Highlights
- Tower of God season 2, episode 2 focuses on Shinsu control test and tensions rising between characters.
- Viole’s strength is displayed in episode 1, causing others to see him as an enemy, including the test invigilator.
- Ja Wangnam’s determination to advance, Viole’s refusal to choose anyone, sets up conflict and intrigue for the season.
The following contains spoilers for Tower of God Season 2, Episode 2, “The Strongest Regular”, available on Crunchyroll.
The second episode of Tower of God season 2 was less intense than the first as the next test that Ja Wangnam and the other Regulars had to face was reminiscent of the World Tournament power test from the Dragon Ball franchise as each participant had to show off their Shinsu control for a chance to make one of eight slots to advance. With a new set of participants joining the group from the first episode, tensions between characters were the main focus, and by the end of it, Viole had turned pretty much everybody else into an enemy, including the invigilator of the test, Love.
With this, we have a numerical representation of the strength that Viole displayed in episode 1, not to mention more evidence that he is Bam.
The Haunting Memories
Viole Remembers She-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named
The episode begins with Viole, or Bam, remembering the times he shared with Rachel, who was his only friend for a very long time. He remembers her telling him a story about a mysterious individual who fell in love with a bright star in the night sky, and decided to build a tower, brick by brick, all by himself, so that he could reach the sky and be with the star. Even though people laughed and mocked him, he continued to build until he reached the star. At this point, Bam commented that it must have been lonely for the individual to be alone with the star at the top of the tower. Rachel’s pupils dilated with rage at Bam’s innocuous comment, but she composed herself and simply agreed with the perspective. While it may not have been clear to him at the time, it is likely that Rachel’s hatred of Bam began long before she even realized it.
The Shinsu Test
A Test of Strength Worries Ja Wangnam
I’m climbing the tower on borrowed strength? No. You’re all borrowing
my
strength to climb.
– Prince, Tower of God Episode 2
When the new Regulars arrive, it’s first a group with the ramen courier Ja Wangnam met in the first episode; Yeon Yihwa, the girl who took him out in his previous attempt at the Level 20 examination, as well as Kim Lurker, the loan shark to whom Wangnam owes a lot of money (or his internal organs if he doesn’t pay up). Lurker arrives with the aptly-named Prince, the spoiled son of the president of the company where Lurker works. Through the bribery of fellow test takers, and accompanied by some scary-looking mercenaries, Prince has advanced without problems. Since the Yeon girl has borrowed money from the loan sharks, she’s in a precarious situation as she is forced to comply with his demands and put up with his disgusting attitude due to her debt. After all the Regulars have been assembled, the baby-faced proctor introduces himself as Love, and explains the rules of the test. A device is set up to measure the Shinsu output of each Regular, ranking them based on output. The eight best are the ones who gain the opportunity to advance.
Ja Wangnam is the first to go, and he is rightfully worried about how he’ll do because he doesn’t really shine when it comes to strength-based competitions. Some of the most notable attempts were by Prince’s mercenary, Robdevil, who easily cleared the 10 000 mark with his super-powered arm; Yeon Yihwa, whose mishit got her 22 000-points, which she believed would be enough to not only advance, but win back her freedom from Prince; Prince himself, who we were led to believe has no power of his own, scored an easy 25 000 points. When Viole went up, he completely upended Prince’s top score, reaching a whopping 130 000. As he took the test, Love took note of the FUG crest on Viole’s robe. After coming out on top, Love revealed that Viole has the power to choose seven others who will get to advance with him.
Casting Aside Pride
Ja Wangnam Refuses to Give Up
After his attempt, Wangnam was despondent as his chance to advance slipped through his fingers once more. However, when he heard that Viole gets to choose who advances, Wangnam dried his tears and put on a half-inspiring, half-pathetic display as he begged Viole to choose him. While Prince and his people scoffed at Wangnam’s actions, the Regulars who were part of Viole and Wangnam’s group from the previous episode all joined in begging him to choose them. Yihwa tried getting in Viole’s head about the decision, telling him to choose based on usefulness; however, the entire group was shocked when Viole told them that he didn’t want to choose anyone.
I Am Your Enemy
Jue Viole Grace, Enemy of Jahad
Viole’s decision to choose no one angers Yihwa and the others, especially when he says that he doesn’t want to choose anyone who is unsuitable. He introduces himself as Jue Viole Grace, a FUG Slayer Candidate; someone whose objective is to kill Jahad and his family. Due to this alignment, Viole sees himself as a natural enemy to those who wish to climb the tower. Seeing his conviction, Love presents Viole with an ultimatum: should he win against the proctor in a game, Viole will be allowed to advance alone, otherwise he will have to follow the rules. At that, the group is allowed to adjourn and take some time to relax in rooms prepared beforehand. In the male locker room, Viole bumps into Wangnam as he frantically searches for the red ring he wears on his index finger, presenting it to him.
When Viole leaves, Wangnam heaves a sigh of relief as he now understands that Viole views him as an enemy. The ring bears the three eyes Mark of Jahad and is a major clue as to who Ja Wangnam really is. In the dying embers of the episode, Love is seen speaking to the Test Director, showing his intent to “deal” with Viole. While bringing its fair share of comedic relief through Ja Wangnam’s interactions with the other characters, the second episode of Tower of God season 2 was not quite as exciting as the first, but continues the set-up for what will be the story’s trajectory. The presentation of what seems like power levels was also an interesting exploration this episode. The new cast of characters has not yet had enough time to become likable; however, Ja Wangnam is an easy favourite at this early stage and it will be quite the treat to see how things turn out for him and Viole this season.
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