In the universe of Solo Leveling, the name of the ant king, Beru, is not only famous for his overwhelming strength but also as one of the most beloved shadow soldiers of Sung Jinwoo. While he is indeed immensely powerful, his strength is not the only factor that makes Beru a cherished character; it is his unique personality and “human-like” traits that truly set him apart.
Beru: From a formidable enemy to a distinguished shadow soldier
The Jeju Island arc in Solo Leveling has brought countless breathtaking moments, highlighted by Sung Jinwoo’s battle against the ant king. This fight not only helped Jinwoo reach level 100 but also forced all the strong hunters from Korea to confront the threat that came from the depths of the abyss. However, the most significant moment was when Jinwoo successfully summoned the shadow of the Ant King.
As a high-ranking guardian of the ant army, Beru was already incredibly powerful, competing with some of the strongest hunters in Solo Leveling. His strength increased dramatically after he died and transformed into a shadow soldier. Beru is the first Tiers Shadow summoned by Jinwoo and is the only one capable of speaking.
Upon being summoned by Jinwoo, Beru made a strong impression with his ability to glide through the battlefield with terrifying speed and annihilate enemies with unimaginable strength. While this strength makes him a formidable presence, it is his developing personality that truly turns him into a beloved character.
Beru’s surprising humanity and charm
Fans have become accustomed to Beru’s strength, but they were often surprised to realize that he possesses a “human” side much more than other shadows. While Jinwoo’s other shadows tend to be serious and prefer silence when granted the ability to speak, Beru is quite talkative and expressive. Whenever Jinwoo encounters a strong enemy, Beru would eagerly cheer for his “master,” expressing his pride in Jinwoo’s overwhelming power. He even declares that he feels honored to serve Jinwoo. This trait makes fans increasingly fond of him, as Beru seems to embody their thoughts.
Beru’s personality has become even more endearing as he begins to watch movies while guarding Jinwoo’s home, leading him to develop a more distinct way of speaking. The various film genres have influenced Beru so much that he starts incorporating catchphrases into his dialogue, making fans adore him even more.
Another distinctive feature that makes fans love Beru in Solo Leveling is his unwavering loyalty to Jinwoo and his willingness to protect him against any threat, even going so far as to express that “they do not deserve to waste time.” His ability to shift from a “death-dealing machine” to a “Pookie” (a term of endearment) has given him a unique character and made him a beloved figure among fans.
A fan has remarked on Beru’s character and why he is adored: “Typically, a strong character is often known for their sheer strength, but Beru in Solo Leveling breaks this mold as he transforms into a beloved character with his human traits, which not only reflects his cheerful personality but also enriches the narrative wonderfully.”
Source: Animated Times
