Solo Leveling, an iconic manhwa series originally created by Chugong, has attained global fame through its TV anime adaptation by Aniplex and A-1 Pictures. Solo Leveling’s success cannot be understated, and what keeps fans coming back for more is the high-octane fights that unfold in every new episode or chapter.
When speaking of the pinnacle of strength among the Hunters of the Solo Leveling world, we were led to believe initially that the S-Rank Hunters were the best. However, in Solo Leveling Chapter 115, we were introduced to the concept of a National Level Hunter. These Hunters are so strong that they possess an entire country’s strength at their disposal. In Solo Leveling’s official canon, there are only four National Level Hunters. However, in Solo Leveling Arise, we have a new National Level Hunter known as Antoine Martinez. He is the first National Level Hunter to have emerged from Europe, and stands as an exciting addition to the overarching world lore.
Solo Leveling Arise Adds A New National Level Hunter Named Antoine Martinez
Solo Leveling’s story debuted as a simple web novel by Chugong in 2016, but the series has since been adapted into a Manhwa in 2018 and an anime in 2024. Of course, it does not stop there for this hit South Korean series, as we have also seen it being adapted into various video games, among which is the exciting Solo Leveling Arise, by Netmarble Studios, which first had its launch in 2024 alongside the anime adaptation.
Solo Leveling Arise is still ongoing, and as a gacha-style game, it is always adding new content for fans to try and unlock. This game is known to expand on the already existing lore of Solo Leveling by creating various one-shots for characters, but it is also known for adding brand-new, original characters.
One of the newest additions to the Arise-verse is one all fans of the franchise find quite interesting. On April 14, 2026, Solo Leveling Arise gave us our first look at a brand new National Level Hunter. This was a massive reveal, as before the addition, there were only four official National Level Hunters revealed to us through the Manhwa and novel, those being Thomas Andre, Liu Zhigang, Christopher Reed, and Siddharth Bachchan. Even Jinwoo does not have the National Level Hunter status, but that is more due to technical reasons.
Regardless, Arise officially released the new National Level Hunter on May 7, 2026, during the second anniversary update, and his name is Antoine Martinez. His design in Arise is bulky and intimidating, but despite his appearance, he is actually the greatest healer in Solo Leveling and the only known healer to attain this level. He hails from France and belongs to the Federal Bureau of Hunters Guild. He is the very first National Level Hunter to come out of Europe. Since his release in May, he has proven to be a fan favorite character to use, especially as he possesses light elemental power and acts as an Elemental Stacker.
Antoine Martinez’s Story Is Revealed Through One Shot By Solo Leveling Arise
Solo Leveling Arise is known to officially release captivating Hunter Origin stories with the release of every new big character. Antoine Martinez, the latest National Level Hunter, is no exception. On May 7, 2026, Antoine Martinez’s origin story was released by Netmarble Studios. Before he awakened to his powers as a Hunter, Antoine Martinez was a normal man living with his wife and his daughter. Angela was his reason to be, but she ended up falling prey to a disease. Despite that, Antoine did not despair, and he did what he could to be there for his family.
However, Angela’s situation went on to worsen, and one day she collapsed. While he and his wife rushed to take her to the hospital, they got into a terrible car crash. In that moment, while praying for a miracle, Antoine awakened to his Hunter powers. He was thus gifted with great healing powers, and he used them to help himself as well as his family.
“Someone once said… they prayed for strength of heart… but the heavens wanted proof they were worthy. They prayed for wisdom, and they were presented with difficult challenges. And when they prayed to the heavens… to make them strong, they were presented with trials to overcome. Please god… Have I ever prayed this desperately before? No, this is the deepest need I have ever felt. But, God… even the smallest mercy will do. Please help us.” — Antoine Martinez, From His Hunter Origin Story
While he was given an exciting ability, these powers on their own were not enough. He was able to save his wife as she was taken to the hospital, but his daughter did not survive. Angela’s death broke Antoine, but her final wish was for her dad to help others. That is why he carries on as a National Level Hunter with superb healing powers.
“Oh, my angel, you are right. Until everything is over, and I finally reach my end… For my angel, Angela, whom I will meet again… I, Antoine Martinez… must save everyone I can.” — Antoine Martinez From His Hunter Origin Story
Antoine Martinez Is Not Canon To The Lore Of Chugong’s Original Solo Leveling Web Novel
Antoine Martinez has definitely been a well-received new character by fans of Solo Leveling. He marks his beginning as the first healer National Level Hunter, as well as the first National Level Hunter from Europe. In that sense, he is quite a unique character who has stood out to many, especially with his gentle nature and caring heart.
However, as is the case with every new character introduced in Solo Leveling Arise, he is only canon to the game and isn’t truly canon to the Solo Leveling universe created by Chugong in the novel or the manhwa. Because of that, technically, there are still only four National Level Hunters in the true verse, as they were officially confirmed by Chugong. The likes of Antoine Martinez, as well as any new National Level Hunter that’s to be revealed in the future, will constitute extra content and are not to be considered canon.
Regardless, fans can enjoy Antoine Martinez as part of the Solo Leveling Arise lore, and unless Chugong takes a liking to him and introduces him to his official story in the future, Martinez, like other characters like Myro and Agnes Rivera, remains unique to our Arise only. We still love seeing new characters introduced in Solo Leveling Arise to expand the lore of this story that typically only focuses on Sung Jinwoo. Because of that, we can’t wait to see who is added next to the game. We would also definitely be curious to see the additions of new National Level Hunters as well, beyond Antoine Martinez.
Both seasons of Solo Leveling by A-1 Pictures and Aniplex are available to stream via Crunchyroll.