Episode 13: You aren't E-rank, are You

Overview

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You aren't E-rank, are You
Season	Season 2
Episode	13
Air Date	January 4th, 2025 (Japanese) January 18th, 2025 (English)
Adapted From	Chapter 46 - Chapter 51 WB Chapter ? - Chapter ? NV
Arc	Red Gate Arc
Credits
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Writer	Shigeru Murakoshi
Director	Yūya Horiuchi
Music
Opening Theme	LiSa ft. Felix of Stray Kids ReawakeR
Ending Theme	TK from Ling Tosite Sigure - UN-APEX
Soundtrack	SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] : Benjamin & mpi - SHADOWBORN
Episode Guide
Previous	Episode 12
Next	Episode 14

You aren't E-rank, are You is the 13th episode of the Solo Leveling anime series and the 1st episode of its second season.

Synopsis

Jinwoo attends Jinah's parent-teacher meeting, where the teacher asks him to persuade Han Song-Yi, a classmate of Jinah's who has decided to leave school and aim to become a Hunter. To show Song-Yi the harsh realities of the Hunter profession, Jinwoo takes her to observe the training ground of rookie hunters at the White Tiger Guild.

However, upon stepping into a C-rank gate, the surroundings suddenly transform, bathed in a red glow, and they are completely cut off from the outside world. It turns out to be a Red Gate that connects to an advanced dungeon.

Summary

Jinwoo, exhausted from completing his Job Change Quest, is seen resting in his bed when his sister Jinah calls to remind him about her parent-teacher meeting. Although he's clearly tired, Jinwoo agrees to attend with her. When he shows up at the school, it's impossible not to notice the complete transformation. Gone is the plain appearance he's known for; instead, he's wearing sleek, stylish clothes and sporting a new, fresh bob cut. His change leaves Jinah stunned. She jokingly teases him, asking what happened to her usual older brother. As they walk through the halls, Jinwoo attracts the attention of some of her schoolmates who are obviously mesmerized by his newfound look. Jinah, grinning, playfully teases Jinwoo about finding a girlfriend. Jinwoo, unperturbed and more focused on his sister, simply pinches her cheek and refuses the offer with his usual calm demeanor.

At the meeting, Jinah's teacher praises her achievements but shifts the conversation to an important matter: What if Jinah awakens as a hunter? The teacher asks Jinwoo for his input, prompting a serious response. Jinwoo firmly declares that he would never let his sister become a hunter, even if she awakened, out of concern for her safety. The conversation then shifts to another of Jinah’s friends, Song-Yi, whose future as a hunter has become a topic of concern. The teacher asks for Jinwoo’s guidance on the matter, sensing that he may have more insight into the world of hunters.

Later, Jinwoo meets Song-Yi, the E-Rank hunter he and Jinho recruited earlier, who is also one of Jinah’s classmates. As they converse, Song-Yi discovers that Jinwoo is Jinah’s brother. She informs him that, despite their earlier conversation about hunters, she has no intention of quitting the hunter business. Jinwoo, recognizing her determination, nods understandingly and asks her to accompany him somewhere.

Meanwhile, Hwang Dongsoo arrives in Korea from America and is greeted by Woo Jinchul at the airport. Hwang, somewhat unimpressed, remarks on the old-fashioned nature of Korea, expressing surprise that the manager of the Hunter Association would personally welcome him. Jinchul, sensing the tension, asks how long Hwang plans to stay. Hwang responds nonchalantly, saying he doesn’t care for Korea enough to stick around. He then reveals his true intentions: to find Jinwoo and Jinho—not just to track them down, but to eliminate them in a dungeon. He plans to kill the E-Rank first and then move on to the D-Rank. At this, Hwang provocatively asks Jinchul if someone like him, a so-called "scrub," intends to stop him. Without missing a beat, Jinchul replies calmly, stating he is simply doing his job.

