Warning: The following contains spoilers for Solo Leveling's manhwa!!

Solo Leveling’s franchise has released a short spin-off webtoon, which is part of the Hunter: Origin series from the Solo Leveling: ARISE game, delving into the character of one of the top Korean S-Rank hunters, Cha Hae-in, where fans get to see a new side of her. As shared by @SoloLevelAnime on X, in the new webtoon titled Hunter: Origin—Pure Sword Princess Cha Hae-In’s Story, fans are not only gifted a new backstory of the S-Rank hunter in an alternative timeline, but also a glimpse into what Cha Hae-In thought of Sung Jinwoo when he was the weakest among the E-Ranks.

Solo Leveling’s world has already been confirmed to be part of a multiverse in Solo Leveling: Ragnarök, but also with the introduction of the Cup of Reincarnation in chapter 177 of the manhwa where it’s revealed that the Earth has been reset many times due to the battles between Rulers and Monarchs, which allows exploring what-if scenarios of many characters. As a result, Cha Hae-in finally got the spotlight in a prequel that showcases an alternative world where she is the strongest version that fans have ever seen.

Cha Hae-In Becomes a Guild Leader in New Solo Leveling Spin-Off Webtoon

Cha Hae-In’s Alternative Backstory Gives More Depth to Her Character

While Cha Hae In’s backstory has been revealed in Solo Leveling’s light novel and manhwa, the new spin-off explores a scenario where she was awakened as the fifth S-rank hunter of Korea instead of the ninth and is known as the Pure Sword Princess. Cha Ha-in’s powers are similar to Gilgamesh from the Fate series, being able to cast several swords during battle, and she might also have been more powerful than in the original timeline, as it is stated within her Hunter Archive that she was the second strongest S-Rank after Go Gunhee.

Moreover, Cha Hae-In was still an athlete but played volleyball originally. However, she had problems due to her lack of teamwork, switching to track and field, which denotes how she has always relied on herself, a personality trait that could also be seen in the original story. However, in this world, Cha Hae In doesn’t as the vice master of the Hunters Guild but is inspired by Sung Jinwoo to become a leader, commanding the Valkyries Guild.

A New Perspective Into Cha Hae-In's Relationship With Sung Jinwoo

Cha Hae-In’s Alternative Version Proves She Wasn’t Interested in Jinwoo Because of His Strength

In Pure Sword Princess Cha Hae-In’s Story, Cha Hae-In is approached by Go Gunhee, offering her to the Hunters Association, just like he did with Jinwoo in the original timeline. However, the reason why she chose to reject the offer wasn't because she enjoys thrilling fights in dungeons but because she was able to find a goal for herself after meeting Jinwoo when he was a weak E-Rank hunter.

This inspires Cha Ha-In to seek that type of strength, and she later finds her place in leading others, deciding to become a guildmaster.

While initially Cha Hae-In looked down on Jinwoo due to his lack of power, seeing his efforts as only reckless behavior that only damaged him, she was later impressed by his determination and will to never give up despite constantly losing. This inspires Cha Ha-In to seek that type of strength, and she later finds her place in leading others, deciding to become a guildmaster.

This proves that Cha Hae-In was attracted to Jinwoo in the original timeline not just because of his power or because he saved her on Jeju Island, but because of his tenacity and determination to keep improving. Nevertheless, this offers a different perspective on Cha Hae-In's personality of how she will have adapted in another timeline, which keeps expanding the universe of the series and opens the door to more ing characters getting their own short spin-off in Solo Leveling: ARISE game.

Source: Netmarble, @SoloLevelAnime on X,