The narrative of Episode 5 of Solo Leveling Season 2 kicks off with Hae-In confronting Jinwoo at the formidable entrance of the A-Rank dungeon boss's lair. With a stern demeanor, she instructs Jinwoo to step away from the gateway, fearing that his presence might incite the beast and jeopardize the safety of the mining team within. As Jinwoo prepares to comply, Hae-In's keen senses take note of an unexpected aroma emanating from him—the unmistakable scent of a hunter.
Hae-In, now inquisitive, scrutinizes Jinwoo's hunter ID after discovering his true nature. Satisfied with his credentials, she allows him to continue on his way. Jinwoo rejoins the miners, who share whispers about Hae-In's protective guardianship over them, shielding them from the dungeon boss's wrath. They reveal that Hae-In possesses a unique constitution that makes her particularly sensitive to certain hunter scents, a condition that necessitates her constant use of a handkerchief to cover her nose. Jinwoo, reflecting on his encounter, realizes that he lacks the distinctive hunter odor, speculating that his status as The Player sets him apart.
Later, a grateful miner presents Jinwoo with his earnings and extends an invitation for further collaboration. Though Jinwoo initially declines, the miner persists, enticing him with the prospect of participating in upcoming A and C-Rank raid missions and promising to advocate for a salary double with their supervisor.
Elsewhere, Hae-In places a call, her curiosity piqued about Jinwoo. She seeks information on his background, only to be told that Jinwoo's records are sealed. With a puzzled expression, Hae-In ends the call and ponders what little she knows about him, noting that he is the first person she has encountered with a pleasant scent.
The following day, Jinwoo fulfills his duties alongside the miners. During a brief respite, Captain Son Kihoon arrives, greeting Jinwoo and the mining crew with a warm presence. The scene is charged with anticipation, setting the stage for the unfolding adventures and mysteries that lie ahead.Kihoon, in search of assistance for hauling his luggage, offered a risk allowance to any willing volunteer. Jinwoo, seizing the opportunity, accepted Kihoon's proposition. Together, Jinwoo, Kihoon, and Kihoon's elite assault squad ventured into an A-Rank dungeon. Amidst their journey, Kihoon admitted that he was yet to officially earn the title of captain, vowing to secure the rank upon the successful completion of this perilous raid.
Suddenly, they were beset upon by a ferocious pack of Jackal magic beasts, eager to test their mettle. With coordinated efforts, Kihoon's team overcame the Jackals' onslaught. But their respite was brief, as a formidable contingent of High Orcs descended upon them, their brute strength and numbers proving a daunting challenge.
In the face of overwhelming odds, Jinwoo employed his stealth prowess to silently aid his companions, turning the tide of battle. With Jinwoo's unseen interventions, Kihoon's group ultimately triumphed over the High Orcs. However, the victory left them puzzled and one member, astute enough to perceive Jinwoo's concealed assistance during the fray, confronted Kihoon with their suspicions. Recognizing Jinwoo's crucial role in their survival, she pledged to keep his abilities a secret.
Sensing the need to retreat, Kihoon's comrades persuaded him to cut their losses. As they made their way back, the group, including Jinwoo, finally emerged from the depths of the A-Rank dungeon, their journey marked by both peril and unseen heroism.
Someone informs Kihoon that a formidable entity of great standing has erected this barrier at the dungeon's entrance. She warns that it will require considerable time and effort to dismantle it. Abruptly, an eerie presence looms as the magic power of the dungeon boss is sensed nearby. In the midst of this, the individual attempting to remove the barrier sustains injuries, along with several others in the group. Kihoon and Jinwoo swiftly turn to face the emerging threat, only to witness a formidable fifty High Orcs standing behind them. One of the High Orcs steps forward, introducing himself as Kargalgan and acknowledging his role in sealing the dungeon's entrance. He poses Kihoon with an ultimatum: meet him face-to-face or perish by his hand. Without hesitation, Kihoon opts for the former. With that, Kargalgan and his fellow Orcs retreat.
Jinwoo then approaches Kihoon, urging him to flee the dungeon and assemble the remainder of their assault team while they distract Kargalgan and his comrades. One of Kihoon's loyal allies entrusts Jinwoo with her final testament, asking him to deliver it to her family. Jinwoo, moved by the gesture, accepts the solemn task. Meanwhile, Hae-In ventures to the mining team's current site. Confronted by one of the workers, Hae-In inquiries about Jinwoo's whereabouts. The worker reveals that Jinwoo volunteered as a porter for Kihoon's group and confirms that he ventured into the adjacent A-Rank dungeon.
The episode concludes with an intense scene, as Kihoon's group and Jinwoo arrive at Kargalgan's stronghold, steeling themselves for an uncertain fate.