At the headquarters of the Hunters Guild, Choi Jong-In briefs Go Gunhee about their third raid on Jeju Island, which Choi himself led. Choi reveals a troubling detail: the ants they encountered during the raid had developed wings. Go reacts with clear dismay, recognizing the implications of such an evolution. However, Choi reassures him that, for the time being, these creatures can only cover short distances, but warns that this may not remain the case forever. In light of this, Go tells Choi that he will make arrangements to thoroughly investigate this matter.

Upon arrival at the C-Rank gate, Jinwoo and Song-Yi meet Ahn and Hyun. Jinwoo had asked Ahn Sangmin for a favor, and as a result, they are allowed to participate in the mission organized by the White Tiger Guild. The mission, designed to help new hunters of the guild practice, takes place at the C-Rank gate. Jinwoo, hoping to show Song-Yi the true struggles of being a hunter, has brought her along. There, they are introduced to Kim Chul, an A-Rank hunter from the White Tiger Guild, renowned for his skills as a tanker. Kim Chul is immediately annoyed by the presence of two E-Rank hunters, feeling that their addition to the team would be a burden.

Ahn begins explaining the composition of the strike team, which includes one A-Rank, five B-Ranks, and two C-Ranks. Including Jinwoo and Song-Yi, the team consists of a total of ten hunters. As Jinwoo listens, he reflects on his reason for bringing Song-Yi—he wanted her to witness firsthand the harsh realities of hunter life and how brutal raids could be. However, seeing the strong lineup, he wonders if the raid might turn out to be too easy, defeating the purpose of his plan. Hyun then approaches Jinwoo with a request, asking him to limit his involvement in the raid so that the newer hunters can gain valuable experience. Jinwoo, understanding the intent behind the request, agrees without hesitation.

As the team ventures into the gate, the situation takes a deadly turn when Jinwoo notices the gate beginning to transform into a Red Gate. Realizing the danger immediately, he grabs Song-Yi’s hand and attempts to escape, but the gate seals shut before they can get out. Jinwoo shouts to Ahn and the others outside, urging them to quickly inform the primary raid team about the emergency. Reacting quickly, Ahn contacts Baek Yoonho, the Guild Master of the White Tiger Guild. Baek, stunned to hear that a seemingly routine C-Rank gate has transformed into a Red Gate, assures Ahn that he will arrive immediately.

Now trapped in this perilous environment, the group finds themselves in an entirely different world as the gate transforms into a Red Gate. The dimly lit cave is replaced by a vast, snow-covered landscape, complete with dense forests and an ominous stillness. They are shocked by the sudden change, and Kim Chul quickly explains that the gate has turned red. Song-Yi, confused, asks Jinwoo about Red Gates, prompting him to explain that Red Gates are far more dangerous than regular ones, as they cut off all contact with the outside world and force hunters to eliminate the dungeon’s boss in order to escape.

While Jinwoo is in the middle of explaining the Red Gate to Song-Yi, two projectiles suddenly shoot out from the forest at high speed. One of the C-Rank hunters in the group is struck in the face by an ice arrow and killed instantly. The second arrow, aimed at Song-Yi, is intercepted by Jinwoo, who catches it effortlessly mid-air, saving her. Park Heejin notices Jinwoo’s quick reaction and strength, recognizing how extraordinary his reflexes are. The group turns their attention toward the source of the attack and spots two Ice Elves perched atop nearby trees. The Elves deliberately targeted the weakest members—Song-Yi and the fallen C-Rank hunter—indicating their intelligence and strategic approach. The Ice Elves mock the group briefly before retreating into the forest, leaving everyone tense and on high alert. Jinwoo, visibly annoyed, silently snaps the arrow in his hand. Song-Yi, shaken by the incident, asks Jinwoo about the attackers. He explains that they are Ice Elves, creatures referred to by hunters as "Ice Slayers" due to their cruel and sadistic nature.

Kim Chul informs the group that their support from outside is cut off and that the dungeon boss will likely be B-Rank or higher. Assuming the role of leader, he insists on being obeyed as the highest rank present but acknowledges he cannot carry everyone. He splits the team into two: stronger hunters with him and weaker ones left to survive. All A-Rank and B-Rank hunters join Kim's team, but when C-Rank hunter Go Myung-Hwan asks to join, Kim rejects him, allowing only A and B-Ranks. Kim explains that one day inside the Red Gate equals one hour outside, meaning they could spend months there. He considers this division necessary to ensure survival but reassures the weaker group that they only need to stay alive until his team defeats the boss.

