Single levelingAn iconic manhwa series originally created by Chugong, it has gained worldwide fame through a TV anime adaptation by Aniplex and A-1 Pictures. Solo leveling Success cannot be understated, and what keeps fans coming back for more is the high-octane fights that unfold with every new episode or chapter.
Speaking of the peak of power among hunters Single leveling In the world, we were initially led to believe that S-Rank hunters were the best. However, in Single leveling Chapter 115, we were introduced to the concept of national level hunting. These hunters are so strong that they have the power of an entire country at their disposal. In the official canon of solo leveling, there are only four national level hunters. However, in Solo Leveling Rise, we have a new national level hunter known as Antoine Martinez. He is the first national level hunter to emerge from Europe, and stands as an exciting addition to the world's wider knowledge.
Solo Leveling Arise added a new national level hunter named Antoine Martinez
Solo leveling The 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 doesn't stop there for this South Korean series, as we've also seen it adapted into various video games, one of which is exciting. Get up solo levelingby Netmarble Studios, which first debuted in 2024 with an anime adaptation.
Get up solo leveling Still ongoing, and as a gacha-style game, it's always adding new content for fans to try and unlock. The game is known to expand on the already existing lore of solo leveling by creating various one-shots for the characters, but it is also known for adding brand new, original characters.
The newest addition to the Eris-verse is one that all fans of the franchise will find very interesting. On April 14, 2026, Solo Leveling Arise gave us our first look at the brand new National Level Hunter. This was a big reveal, as before the addition, there were only four official National Hunters revealed to us through the manhwa and novel, namely Thomas Andre, Liu Zhigang, Christopher Reid and Siddharth Bachchan. Jinwu also does not have the status of a national level hunter, but that is more due to technical reasons.
Anyway, Aris officially released a new national level hunter on May 7, 2026 during the second anniversary update, and his name is Antoine Martinez. Her design in Arise is heavy and intimidating, but despite her appearance, she is actually the greatest healer at a single level and the only known healer to achieve this level. He is from France and belongs to the Federal Bureau of Hunters Guild. He is the 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 has light elemental powers and acts as an elemental stalker.
Antoine Martinez's story is revealed through a one-shot by solo leveling Arise
Get up solo leveling Officially known for releasing adorable Hunter origin stories with each new major character release. Antoine Martinez, the latest national level hunter, is no exception. On May 7, 2026, Antoine Martinez's original story was released by Netmarble Studios. Before awakening to his powers as a hunter, Antoine Martinez was an ordinary man living with his wife and daughter. Angela was her reason for being, but she succumbed to an illness. Despite that, Antoine did not despair, and he could be there for his family.
However, Angela's condition worsened, and one day she collapsed. As he and his wife rush to take her to the hospital, they get into a terrible car accident. At that moment, while praying for a miracle, Antoine awakens his predatory powers. He was thus given great healing powers, and he used them to help himself and his family.
“Someone once said…they prayed for strength of heart…but Heaven wanted proof that they were worthy. They prayed for wisdom, and difficult challenges were presented to them. And when they prayed to Heaven…to strengthen them, to overcome them, trials were presented. Please God…have I ever prayed this desperately before? No, it's the smallest God needs. Please help us.” – Antoine Martinez, from his hunter's original story
While he was given an exciting ability, those powers weren't enough on their own. He managed to save his wife after taking her to the hospital, but her daughter did not survive. Angela's death broke Antoine, but his last wish was for his father to help others. This is why he acts as a national level hunter with excellent healing powers.
“Oh, my angel, you are right. Until all is over, and I finally meet 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 Chugong's original solo leveling is not canon to web novel lore.
Antoine Martinez has certainly been a well-received new character by solo leveling fans. He marks his debut as the first healing national level hunter, as well as the first national level hunter from Europe. In that sense, he is a very unique character who stands out to many especially with his gentle nature and caring heart.
However, as is the case with every new character introduced in Solo Leveling Arises, he is only canon for the game and not actually canon for the Solo Leveling universe created by Chugong in the novel or manhwa. Because of that, technically, there are still only four national level hunters in true rank, as they were officially confirmed by Chugong. The likes of Antoine Martinez, as well as any new national level hunters revealed in the future, will constitute additional material and will not be considered canon.
However, fans can enjoy Antoine Martinez as part of the solo leveling Arise lore, and unless Chugong takes a liking to him and introduces him in his official story in the future, Martinez remains unique to Our Arise, as do other characters such as Mairo and Agnes Rivera. We still love to see new characters introduced in Solo Leveling Arise to expand the lore of this story that usually only focuses on Sung Jinwoo. Because of that, we can't wait to see who's added to the side of the game. We will certainly be keen to see the additions of new national level poachers, beyond Antoine Martinez.
Both seasons of Solo Leveling by A-1 Pictures and Aniplex are available to stream via Crunchyroll.
