemental magic would also have given Jinwoo the versatility to counter enemies with specific weaknesses, making him a more adaptive fighter.
Moreover, Jinwoo’s mastery of mana manipulation could have extended to healing magic as well. On one hand, he could use his mana to heal injuries, while on the other hand, he could have strengthened his army with spells to increase their speed and strength. But the most compelling ability he could learn was the ability to manipulate reality itself. With this, Jinwoo could have altered the battlefield, disrupted enemy tactics, or manipulated space and time inSolo Leveling.

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However, the story ofSolo Levelingprobably prioritized Sung Jinwoo’snecromancybecause it was central to his identity as the Shadow Monarch. The series had a fast-paced storyline, with little room to explore additional aspects of Jinwoo’s character, thus, those extra aspects might have detracted from the primary plot.
In the end, Jinwoo’s untapped potential demonstrates that even a powerful hero like him has room to grow. Perhaps, in another story or adaptation, we might witness the full extent of what Sung Jinwoo could achieve when mana manipulation meets its full potential.

Solo Levelingis currently available to read and watch on Webtoon and Crunchyroll, respectively.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
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solo levelingSung Jinwoo