B-Rank hunter Park Heejin surprises everyone by asking to join the weaker team. Kim allows it, assuming she's joining them out of sympathy. Before splitting up, Heejin privately approaches Jinwoo, remarking that Kim didn’t notice the earlier ice arrow and questioning whether Jinwoo is truly an E-Rank. The two groups head in opposite directions, with Kim leading his team toward the clearing and Jinwoo guiding his team into the forest. Both leaders wish each other luck before parting ways.

As Kim's group walked, he stopped and pointed at claw marks on a tree, identifying them as Ice Bear markings. He grimly stated the other group was doomed. A teammate sympathized with Go Myung-Hwan, a newbie without proper training. A thought crossed Kim’s mind—despite having a C-Rank hunter and B-Rank Park Heejin, why had he assumed Jinwoo, an E-Rank, was their leader? A low growl interrupted his thoughts. Snapping into a combat stance, Kim ordered his team to prepare. Three Ice Bears emerged, ready to attack. Kim warned them to focus on survival. One bear lunged at him, but as an A-Rank Tank, he blocked it with his shield, shattering its claws. He countered instantly, cleaving the beast in half with his battle-axe. The remaining two Ice Bears roared and charged forward.

Heejin halts the group, pointing out Ice Bear tracks and suggesting they turn back, but Jinwoo insists they press on, reasoning that Ice Bears are weaker and less intelligent than Ice Elves. Realizing the cold, he retrieves Warm Fur Coats from his inventory, shocking Heejin and Myung-Hwan, who mistake it for Subspace Magic. As they put on the coats, Song-Yi asks who Jinwoo really is. He reassures her, saying he’ll protect her if she doesn’t ask questions, extending the same rule to the others. Suddenly, an Ice Bear appears, and Jinwoo signals them to stay back before charging in, switching his Title to Wolf Assassin for a buff.

Baek Yoonho arrives at the Red Gate, concerned that only a few A-Rank and B-Rank hunters might survive. He asks about Kim Chul, but Ahn and Hyun mention Jinwoo, suggesting he may have reawakened despite being an E-Rank. This catches Baek’s attention just as Hwang Dongsoo and Jinchul arrive. Dongsoo sarcastically asks if an A-Rank gate appeared for the White Tiger Guild Master himself before questioning why an E-Rank was allowed inside. Hearing Jinwoo’s name surprises Baek, while Dongsoo, frustrated about being stuck outside, scoffs that Jinwoo will likely die. Jinchul notes that even Dongsoo can’t interfere now but wonders if Jinwoo will make it out alive.

Inside the gate, Jinwoo wipes out a pack of ice bears with his bare hands, noting the high experience gain. Heejin questions his true identity again, but the group sets up camp. While they rest, Jinwoo goes hunting and tracks the ice bears to their den. Summoning his shadow army, he watches them battle the beasts, but their MP drain is significant. When the pack leader emerges and wipes out his soldiers, Jinwoo commands Igris to attack. With a few swift strikes, Igris effortlessly slaughters the massive bear. Impressed, Jinwoo realizes that had Igris used his sword in their fight, he would have lost. However, he quickly reconsiders, suspecting he may still be weaker than Igris, who kneels before him.

Elsewhere in the forest, Chul struggles to catch his breath as his bloodied comrade weakly calls for help, only to be silenced by an arrow to the head from a grinning elf. Surrounded by vicious ice elves, Kim grapples with the reality that he was meant to be the next captain of the White Tiger Guild’s strike team—only to face annihilation here. Another fallen hunter reaches out for aid but is brutally stabbed, his killer flashing a twisted smile at Kim. Overwhelmed by terror, the A-Rank hunter screams and flees, while the ice elves’ leader, perched atop a white horse, watches him escape with glowing, predatory eyes.

