The Calm Before the Chaos: Jin-Woo's Entry and Broadcast Breakdown
The episode opens with Jin-Woo's grand entry, showcasing his elite shadow soldiers Iron and Igris. His presence alone causes tension to rise. However, just as things are heating up, the live broadcast suddenly cuts off, leaving everyone outside the battlefield in panic. Mr. Go expresses deep frustration, feeling helpless watching the chaos unfold on Jeju Island.
Meanwhile, Jin-Woo begins healing the injured hunters. Although his potion works on most, it fails to revive Cha Hae-In, whose life force is dangerously low. This forces Jin-Woo to clear the path and make a decision to save her himself.
Rising Tension: Ants Swarm, and the King Approaches
Jin-Woo sends his soldiers into battle while shielding the others. He orders everyone to stay back as he prepares to handle the oncoming ant swarm alone. Using his signature skill "Arise!", he resurrects fallen enemies as his new shadow army—an incredible moment that fans of the manhwa were waiting for.
As the battle intensifies, a dark aura descends—the Ant King has arrived. His terrifying presence confirms the worst: top hunters like Goto are presumed dead. The Ant King marches with deadly intent, seeking the true "King" among humans.
The Showdown Begins: Jin-Woo vs. Ant King
When Jin-Woo faces the Ant King, the tension reaches a peak. The King mocks humanity, but Jin-Woo remains unfazed, even smiling in the face of the threat. As the camera feed restores, the world watches in awe—Jin-Woo stands alone before the terrifying Ant King, fearless and calm.
The Ant King delivers a powerful punch, shocking everyone watching. Yet Jin-Woo takes the blow without flinching, proving he's on an entirely different level. This moment is animated beautifully, although many fans still prefer the raw expressions in the manhwa.
Power Unleashed: Jin-Woo Dominates the Battlefield
Jin-Woo retaliates with immense force, landing a series of crushing blows on the Ant King. Viewers and characters alike are stunned. Even Penum, a skilled hunter himself, admits he underestimated Jin-Woo’s power. The once unstoppable Ant King is now being beaten down, showing just how much Jin-Woo has evolved.
Final Thoughts: Manhwa vs. Anime – Which Did It Better?
While A-1 Pictures did a commendable job animating this legendary fight, some fans felt that certain iconic moments, especially the "Arise!" sequence, weren’t as impactful as in the manhwa. However, for viewers who haven’t read the source material, this episode was a thrilling masterpiece from start to finish.