Episode 8 of Solo Leveling kicks off with Sung paying a visit to his mother, lost in contemplation about his recent escapade in the S-Rank Dungeon. He senses an urgent need to bulk up his strength before venturing back to gather the elusive ingredients for the Elixir of Life. Later, Sung rendezvous with Yoo at their favorite cafe, where he reveals his intention to embark on Yoo's proposed 19 C-Rank raids. However, Sung insists that only the two of them should tackle these C-Rank dungeons, a notion that leaves Yoo visibly perturbed, given that such ventures typically require an eight-member team.
In response to Yoo's bewilderment, Sung suggests they hire additional members, mirroring the approach employed by Hwang. Despite Yoo's initial skepticism, Sung's persuasive charms eventually sway him. Yoo agrees to arrange for some dungeon gates and recruit suitable candidates in the meantime. Elsewhere, Hae-in is immersed in rigorous training when a man named Yoon confronts him about a matter of some consequence.
Meanwhile, Yoo finds himself in a car with his father, engaged in a heartfelt conversation. The elder Yoo reflects nostalgically on life before and after the advent of the gates and dungeons. Transitioning to a more serious tone, he imparts valuable insights into the operations of the Hunter's Association, detailing their hierarchy and the dynamics between hunters, guilds, and dungeons.
The topic of guilds naturally leads Yoo's father to mention the five most esteemed and formidable guilds that hold a virtual monopoly over dungeon-related profits. He expresses his disdain for such a concentration of power and harbors hopes that the guild he plans to establish with his son will help him achieve his aspirations.
Elsewhere, Sung strives to exceed the requisites for his daily quest. He opens his Player Log with anticipation, only to discover that his extra efforts are no longer being counted. Disheartened by this revelation, Sung had hoped to reap some valuable rewards from his diligent work. Seeking solace, he turns to one of his routine random loot boxes, praying for a fortuitous find. Alas, his efforts are rewarded with nothing more than a worn-out Bingo card.
As Sung wanders through the city, his mind races with thoughts of efficient leveling-up strategies. Just when it seems like his quest for advancement will hit a snag, Sung receives an email from the Hunter's Association. They are seeking hunters for a D-Rank expedition. Although Sung harbors ambitions for something grander, he reluctantly agrees to take on the task, recognizing it as a step in the right direction.
The scene shifts to Song and his student, deeply engrossed in dissecting their latest sparring session. Suddenly, an urgent summons interrupts their discussion, prompting the student to voice his concerns about Song's potential retirement. Though Song acknowledges his student's feelings, he asserts his desire to continue contributing positively to society.
Elsewhere, Baek storms into Choi's office, furious that Choi had manipulated him into participating in an interview that was originally intended for Choi himself. Choi swiftly changes the conversation's trajectory, briefing Baek on the latest developments in Yoo's father's guild-building endeavors. Baek, already aware of Yoo's father's schemes, demands to know the real reason for the summons. Just as Choi prepares to respond, the narrative cuts to Joohee, engaged in a telephone conversation with her mother. Her mother insists that Joohee return home to assist in the family business, but Joohee firmly asserts her autonomy, ending the call abruptly. Reflecting on Sung's dedication, Joohee resolves to redouble her efforts. To her surprise, she receives a mission alert from the Hunter Association, identical to the one Sung had received, pertaining to a D-Rank dungeon.
Meanwhile, Hae-in visits Choi in his office, revealing that she has been offered a business opportunity by a Yoojin Construction scout. Though she declines their "guildmaster" proposition, she seeks clarification on the discussion between Choi and Baek. Switching scenes, we find Baek in a dimly lit bar, contemplating his conversation with Choi about the botched raid on Jeju Island. Choi, haunted by the island's forgotten disaster, voices his determination to eventually cleanse it of its darkness, emphasizing the importance of unity among them.
Later, Song rejoins Sung, and the two friends briefly catch up, sharing their respective plans concerning the D-Rank dungeon summons. Their reunion is interrupted by the sight of Joohee, Park, and another individual preparing to embark on the dungeon expedition. Before they can converse further, a contingent of Hunter Association affiliates and prisoners arrives. An associate explains that due to staffing shortages, C-Rank prisoners will accompany our heroes as substitutes, assuring them of the prisoners' best behavior. She also introduces Kang, an inspector tasked with keeping the prisoners in line. Kang formally greets everyone, pledging his commitment to maintaining order.
Song turns to Sung, inquiring if he can lead the team, despite their past complications during a double-dungeon expedition. Sung agrees readily. As the episode concludes, Song steps into his leadership role, guiding our brave heroes into the depths of the dungeon, their destinies intertwined in this perilous quest.
