Last updated: September 13, 2026 · Verified against the licensed manhwa
Beru was the Ant King — the hidden boss of Jeju Island who killed eight S-Rank hunters. After Jinwoo defeated him, he became one of the strongest shadows in the army.
His most-asked-about trait is his healing magic. It is not random: Beru’s Gluttony ability let him keep the powers of what he consumed, and during the Jeju raid he consumed Korea’s S-Rank healer.
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Former identity | The Ant King |
| Shadow grade | Marshal — second only to Bellion |
| Key ability | Gluttony |
| First appears | Jeju Island arc |
| In Ragnarok | Deuteragonist |
Table of Contents
Who Is Beru?
Beru was the Ant King — the hidden final boss of Jeju Island and the strongest monster Jinwoo had faced to that point. He killed eight S-Rank hunters in a single engagement, including Japan’s strongest.
After Jinwoo defeated him, Beru became a shadow soldier . He is now one of the strongest members of the army and the deuteragonist of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok.
Why Beru Can Heal — The Detail Most Profiles Miss
Beru has healing magic, which is unusual for a shadow built around raw destruction. It is not a random ability, and where it came from is the darkest thing in the Jeju arc.
His core power is Gluttony: he consumes what he defeats and keeps its abilities. During the Jeju raid he killed and consumed Min Byung-gyu, Korea’s S-Rank healer.
Our read
Beru’s healing is Min Byung-gyu’s healing. That single fact reframes both characters. It also explains a detail readers often find strange — Beru later develops an interest in history, because Min wanted to be a history teacher. He did not just absorb a skill set; he absorbed fragments of a person.
How Strong Is Beru?
At the moment of extraction, Beru was already stronger than a regular S-Rank hunter. Jinwoo tested this directly by having him spar with Cha Hae-In, and Beru crushed her sword in one hand.
By the Monarchs’ War he damages the Monarch of Plagues, and alongside Thomas Andre and Bellion helps kill Tarnak, the Monarch of Iron Body. By the end of the story his power is placed above National Level hunters.
Within the army, only Bellion surpasses him, and only Igris genuinely rivals him.
Beru vs Igris
| Beru | Igris | |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | Marshal | Marshal |
| Strength | Raw power, evolution | Pure duelling skill |
| Utility | Healing, flight, poison | None |
| Best at | Team fights | One-on-one |
Igris has the edge in a straight duel. Beru is more valuable in almost any other situation, because healing and flight do things swordsmanship cannot.
Personality
Most shadows are functionally silent — they obey without opinion. Beru is not. He retains intelligence, ego, complex speech, and something close to humour.
He is also openly jealous of other shadows competing for Jinwoo’s attention, which produces most of the comedy in the later manhwa. That personality is why he works as a character rather than a weapon.
A note on Beru’s gender
Beru is a mutated creature without a clearly defined biological sex. English translations use male pronouns; the source does not treat this as settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Beru in Solo Leveling?
Beru was the Ant King, the hidden final boss of the Jeju Island arc. After Jinwoo defeated him, he became one of the strongest shadow soldiers in the army and later the deuteragonist of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok.
Why can Beru heal?
Because of his Gluttony ability. During the Jeju raid he consumed Min Byung-gyu, Korea’s S-Rank healer, and kept his healing magic. His interest in history comes from the same source.
How strong is Beru?
Stronger than a regular S-Rank hunter at the moment of extraction. By the Monarchs’ War arc he damages the Monarch of Plagues, and by the end of the series his power exceeds National Level hunters.
Is Beru stronger than Igris?
They are both Marshal grade. Igris is better in a straight duel; Beru is more valuable overall because of healing, flight, and poison.
Who is stronger, Beru or Bellion?
Bellion. He is the only Grand Marshal grade shadow and the strongest in existence.
What chapter does Beru appear in?
He appears as the Ant King during the Jeju Island arc, around chapters 90 to 107, and is extracted at its conclusion.
Is Beru male or female?
Beru is a mutated creature without a clearly defined biological sex. English translations use male pronouns.
Sources
- Solo Leveling, licensed English manhwa release
- MyAnimeList — character and episode data
Sources verified against official A-1 Pictures / Aniplex announcements and MyAnimeList. See our editorial standards.
Spotted an error? Email info@solohunterhub.com — corrections applied within 24 hours.