Summary
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Ever since reawakening with his new powers inSolo Leveling, Jin-Woo prioritized curing his mother. He focused on getting stronger so he could defeat the Demon Castle and craft the Elixir of Life. The same Elixir that cured his mother of a severe illness failed to work on Cha Hae-In’s injuries. Why is that so?
The Elixir of Life is considered to be one of the strongest items inSolo Leveling. Jin-Woo defeated 100 floors of the Demon Castle and even fought the Demon Monarch Baran’s clone to craft it. Yet, it failed to work. Is Cha Hae-In’s condition too extreme to be reverted?
What is the Elixir of Life?
The Elixir of Life, also called the Holy Water of Life, is a legendary item that Jin-Woo crafted after defeating the Demon Castle. The item is described as a rare potion that “cures all illness with powerful magic.” To craft it,Jin-Woo defeated multiple demons in the Demon Castle, including:
How Effective is the Elixir of Life?
The Elixir of Life is easily the strongest potion that we know of so far. It is capable of curing any illness or ailment. But at the same, it is not a multipurpose potion. It can cure the highest levels of illness, likeJin-Woo’s mother’s Eternal Sleep. However, it can not affect other health conditions like physical injuries, regardless of their severity.
Jin-Woo, at the time of crafting, was able to create 6 Elixir of Life potions. He had already used one to cure his mother and, left with no alternative, chose to use the second on Cha Hae-In, but it failed.
Why Did the Elixir of Life Fail?
Cha Hae-In’s Condition
During the South Korean Hunters' clearance of the Ant Queen’s nest,they came across the Ant King. When the Ant King realized that his Queen had been slaughtered, he went on a rampage. Hae-In, who is already sensitive to mana’s smell, started feeling nauseous due to the Ant King’s presence.
In a blink, he targeted Hae-In and struck her with immense strength. Hae-In’s body slammed against a wall, leaving her severely injured. When Jin-Woo arrived, he noticed that her body had turned pale and her aura was rapidly growing weaker.
Potions Were Ineffective
Jin-Woo, upon his arrival, immediately used the potions in his inventory to cure the injured Hunters. The potions in seconds brought all of them to full health. But the potion failed to work on Hae-In because her hit points were too low to be effective.
Jin-Woo faced a similar situation in Season 1, Episode 12, when the same potion failed to work on him because his hit points were too low. Left with no choice, he relied on the Elixir of Life. But again, the Elixir of Life also failed because the Elixir of Life cures illnesses and not physical injuries.
So if you’re seriously injured, potions can’t restore your HP anymore?
I can either wait to heal naturally or try and get restored by leveling up…
- Jin-Woo, Season 1, Episode 12
An Anime Only Moment
While it does not change why the Elixir of Life did not work. It is interesting to note that the usage of Elixir of Life is an original addition to the anime. In the Manhwa, Jin-Woo did not even think of using the Elixir of Life on Hae-In. This change was probably made to give Jin-Woo a more sincere and considerate touch to his character.
In the Manhwa, instead of relying on the Elixir of Life,Jin-Woo used his Shadow Extractionpowers to save Hae-In. The upcoming season finale will likely feature the same.
Solo Levelingonce again shows how little we understand about its world. Despite having legendary items at his disposal, Jin-Woo finds him unable to save a comrade. Up against a wall, how will Jin-Woo use his powers to save Cha Hae-In?
