Episode 9 of Solo Leveling kicks off with Sung and his companions vanquishing numerous goblin foes within the depths of the dungeon. Song and Joohee heap praises upon Sung for his exceptional prowess, remarking on how much stronger he has become since their last adventure. As the group presses on with their exploration, they find themselves at a juncture where three paths diverge. The prisoners and Kang opt for the third path, while Sung, Song, and Joohee choose the left. Kim and his comrade, meanwhile, venture down the middle path.
In the midst of battling goblins, Kim reassures his ally of their safety on this dungeon expedition. He harbors plans to apologize to Sung for abandoning him during their previous double-dungeon quest. Meanwhile, Kang's prisoners casually discuss the ease of slaying goblins, their indifference evident. Kang probes them further, asking if they would feel the same if the goblins were humans. The prisoners respond chillingly, stating that they wouldn't notice a difference.
A flashback interrupts the scene, revealing a conversation between Kang and a client. The client lambasts the injustice of offering the prisoners a chance at freedom, given the torment they inflicted upon him and his family. He诱惑 Kang with 3 billion dollars to terminate their lives. Kang informs the prisoners of his intent to fabricate a story about their demise at the hands of 100 goblins upon his departure, hinting at his acceptance of the client's offer and his plan to murder them if the magic beasts fail to do so.
Kim and his ally chance upon Kang as he prepares to dispatch the final prisoner. Realizing that Sung and his group have headed for the boss room, Kang executes the final prisoner and advances towards Kim and his ally, intending to eliminate them to cover his tracks. Sung, lost in contemplation about his encounters with Kang, is jolted by a shout, prompting him to alert Joohee and Song.
The trio discovers the prisoners' corpses and the remnants of Kim's ally. Sung spots Kim's lifeless body nearby and instructs Joohee to heal him. Song swiftly deduces that a magic beast was not the culprit behind the carnage. Kim, on his last breath, urges the trio to leave him but Sung refuses, prompting Kim to express his regret for never getting the chance to properly apologize to Sung. Kim passes away, leaving Sung in a state of disarray.
Kang attempts to assault Joohee, but Sung intercepts his strike. Kang unveils his plan to weave a new narrative that would explain their untimely deaths in the dungeon, aiming to slip away undetected. Song orders Joohee to cast a strength buff on him, gearing up for the impending confrontation.
Armed with the buff and Kim's sword, Song engages in a fierce battle with Kang. Just before Kang can strike the fatal blow against Song, Sung intervenes, standing tall before Kang. Sung declares himself an E-Rank hunter, a revelation that leaves Kang utterly perplexed. Kang suspects Sung of being a rank faker or possessing a second awakening, pondering if he's the same youth he and his companion once encountered in an earlier chapter.
Sung confronts Kang, demanding to know the rationale behind torturing Kim and his ally. Kang responds coldly, claiming he slaughtered the prisoners on behalf of a client. However, Sung sees through Kang's lie, knowing that Kang derives pleasure from harming others, evidenced by his unnecessary cruelty towards Kim and his friend. In a flashback, Kang confidently accepts the assignment from his client, revealing his true motive: to satisfy his insatiable thirst for killing, not for the client's sake.
As Sung and Kang clash, Sung's Player Log system assigns him a new quest: the assassination of a human. Realizing the gravity of his task, Sung gives it his all against Kang. Yet, Kang surprises Sung with a novel assassin's technique. Joohee and Song watch anxiously as Kang's brutal technique leaves Sung with a wounded leg. Kang warns them to stay out of his fight with Sung.
Despite the injury, Sung employs a full recovery tool to heal his leg. Kang strikes again, but Sung manages to retaliate with a swift dagger thrust, securing his victory over Kang. Post-fight, Sung interrogates Kang, who is left wondering how Sung, an E-Rank hunter, could possess such strength. Sung admits his own confusion, while Kang, laughing and coughing up blood, reveals that Sung can no longer maintain his E-Rank disguise now that he's been defeated by him. Kang offers Sung some parting advice before expiring.
Sung collects his rewards and ponders Kang's dying words. Joohee and Song thank Sung for his bravery. Sung instructs them to leave the dungeon and let him handle the boss. Meanwhile, Woo and a dungeon supervisor arrive at the scene, Woo disbelief evident at Kang's killing intent. He's further shocked by Sung's presence.
Woo inquiries about Kang's killer. Though Sung is apprehensive, Song steps forward, claiming responsibility and crediting Joohee for her assistance. Woo doubts Song's capability but accepts his answer as a C-Rank hunter. While Woo converses with his acquaintance, Sung scrutinizes Woo, realizing he's an A-Rank hunter.
Song thanks Sung for his help during the double-dungeon event. Sung reflects on the events that unfolded three hours later, revealing that Kang's client surrendered. The episode concludes with Joohee presenting Sung with an essence stone.
