A-Rank Party wo Ridatsu shita Ore wa, Moto Oshiego-tachi to Meikyuu Shinbu wo Mezasu [Season 1 Episode 12]

Episode 12 Review: “I Left My A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths!”

A Slow Burn with Big Payoffs

The twelfth episode of A-Rank Party wo Ridatsu shita Ore wa, Moto Oshiego-tachi to Meikyuu Shinbu wo Mezasu (or as fans lovingly call it, A-Rank Party) takes a step back from the action-packed dungeon crawling to focus on character dynamics, world-building, and some much-needed lore. While some viewers might miss the adrenaline rush of battles, this episode serves as a crucial bridge, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Rain and Yuke: The Heart of the Episode

If there’s one thing fans can’t stop talking about, it’s the growing chemistry between Yuke and Rain. Their interactions in this episode are undeniably adorable, with Rain becoming increasingly comfortable around Yuke—so much so that she’s practically glued to him. One fan perfectly summed it up: “Rain being more and more comfortable around Yuke, nice character development. <3” Another hilariously declared a “Critical Rain Cuteness Event!!!!!! Blue-White Alert!!”

Their relationship is a highlight, balancing sweet moments with subtle tension. Yuke’s reliance on Rain in critical situations adds depth to their bond, making it feel organic rather than forced. As one fan pointed out, “Rain and Yuke have such sweet moments, and I like how he relies on her in times of need.”

Lore Dump: Necessary or Overwhelming?

This episode dives deep into the lore of the dungeon and the mysterious “culling” phenomenon. While some fans appreciated the explanations (“Good lore dump episode that explains a few of my questions surrounding this dungeon”), others felt it dragged. One viewer compared it to Reincarnated as a Slime, saying, “Felt like an episode of Reincarnated as a Slime with all the talking.”

The introduction of new characters and factions—like the Carmine party and Scorpia—added layers to the world, but some fans were disappointed by the lack of action. “No action at all in this episode, a lot of backstories and explanation instead,” one comment read. Still, the lore reveals about Glad Shi-im and the interdimensional cities were intriguing enough to keep most viewers hooked.

Animation and Art Style: A Mixed Bag

The animation quality sparked mixed reactions. Some fans noticed a sudden improvement (“Animation quality suddenly skyrocketed”), while others pointed out inconsistencies, especially in scenes involving Rain and Yuke. “The art almost seemed to get better this episode except for a couple scenes like when Rain sat on his lap and they suddenly changed art styles,” one fan observed.

There was also a playful debate about an unexpected Avatar: The Last Airbender Easter egg—symbols in a book that looked suspiciously like the four elements. “At 15:23 was that an Avatar reference? Did anyone else catch that?” one fan asked, sparking a mini-thread of confirmation and speculation.

Fan Service and Character Moments

The episode didn’t shy away from fan service, particularly with the female characters. While some enjoyed it (“They should allow Jamie to join for this mission… they know so many important people now”), others expressed concern. “To add unnecessary fan services to/in/for heroines and ultimately destroys her character and personality… is the only thing I hope to not happen to them,” one fan lamented.

On the flip side, the dynamic between the parties—especially the Carmine group—was a hit. “I liked how Biblion hidden itself in Silk’s bra :P” one fan joked, while another appreciated the camaraderie: “Marina and Nene playing with Niberune was cute!”

Final Thoughts: A Setup for Bigger Things

Episode 12 might not be the most thrilling installment, but it’s far from filler. It’s a carefully crafted setup, deepening the world and relationships before the story takes a dramatic turn. As one fan wisely noted, “This episode was more like build-up to learn what the deal with this city exactly is and their findings.”

For those who love character-driven narratives, Rain and Yuke’s evolving relationship is worth the watch alone. And for lore enthusiasts, the revelations about the dungeon and the culling promise bigger stakes ahead.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A slower episode, but one that rewards patience with rich storytelling and charming character moments.

What did you think of Episode 12? Let’s discuss in the comments!