Episode 1 of Season 2 of Solo Leveling kicks off with Jinah dialing Jinwoo's number as he rests peacefully in his bed. Her voice breaks through his tranquility, reminding him of the impending parent-teacher conference for the day. Jinwoo, without hesitation, rises to accompany Jinah to her school, where they both attend the conference. Jinah's teacher heaps praises upon her for her remarkable accomplishments, filling Jinwoo with pride.
During the conference, Jinwoo shares with Jinah's teacher a solemn vow: if Jinah ever awakened, he would never allow her to embark on the perilous path of a hunter. As the conference concludes, Jinwoo crosses paths with Song-Yi, the E-Rank hunter he and Jinho had recruited in the previous season. Upon learning of Jinwoo's relationship to Jinah, Song-Yi declares her steadfast commitment to the hunter's life, undeterred by its dangers. Jinwoo respects her decision and invites her to accompany him on an upcoming venture.
Elsewhere, Dongsoo arrives at an airport, confronting Woo with a chilling intent – to eradicate Jinwoo and Jinho. Meanwhile, Go and Choi engage in a discussion about the eerie creatures they encountered during their expedition to Jeju Island.
In a different corner, Jinwoo and Song-Yi converge with Ahn and Hyun at the entrance of a dungeon. Ahn introduces them to Kim Chul, an esteemed A-Rank hunter renowned for his tanking prowess. Jinwoo and Song-Yi are tasked with observing Chul's team in action, gaining insights into the high-stakes world of dungeon raiding.
As Jinwoo and Chul's team step through the dungeon gate, an ominous change unfolds – the gate turns a blood-red hue, signaling impending doom. Jinwoo swiftly instructs Ahn to summon the assault team, while Baek, catching wind of the emergency, vows to arrive on the scene posthaste. The group finds themselves transported to a frigid, wintery landscape, the chill matching the tension in the air.
Jinwoo informs Song-Yi that they have ventured into a Red Gate, a portal leading to a dungeon that cuts them off from the outside world. He explains that their only means of escape lies in vanquishing the dungeon's formidable boss. Suddenly, several Ice Elves, known as Ice Slayers, strike with lethal precision, claiming the lives of two hunters and toying mercilessly with Jinwoo and his companions.
Chul, realizing the gravity of the situation, orders everyone to split into two groups. He insists that only C-Rank hunters and above accompany him, leaving Jinwoo's group to fend for themselves. However, Park Heejin, a highly ranked female hunter, decides to join Jinwoo's team, impressed by his quick reflexes that saved Song-Yi from a speeding projectile.
With their paths now diverged, Chul's group discovers Ice Bear marks on a tree, fueling his doubts about Jinwoo's group's survival chances. Meanwhile, Heejin stops Jinwoo, cautioning him about the ominous markings left by the Ice Bears. Unperturbed, Jinwoo hands out coats from his mysterious log's inventory and sternly advises his team to refrain from probing questions or making demands.
As an Ice Bear lurks closer to their group, Baek takes note of the unyielding Red Gate, realizing his inability to manipulate it. He suggests they cling to the hope that Chul might still prevail. Dongsoo then arrives, seeking an audience with Jinwoo.
In the meantime, Jinwoo displays exceptional prowess, decimating numerous Ice Bears with ease. Song-Yi and the others share a meal, marveling at Jinwoo's capabilities. Venturing further, Jinwoo explores the Ice Bears' lairs and summons Igris, along with his shadowy legion, commanding them to engage the Ice Bears in battle.
The Ice Bear boss arrives, decimating Jinwoo's shadow army with relative ease. Undeterred, Jinwoo orders Igris to confront the formidable Ice Bear Boss. Igris rises to the challenge, defeating the beast to Jinwoo's applause.
Elsewhere, Chul's group finds themselves in a desperate struggle against the Ice Slayers. Desperation sets in as several of Chul's men plead for his rescue. Betraying his allies, Chul flees, abandoning his comrades to their fate. The episode concludes with a chilling grin from an Ice Slayer, leaving a lingering sense of dread.