Appearances

In order of appearance:

Humans

• Sung Jinwoo
• Sung Jinah
• Park Kyung-Hye (Flashback)
• Lee Joohee (Flashback)
• Hwang Dongsuk (Flashback) - Strike Team Captain.
  • Jinsuk (Flashback)
  • Min Seok (Flashback)
  • Cho Kyuhwan (Flashback)
  • Juntae Goo (Flashback)
  • Lee Chul-Jin (Flashback)
• Kang Taeshik (Flashback)
• Han Song-Yi
• Woo Jinchul
• Hwang Dongsoo
• Gina (Cameo)
• Lee Bora (Cameo)
• Cha Hae-In (Cameo)
• Go Gunhee
• Choi Jong-In
• Ahn Sangmin
• Hyun Kichul
• Kim Chul (Debut) - Strike Team Leader.
  • Park Heejin
  • Go Myung-Hwan (Debut)
  • Unnamed C-Rank Hunter (Debut/Death) - Killed By Elf.
  • Unnamed 4 B-Rank Hunters (Debut/Death) - Killed By Elves.
• Baek Yoonho

Magic Beasts

• Orcs (Flashback)
• Werewolves (Flashback)
• Lizardmen (Flashback)
• Goblins (Flashback)
• Poisoned-Toothed Giant Desert Centipedes (Flashback)
• Blue Venom-Fanged Kasaka (Flashback)
• Giant Arachnid Buryura (Flashback)
• Cerberus (Flashback)
• Blood-Red Commander Igris (Flashback)
• Ants (Cameo)
• Ice Elves (Debut)
• Ice Bears (Debut)
• Baruka (Debut)

Shadows

• Shadow Infantry
• Shadow Mages
• Igris

Locations

• Soojin High School
• Cartenon Temple (Flashback)
• Penalty Zone (Flashback)
• Hapjeong Subway Station (Flashback)
• Insects Dungeon (Flashback)
• Demon Castle (Flashback)
• Goblins Dungeon (Flashback)
• Job Change Quest Dungeon (Flashback)
• Hunters Guild HQ
• Red Gate

Items

• Warm Fur Coat

Anime & Manhwa Differences

• General Differences
• Added in Anime
• Cut from Anime

• Jinwoo catching the Ice Elf's arrow is altered; instead of grabbing it from the side, he hugs Han Song-Yi while catching it.

A scene showing Choi Jong-In meeting with Go Gunhee to discuss reconnaissance on Jeju Island was added.

Jinwoo is not shown exiting the Job Change Quest Dungeon and is directly seen sleeping back home, skipping the scene of him getting ready in the washroom and visiting the bank to update his account.

At Jinah's school, Jinwoo does not greet other students, and the teachers shown in the manhwa are not present.

The discussion between Jinwoo and Jinah's teacher is shortened, and Jinwoo’s comment about raising Han Song-Yi to become a better hunter is omitted.

Two men at the airport commenting on the thick air near Hwang Dong Soo and Woo Jin Chul are removed, along with Woo Jin Chul calling Hwang Dong Soo and Hwang Dong Suk trash for their disregard for human lives.

Ahn Sang Min's explanation of the White Tiger Guild’s district and his disdain for Han Song-Yi being E-Rank are removed.

Jinwoo’s party size is reduced, removing four hunters, including Yoon Kijoong, and leaving only one A-Rank, five B-Ranks, and two C-Ranks in the group.

Jinwoo’s declaration that he would personally kill the Ice Elf is omitted.

The scene of hunters cheering Kim Chul for taking down Ice Bears, along with dialogue about food security, is removed.

Baek Yoonho’s semi-transformation upon meeting Hwang Dong Soo is excluded.

The campfire scene where Jinwoo discusses Jinah with Song-Yi is cut.

Joo Sungchan, the White Tiger Guild staff with sunglasses, is not included.

The Frostmen monsters are removed, limiting the Red Gate enemies to only Ice Elves and Ice Bears, altering the narrative by removing Kim Chul’s party’s fight with Frostmen.