In "Solo Leveling," the concept of awakening is pivotal to the narrative, as it marks the transition from ordinary human to Hunter, a being capable of facing and defeating Magic Beasts. While the specifics of the awakening process are not extensively explored in the story, it is clear that this transformation is essential for individuals to survive and thrive in a world plagued by interdimensional portals and monstrous creatures.

For the main character, Sung Jinwoo, the initial awakening is just the beginning of his journey. Unlike some Hunters who only experience one awakening, Jinwoo undergoes a second metamorphosis, granting him even greater power and abilities. This second awakening sets him apart from others, propelling him to new heights of strength and making him a formidable force against the Magic Beasts threatening humanity.

Overall, the concept of awakening serves as a defining factor in "Solo Leveling," separating those who possess the potential to become Hunters from those who do not. It is through this process that individuals like Jinwoo are able to unlock their true abilities and fulfill their destiny as protectors of humanity.

In "Solo Leveling," the world is plagued by dangerous monsters known as Magic Beasts, which emerge from portals from another dimension to attack humanity. These creatures are impervious to conventional weapons, but individuals who develop magical powers gain the ability to combat them. These magically-inclined humans become known as Hunters, tasked with entering the portals in Hunter Raids to defeat the monsters before they can wreak havoc in human territories. However, not all individuals with magical powers become Hunters, and Hunters must obtain licenses regardless of their abilities.

Hunters are classified into combat and non-combat roles, with their magical powers determining their rank and class. The six classes of Hunters include Fighters, Mages, Assassins, Tankers, Rangers, and Healers, each specializing in different abilities and roles. Their ranks range from E-Rank (the weakest) to S-Rank (the strongest), with S-Rank Hunters possessing immense power capable of causing significant environmental damage.

A Hunter's power level is determined by their Awakening, when their magical powers first manifest. This sets the stage for their potential, as they cannot simply increase their power through hard work alone. While it's rare, there is the potential for Hunters to increase their power level through a Second Awakening, which can vastly enhance their abilities and ranking. However, lower-ranked Hunters may still be tasked with less challenging roles due to their limited power, such as resource gathering or support duties. Overall, the concept of Awakening and the potential for a Second Awakening are critical elements in the hierarchy of Hunters and their ability to combat the threat of Magic Beasts.

In "Solo Leveling," a Second Awakening, also known as a "Reawakening," occurs when a Hunter's body surpasses its previous limits and ascends to a higher rank. This rare event can elevate an E-Rank Hunter to D-Rank or even C-Rank, while B-Rank Hunters can reach A or S-Rank levels. However, Second Awakenings are not guaranteed, and Hunters cannot rely on them to become stronger.

The protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, initially starts as a weak E-Rank Hunter, often facing more challenges and sustaining more injuries than his comrades. However, a near-death experience grants him a unique ability to "level up" like a character in a video game. By defeating enemies and accomplishing tasks, he can enhance his physical strength, speed, and vitality. Despite these advancements, he remains officially classified as an E-Rank Hunter, demonstrating that the ranking system can be bypassed through unconventional means of gaining power.

Second Awakenings also typically alter a Hunter's appearance, often accompanied by a glowing aura that signifies their increased power level. Sung Jinwoo exhibits a blue aura and completely blue eyes when tapping into this newfound strength. While Sung Jinwoo is a prime example of defying conventional limits, he is not the only character in the series to exceed the boundaries of the Hunter ranking system.

Additionally, "Solo Leveling" introduces other "false" types of Awakening, where characters gain powers or abilities through unconventional means, further expanding the complexities of the series' power dynamics.

In "Solo Leveling," the concept of "False Rankers" emerges as a phenomenon where Hunters manipulate their mana level readings to appear weaker and lower-ranked than they actually are. This deceptive technique is often employed by sociopathic individuals who relish in the act of killing others for entertainment. While it can catch opponents off guard, it remains an exceptionally rare ability.

Unlike a true Second Awakening or Sung Jinwoo's unique experience, False Rankers do not undergo a genuine transformation of their abilities. Instead, they manipulate perceptions to conceal their true strength. This tactic underscores the darker aspects of the world of "Solo Leveling" and the lengths some are willing to go to gain an advantage.

Norma Selner introduces another layer to the complexities of Hunter abilities by possessing the power to enhance a Hunter's strength and abilities to three times their limit. This government-sanctioned enhancement is used to upgrade S-Rank Hunters, making them even more formidable. However, her attempts to enhance Sung Jinwoo prove futile, as his limitless potential and unique ability to level up render such enhancements ineffective.

While Sung Jinwoo did not undergo a traditional Second Awakening, his initial Awakening granted him extraordinary powers. Similarly, all Hunters must undergo this uncontrolled process to access their abilities, distinguishing them from ordinary humans who lack magical abilities. Jinwoo's transformation and unparalleled power level represent a rare and exceptional occurrence within the world of "Solo Leveling."