Solo Leveling’s New Manhwa Chapter Revives a Forgotten LGBTQ Story After 2 Years

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The newest chapter of the official manhwa completes a satisfying redemption story for the series’ most cunning and manipulative Hunter.

With the main Solo Leveling story on pause, the Hunter Origin side stories have been keeping fans engaged. The newest one centers on Elena Renault, a character introduced early in Solo Leveling: Arise, but whose personal history wasn’t explored until much later.

I’ve always been fascinated by Elena’s relationship with Alicia Blanche. People have long wondered what Elena really felt for Alicia, and whether her feelings were genuine. Now, it seems we’re finally getting some clarity on her true intentions.

Solo Leveling’s New Official Manhwa Release Brings an Underused Side Character Into the Spotlight

Elena Renault has played a key role in the story for the past two years, first appearing in the initial chapter of Hunter Origin alongside Alicia Blanche. From the beginning, the narrative suggested Elena was using her charm to secretly influence and control Alicia.

The latest chapter of the manhwa introduces Elena Renault’s origin story, released on April 9, 2026. It explores Elena’s past and how she became the person we know from Alicia Blanche’s story. We learn that Elena was a French high school student, and an outcast, who actually went to school with Alicia.

When the Gates first appeared, Elena and Alicia both became Hunters, but at very different levels. Elena started as a D-Rank, while Alicia immediately registered as an S-Rank. Alicia’s greater power and popularity made Elena envious, and over time, that envy grew into a dangerous obsession.

Elena noticed Alicia’s hidden insecurities, and decided to exploit them to control her. As Elena herself put it, she would become Alicia’s collector if she couldn’t be a gem herself. Despite only being a D-Rank, Elena rapidly climbed the ranks within Alicia’s Justitia Guild, becoming her second-in-command.

Elena initially believes she’s simply taking advantage of Alicia, but she unexpectedly develops real feelings for her. However, because Elena is a relatively low-ranked fighter, she worries she isn’t strong enough to support Alicia in combat.

Elena’s perspective shifted completely after witnessing Alicia and Sung Jinwoo’s effective teamwork during a dungeon raid. She felt a strong desire to fight alongside Alicia, mirroring Jinwoo’s partnership. This powerful feeling triggered a second awakening within her, and the chapter concludes with Elena firmly resolving to stay by Alicia’s side, no matter the challenges.

Elena Renault’s Backstory Is Important for Solo Leveling on Multiple Levels

Elena and Alicia are rare examples of LGBTQ+ characters officially recognized in the story of Solo Leveling. This makes their relationship noteworthy, as the series primarily centers around its male protagonist.

Elena’s story, Hunter Origin, sheds light on a previously unclear aspect of the Solo Leveling world. The series has always kept the origins of a Hunter’s power mysterious, but Elena’s experiences suggest that strong emotions might be a key to unlocking their hidden mana.

I’m so excited about the new Elena Renault outfit in Solo Leveling: Arise! It’s called “What Lies Beyond the Shadow,” and it’s a really cool goth schoolgirl look. It’s a fantastic way to see what Elena was like before she became a Hunter. You can grab it in the in-game shop, so definitely check it out!

Elena fights by skillfully combining close-up sword fighting with powerful magic from a distance. Her special ability, Mercury Magic, lets her boost the power of attacks – whether from swords, bullets, or arrows – for herself and her allies.

You can read all the chapters of the Solo Leveling: Arise webtoon, Hunter Origin, including stories about Elena Renault and Alicia Blanche, on Netmarble’s official website.

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2026-04-09 22:45