What If Baruka Became Jinwoo’s Shadow Soldier in Solo Leveling ?

In Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo’s Shadow Army is one of the most formidable forces in the story, consisting of powerful warriors who were once enemies but became loyal subordinates. While many strong figures were resurrected as shadows, one notable absence was Baruka, the high-ranking orc warrior and leader of the Red Blade Tribe. But what if Jinwoo had chosen to resurrect Baruka? How would this have changed the dynamics of his army and affected the overall story? Let's explore this exciting possibility in detail.

Who Was Baruka?

Baruka was a powerful orc warrior who served as the boss of a dangerous A-rank dungeon. Unlike ordinary orcs, Baruka was a Red Orc, a subspecies that was significantly stronger and more intelligent. He wielded powerful magic and sword skills, making him a formidable opponent. His arrogance and battle-hardened nature made him a true warrior, but ultimately, he fell to Jinwoo’s overwhelming power.

How Would Baruka’s Resurrection as a Shadow Soldier Change the Story?

If Jinwoo had used Shadow Extraction on Baruka, the dynamics of his army and his battles could have changed significantly. Here’s how:

1. A New Powerhouse in Jinwoo’s Army

Baruka’s combination of swordsmanship and magic would have made him an incredibly powerful shadow. Unlike Iron, who relied on brute force, or Igris, who focused on swordsmanship, Baruka would have been a balanced warrior capable of close-range and mid-range combat.

Potential Rank as a Shadow

• Initially, Baruka would have likely been an Elite Knight or Marshal-grade soldier.
• Over time, with Jinwoo’s growth, he could have evolved into a General-class shadow similar to Beru and Igris.
• His power might not have surpassed Beru or Bellion, but he would have been stronger than most lower-ranked shadows.

2. Tactical Role in the Shadow Army

Baruka’s combat experience, agility, and magic abilities would make him an excellent frontline commander. Here’s how he could have been used:

• Duelist and Assassin: With his speed and sharp blade, he could swiftly eliminate enemies, making him a valuable asset in high-speed battles.
• Mid-Range Attacker: Since he also possessed magical abilities, he could strike from a distance, complementing the melee-focused shadows like Igris and Iron.
• Tactical Leader: Given his intelligence and leadership in life, Baruka could have been in charge of smaller squads within the Shadow Army, possibly leading a division of shadow orcs.

3. Contribution to Major Battles

Baruka’s presence as a Shadow Soldier would have changed the outcomes of several key battles in Solo Leveling:

a) Jeju Island Raid

• With Baruka’s magic and sword skills, he could have helped Jinwoo’s army deal with the overwhelming numbers of ants.
• He might have assisted Beru in controlling the battlefield, ensuring fewer casualties among the hunters.

b) Kamish’s Wrath Arc

• During the fight against Kamish’s remains and the battle against the Monarchs, Baruka’s agility and magic could have been highly effective.
• He could have taken on the role of a strategic attacker, striking weak points in enemy formations.

c) Final Battle Against the Rulers and Monarchs

• In the grand battle against the Monarchs, Baruka could have played a vital role in overwhelming enemy forces.
• With enough evolution, he might have rivaled even stronger foes, potentially taking on enemies like the Beast Monarch’s subordinates.

4. Interaction with Other Shadow Soldiers

One of the most exciting aspects of Baruka’s resurrection would be his interactions with other major Shadow Soldiers:

• Igris: A possible rivalry could have developed between Baruka and Igris, as both were skilled warriors with different fighting styles.
• Iron: Baruka would likely look down on Iron due to his more brute-force approach, leading to some humorous interactions within the army.
• Beru: While Baruka would respect Beru’s power, he might have had a more rebellious streak, making their relationship unique.

5. Impact on Jinwoo’s Growth

• Having Baruka as a Shadow Soldier could have helped Jinwoo refine his own swordsmanship, as Baruka’s experience could provide valuable training opportunities.
• The addition of a strong mid-tier commander would have allowed Jinwoo to rely less on some weaker shadows, making his army more efficient in battle.

Would Baruka Have Been a Good Shadow Soldier?

Absolutely! His unique combat abilities, leadership potential, and personality would have made him a valuable addition to Jinwoo’s forces. He wouldn’t have surpassed Beru or Bellion, but he could have been a mid-to-high-tier general, possibly stronger than Iron and just below Igris.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity?

While Jinwoo didn’t resurrect Baruka in Solo Leveling, imagining a world where he did is exciting. His presence would have strengthened Jinwoo’s army, provided new battle strategies, and added an interesting dynamic among the Shadow Soldiers.

What do you think? Would Baruka have been a great addition to Jinwoo’s army? Let us know in the comments!