Episode 5 of Solo Leveling kicks off with a lively chatter among nurses, marveling at Sung's astonishing athletic transformation. As they converse, Sung is shown engaging in a variety of exercises, from push-ups to squats, demonstrating his newfound prowess. One nurse informs Sung that he'll be discharged from the hospital on this very day, prompting her to request his contact information. Sung obliges, exchanging details with her amidst the bustling hospital environment.
The scene then shifts to an engaging interview featuring a female interviewer and a male S-Rank hunter named Baek Yoonho. She grilled him on the contrasts between his ordinary life and his life as a hunter, drawing out fascinating insights. Meanwhile, at home, Jinah catches the interview on TV. Realizing she's running late, she calls out to Sung, catching a glimpse of him that startles her—he's undergone a remarkable change. Sung hands Jinah an umbrella, urging her to stay safe during her day.
Left alone, Sung dives into his Player Log, noting that he still needs to fulfill his daily quest's running requirement. He then inspects his status, discovering that he still has leftover points from his previous trial. With a thoughtful expression, he ponders which statistic to allocate these points to.
Interrupting his reverie, Sung's landlord calls to remind him about his overdue rent. Though the landlord offers leniency, Sung insists that he'll make the payment soon. This prompts Sung to brainstorm ways to swiftly and adequately earn the money he needs. After successfully completing his running task and claiming the rewards for his daily quest, Sung encounters Hwang Dongsuk.
Unfortunately, Sung's arrival is met with ridicule from Hwang's subordinates, who sneer at him with the derogatory label of "weak hunter." Hwang quickly quells the commotion, briefing Sung on their upcoming C-Rank dungeon expedition and the role he'll play in it. He informs Sung that, while they won't share the spoils, they're willing to pay him a substantial amount of cash for his assistance.
When Sung learns that Hwang's party lacks a healer, he expresses his concern. Hwang nonchalantly replies that they often operate without one, slightly irritating Sung. Despite his reservations, Sung signs the contract offered by Hwang. Just then, a D-Rank hunter named Yoo Jinho approaches Sung, revealing that they're both after the same prize, setting the stage for an intriguing rivalry.
As Hwang and his companions approached the gate, Yoo couldn't suppress his anxiety, wondering if they were truly prepared for what lay ahead. Sung, sensing Yoo's unease, reassured him that the gate's modest appearance was no indication of the terror that awaited within the dungeon. Instead, he explained, it was the gate's magic power level that would determine the dungeon's challenge.
As they ventured deeper into the labyrinth, Sung took a moment to educate Yoo about glow stones and their various functions. Before Yoo could pose more questions, Sung silenced him, using the opportunity to listen intently to the surrounding sounds, hoping to discern the type of magic beasts they were up against. His sharp ears soon picked up the distinct buzz and chirp of insects, and he quickly relayed this information to Hwang.
With unwavering determination and seamless teamwork, Hwang and his allies faced off against their ant adversaries. Sung commended their efforts but felt there was still room for improvement. However, an uneasy feeling gnawed at him, as if something were out of place. Meanwhile, Hwang and his allies appeared to have vanquished all the ant monsters, and he instructed his comrades to gather the essence stones for later distribution.
Hwang praised Sung's instincts, but before he could elaborate, another ally warned that the dungeon might harbor an even more formidable magic beast. As Yoo boasted about his father's generous gift of high-end gear for his first raid, Sung cautioned him to stay alert.
In a brief interlude featuring Baek and other hunters, the narrative shifted back to Sung and his party's C-Rank dungeon escapade. Sung harbored suspicions about Hwang's unusually advantageous deal, sensing that it was too good to be true.
To their surprise, Hwang and his companions stumbled upon a cavern filled with mana crystals, which Hwang hoped would bolster his dream strike team. Yoo confronted Hwang about the details of their contract, prompting Sung to recall a comrade's tales of strange expeditions. When Hwang suggested focusing on transporting the crystals before confronting the spider boss, Yoo requested Sung's contract, but Sung's mind was elsewhere.
Unfortunately, one of Hwang's allies had overlooked the possibility of finding such a treasure trove and had failed to bring the necessary mining tools. Hwang ordered Yoo and Sung to stay put while he and his comrade returned to fetch them from the truck. Left behind, Sung pondered Hwang's earlier words and realized that something was indeed amiss.
As they departed, Hwang instructed his ally to seal off the boss's chamber. Yoo and Sung's worst fears were confirmed when they realized they had been betrayed. Sung's mind raced back to a comrade's warning about peculiar expeditions, and Yoo was devastated by the betrayal over mana crystals. Sung urged Yoo to step aside as he prepared to confront the spider boss.
The episode concluded with a dramatic scene of Sung standing tall against the spider boss, the tension in the air palpable.
