Solo Leveling’s Cerberus fight is even smarter than you realized

Sung Jinwoo’s battle against Cerberus in Solo Leveling Episode 7 was one of the coolest encounters in the anime we’ve seen so far, and there are some details that make it even better.

The fact that the hero of Solo Leveling can even tackle an opponent like Cerberus in Episode 7 is a testament to his journey in the anime show so far. From the weedy E-class hero in the first episode to now, it’s been an incredible transformation, with Sung becoming a resourceful warrior who can handle major stand-offs.

Fighting Cerberus lasts an entire episode, as opposed to the manwha where it’s mostly glossed over. It’s a gruelling, satisfying ordeal where Sung is pushed to his limits, having to purchase items mid-battle for the first time and utilize every trick in his arsenal. He’s victorious in the end, and his strategy was strong than you might have thought.

Sung Jinwoo used a special ability to defeat Cerberus in Solo Leveling

After killing two of the three heads of Cerberus, Sung Jinwoo was left with one that’s extremely ferocious. He lets himself get bitten to be closer to the creature, before the eye multiple times, causing death.

Of course, all those stab wounds did substantial damage, but the real killer here was his blade’s Drain ability. Every time he successfully stabs something with that dagger, they’re left with a lingering effect that gradually takes away their HP. Multiple stab wounds stack the power, until all the target’s lifeforce is sucked away.

In the manwha, Sung kills Cerberus in a slightly more grotesque fashion, by stabbing the gigantic canine at the base of its neck, causing the three heads to drown from blood flowing into their lungs. Honestly, think I prefer the anime show on this – we got an awesome set-piece, and it didn’t seem so malicious on Sung’s behalf.

Some fans on Reddit believe the anime utilizes some plot armor – where the main character survives because the creator needs them to, so they win by miraculous means – and there’s merit to that argument. But plot armor is part of what makes a story like Solo Leveling invigorating, because it tickles our own desire to be the protagonists of our lives.

in any case, Sung has the Demon’s Castle next. Find out more when Solo Leveling Episode 8 arrives. If you’re up to date, check out our list of the best anime like Solo Leveling for more great series to watch.